NORTHAMPTON — Police Chief Jody Kasper is one of three finalists to become the top law enforcement official in Nantucket, the popular summer destination island off Cape Cod.
A fixture in the Northampton Police Department for 25 years, Kasper rose through the ranks from patrol officer in 1998 to detective, sergeant, lieutenant, detective lieutenant and captain before being the city’s first female police chief in 2015.
Kasper said that serving in Northampton has been an honor and privilege, and that she was proud of the department’s accomplishments during her career.
“I am lucky to work with such dedicated and professional people who are committed to providing exceptional service to our community,” Kasper said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing my work in public safety and public service in a career that I love.”
She is a finalist in Nantucket along with Richard Flynn, a captain with the Arlington Police Department, and Mark Newport, police chief in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Nantucket is searching for a new chief in preparation for the retirement of its current police chief, William Pittman.
During Kasper’s tenure as chief, she has overseen numerous challenges to the department, including staffing shortages, the opioid crisis and ongoing debates over policing, heightened after the George Floyd protests that occurred in 2020.
Kasper was born and raised in western Massachusetts, attending Mohawk Trail Regional High School, Greenfield Community College, and Westfield State University.
Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra expressed her desire that Kasper would stay in the city.
“As much as we hope she stays, it’s no surprise that places like Nantucket would value her leadership,” the mayor said in a statement. “We’re proud of her and I hope Northampton remains her first choice to continue her distinguished career of service.”
According to the town of Nantucket’s website, more than 40 candidates applied for the job, and a search group formed to hire a new chief met Monday with each of the three finalists. The town expects to announce a new hire by the end of this month.
To qualify for the Nantucket position, candidates must have more than 10 years of experience in law enforcement and at least five years at a command or supervisory level, have a minimum rank of lieutenant, and hold a master’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field.
“Candidates are evaluated based on their communication skills, decision-making, ethical judgment, and their plans for managing and improving the police department,” the town’s website states. “These interviews provide insights into a candidate’s suitability for the role and their alignment with the values and goals of the Police Department and Town.”
Once selected, the new Nantucket police chief is expected to start sometime in mid- to late-November, according to the town’s website. Housing for the new hire has also been secured in order to accelerate the hiring process.
Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.
