New Haven’s Police Chief Search Moves Forward: Mayor

NEW HAVEN, CT — The city has begun the process to find a permanent police chief after Alders rejected the nomination by Mayor Justin Elicker of current interim Chief Renee Domínguez to remain the city's top cop.

The city released a Request for Proposal through its Public Purchasing Portal last week, to hire a professional executive search firm to help with a "nation-wide search" for a permanent chief.

Following the selection of the executive search vendor, the city and the vendor will engage in a public input process. This process will include both community input as well input from the New Haven Police Department as to what people want to see in their next chief.

“I’m looking forward to identifying a well-qualified firm who can assist the city in finding a strong leader for our department,” Elicker was quoted as saying in a news release.

“The selection of a permanent police chief is critical to our city’s future. Once a firm is in place, we will gather input from the public and key stakeholders about the qualities they feel are most important in an individual filling this role – and we will incorporate that feedback into the selection process.”

Chief Administrative Officer Regina Rush-Kittle is leading the search process.

“I’m looking forward to working with a firm and establishing a community engagement process that truly listens to community members and stakeholders," Rush-Kittle was quoted as saying. "I’m confident that we can identify a well-qualified individual who will serve our department and city with integrity and distinction.”

City of New Haven Public Purchasing Portal: https://tinyurl.com/4kdrt9wm

Executive Search: Police Chief Request for Qualification: https://tinyurl.com/2r2vfhpr