Caldwell Starts Internal Search for New Police Chief

Caldwell’s governing body has begun an internal search for a new police chief, Council President Peter Murray said Wednesday.

The search was set off by current after 28 years on the force. Dombrowski will report to work for the last time on Monday, Nov. 21, but he will continue on the borough’s payroll until the end of the year.

Current Caldwell police officers with the rank of sergeant or lieutenant are eligible to apply for the chief position. The deadline to submit resumes and a cover letter to the governing body is Tuesday, Oct. 25.

The mayor and council will then call for a special meeting to interview the applicants for chief in executive session.

The Caldwell Police Department is currently made up of a chief, two lieutenants and five sergeants, as well as patrol officers, Murray said.

If a lieutenant or sergeant moves into the chief position, additional promotions may take place. Additional changes in the department may occur, Murray said, if a sergeant who has indicated he may retire does so.

“It is our hope that there’s a candidate internally that could be promoted,” Murray said. “Ideally, we want to have somebody in by Kurt’s last day."

Murray said the chief has indicated he will be available to the borough to help out with the transition if needed.

“He’s not obligated,” Murray said, “but he wants the town to continue to do well.”

If an internal candidate is hired, it is possible he would be named acting chief or officer in charge until Jan. 1, 2012.