Bristol Township plans to change things up and hire a public safety director to oversee the police department.
The township announced the opening on Thursday morning in a posting online.
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According to a job posting:
Reporting directly to the Township Manager, the new Public Safety Director will manage an annual operating budget of $14 million with 76 full-time equivalent positions, 61 of which are sworn personnel. The Bristol Township Police Department is in the process of becoming nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
By the wording of the posting, the public safety director would oversee only the police department, which is currently run by Acting Chief of Police John Godzieba.
The job listing says the “candidate must have a strong commitment to data-driven policing and using current strategies, systems, and technologies to optimize the delivery of police services and programs to the community.” It goes on to say the applicant must be “willing to maintain a visible profile in the community” and a ” verifiable track record of unimpeachable ethics and integrity.”
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In Lower Bucks County, the only community to have a public safety director is Bensalem. Its police department is overseen by Fred Harran.
The township posted the position salary would be “low to mid-100’s DOQ with excellent benefit package.”
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Bristol Township Police Benevolent Association President Tim Fuhrmann told LevittownNow.com the hiring announcement was “interesting.” He also called into question whether the community’s status as a First Class Township would allow it to hire a public safety director and not have a sworn police chief or superintendent.
“Township officials frequently forget that Bristol Township is a First Class Township, and not a Second Class Township, which has a separate set of rules in place for the administration of Township business,” Furhmann said.
Township Manager Bill McCauley was not available as of press time to comment as to whether a police chief would remain along with the new public safety director position.
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Bristol Township officials recently told LevittownNow.com the township would be adding four patrol officers to its force.
Currently, Bristol Township has about $81 million in unfunded liabilities. The township manager told LevittownNow.com in July that since the department won its contract arbitration case with the township,which included across the board raises and no health insurance contributions, the township didn’t have the money to hire more cops. McCauley has blamed much of the unfunded debt on employee costs.
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Bristol Township has been without a council-appointed, full-time police chief since Jame McAndrew went on medical leave last year. McAndrew officially retired early this summer.
How to Apply:
The position will remain open until filled. The first review of applicants will be completed by September 30, 2014. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please submit cover letter and resume with current salary electronically to tscott@bristoltownship,org. A completed Township employment application will be required for consideration after the initial screening.
