The Town of Acton is seeking an experienced and highly qualified law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. The Chief serves as the Department’s chief administrative and operational leader and as a key member of the Town’s executive leadership team and reports directly to the Town Manager.
The Acton Police Department serves approximately 24,000 residents. The Department provides proactive patrol services, investigative functions, emergency response, and community-oriented policing while addressing a broad range of public safety and social service needs, including mental health response, domestic violence, and community-based support services.
The Town seeks a collaborative and strategic public safety leader who will build upon the Department’s strong foundation while guiding continued modernization, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives.
About Acton’s Leadership Culture: The Town of Acton values collaborative, forward-thinking leadership grounded in professionalism, transparency, and service to the community. Department heads are expected to operate as members of a cohesive municipal leadership team, working across departments to advance shared organizational goals while maintaining strong relationships with staff, residents, and regional partners.
Successful leaders in Acton demonstrate sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to balance operational excellence with strategic thinking. The Town seeks a Chief of Police who embraces a collaborative leadership approach, supports a positive and accountable organizational culture, and contributes to a workplace environment focused on continuous improvement and community trust.
General Duties and Responsibilities: The Chief of Police serves as the chief administrative officer of the Department and exercises all lawful authority necessary to ensure effective operations. The Chief is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating all departmental activities, including policy development, personnel management, operational oversight, and community relations.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Providing strategic and executive-level leadership aligned with municipal priorities and community expectations
- Maintaining high professional standards and operational readiness
- Overseeing enforcement of all laws within the Department’s jurisdiction
- Managing departmental operations, including staffing, training, budgeting, and resource allocation
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical policing practices
- Serving as an engaged member of the Town’s leadership team and collaborating across departments and partner agencies
- Supporting community-oriented policing and strengthening relationships with residents and stakeholders
The next Chief of Police will play a key role in advancing departmental priorities, including:
- Supporting recruitment, retention, and workforce development efforts
- Maintaining a positive and professional organizational culture
- Advancing technology modernization initiatives, including body-worn camera implementation and records management system upgrades
- Progressing ongoing infrastructure projects, including the final phase of the radio improvement project
- Enhancing preparedness for emergencies and critical incidents
- Supporting transparency initiatives and strengthening community engagement efforts
- Ensuring effective management of departmental resources, including fleet operations and evolving vehicle technology
The Chief will balance operational leadership with strategic decision-making to support long-term organizational effectiveness and evolving public safety needs.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology or related field with a minimum of ten years of progressive experience as a full-time uniformed member in a career Police Department of which five years must be management/supervisory experience. Any combination of education, management experience and training that clearly demonstrates the candidate’s ability to excel in the functions of this position. Must be a non-smoker according to MGL Ch 41 S.101A, Prohibition of Tobacco Products.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s level degree in a program area as noted above. Certified by the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee. Knowledge of applicable codes and regulations. FBI National Academy training. Experience with grant writing, collective bargaining, emergency planning, training and budget preparation and maintenance. Residency in the Town of Acton is not required but it is expected that the Police Chief will live within a reasonable response distance subject to negotiation.
Compensation: I-27; $158k-$188k annually.
Benefits: The Town of Acton offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee wellness, professional growth, and long-term financial security, including: Health, dental, and vision insurance options, HSA/FSA programs and retirement savings opportunities (457 plans), Short- and long-term disability and life insurance options, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), $425 Fitness club reimbursement for employees enrolled in Town health insurance
To apply: Submit resume, and cover letter to Human Resources (e-mail jobs@actonma.gov). Acton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Deadline: April 30th, 2026
