Board of Police Commissioners Special Meeting Agenda

Town of Waterford, Connecticut, Police Commission Special Meeting Agenda
Town Hall Auditorium
2/23/26 5:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
1. Call to order and establish quorum
2. Executive Session for Police Chief candidate interviews
3. Adjournment

Chief of Police Selection Process
Purpose: To outline the procedure for appointing/hiring a new Chief of Police for the Town of Waterford
Connecticut Police Department
To outline the procedure for appointing an Interim Chief of Police should the existing Chief of Police
retire, separate from employment for any reason, or is deemed unable to perform the duties required.
To detail the criteria for application and potential promotion from within the agency and to detail the
criteria required should it be necessary to seek a Chief of Police from outside the agency. This may refer
to candidates within the State of Connecticut as well as nationwide if so desired.
Chief of Police: The Board of Police Commissioners (“Board”) will first consider internal candidates
that meet the criteria set forth below. If no suitable candidate is identified, the Board will then consider
external candidates, taking into consideration what is best for the members of the agency as well as the
Town of Waterford.
Internal Candidates Required:
¢ Bachelor’s Degree related to Criminal Justice or Public Safety Administration
Must hold/held a promoted rank as a Division Commander for a minimum of two years
Continued police service of at least fifteen years
Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC) Certified
Valid Connecticut driver’s license
Internal Candidates Preferred:
e Mastet’s Degree related to Criminal Justice or Public Safety Administration
e FBI National Academy or similar advanced training
Interested candidates will notify the Board in writing of their intent to be considered for selection as
Chief of Police and will submit all requested documentation as requested by the Board, which may
include an updated resume and biography that outlines/illustrates qualifications.
Upon identifying all candidates from within the agency that wish to participate in the selection process
and meet the required criteria, the Law Enforcement Council of Connecticut or other organization in
contract at the time, will be notified that a Chief of Police selection process is being started by the Town
of Waterford. The organization will be asked to organize a Chief of Police oral board interview process.
Upon completion of the external interview process, the Board will obtain the results and consult with the
Waterford Human Resources Director and Town Labor Attorney, if so desired, before initiating an
interview process with the candidates advancing in the process.
To advance through this part of the process, all candidates shall have received a score or combined score
of 80 and above.

If the existing Chief of Police is still active, an interview with them shall be held in executive session for
the purpose of evaluating potential candidates. If the Chief of Police is no longer available, the Board
will meet with senior ranking officers who hold the rank of Lieutenant or above for additional
perspective.
Upon completion of the oval interview process, the Board may decide to appoint an Interim Chief of
Police for a set probationary period before consideration of full appointment, appoint an Interim Chief
during a period in which the Board explores Connecticut certified external candidates or selects an
Interim Chief of Police while a larger search is conducted.
Any internal candidates selected as Interim Chief of Police will coordinate with the Waterford Police
Union, the First Selectman and the Human Resources Director to finalize a Memorandum of
Understanding in regards to compensation.
If no internal candidates are identified, a statewide/national search may be conducted. The posting will
consist of the Town of Waterford Chief of Police job description and any other relevant details as
determined by the Board and the Human Resources Director. The following criteria will be required for
external candidates:
External Candidates Required:
e Bachelor’s Degree related to Criminal Justice or Public Safety Administration
e Must hold/held a promoted rank as a Division Commander for a minimum of two years
e Continued police service of at least fifteen years
e POSTC Certified or the ability to become certified before employment
e Valid Connecticut driver’s license or the ability to obtain one before employment
External Candidates Preferred:
© Master’s Degree related to Criminal Justice or Public Safety Administration
e FBI National Academy or similar advanced training
e Experience in Police Administration
Candidates who are interested will submit the application through the Town of Waterford Human
Resources Department.
After obtaining all valid applications as detailed in the job posting, the Board will follow the process as
detailed for internal candidates to include external interviews, Board of Police Commissioners interviews
and consultation with the Chief of Police and/or Lieutenants, the Human Resources Director and the
Town of Waterford Labor Attorney, if so desired.
The Waterford Board of Police Commissioners reserves the right to make necessary changes to this
process as long as they discuss and approve the changes in public at a properly advertised public meeting.
Approved by Board of Police Commissioners: June 12, 2023

TOWN OF WATERFORD
CHIEF OF POLICE
Board of Police Commissioners N/A
SUPERVISOR CLASSIFICATION
Board of Police Commissioners Police Department
REVIEW AUTHORITY DEPARTMENT
A.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Police Department is responsible for the preservation of the public peace, prevention of crime,
apprehension of criminals, regulation of traffic, protection of the rights of persons, protection of
property, and enforcement of the laws of the State and ordinances of the Town. The Chief of
Police is responsible for the overall administration of the department, long range planning and
coordination of the department’s operation and personnel. The Chief of Police must work in
liaison with other town departments, as well as State and Federal agencies, to assure the
responsibilities of the department are clearly met.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Generally works under the direct supervision of the Board of Police Commissioners, who
establishes policy and monitors management functions; and the administrative supervision of the
First Selectman as set forth in Town Charter 3.2.5, and at the direction of the First Selectman in a
declared state of emergency, in accordance with Town Ordinance 2.108.030.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Supervise all personne! assigned to and total operation of the Police Department. Has complete
authority for budget control and decision making for all phases of the department’s operation,
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
I. Directs and coordinates the day-to-day operation and activities of the department and
reports on such operation to the Board of Police Commissioners, as required,
2. Supervises all employees of the department and plans, organizes, assigns and generally
reviews all work.
3. Initiates and carties out a continuing program for instruction and training of personnel for
the department.
Prepares and manages the total budget of the department.
Develops and preserves a system of records with respect to law enforcement and other
activities of the department such as personnel, communications, etc., and render a monthly
report to the Board of Police Commissioners, with respect thereto.
6. Personally direct the responses to and the investigation of major crimes or incidents as they
occur.
Sled

7. Maintains a working relationship and communication with Town, State, and Federal
officials, departments and agencies to assure proper handling of common interests.
8. Serves as third-in-command of all local government functions and public safety facilities,
including school facilities and personnel, in the event of a declared disaster, as per Town
Ordinance 2.108.030 and serves as a member of the Emergency Management Advisory
Council, as per Town Ordinance 2.108.050.
9, Attends various town, state and national meetings and seminars to stay abreast of modern
management and operational techniques.
10. . Disciplines personnel as may be necessary and reports any neglect of duty or violation of
rules and regulations to the Board of Police Commissioners.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skill & Ability):
Evidence of demonstrated leadership and administrative ability with knowledge of modern police
administration is essential. Must exhibit creative leadership and be thoroughly familiar with state-
of-the-art law enforcement techniques. Must have a thorough knowledge of local, state and federal
laws. Must have an understanding of government operations, be able to work within a municipal
budget system and have knowledge of its purpose and goals. Must have the ability to administer
police rules, regulations and policies within the limitations of a labor contract. Must be capable
of carrying out responsibilities under extreme pressure of emergency situations, Thorough
knowledge of citizen’s rights and privileges under the Constitution, ability to read and interpret
rules, regulations, laws and court decisions. Must have the ability to command respect and provide
direction to subordinates. Ability to communicate effectively with associates and general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Must be able to pass a rigid physical examination and meet the physical demands of the Police
Department. Must have the physical stamina to properly function under stressful conditions.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field
and a minimum of fifteen (15) years’ experience in a law enforcement agency, with a minimum of
two years in a division commander position. Must be certified under the Police Officer Standards
and Training Council (POSTC) and have a valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license, or
the ability to obtain one prior to employment. A Master’s Degree related to Public Safety
Administration ot Criminal Justice, FBI National Academy or similar advanced training, and/or
experience in police administration is preferred. Any equivalent combination of training and
experience which provides the required skill, knowledge and ability, may be considered at the
discretion of the Board of Police Commissioners.
Board of Police Commissioners Approved: 12-11-2023
Personnel Review Board Approved: 02-15-2024

January 16, 2026
Christine Walters
Director of Human Resources
Mrs, Walters,
I am wtiting to formally express my interest in the position of Chief of Police for the Waterford
Police Department, With nearly twenty years of progressive law enforcement experience and
diverse knowledge, I bring a comprehensive understanding of operational command,
organizational leadership, and strategic administration. My career has been guided by a
commitment to ethical policing, accountability and service to both the officers I lead and the
community I serve.
My interest in this position stems from a desite to lead a department with professionalism,
transparency, and a forward-looking vision. The role of Chief of Police offers the opportunity to
continue to shape organizational culture, mentor future leaders, and strengthen partnerships. The
agency is well situated to continue growth and development and I am excited to be considered
for the position to lead such a dedicated team. I am committed to fostering a department that
values employee wellness and community engagement while also adhering to the principles of
constitutional policing. Serving as Chief of Police would allow me to apply my experience,
education, and leadership skills to advance public safety while maintaining the confidence of the
community and the department.
T meet the education and training requirements of the position through a combination of
advanced academic qualifications, executive-level training, and command experience. I hold a
Master’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Public Safety Administration and a
Graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education, providing a strong foundation. in
organizational leadership, policy development, and public safety management, I am also a
graduate of the FBI National Academy, where I completed intensive executive training in
leadership, law enforcement strategy, and interagency collaboration. With four years of
experience as a Division Commander in both the Patrol Division and Administrative Division, I
have applied my education and training to oversee personnel, operations, and administrative
functions. Together, my education, specialized training and leadership experience align with the
education and training components required of the Chief of Police.
Respectfully,
David P, Ferland

DAVID P. FERLAND
a eee CT 06385
SUMMARY
Dedicated officer with over 19 years of law enforcement service holding various leadership positions.
Committed to the career development of self and others to ensure the professional delivery of services to the
community. Experienced supervisor with a passion for transparency and accountability, and a commitment to
doing what is in the best interest of the community.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Master of Science: Criminal Justice: 2022
Southern New Hampshire University
e Concentration in Public Safety Administration
e Core classes in Ethical Leadership, Public Safety Administration, Strategic Management, Data-
‘Driven Decisions in CJ, Conflict Management, and Assessing Organizational Performance
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology: 2012
Hastern Connecticut State University
e Core classes in Law in Society, Sociology of Mental IlIness, Crime and Media, Methods of
Research, and Statistical Data Analysis
Associate of Science: Criminal Justice: 2004
Three Rivers Community College
e Core classes in Police Organization and Administration, Interpersonal Dynamics, Sociology, and
Psychology
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FBI National Academy
° Executive-level leadership program for law enforcement managers (2023)
Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education
© University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies (2023)
WORK EXPERIENCE
May 2022- Lieutenant- Waterford Police Department, Waterford, CT
Present
o Administrative Lieutenant tasked with development of department policy in
accordance with POST mandates and legislation, preparation and management of
department budget, payroll processing and scheduling, and supervision of Support
Services sworn and civilian personnel (June 2023-Present).
o Patrol Lieutenant assigned to lead and manage uniformed patrol responses,
personnel assignment through analytics of crime trends, resource and budget
management, incident command for major incidents, and strategy development
(May 2022-June 2023).
November 2018- Sergeant- Waterford Police Department, Waterford, CT
May 2022
e Administrative Sergeant tasked as the Accreditation Manager, assisting with
updating and development of department directives, and Chairperson of the Use
of Force Review Committee (February 2021-May 2022).
© Training Sergeant entrusted with the administration of the recruiting and selection
process for hiring of new officers, coordination and supervision of the Field
Training Program, development and review of training curriculum, and

maintaining POST certification records for all personnel (February 2019-
February 2021). .
© Patrol Sergeant managing officer response and investigations to calls for service,
addressed concerns and complaints of citizens, conducted conflict management
efforts between employees, and mediated officer behavior issues through
counseling, training, and/or discipline (November 2018-February 2019).
January 2016- ‘
November 2018 Evidence Officer/Court Liaison-Waterford Police Department, Waterford, CT
e Developed partnerships with various court personnel and State of Connecticut
Forensic Laboratory personnel.
© Facilitated information sharing and administrative reporting procedures between
the department and judicial system.
e Initiated the use of an electronic barcode system for identifying and tracking items
of evidence to increase accountability.
© Implemented process updates to increase efficiency of evidence retention and
destruction procedures.
July 2013-
January 2016 Patrol Officer- Waterford Police Department, Waterford, CT
e Responded to calls for service within the community, both in standard and
emergency situations. .
Proactively patrolled assigned area of responsibility to prevent and enforce crime.
Served as a Field Training Officer for new Officers.
Completed detailed casework in a timely and professional manner.
June 2006 - Police Officer- New London Police Depattment, New London, CT
July 2013
CERTIFICATIONS
Field Training Officer
e Responsible for the training, development, and evaluation of new officers of the Waterford
Police Department
POST-C Instructor
© Certified Police Instructor in Impaired Driving, Human Relations, Cultural Awareness &
Diversity, Procedural Justice, Implicit Bias, Fair & Impactial Policing, Crimes Motivated by
Bigotry or Bias, Use of Force, and Use of Less Lethal Force (Taser).
Accident Investigation Team
© Serves as a certified Accident Reconstructionist in the investigation of motor vehicle accidents
involving death or serious physical injury
Drone Pilot
© Certified FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot and Drone Program Manager.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
International Association of Chiefs of Police (ACP)
e FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. (FBINAA)
AWARDS
© Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award, 2008, 2010
Chief’s Recognition Award, 2024