Chief of Police - Town of Barnstable (MA)

Chief of Police – Town of Barnstable (MA)

Date Posted: November 3, 2026

Employer: Town of Barnstable (MA)

Description:

Barnstable, MA (pop. 50,100) The Town of Barnstable invites applications from accomplished, forward-thinking law enforcement executives to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is an opportunity to lead Cape Cod's largest police organization, invest in its people, and strengthen public confidence in a community central to the region's civic and commercial life. Barnstable seeks a visible, principled, collaborative leader who combines operational credibility with strategic vision, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to public service. The next Chief will build on established services while fostering accountability, trust, innovation, and continuous improvement.

In the heart of Cape Cod, Barnstable encompasses seven distinct villages: Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marstons Mills, Osterville, and West Barnstable. Home to approximately 50,100 year-round residents (2025 U.S. Census estimate), the Town experiences substantial seasonal growth as visitors and part-time residents enjoy its beaches, harbors, historic neighborhoods, and recreational opportunities. Hyannis serves as a regional center for health care, commerce, transportation, and public services. Barnstable operates under a Town Council–Town Manager form of government. Its diverse villages and seasonal demands offer a compelling opportunity for an accomplished public safety executive.

The Barnstable Police Department reports approximately 120 sworn officers, 14 civilian employees, and 14 civilian dispatchers. Its FY2027 operating appropriation is approximately $20.67 million. Along with patrol and investigations, the Department provides specialized services such as traffic enforcement, K-9, marine patrol, school-based policing, and community-focused responses to complex social needs. The Chief will lead an organization balancing neighborhood safety, commercial and transportation activity, special events, and heightened seasonal demand. Barnstable seeks a leader who respects the Department's history, listens to its personnel and community, and charts a thoughtful course forward.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• The next Chief of Police will be an ethical, decisive, approachable, and experienced leader who demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to public service.
• Executive Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex operations, establish priorities, manage change, develop leaders, and make sound decisions.
• Integrity and Accountability: Strong ethical standards, transparency, fairness, sound judgment, and a commitment to maintaining public trust.
• Personnel Development: Experience mentoring staff, strengthening workplace culture, supporting employee wellness, and promoting recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
• Community Engagement: A visible, accessible leader who builds trust and partnerships across all seven villages and embraces community policing.
• Operational and Financial Management: Expertise in staffing, budgeting, emergency preparedness, labor relations, technology, and effective resource management, including seasonal demands.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with elected officials, municipal leadership, employees, public safety partners, and the community.

KEY EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief of Police provides strategic direction and executive oversight for all Department personnel, operations, programs, and resources. Responsibilities include organizational planning; deployment and emergency preparedness; budgeting and performance management; professional standards; recruitment, training, and succession planning; employee wellness; labor relations; public communication; and interagency coordination. The Chief must maintain responsive, lawful, effective, and equitable police services while strengthening organizational capacity and public confidence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience as a certified police officer.
• Preferred command-level leadership experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in personnel management, police operations, budgeting, and organizational performance.
• Proven ability in strategic planning, complex decision‑making, community engagement, labor relations, and employee development.
• Strong communication, organizational leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Graduation from the FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police, or a comparable executive leadership program is highly valued.
• Experience leading a police department serving a complex municipal or seasonal community is preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $240,000-$270,000 dependent on qualifications and experience. Benefits: The Town provides excellent benefits to all its employees including health insurance, Massachusetts Public Employees Retirement, and other benefits as part of collective bargaining agreements. All employees are covered by union contracts. The chief of police is not covered by any union agreement and will negotiate their contract with the Town.

Lead with integrity. Develop people. Build trust. Shape the future of public safety in Barnstable.