Chief of Police
Ithaca, NY

A national search is underway to attract a community-minded, reform-oriented individual to lead the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) and serve as its Chief of Police. The City of Ithaca (pop. 31,000) sits in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Located halfway between Manhattan and Toronto, the thriving, culturally diverse city combines small-town warmth and charm with cosmopolitan flair. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a law enforcement agency poised to make significant changes in an engaged community.

Through public discourse, Ithaca created plans to reimagine how public safety services are delivered. With a 2023 budget of $12.5 million, the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) provides police services to the Ithaca community. IPD responds to approximately 20,000 calls for service annually and has a full-time investigations division to investigate felony-level cases, collect evidence, gather intelligence, and provide overall support to the patrol division. IPD is authorized and funded for sixty-four (64) sworn positions and thirteen (13) FTE civilian positions who work in the Office of the Chief or the Patrol or Investigations Bureaus, each managed by a Deputy Chief.

The next Chief of Police will be a transformative leader committed to social justice and experienced in change management. The ideal candidate will ensure that employee conduct is consistent with policy, progressive policing practices, and innovative approaches to public safety. The next chief will play a significant role in advancing police reform and, specifically, implementing initiatives arising from the reimagining public safety task force. The new police chief will advance community policing and crime reduction strategies while emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Qualified candidates for the Chief of Police position will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Criminology or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, at least two (2) years of which at or above the second-line supervisory level; or an Associate’s Degree in and six (6) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, with at least two (2) years at or above the second- line supervisory level or graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and eight (8) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, at least two (2) years of which must have been at or above the second-line supervisory level. The salary range for this position will be competitive for the region. Compensation will be augmented by an excellent benefits package. This position will be considered “open” until a final selection is made.

For optimal consideration, candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume, and list of references via email to [email protected] by May 19, 2023. Candidates will be considered until an appointment is made. The brochure for the position can be viewed at https://publicsectorsearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ithaca-New-York-Police-Chief-brochure.pdf.

Confidential inquiries and questions regarding this career opportunity should be directed to: Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc., Mr. Gary Peterson, (Chief of Police, Ret.), email: [email protected], Mobile (916) 622-5323, Office (916) 789-9990.

For this search, a candidate cannot be appointed unless he or she has been appointed a police officer from an eligible list established according to merit and fitness as provided by Section 6 of Article V of the Constitution of the State of New York or has previously served as a member of the New York State Police (Contact the Consultant).