Rafael Medina
Chief of Police @Wethersfield Police Department
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WORK HISTORY
Chief of Police @Wethersfield Police Department
Wethersfield, CT, US
Lead department-wide operations for the Town of Wethersfield, directing four divisions (patrol, detectives, support services, administration) and a workforce of 1 Deputy Chief, 4 Lieutenants, 7 Sergeants, 37 Officers, 23 crossing guards, and 15 civilian staff• Set strategy, priorities, and performance expectations across policing, investigations, training, planning/research, and communications; align resources and workflows to meet service demands and community expectations• Manage a $13M operating budget, strengthening spending controls across payroll/benefits, capital projects, IT services, and facilities to maintain readiness and fiscal accountability• Oversee HR and labor relations, including performance reviews, continuing education, mentoring, and contract compliance; manage union relationships and address issues proactively• Develop and maintain emergency response and contingency plans for businesses, schools, and public venues; implement ongoing training to strengthen preparedness and response• Build partnerships with adjoining agencies and community stakeholders (municipal leadership, fire/EMS, schools, and businesses) to coordinate community safety programs and ensure effective collaboration• Ensure operational compliance and sustain CALEA accreditation; monitor conduct and reinforce adherence to department policies and procedures
EDUCATION
Saint Leo University
Doctor of Criminal Justice, Homeland Security
Central Connecticut State University
Master of Science (MS), Criminal Justice | Law Enforcement Administration
University of Saint Joseph
Graduate Certificate, Homeland Security Management
University of Louisville
Graduate Certificate, Police Executive Leadership Development
Sacred Heart University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Criminal Justice | Police Science
ABOUT RAFAEL MEDINA
Police executive with nearly 30 years of progressive leadership across municipal and state agencies, currently serving as Chief of Police. Provides strategic and operational direction for a 65+ person organization across patrol, investigations, professional standards, and administrative services, with accountability for staffing, performance management, case oversight, SOP compliance, emergency preparedness, and public communications. Advises elected and appointed officials, community stakeholders, and interagency partners; strengthens governance through labor relations, policy development, and CALEA accreditation; and delivers scalable public-safety strategies for jurisdictions serving to residents, major events, and high-risk venues. Oversees complex budget portfolios ($13M as Chief of Police;$45M as Assistant Chief), including planning, forecasting, cost controls, and capital investment to enhance readiness, infrastructure, and equipment. ICS-300/400 qualified; executive training completed through SPI 145th Administrative Officer Course, FBI-LEEDA, and DHS programs. Holds an M.S. in Criminal Justice; recipient of multiple commendations and awards.SELECTED LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT —Program Advisor, New Haven Transformative Leadership Program (2026–2027)—CCSU Criminology & Criminal Justice Executive Police Fellowship (2022–2024) SELECTED CAREER HIGHLIGHTS —Executive budget stewardship across complex operating environments, directing multi-million-dollar operating portfolios supporting staffing, capital needs, and operational readiness —Organization-wide leadership for agencies up to 435 members; strengthened workforce planning and recruiting, including initiatives that hired up to 100 officers to offset attrition —High-stakes command and investigative governance spanning CALEA compliance, critical-incident readiness, major event security, and statewide Amber Alert/child abduction response coordination AREAS OF EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Strategic & operational leadership | Budgeting, forecasting & cost control | Workforce planning, recruiting & succession | Labor relations & performance management | Policy/SOP governance & compliance (CALEA)| Risk management & critical incident command | Interagency partnerships & stakeholder relations | Public information & crisis communications | Training strategy & organizational development | Community safety programs
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