Town of Canton Launches Search Process for Next Chief of Police

CANTON — The Town of Canton has launched a search process to choose its next Chief of Police, and residents can weigh in on the characteristics they would like to see in candidates to lead the Canton Police Department.

With the retirement of Police Chief Helena Rafferty, the Town has developed a comprehensive plan to identify and select a candidate who embodies the Town’s values and meets the community’s needs.

The Canton Select Board is seeking a Police Chief who understands Canton and embodies the Town’s values through a demonstrated commitment to transparency and community engagement.

To ensure the process is transparent and reflective of public input, the Town will host a community forum to obtain feedback and input from residents and stakeholders regarding their priorities, concerns, and desired qualifications and characteristics for the next Chief:

• WHAT: Police Chief Search In-Person Community Listening Session
• WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 to 9 p.m.
• WHERE: Canton High School Auditorium, 900 Washington St. 

In advance of attending the listening session, community members are encouraged to consider what experience and priorities they believe the next Police Chief should possess. This will help identify candidates with the requisite qualifications and principles to lead the Canton Police Department.

This listening session provides an opportunity for community members to share their goals, concerns, and expectations regarding both the search process and prospective candidates. Community feedback will serve as an invaluable tool as the Town begins its extensive recruitment process.

A Community Survey is also available online and via paper copies in the Town Clerk’s Office, the Canton Senior Center, and the Canton Public Library. Click here to access the survey, or scan the QR code below.

The Town aims to capture input from a broad spectrum of community stakeholders to inform the Canton Select Board better as they search for the next Police Chief. Through these community engagement opportunities and a rigorous assessment process, the Select Board is confident it will find the right individual to serve as its next Chief of Police.

To ensure a thorough and professional search, the Town has engaged Public Safety Consultants LLC (PSC) to assist with the recruitment and assessment process. With over 18 years of experience, PSC brings extensive expertise and ethical standards to public safety recruitment. PSC will distill feedback from the community through listening sessions and community surveys. PSC will then develop and implement a Job Task Analysis and “Assessment Center” tailored to the needs of Canton.

The selection process will include an extensive resume review, written exercises, oral interviews, and an executive-level assessment center. The selected candidate will be required to meet all Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) and Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification requirements.

“Please help the Town find the best candidate for this incredibly important position,” said Canton Town Administrator Charles E. Doody. “The Canton community can weigh in on the process by filling out our online survey, attending our first scheduled listening session, or both. We welcome all feedback from our residents and look forward to hearing from you.”

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