Listening Sessions For Police Chief Search

Source: amherstma.gov
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The town is conducting a search for the next Police Chief.  Listening sessions are an early opportunity for community members to voice their values, hopes, and expectations for an incoming Police Chief. “Community feedback will serve as an invaluable tool as (the recruitment firm) GovHR begins its work in assisting the town in recruiting a new Police Chief,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. Learn more about the process and how you can be involved below. 

Process
In accordance with the Town Charter, the town is engaged in a search to ensure that the appointment by the Town Manager is done on the basis of merit “demonstrated by examination, past performance, or other evidence of competence” and shall be a person “especially fitted by education, training, and previous work experience to perform the duties of the office or position”. (See section 6.2 of the Town Charter.) 

The Town Manager has asked the Human Resources Director to be the staff lead in recruiting, interviewing, and recommending finalist candidates to the Town Manager. To support this work, the Town Manager will appoint an advisory screening committee to assist in the review of applications and conduct the initial interviews of candidates. The Town Manager will ask the advisory screening committee to provide advice and counsel on the appointment.

The town has engaged a professional search firm, GovHR, Inc.  to conduct outreach to the community; develop a position profile; support the Human Resources Director in advertising and recruiting; develop interview standards and questions; and conduct a background check on the appointed candidate.

Listening Sessions
There will be two initial public in-person listening sessions:

• Tuesday, September 12th at 9:00 a.m. Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002
  
• Tuesday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m. Woodbury Room, Jones Library, 43 Amity Street, Amherst, MA 01002

Background & Resources

• Amherst Police Webpage visit www.amherstpd.org
• Town Manager Memo to Town Council Re: Police Chief Search Process