Description
A national search is underway to attract a highly qualified, community-focused, and reform-minded police executive to lead the Buffalo Police Department (BPD). Located along the eastern shore of Lake Erie and minutes from Niagara Falls, Buffalo is one of New York State’s most dynamic and diverse urban centers, home to approximately 277,000 residents. The next Police Commissioner will oversee a major metropolitan agency with an authorized strength of 812 sworn officers and more than 250 civilian professional staff. The selected leader will be responsible for modernizing the department, strengthening community trust, and building on the City’s ongoing progress in public safety reform. The Commissioner will be expected to sustain this momentum while guiding operational improvements, strategic planning, and workforce development. The successful candidate will champion data-informed policing, community engagement, and a culture rooted in integrity, service, accountability, and continuous improvement. The ideal is approachable, visible in the community, and genuinely committed to fostering trust across Buffalo’s diverse neighborhoods. They will be a skilled communicator who leads by example, inspires confidence through clarity and fairness, and builds strong internal systems that support sustained excellence.
Requirements
Candidates with a combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. A typical career profile includes at least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, with a minimum of ten (10) years in senior command or executive-level positions within a comparably sized urban police agency. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required; a master’s degree is preferred. Completion of advanced executive leadership programs—such as the FBI National Academy, FBI-NEI, or PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) is highly desirable. Candidates must possess, or be able to obtain, New York State police certification within a reasonable period following appointment.
This at-will executive position offers a competitive salary range of $225,000 to $250,000, with placement dependent on qualifications. The role also includes a comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates should submit a compelling cover letter, a detailed résumé, and a list of professional references to apply@publicsectorsearch.com. The brochure can be viewed here.
Inquiries about the position and selection process are encouraged and should be directed to:
Mr. Gary Peterson, President/CEO (Chief of Police, ret.)
Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc.
gary@publicsectorsearch.com
(916) 622-5323 (mobile)
(916) 789-9990 (office)
