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Selectboard weighs experience over degree in police chief search, adds written essay to final interviews
Summary
The Selectboard discussed the police chief hiring process on Aug. 3, debating a four-year degree requirement versus privileging experience, agreeing to in-person final interviews, adding a written essay to the interview, and assigning initial application review to the Police Department administrative assistant.
The Selectboard discussed the structure and criteria for its police chief hiring process, including whether to require a four-year degree or prioritize candidates’ experience and reputation. The board agreed to hold final interviews in person and to include a written essay as part of the final interview evaluation. The Police Department Administrative Assistant will conduct an initial review of applications.
Board members debated qualification standards, with the minutes noting a preference for ‘‘experience and reputation’’ over a strict degree requirement. The board also discussed the Police Chiefs Association oral board portion: although the association requires one oral-board member, the Selectboard said it would like two participants; Peter Webster agreed to follow up with a potential candidate. No formal vote on qualification standards was recorded in the minutes; next steps are to complete application screening and schedule final in-person interviews.
