Police Chief

The City of Somersworth, New Hampshire (pop. 12,159  is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Police Chief. The Police Chief is appointed by the City Manager. 

The City of Somersworth is located 17 miles northwest of Portsmouth in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire. The Department covers an area of 10 square miles from a centrally located police facility built in 2007. The City is a prosperous and growing community with an expanding residential and commercial base. The Department is full-service police organization that has a total of 29 full-time sworn Police Officers supported by 11 FT and PT non-sworn staff. The current annual operating budget of the Police Department is $5.2 million. 

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Police Science or related field, and a minimum of ten years’ experience in police work, with five (5) years at the rank of Sergeant or higher is required. NH Police Certification is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Candidates must have demonstrated experience and skill within the following critical areas: budgeting, crafting collaborative interagency relationships, communicating effectively in writing and verbally. The ability to make independent judgments, which have impact on the Department and the City, is essential. The ability to establish effective working relationships with employees and the general public; as well as strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy are vitally important. Excellent moral character, good powers of observation and memory are required.

Regardless of residency, the new Police Chief is expected to be a fully engaged member of the Somersworth community.  Salary range is $103,410.48 - $125,819.09; starting salary commensurate with qualifications. Additional information relating to this opportunity has been posted at www.mrigov.com/career.

A resume and cover letter formatted as a PDF file can be sent to recruitment@mrigov.com. Applications will be accepted until 8 am on Monday, February 10th, 2025. The City of Somersworth is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religious creed, national origin, veteran status, pregnancy, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, and employment practices.