Town launches search for next police chief

The town of Canton has launched the search process to choose its next chief of police. With the retirement of Police Chief Helena Rafferty, the town has developed a comprehensive plan to identify and select a candidate who embodies Canton’s values and meets the needs of the community. The Canton Select Board is looking for a police chief who understands Canton and embraces our values through a demonstrated commitment to transparency and community involvement.

To ensure the process is transparent and reflective of public input, the town will host an in-person Community Listening Session to obtain feedback and input from residents and stakeholders regarding their priorities, concerns, and desired qualifications and characteristics for the next chief. The forum will take place on Wednesday, September 17, from 7-9 p.m. in the Canton High School auditorium.

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

This listening session is an opportunity for community members to voice their goals, concerns, and expectations of 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 and The Canton Public Library. The town aims to capture input from a broad spectrum of community stakeholders to better inform the Canton Select Board as they search for the next Police Chief. Through these community engagement opportunities and a rigorous assessment process, the Select Board is confident that they 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.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Sep 12 2025. Filed under News, Police & Fire, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.