Search for police chief underway
The search for Boynton Beach’s next police chief has officially begun.
The position was posted Feb. 13 on the Strategic Government Resources website. Those interested have until April 2 to apply, according to the post.
The new chief will lead 155 officers and 53 non-sworn employees, and oversee a $30.4 million budget. The salary range is from $99,662 to $149,494.
The posting says Boynton’s median household income is $47,943 and the median home price is $235,000.
Boynton’s top cop position has been open since December, when Jeffrey
Katz retired. He worked for the city for about 20 years and spent four as chief. Katz moved to Virginia and leads the Chesterfield County Police Department.
City Manager Lori LaVerriere chose Kelly Harris, previously an assistant chief, to serve as interim chief. LaVerriere will choose Katz’s permanent replacement.
In a nine-page pamphlet, the city highlighted the importance the police department has in community relations, from quarterly town hall meetings to school mentoring programs to teen and citizen police academies.
The new chief will be tasked with overseeing construction of a new police station, which is expected to be built within five years at Gateway Boulevard and High Ridge Road.
The chief also will have to implement a new records management system, partner with the Boynton Beach Coalition of Clergy and develop “collaborative and innovative solutions” to address drug and crime problems.