Police Chief

Job Title: Police Chief

Location: West Tisbury, MA

Population: Approx. 3,300

Department Size: 7 Sworn Officers, 5 Community Service Officers, 1 Executive Assistant (Currently 1 full time opening)

Application Deadline: June 26, 2025

About Our Community: Located on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard, West Tisbury is a close-knit community of approximately 3,500 residents who value safety, trust, and strong civic relationships. With a low crime rate and a high level of community engagement, our town takes pride in its supportive environment and quality of life.

Position Overview: The Town of West Tisbury is seeking a forward-thinking, experienced, and community-focused leader to serve as our next Police Chief. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both administrative and field responsibilities. The ideal candidate will bring a strong ethical foundation, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative approach to law enforcement.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide leadership, direction, and administrative oversight of personnel.
· Develop and implement department policies, procedures, and strategic plans.
· Maintain positive relationships with residents, local organizations, and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
· Ensure department compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and standards.
· Prepare and manage the department’s budget.
· Recruit, train, and retain a high-quality police force.
· Serve as the face of the department in community meetings and public events.

Qualifications:

· Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
· Certified law enforcement officer in the state of Massachusetts, or able to obtain certification within 6 months.
· Demonstrated experience in small-town or community-oriented policing.
· Strong administrative, budgeting, and personnel management skills.
· Proven ability to build trust and maintain transparency within the community.
· Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field preferred (equivalent experience may be considered).

Compensation & Benefits:

· Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
· Health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off
· Use of department vehicle and equipment

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to townadmin@westtisbury-ma.gov

The Town of West Tisbury is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

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