Chief of Police

Job Description

The town of Acton is seeking an experienced and highly qualified law enforcement professional to serve as its Chief of Police who will build upon the department’s strong foundation while guiding continued modernization, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives.

The Chief serves as the Department’s administrative and operational leader and as a key member of the town’s executive leadership team and reports directly to the Town Manager. Salary starting at $158k-$188k annually.

The town of Acton values collaborative, forward-thinking leadership grounded in professionalism, transparency, and community service. Successful leaders in Acton demonstrate sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to balance operational excellence with strategic thinking. The town seeks a Chief of Police who embraces a collaborative leadership approach, supports a positive and accountable organizational culture, and contributes to a workplace focused on continuous improvement and community trust.

The Chief exercises all lawful authority necessary to ensure effective operations, and is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating all departmental activities, including policy development, personnel management, operational oversight, and community relations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide executive-level leadership aligned with municipal priorities and community expectations
• Maintain high professional standards and operational readiness
• Oversee enforcement of all laws within the department’s jurisdiction
• Manage departmental operations, including staffing, training, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical policing practices
• Serve as an engaged member of the town’s leadership team
• Collaborate and strengthen relationships across departments and partner agencies
• Support recruitment, retention, and workforce development efforts
• Enhance preparedness for emergencies and critical incidents

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology or related field, with a minimum of ten years of progressive experience as a full-time uniformed member in a career Police department, of which five years must be management/supervisory experience. Any combination of education, management experience and training that clearly demonstrates the candidate’s ability to excel in the functions of this position. Must be a non-smoker according to MGL Ch 41 S.101A.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s level degree in a program area as noted above. Certified by the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee. Knowledge of applicable codes and regulations. FBI National Academy training. Experience with grant writing, collective bargaining, emergency planning, training and budget preparation and maintenance. Residency in the town of Acton is not required but it is expected that the Police Chief will live within a reasonable response distance subject to negotiation.