Description
Upper Makefield Township, an outstanding community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is accepting applications from well qualified individuals for the position of Chief of Police of the Upper Makefield Township Police Department.
The Chief of Police provides leadership for this full-service Department with a complement of 18 sworn officers and one civilian employee. The Department has been accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission since 2021.
Upper Makefield has a long-standing commitment to providing substantial financial support for the Police Department including training and professional development of its personnel.
The Township is a historic, exurban, progressive municipality of 21 square miles along the Delaware River about 35 miles north of Philadelphia with a population around 8,900.
The Department has an annual budget of approximately $3.1-million. Additional information about Upper Makefield Township and the Police Department, including the job description for the position of Chief of Police, may be found at https://uppermakefield.org.
Upper Makefield is seeking a Chief of Police who can be a positive role model and provide solid leadership to the Department’s personnel, being responsive and involved in the community, and instilling public trust and confidence in the agency.
Upper Makefield’s Chief of Police must have the ability to develop, inspire, motivate, mentor, and challenge the Department’s personnel to achieve their highest level of job performance and professional development. The Chief also has to have the ability to foster and maintain a high level of professional and ethical conduct and public service among members of the Department. The Chief of Police is appointed by the Township’s Board of Supervisors (its governing body) and reports directly to the Township Manager.
Upper Makefield Township offers an exceptional quality of life in one of the most desirable counties in the United States with a highly ranked school system. 40 per cent of the Township’s area is in permanent conservation.
Starting annual salary is $160,000 depending on qualifications and experience, plus generous benefits.
The current Chief of Police is retiring after a 46-year career with the Department with nearly 30 of those years as Chief.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume in pdf format to Sheldon Cohen, Principal Consultant at Resource Management Associates, at shelcons@aol.com with the subject line of UMT Chief of Police Application. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The selection process will include personal interviews and an assessment center for selected applicants. Finalists for this position will be subject to a background investigation, psychological exam, pre-employment drug-screen and medical examination. Candidates must meet all Pennsylvania statutory and regulatory requirements for a Chief of Police within six months of hire.
Upper Makefield Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requirements
Applicants for this position should possess a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible law-enforcement experience and hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Please have significant knowledge of contemporary policing; the ability to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with Township officials, other staff and stakeholders, political leaders, other law-enforcement agencies, and community representatives.
Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills; a strong commitment to diversity and quality-based police service; and be dedicated to supporting and enhancing the Department and the outstanding service it provides to the community.
