Brookline Begins Search For New Police Chief

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline is beginning the search process for a new police chief and is currently seeking executive search consultants to assist with the job marketing and recruitment process.

The town is specifically requesting proposals from consultants who have experience with the debate on police reform and race, according to a news release. The selected consultant will work with Brookline and stakeholders to identify a nationwide pool of candidates, engage with members of the community to determine the ideal candidate profile, recruit and evaluate possible candidates, and perform background checks.

"The Town is committed to maintaining an inclusive, equitable and progressive approach to policing, working in partnership with the community to ensure that all people enjoy a high quality of life without fear of crime," said a news release from the Town of Brookline. "The Town has engaged in an intensive review of reforming and reimagining its police services and seeks a chief who will work toward the goals established by the Select Board and the ideals of the community."

Town Administrator Kleckner, who is responsible for recruiting and recommending police chief candidates to the Select Board under the Town Administrator Act, first announced the search for a new chief in July, one year after Chief Andrew Lipson abruptly stepped down and was temporarily replaced by Superintendent Mark Morgan.

In addition to hiring a consultant, Kleckner will also create an evaluation panel that includes five to seven community members and a Select Board member to advise him and sit in on some of the early interviews.

For detailed information on the request for proposals, click here or call 617-730-2195. Consultant proposals will be accepted until Thursday, September 2 at 2 p.m., when they will be reviewed by the town’s chief procurement officer.