Police Chief

Employment Opportunities Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me button. The Town of Wells is seeking a progressive, collaborative, and community-centered law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is a rare opportunity to lead a dedicated department in one of Maine's most desirable communities — and to help shape the future of public safety in Wells for years to come. The Chief of Police is the department's chief administrator and sworn senior officer, reporting directly to the Town Manager. The Chief is responsible for the full spectrum of police administration: strategic planning, budget and capital management, personnel leadership, labor relations, community policing, emergency management, technology oversight, and active partnership with Town government, regional law enforcement agencies, and the community. The Chief serves as a key member of the Town's senior management team and is expected to be a visible, engaged, and trusted presence in the Wells community. The successful candidate will bring both the administrative depth to manage a professional, accredited agency, and the personal qualities to earn the trust of a community that takes its relationship with its police department seriously. The Community Wells, Maine, recognized as the “Friendliest Town in Maine,” is bordered to the east by seven miles of sandy shoreline, is located 25 minutes south of Portland, 25 minutes north of Portsmouth, NH and just 90 minutes from Boston, MA. It is also the home of York County Community College. Wells, located on the I‑95 corridor, has a robust harbor, is served by passenger rail service and is served by multiple airports located just a few miles away. Wells is a year‑round tourist destination with a population of approximately 12,000 residents, that swells to approximately 50,000 people in the summer months. Wells is a vibrant municipality managed by a Town Manager and governed by a five‑member Select Board. The community enjoys strong civic engagement with a culture of “welcoming and supporting our neighbors and visitors with open arms.” The demographic profile includes a substantial proportion of year‑round residents, many that are retired, a thriving business community, and seasonal visitors. For more information about the Town of Wells, visit our website ( Key Responsibilities The Chief of Police will be expected to provide leadership across the following areas: Leadership, Policy, and Strategic Planning Develop and execute a multi‑year strategic plan that is responsive to Wells’ coastal, seasonal, and demographic character, including planning for variable staffing and service demands. Formulate, implement, and regularly review departmental policies, goals, and program priorities in alignment with the Town Manager's direction and community needs. Maintain the department’s Maine Law Enforcement Assessment Program (MLEAP) accreditation. Plan and coordinate police resources for special events. Continuously monitor emerging trends, technologies, and legal developments in law enforcement and advise the Town Manager accordingly. Budget, Finance, and Capital Planning Prepare and administer the annual departmental operating budget and a multi‑year capital improvement plan covering vehicles, equipment, technology, and facilities. Actively pursue grant funding and other external revenue opportunities. Personnel Management and Labor Relations Lead all aspects of the personnel lifecycle — recruitment, evaluation, coaching, discipline, and development — with consistency, fairness, and a commitment to maintaining and continuing to build a high‑performing team. Manage the Town's labor relations with the departmental bargaining unit, including collective bargaining negotiations. Develop and sustain an officer wellness program that supports the mental, emotional, and physical health of all personnel. Operations, Standards, and Accountability Establish and enforce professional standards of conduct; implement a comprehensive use‑of‑force policy with rigorous oversight and regular de‑escalation training. Direct departmental technology programs including body‑worn cameras, digital evidence management, and records systems. Apply data‑driven policing strategies to guide resource allocation, crime prevention, and operational decision making. Community Policing and Public Engagement Design and sustain community policing programs responsive to the Town’s diverse population — older adults, year‑round families, seasonal visitors, and the business community. Serve as the department's primary spokesperson; maintain transparent, timely communication with the public, media, and Town boards. In concert with the Town Manager, participate as an active liaison with the Select Board, School Board and other bodies. Emergency Management and Critical Incident Response Serve as the department's senior incident commander during major emergencies, critical incidents, and natural disasters; maintain current NIMS/ICS certification. Integrate the department fully into the Town's Emergency Operations Plan and regional multi‑agency response frameworks. Develop, maintain, and exercise emergency response and continuity of operations plans tailored to the risks of a coastal Maine community. Position Requirements A bachelor's degree in public administration, criminal justice, organizational development, human resources, or a closely related field. A master's degree is preferred. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including at least five (5) years in supervisory, command, or senior administrative positions. Demonstrated experience in municipal budget development and fiscal management; personnel management and labor relations; strategic or organizational planning; and community policing program development. Experience with use‑of‑force policy development and accountability; body‑worn camera and law enforcement technology administration; and data‑driven policing practices. Knowledge of emergency management principles (NIMS/ICS); current certification or the ability to obtain it within one year of appointment. Must hold and maintain active certification as a full‑time law enforcement officer in Maine or have graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Basic School, been waived, or be eligible for such a waiver. Must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, reasonable proximity to Wells sufficient for timely emergency response. Once residing in Maine must obtain a valid Maine driver's license. Preferred Qualifications Maine Criminal Justice Academy Executive Certificate. Graduation from the FBI National Academy, New England School of Police Staff and Command, Senior Management Institute for Police, or an equivalent senior leadership program. Prior experience in a coastal, tourist‑economy, or seasonally variable law enforcement environment. Experience with law enforcement accreditation (CALEA or MLEAP). The Town of Wells offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is covered by an employment agreement and includes participation in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), health and dental/vision insurance, and other benefits consistent with Town policy. Additional details will be provided to candidates advancing in the process. A completed Town of Wells application. A cover letter (not to exceed two pages) describing your interest in the position, your vision for community centered policing in Wells, and how your background has prepared you for this role. Contact information for five professional references, at least three of whom have direct knowledge of your law enforcement leadership experience. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate. Candidates may also mail application materials to the Labor & Employee Relations Department at 208 Sanford Road, Wells ME, 04090. View the complete job description and employment application on the Town’s Website (Jobs - Wells, ME - CivicEngage) Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. The position will remain open until filled; however, the Town reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time after the stated deadline. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Michael Pardue, Town Manager, at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io The Town of Wells is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, age, and any other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr