Jun. 2—WEST SIDE — The West Side Regional Police Commission is seeking applications from qualified candidates to serve as Chief of Police — a managerial position responsible for overseeing the newly formed department.
According to an online job posting, an application for the position is good for 30 days from submission and will close on Sunday, June 29.
The job posting states: “The selected candidate will be entrusted with policy formulation and implementation, ensuring clear operational and management procedures that align with best practices in regional policing.”
At this point, the boroughs of Edwardsville and Larksville will be involved in the new regional department. The target date for implementation of the regional force is Jan. 1, 2026.
Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Township, said he has been involved with the proposed consolidation of police departments on the West Side since it was first discussed.
“These kinds of initiatives are never easy, and historically, politics get in the way of success,” Ryncavage said. “For decades, the discussion of police regionalization on the West Side has come and gone. Hearing of all the times it couldn’t happen in the past, and to now be part of the team that’s finally getting it done, is exactly what fuels me. It’s why I do this job.”
Ryncavage said that over the past three years, Edwardsville and Larksville have worked tirelessly, often overcoming differences, all for the betterment of the community.
“Simply put, none of this would have been possible without the leadership in both boroughs,” Ryncavage said. “The managers, secretaries, councils, mayors and especially the current and former officers and chiefs, have stepped up and committed to something bigger than themselves.”
Ryncavage said with the formation of the West Side Regional Police Department, residents will see a transformational shift in the quality of policing.
“Edwardsville and Larksville police have already been serving both communities,” Ryncavage said. “No longer will they be competing for the same resources, talent or equipment. This isn’t just about merging departments, it’s about building a smarter, stronger and more efficient force that can better serve our communities.”
Ryncavage said residents will see expanded coverage across both boroughs, response times will improve dramatically and resources will be pooled.
“Most importantly, this unified department allows our officers to focus on proactive policing,” Ryncavage said. “Building relationships, deterring crime and protecting the neighborhoods we call home. It’s a new standard for public safety on the West Side. It’s the first step of many I am taking to revitalizing our communities.”
According to the job posting, the salary range for the Chief of the regional department would be $95,000 to $110,000.
The job posting
The posting states:
“They will exercise budgetary authority, managing financial resources to support department efficiency while supervising personnel, overseeing hiring, disciplinary actions, and promotions.
“The Chief of Police will maintain operational control, directing daily department activities and establishing a well-defined chain of command. Additionally, they will be responsible for independent decision-making, ensuring strategic enforcement efforts that best serve Edwardsville Borough and Larksville Borough in Luzerne County.
“This position reports directly to the Police Commission. The ideal candidate must demonstrate exceptional leadership, communication, and administrative capabilities, with a strong background in planning and budgeting. Experience in regional policing is strongly preferred.”
—The posting also includes the following information:
“Located near the Luzerne County seat of Wilkes-Barre. Edwardsville and Larksville Boroughs have a combined population of 9,319 and land area of 5.97 square miles.
“Of this, 3.54 square miles are considered urbanized by the US Census.
“According to the 2021 UCR, there were a combined 103 Part 1 Crimes and 447 Part 2 Crimes in the two boroughs.
“Currently both municipalities spend approximately $1.8 million on police services annually, fielding a combined 15 full time officers and fleet of 10 police vehicles.”
—Requirements/minimum qualifications:
The candidate must be able to pass medical and psychological testing as well as a criminal background check. Candidates with a felony conviction, crimes of moral turpitude, or domestic violence charges will not be considered.
— U.S. citizenship
— Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania driver’s license
— Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or equivalent experience.
— 10 years minimum with 5 years of progressive supervisory experience in law enforcement
— The selected candidate must establish residency within a 30-mile radius of the boroughs within six months of hire.
—Required knowledge, abilities and skills:
— Considerable knowledge regarding law enforcement agency management, community policing strategies, and long term department planning including budget and grant preparations.
— Extensive knowledge of criminal law, traffic regulations, municipal ordinances, federal statutes, and associated court procedures.
— Considerable knowledge of federal, state and county law enforcement agencies and their relationship to local law enforcement.
— Strong management and leadership ability and experience, including preparation and implementation of patrol and investigative scheduling, policies and procedures.
— Ability to work with other Department heads.
— Ability to provide fair and even discipline standards.
— Ability to make operation and support decisions under routine and emergency situations.
— Ability to write reports, communicate and make effective executive presentations.
— Knowledge of state and federal municipal, labor and pension laws, and related laws and regulations regarding personnel matters
— Knowledge of computer capabilities and records management systems.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.