Search for New Police Chief Continues in Barnstable

CCB MEDIA PHOTO
Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald 

BARNSTABLE – At last week’s Barnstable Town Council meeting, Town Manager Mark Ells updated the board on the town’s ongoing search for a new police chief.

Because the position is part of Civil Service, the town has hired MMA Consulting to ensure all Civil Service components of the search are followed. The consultant will also determine finalists for the position.

“The list of applicants and their rankings should be received tomorrow hopefully,” said Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells, “The next steps involve identifying the top three candidates, reviewing references and backgrounds, then proceeding with the interview process.”

With Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald retiring this spring, town officials have begun the intense search to find his replacement.

While the extent is as of yet unknown, town officials will begin the search within the department.

“Early in the process I made the determination that I would go internally first,” said Ells, “If I can’t find an appropriate candidate internally, then we’d have to go out and look for one.”

Residents had been asked to give their input via an online survey. Now Ells plans to meet with community groups for further feedback.

“I am in the process of speaking with various groups about what they would like to see, what qualities that they would like to see, what experiences they would like to see in the next chief,” said Ells.

“Even though we’re doing an in-house review, it’s very helpful to hear from our community.”

While the next police chief will likely be named by May, town officials say it’s important to ensure the town’s top cop be the right fit.

Chief MacDonald joined the Barnstable Police Department in 1981, and became chief in 2006.