Search For Bridgeport Police Chief Underway, City Hires Contractor

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport has hired a contractor to assist in the city's search for a new police chief.

Mayor Joe Ganim announced Friday that he signed a contract with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to execute the recruitment and competitive civil service examination for the hiring of Bridgeport's next chief, who will be appointed to a five-year term pursuant to the city charter.

“In addition to having a nationwide reach and an expertise in police chief searches, the IACP is a uniquely qualified firm with psychometric experience that will help the City identify the best candidate for Chief of Police," Personnel Director Eric Amado said in a city news release.

"Our agreement with the IACP includes community engagement activities and opportunities for stakeholders to weigh in on the credentials and qualities that the people of Bridgeport want in its next Chief.”

Next steps

Together, the personnel director and firm will:

• Develop and administer a community survey to Bridgeport residents.
• Conduct meetings with community stakeholders, members of the City Council, and city staff to ensure that the job analysis, description, and selection criterion represent the appropriate qualifications, experience, and skills.
• Conduct a nationwide search that includes solicitation within diversity-oriented communities.
• Design and administer a fair, open, inclusive and competitive examination to candidates who apply and meet the qualifications.

The personnel director will certify the top three names to the mayor, who will announce a process involving public and stakeholder input that will aid in vetting the top candidates.

Within 60 days of receipt of the top three candidates, the mayor will appoint one of them to be the chief of police. The terms of the five-year appointment will then be referred to the City Council for consideration and approval.

The examination for police chief will be open to a nationwide search when the planning stages of the selection process have been finalized. The city encourages all qualified candidates to apply.