The Position
The City of Westminster, Maryland, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Police Chief who will build upon a robust foundation, community-oriented policing, and exceptional public safety. This is a rare opportunity to lead a full-service municipal police department, renowned for its strong community trust and innovative approach to problem solving. The next Police Chief will guide a dedicated team of sworn officers and civilian professionals through a seamless transition, as the current Chief retires after ten years of service with the Police Department.
The Police Chief provides comprehensive leadership and strategic direction to the Westminster Police Department, overseeing 42 sworn officers and 12 civilian personnel. The Chief guides an integrated team responsible for delivering a full spectrum of police services through two main bureaus: the Patrol Bureau, which provides 24/7 uniformed service and special event oversight and community outreach via its Special Operations Section and the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB), which handles major crime investigations and arrest warrant service, and which includes a Strategic Enforcement Unit focused on data-driven crime reduction strategies. Key operational support functions, including the Body-Worn Camera program, Communications Division, fleet, and facilities management, fall under the Chief's ultimate oversight, largely managed by the Deputy Chief. Additionally, the Chief serves as the City's de facto Emergency Manager, coordinating with county and state emergency management entities to ensure robust preparedness and response to critical incidents.
The Chief is responsible for championing and advancing modern, best-practice policing strategies, such as the department’s current core philosophies of Data-Driven, Problem-Oriented, and Community-Oriented Policing. This includes leveraging crime reduction tools and software to enhance operational efficiency and resource allocation for optimal public safety outcomes. The Chief will ensure the continued effectiveness of collaborative programs like the Overdose Quick Response Team and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), which help to facilitate significant reductions in both fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses. Additionally, the Chief will lead critical initiatives in personnel development, including robust leadership training for supervisors and commanders, and strategic recruitment and retention efforts to attract and cultivate top talent within the department.
In the City Charter, the Mayor is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council for the Police Chief and other department heads for hiring and firing decisions. The Mayor and Council have historically asked the City Administrator to provide a recommendation on these personnel decisions. The Police Chief reports directly to the City Administrator. This dynamic leader will work closely in collaboration and partnership with other key criminal justice stakeholders in Carroll County, including the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Chief will also maintain strong relationships with other key government, non-profit, and community organization stakeholders, such as the County Health Department, various social service organizations, the Downtown Business Association, the NAACP, the Boys & Girls Club, and local schools, solidifying the department’s proactive and responsive role within Westminster.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; valid law enforcement officer certification through the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission (MPTSC) or out of state equivalent; extensive experience working in a full-service law enforcement agency; ten years of law enforcement command experience, to include at least three years of senior command-level experience with oversight of both police operations and administrative functions. Equivalent experience/qualifications will be considered.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree; graduation from a senior command/leadership program such as FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or equivalent; demonstrated success in building partnerships with social service organizations, county and state police agencies, and business and community members; experience in managing and securing grant funding and working with a prevention and problem-orientated community-focused policing philosophy is highly desired. A proven track record of mentoring and developing officers, and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and service will distinguish top candidates.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $125,000 – $140,000, depending on qualifications. Benefits offered include the following:
- Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible Benefit Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Vacation, holiday, personal, and sick/family sick leave
- Maryland State Pension System
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- 401(a) Matching Plan
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning September 4, 2025.