The Town of Forest Heights, Maryland, is seeking a proven and visionary law enforcement leader to serve as its next Chief of Police. As a key member of the Town’s leadership team, the Chief of Police plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and in fostering trust and collaboration between the police department and the diverse community it serves.

This position requires a candidate who is passionate about advancing community policing principles, committed to transparency and accountability, and focused on developing innovative strategies to address crime while promoting public trust. The successful candidate will be a relationship builder, experienced in leading modern policing practices, and capable of developing an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing workplace culture.

This position is accountable to the mayor and council.

Title: Chief of Police

Department: Police Department

Location: Town of Forest Heights, Maryland

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications | $97,000 – $105,000

The Chief of Police is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and operation of the Town of Forest Heights Police Department. This includes administration, policy development, personnel supervision, community engagement, and ensuring compliance with state and federal law enforcement standards. The Chief must be a forward-thinking public safety professional committed to fostering public trust, departmental accountability, and operational excellence.

• Oversee daily police operations, including patrol, investigations, training, and community outreach.
• Ensure departmental compliance with Maryland Police and Training Standards Commission (MPTSC) regulations, COMAR, and all applicable laws.
• Evaluate current operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement best practices.
• Lead the modernization of the department’s General Orders, Standard Operating Procedures, and position the department for CALEA certification.
• Serve as the department’s primary representative to the community, media, and elected officials.
• Build collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, and regional law enforcement partners.
• Foster a professional, inclusive, and community-oriented policing culture.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate department staff; lead performance improvement efforts.
• Monitor crime data and develop crime reduction strategies based on analytics and community input.
• Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget with attention to fiscal responsibility.
• Stay abreast of trends in law enforcement technology, policy, and procedures.
• Provide clear, effective communication—both written and verbal—across all levels of government and public interactions.
• Present monthly reports to the Mayor and Council at Town meetings.

• In-depth knowledge of law enforcement practices, community policing, and crime prevention.
• Expertise in Maryland-specific policing standards, MPTSC, and COMAR regulations.
• Understanding of municipal government operations, personnel management, and budgeting.
• Familiarity with evidence-based policing strategies, investigations, and criminal law.
• Proficiency in using police technology, records management systems, and firearms.
• Ability to lead change, resolve conflict, and manage diverse teams.

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required.
• A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior-level police management experience.
• Proven record in strategic planning, community engagement, budgeting, investigations, training, and crime prevention.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified by the Maryland Police and Training Standards Commission (MPTSC) or eligible to obtain certification within a reasonable time.
• Completion of executive-level law enforcement training (e.g., FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, or similar) is highly desirable, or the ability to enroll such certification within 24 months of employment.

Interested candidates should email a PDF resume and cover letter to Clate D. Jackson, MPA, JM, the Chief Administrative Officer at: cjackson@forestheightsmd.gov

The Town of Forest Heights is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.