Police Chief

Employment Opportunities

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The Town of Wells is seeking a progressive, collaborative, and community-centered law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is a rare opportunity to lead a dedicated department in one of Maine's most desirable communities — and to help shape the future of public safety in Wells for years to come.

The Chief of Police is the department's chief administrator and sworn senior officer, reporting directly to the Town Manager. The Chief is responsible for the full spectrum of police administration: strategic planning, budget and capital management, personnel leadership, labor relations, community policing, emergency management, technology oversight, and active partnership with Town government, regional law enforcement agencies, and the community. The Chief serves as a key member of the Town's senior management team and is expected to be a visible, engaged, and trusted presence in the Wells community.

The successful candidate will bring both the administrative depth to manage a professional, accredited agency, and the personal qualities to earn the trust of a community that takes its relationship with its police department seriously.

Wells, Maine, recognized as the “Friendliest Town in Maine,” is bordered to the east by seven miles of sandy shoreline, is located 25 minutes south of Portland, 25 minutes north of Portsmouth, NH and just 90 minutes from Boston, MA. It is also the home of York County Community College.

Wells, located on the I‑95 corridor, has a robust harbor, is served by passenger rail service and is served by multiple airports located just a few miles away. Wells is a year‑round tourist destination with a population of approximately 12,000 residents, that swells to approximately 50,000 people in the summer months.

Wells is a vibrant municipality managed by a Town Manager and governed by a five‑member Select Board. The community enjoys strong civic engagement with a culture of “welcoming and supporting our neighbors and visitors with open arms.” The demographic profile includes a substantial proportion of year‑round residents, many that are retired, a thriving business community, and seasonal visitors.

For more information about the Town of Wells, visit our website ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)

The Chief of Police will be expected to provide leadership across the following areas:

• Develop and execute a multi‑year strategic plan that is responsive to Wells’ coastal, seasonal, and demographic character, including planning for variable staffing and service demands.
• Formulate, implement, and regularly review departmental policies, goals, and program priorities in alignment with the Town Manager's direction and community needs.
• Maintain the department’s Maine Law Enforcement Assessment Program (MLEAP) accreditation.
• Plan and coordinate police resources for special events.
• Continuously monitor emerging trends, technologies, and legal developments in law enforcement and advise the Town Manager accordingly.

• Prepare and administer the annual departmental operating budget and a multi‑year capital improvement plan covering vehicles, equipment, technology, and facilities.
• Actively pursue grant funding and other external revenue opportunities.

• Lead all aspects of the personnel lifecycle — recruitment, evaluation, coaching, discipline, and development — with consistency, fairness, and a commitment to maintaining and continuing to build a high‑performing team.
• Manage the Town's labor relations with the departmental bargaining unit, including collective bargaining negotiations.
• Develop and sustain an officer wellness program that supports the mental, emotional, and physical health of all personnel.

• Establish and enforce professional standards of conduct; implement a comprehensive use‑of‑force policy with rigorous oversight and regular…