Town of East Lyme seeks new Police Chief

The Town of East Lyme is seeking an experienced professional to join the Town’s management team as the Chief of Police. The successful candidate will be a dedicated, positive, and effective team player with experience in the field. The Chief of Police is a direct report to the seven-member Board of Police Commissioners.

TO APPLY
Please submit an Application Packet to include:

1. Employment Application (Employment Application)
2. Resume
3. Evidence of required qualifications
4. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation
   1. One (1) from a current sitting Chief of Police or your current law enforcement department head
   2. Two (2) from civilian citizens
5. Letter of Interest - 250 words or less in response to the following:
   What in particular about the Town of East Lyme encouraged you to apply for the position of Chief of Police?
   How does your previous experiences and background make you the best and most qualified person to be selected as our Chief of Police?

by 4:00 p.m. on June 18, 2025, to:

Stacey Konakowitz, Human Resources Director
108 Pennsylvania Avenue, PO Box 519
Niantic, CT 06357
email: skonakowitz@eltownhall.com

Job Posting Announcement Flyer

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader and effective communicator with operational expertise and a demonstrated commitment to integrity, public service and community-oriented policing. The Chief of Police must be capable of managing complex organizational demands while building trust both within the department and throughout the broader East Lyme community. Candidates should possess demonstrated experience and capabilities in the following areas:

• Community engagement with a focus on transparency, trust and accessibility
• Team building and promoting a positive, cohesive department culture
• Recruitment, motivation and professional development of department personnel
• Effective personnel management including performance evaluations and accountability systems
• Oversight of training programs and ongoing professional development
• Strategic planning for both short-term operations and long-term organizational goals
• Development and management of operating and capital budgets/li>
• Law enforcement negotiations and effective union relationships
• Development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures
• Preparation of operational, statistical and compliance reports
• Ensuring adherence to professional standards
• Management of police communications and law enforcement technologies
• Cross-departmental collaboration within the Town of East Lyme and with outside agencies

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) in the field of public administration, business administration, criminal justice, criminology, law enforcement or related field is required.

A master’s degree in a related field and FBI or equivalent advanced training are preferred.

Fifteen or more years of full-time law enforcement experience with at least five years serving at a senior management level such as Deputy Chief of Police or Lieutenant.

Current State of Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification, Crisis management and major crime investigation experience ADD IA experience

Valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Ability to pass a polygraph test and a comprehensive background check, including criminal history and employment verification

Within one year of hire, the successful candidate must reside in East Lyme (preferred) or within 25 miles of East Lyme’s borders.

Demonstrated experience in these key areas:

• Personnel management and leadership development
• Crisis management
• Major crime investigation oversight
• Internal affairs investigations
• Budgeting and resource allocation
• Policy development and implementation
• Community engagement and public relations
• Interagency collaboration

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Management

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the police department
• Make timely, ethical and strategic decisions while inspiring confidence and direction with the department
• Develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures that align with best practices and legal standards
• Plan, organize and direct the operations of the department to achieve established goals and ensure full compliance with local, state and federal laws, regulations and department policies
• Establish effective relationships with the Board of Police Commissioners, the First Selectman and police union management
• Apply strong oral, written, public presentation and interpersonal skills

Community Relations

• Foster transparency, accountability and ethical policing practices
• Develop strong, positive relationships with community members and local organizations
• Maintain open communication and collaboration to address public safety concerns

Budgetary and Financial Management

• Oversee the development and management of the department’s budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization
• Monitor expenditures, enforce internal controls, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial regulations
• Identify and secure external funding sources such as federal grants, state programs, and private partnerships

Personnel Management

• Attract, motivate and retain qualified and diverse personnel who align with the department’s values and mission
• Develop staff capabilities, skills and knowledge through effective coaching, training and development
• Establish clear performance standards, conduct evaluations, and address underperformance or misconduct promptly
• Foster a positive and supportive work environment that prioritizes team cohesion and promotes professional growth

Law Enforcement

• Establish and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and standards that guide lawful and ethical Policing
• Lead the development and implementation of proactive strategies to reduce crime and enhance community safety
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and ensure compliance with laws and regulations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Starting annual compensation will be in the range of $142,000- $154,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position comes with a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance, Defined Contribution Plan with employer contribution, accrued time off which includes vacation, sick, and personal, as well as the use of a town- provided vehicle.

The Town of East Lyme provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application process, please contact the Human Resources Director, Stacey Konakowitz, at (860) 443-9926 or skonakowitz@eltownhall.com, prior to the closing date.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Town of East Lyme does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, disability (including pregnancy), status as a Veteran, or any classification protected by state or federal law.