Search Begins For New Haven's Next Top Cop, Job Pays Up To $169K

NEW HAVEN, CT – In a job posting Monday, the city has made it official. The "nationwide search" is on for the city's next top cop.

At City Hall Wednesday, Mayor Justin Elicker and Chief Administrative Officer Regina Rush-Kittle said that the search will include "a series of community engagement initiatives and opportunities for residents to provide their input in the search and selection."

The post pays an annualized salary up to $169,600. The deadline for applications is May 8.

“Community policing starts with community engagement, and we are eager to hear residents’ thoughts and opinions on what they are looking for in our next police chief, what priorities are most important to them, and what suggestions they have to improve and strengthen the city’s approach to public safety,” Elicker said in a news release. “The police chief is one of the most important positions in city government, and I encourage all residents to participate in the process by completing the survey, attending a town hall, and making their voices heard.”

The Community Survey is available in both English and Spanish, and can be submitted online, by mail, or dropped off at City Hall by April 29th. Printed copies are also available at all branches of the New Haven Free Public Library, and should be mailed or delivered to: City of New Haven, Office of the Chief Administrator, 165 Church St., 3R, New Haven, CT 06510.

Two virtual town halls are also scheduled for city residents on Tuesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. For residents who prefer an in-person option, the Zoom meeting will be live-streamed at City Hall, 165 Church Street, Meeting Rooms 1 & 2, with the option to participate there. The Zoom links for the town halls are available on the city’s website (link).

“We are going to look far and wide for the right person to lead the New Haven Police Department, but the most important voices informing this selection are those right here at home: New Haven residents,” Rush-Kittle said. “We are excited to hear from New Haveners and look forward to an open, honest and ongoing dialogue in the search for our next police chief.”

In addition to the city website, the job position will be advertised and listed with several other prominent law enforcement organizations, including but not limited to: the FBI Academy, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Asian Peace Officers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

The city has retained Ralph Anderson & Associates to lead the executive search and recruitment process.