Stratford Begins Nationwide Search for New Police Chief

The Town of Stratford is gearing up for a big leadership change in its police department. Longtime Chief Joseph McNeil is stepping down, and Deputy Chief Paul DosSantos will lead the force on an interim basis.

Outgoing Mayor Laura Hoydick and Mayor-elect David Chess reached an agreement. DosSantos will serve as acting chief through May 31 while the town starts a national search for a permanent replacement.

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Leadership Change at Stratford Police Department

This shift in Stratford’s police leadership comes as the town government faces broader political changes. Residents in Stratford and nearby places like Bridgeport, Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, and New Haven are watching closely.

They’re curious about how this transition will play out, since it could shape policing priorities for years. Chief Joseph McNeil, who led the department for nearly a decade, submitted a sudden resignation.

Deputy Chief Paul DosSantos was then appointed acting chief. The move aims to keep things steady within the department.

McNeil’s Tenure and Sudden Resignation

McNeil’s career path is well-known in Connecticut law enforcement, from Hartford to Stamford and beyond. He served as deputy chief before former Mayor John Harkins promoted him to chief in 2016.

He continued in that role throughout Mayor Hoydick’s time in office. Nobody has given a public reason for McNeil’s abrupt departure, which has definitely raised some eyebrows in Stratford and neighboring towns like Fairfield and West Haven.

While details haven’t come out, Hoydick praised McNeil’s years of service and steady leadership. The lack of explanation has left people with questions, but officials have kept things pretty quiet.

Deputy Chief DosSantos Steps In

Deputy Chief Paul DosSantos, a department veteran, now finds himself steering the agency through this transition. Local officials say his temporary appointment should reassure both officers and residents.

Hoydick and Mayor-elect Chess agreed that DosSantos will serve as acting chief through May 31. This gives the new administration a window to search for a permanent replacement.

A “Stabilizing Force” During Transition

Hoydick described DosSantos as a stabilizing force for the department, highlighting his experience and knowledge of Stratford’s needs. That kind of reassurance matters to residents and to officers adjusting to a new chief and a new mayor.

Mayor-elect Chess isn’t required to keep DosSantos as chief after May. Still, by signing onto the interim arrangement, both mayors show they want to keep things steady and avoid extra turmoil in the department.

Mayor-elect Chess and the National Search for a Chief

The timing of this police leadership change lines up with a political handoff in Town Hall. Democrat David Chess, who defeated Republican Hoydick in November, takes office on December 8.

It’s a fresh start for Stratford’s government. Like towns such as Norwalk, Danbury, and Waterbury have seen, new administrations often reassess public safety leadership, and Chess seems to be following that trend.

Working with the Police Executive Research Forum

Chess confirmed plans to hire the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a respected consulting group, to lead a broad search for Stratford’s next police chief. The idea is to bring in outside expertise and attract plenty of qualified candidates.

By working with PERF, Stratford is looking beyond its own borders—from coastal towns like New London to cities like Hartford—to find the right fit. More towns are going this route, hoping to find chiefs with experience in community policing, modern training, and data-driven crime reduction.

Making Stratford a “Destination” Department

Chess has said he wants the Stratford Police Department to be a real destination for officers, not just a stop along the way. That’s a big deal right now, since departments across Connecticut—from Stamford to New Britain—are all competing for the same pool of recruits and experienced officers.

To make that happen, the next chief will need to focus on officer recruitment, retention, and morale. Building strong relationships with the community and regional partners will also be key.

Union Support and Political Dynamics

In a twist, the Stratford police union endorsed Chess during the mayoral election. That support gives the mayor-elect some credibility and goodwill with the rank-and-file as he starts the national search and weighs long-term leadership options.

At the same time, the union’s backing shows just how connected policing and politics are in local government. Any future chief will have to juggle the expectations of Town Hall, the officers on the street, and residents across Stratford’s neighborhoods.

What’s Next for Stratford Residents

So, what happens next? DosSantos will steer the department through late spring.

Meanwhile, Chess and PERF are working behind the scenes to find candidates for the permanent job. As finalists pop up, expect some public chatter and probably a bit of scrutiny, too.

For folks in Stratford—and honestly, across Connecticut from Milford and West Haven to Bridgeport and Fairfield—the results of this search matter. It’ll shape how the community experiences public safety and where Stratford fits in the bigger law enforcement picture around here.

Here is the source article for this story: Stratford to conduct a national search for new police chief

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