Chief of Police

The Town of Wilton is seeking candidates for a Chief of Police. Wilton PD is a small municipal Police Department consisting of Eight Full-time Sworn Officer Positions, including a Chief, Lt., Sgt., Prosecutor-Officer, and (4) Patrol Officers. The Department is also authorized for a number of part time sworn officers and an Administrative Assistant. A Police Operations Study was recently completed which will potentially help inform future Departmental postilion. Study available on the Wilton Select Board's page. https://www.wiltonnh.gov/government/boards_and_committees/select_board

The Wilton Select Board, in Conjunction with the Administration Department, will schedule and conduct interviews directly until the position is filled. Applications are available via www.wiltonnh.gov. Candidates must submit a Cover letter, Resume, and Wilton Town Application via e-mail to recruitment@wiltonnh.gov. Salary from $90,000 to $110,000 based on credentials and experience.  

Position Summary 

Job Title: Chief of Police Reports To: Town Administrator / Select Board Supervises: All departmental personnel FLSA Status: Exempt | Employment Type: Full-Time

The Chief of Police is the highest-ranking sworn law enforcement officer in the department and serves as its chief executive officer. This is a working chief position; the Chief is expected to actively participate in patrol operations, respond to calls for service alongside officers, and maintain full sworn law enforcement status at all times. In addition to field duties, the Chief is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of the department, ensuring it operates lawfully, efficiently, and in a manner consistent with community values and the directives of town government.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Field Law Enforcement and Patrol Operations

• Actively respond to calls for service as a working officer, including crimes in progress, accidents, disturbances, medical emergencies, and other incidents requiring law enforcement assistance.
• Conduct patrol of assigned or needed areas, performing all duties of a sworn police officer including traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and arrests.
• Serve as on-scene commander at major incidents, critical events, and multi-agency responses, directing personnel and coordinating resources.
• Make lawful arrests, conduct investigations, collect and preserve evidence, and prepare accurate incident and arrest reports.
• Testify in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings as required.
• Maintain all required sworn officer certifications, including firearms qualification, CPR/first aid, and all NH PSTC mandated training applicable to sworn personnel.
• Set the standard for professional conduct, officer safety, and community engagement through active, visible participation in field operations.

Departmental Administration and Command

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all operations, programs, and services of the police department.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and general orders in compliance with NH state law, constitutional requirements, and professional best practices.
• Prepare and administer the department's annual operating budget; monitor expenditures, pursue grant funding opportunities, and make recommendations regarding resource needs.
• Represent the department at town government meetings, Select Board sessions, public hearings, and community events.
• Serve as the department's primary liaison to the Town Administrator, Select Board, and other municipal departments.

Personnel Management and Supervision

• Exercise command authority over all sworn and non-sworn department personnel.
• Direct the hiring, promotion, assignment, discipline, and separation of employees in accordance with town personnel policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and state law.
• Conduct performance evaluations for command staff and ensure a consistent, fair evaluation process is in place for all personnel.
• Foster a professional, respectful workplace culture that supports officer wellness, morale, and development.
• Address personnel complaints, grievances, and disciplinary matters in a thorough, fair, and timely manner.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained across all shifts and operational functions.

Report and Investigation Oversight

• Maintain overall command accountability for the quality, accuracy, and completeness of all departmental reports and investigations.
• Review significant, high-profile, or sensitive incident reports, use-of-force reports, pursuit reports, and internal affairs investigations.
• Serve as the final departmental authority for approval of major investigations, critical incident reviews, and matters with potential legal or reputational significance.
• Ensure all cases are properly investigated and findings are communicated to prosecutorial authorities as appropriate.

Community Relations and Public Safety

• Actively engage with community members, neighborhood groups, businesses, and civic organizations to build trust and promote public safety partnerships.
• Develop and support community policing initiatives, crime prevention programs, and public education efforts.
• Serve as the department's spokesperson in communications with the public, media, and elected officials.
• Collaborate with schools, social service agencies, mental health providers, and other community partners to address public safety challenges holistically.

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans that align with town priorities and community needs.
• Identify trends in crime and law enforcement practices and adapt departmental strategies accordingly.
• Recommend capital equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and facility improvements to town administration.
• Lead or participate in accreditation efforts, departmental assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• United States citizen with a current, valid NH Police Officer certification (PSTC), or eligibility for reciprocal certification.
• Minimum seven (7) to ten (10) years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience, with at least three (3) years of supervisory or command experience.
• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field strongly preferred.
• Valid NH driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical/physical examination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice or public administration.
• Prior experience as a Chief, Deputy Chief, or command-level officer in a municipal department.
• Completion of advanced leadership programs (FBI National Academy, FBI-LEEDA Executive Institute, NH PSTC Command Training, or comparable).
• Experience in budget management, grant writing, and municipal government operations.

Physical Requirements

Because this is a working chief position, the Chief must meet and maintain the same physical standards required of all sworn officers, including the ability to run, physically restrain individuals, lift up to 50 pounds, operate a vehicle in all conditions, and respond to emergencies at any hour.

Working Conditions

The position does not follow a fixed schedule. The Chief must be available and responsive at all hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies. The role involves direct exposure to the physically demanding and potentially dangerous situations inherent to active law enforcement work.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general administrative direction of the Town Administrator and the policy direction of the Select Board. Exercises full command authority over all departmental personnel.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.