BROOKLINE — Town Administrator Mel Kleckner is pleased to share that the first round of interviews of candidates to be the Town of Brookline’s new police chief will begin this week.
The interviews will be conducted by Town Administrator Kleckner, the search consultant Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and a screening panel of Brookline residents. In order to protect the confidentiality of candidates for this position, the process will remain confidential until the Town Administrator recommends a candidate(s) to the Select Board for review and approval.
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. Over the last year, 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.
In October and November, Town Administrator Kleckner worked with PERF to engage with the community via a survey, focus group meetings and two public input forums.
With input gathered from the community, a profile for a job posting was finalized and posted in early December, with a deadline of Jan. 10. Once applications were received, Town Administrator Kleckner, the screening panel and PERF met to review the candidate pool.
“I am grateful for the input we received from the community as part of this search process, and for the applications from a number of qualified candidates who we look forward to interviewing soon,” said Town Administrator Kleckner. “Our next police chief should be a forward-thinking and compassionate leader who can earn the respect of the entire Brookline community, and I look forward to hearing from all candidates directly.”
Finalists will be interviewed again later in February, and a thorough background investigation will be conducted on the Town Administrator’s selected candidate or candidates.
Town Administrator Kleckner anticipates making a recommendation to the Select Board in late February or early March.