NEW HAVEN, CT – Today at City Hall, Mayor Justin Elicker and Chief Administrative Officer Regina Rush-Kittle announced the next steps in the city’s nationwide search for New Haven’s next police chief, including a series of community engagement initiatives and opportunities for New Haven residents to provide their input in the search and selection of the next police chef as well as future public safety priorities. The position was officially posted on the city’s website on Monday, March 28th and an accompanying brochure was also released, with an application deadline of May 8th.
“Community policing starts with community engagement, and we are eager to hear residents’ thoughts and opinions on what they are looking for in our next police chief, what priorities are most important to them, and what suggestions they have to improve and strengthen the city’s approach to public safety,” said Mayor Elicker. “The police chief is one of the most important positions in city government, and I encourage all residents to participate in the process by completing the survey, attending a town hall, and making their voices heard.”
The Community Survey is available in both English and Spanish, and can be submitted online, by mail, or dropped off at City Hall by April 29th. Printed copies are also available at all branches of the New Haven Free Public Library, and should be mailed or delivered to: City of New Haven, Office of the Chief Administrator, 165 Church St., 3R, New Haven, CT 06510.
Two virtual town halls are also scheduled for city residents on Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 PM and on Wednesday, April 20th at 6:30 PM. For residents who prefer an in-person option, the Zoom meeting will be live streamed at City Hall, 165 Church Street, Meeting Rooms 1 & 2, with the option to participate there. The Zoom links for the town halls are available on the city’s website (link).
“We are going to look far and wide for the right person to lead the New Haven Police Department, but the most important voices informing this selection are those right here at home: New Haven residents,” said Chief Administrator Officer Regina Rush-Kittle. “We are excited to hear from New Haveners and look forward to an open, honest and ongoing dialogue in the search for our next police chief.”
In addition to the city website, the job position will be advertised and listed with several other prominent law enforcement organizations, including but not limited to: the FBI Academy, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Asian Peace Officers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. The city has retained Ralph Anderson & Associates to lead the executive search and recruitment process.
