Jones Becomes Permanent Plaistow Police Chief

Police Chief Kathleen A. Jones dispenses candy at Toddler Trick or Treat.

Police Chief Kathleen A. Jones dispenses candy at Toddler Trick or Treat.

Kathleen A. Jones, a law enforcement professional with more than 28 years of on-the-job experience as a Plaistow, N.H. police officer, and deputy chief, is the town’s new police chief.

Jones was chosen from among three finalists interviewed last week by the Plaistow Board of Selectmen. A three-month search process for a successor to the late Plaistow Police Chief Stephen Savage included more than 30 applicants from across the country, officials said.

Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald said Jones was a consensus builder who was adept at implementing new programs and technology, focused on open communication and engagement with citizens and improved the operational efficiency of the department.

“I believe that we have found in Kathy, Something we have always known, a Police Chief that not only has the professional experience, but the personal attributes, demeanor, and community commitments that will make her an excellent fit for this very important position in Plaistow,” Fitzgerald said.

“The Selection process that we developed was very important in helping to sort through over 30 applications from all across the United States,” Fitzgerald said. “In the end, we had a number of highly experienced and qualified candidates. Of the candidates, six were picked to attend an interview in which a number of community leaders from Plaistow evaluated each of the six semifinalist candidates. Plaistow’s Board of Selectman interviewed three of the finalist last Monday, Nov. 17.

“Kathy was clearly the best candidate for the job. I felt that the job of police chief was important enough to devote as much attention as we could to best assure us that the new chief would be a good fit for Plaistow,” said Selectman John Sherman who served on the Police Chief Screening committee.

“After everything I have seen during these last three months, I feel very confident that Kathy Jones will be a great police chief in Plaistow,” said Selectman Dan Poliquin, chairman of Plaistow’s Board of Selectmen.

“As a retired police officer, I am thrilled that Kathy will be our new Police Chief— I know that community policing strategies will be a hallmark of her leadership,” said Plaistow Selectman Steve Ranlett.

Jones said she is excited to become Plaistow’s next Chief of Police.

“I have an amazing group of officers and staff at the Plaistow Police Department, many of whom I have worked with for several years. I am looking forward to working as a team to build upon the solid foundation that has been established by the late Chief Savage. I am also looking forward to working with the residents, the business community, and other town departments in this new capacity. I have always been a strong advocate of community policing and I want the department, as a whole, to provide services that will enhance the quality of life for Plaistow’s citizens, as we continue to make Plaistow a great place to live, work, and play,” Jones said.

Jones will be sworn in at 6:45 p.m, Monday, Dec. 8 at Plaistow Town Hall. The swearing in ceremony will take place as part of a Plaistow Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

While the town of Plaistow’s web site reflects Jones’ promotion to police chief, there is no word at this time whether a search will be conducted for the newly-vacant deputy police chief position in Plaistow.