Honolulu, HI -- Chief of Police

News Release from Public Sector Search & Consulting, Feb, 2026

The City and County of Honolulu is conducting a national search for a principled, reform-oriented law enforcement executive to serve as the next Chief of Police.  Honolulu desires a Chief who will lead meaningful cultural and organizational reform, strengthen public trust, and stabilize a workforce facing sustained staffing challenges.

To candidates: Honolulu seeks a forward-thinking leader capable of modernizing operations and advancing a fully integrated, community-centered policing model.

As the 20th largest municipal police department in the United States, HPD has a $390.47 million budget that supports 1,710 sworn and 408 civilian personnel who provide police services and operates through the Office of the Chief and six bureaus led by Assistant Chiefs.

This position offers a rare opportunity to strengthen organizational culture, modernize service delivery, and reinforce public confidence in one of the nation’s most visible and distinctive law enforcement agencies.

Key priorities include:

• Advance a proactive, data-driven, research-informed community policing model.
• Establish clear performance expectations and long-term strategic direction.
• Implement innovative recruitment and retention strategies while leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.
• Strengthen workforce wellness to promote resilience and stability.
• Provide steady, transparent leadership within a complex governance and labor environment.

The Honolulu Police Commission (HPC) serves as the independent civilian oversight body for HPD and appoints the Chief of Police. The Chief serves a five-year term at the pleasure of the Commission, which retains authority to reappoint, suspend, or remove the Chief, subject to due process.

Qualifications

• United States citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Minimum of five years of law enforcement experience, including at least three years in a responsible administrative capacity.

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications. HPD offers a comprehensive benefits package. Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. is assisting the Honolulu Police Commission with this recruitment.

Interested candidates should submit materials to apply@publicsectorsearch.com.

Confidential inquiries are encouraged and may be directed to:

Mr. Gary Peterson
President/CEO (Chief of Police, Ret.)
(916) 789-9990 (office) | (916) 622-5323 (mobile)
gary@publicsectorsearch.com

PDF: Honolulu-Police-Brochure.pdf

KHON: Apply now: Honolulu Police Chief job officially posted