Littleton Select Board appoints Lieutenant Doug Landry as police chief

The Littleton Select Board voted unanimously to appoint Lieutenant Doug Landry as the town’s next police chief, the board announced at an abbreviated meeting where members described an internal selection process and assessment center that evaluated four candidates from the Littleton Police Department.

Landry, introduced to the community at the meeting, outlined his experience and goals for the department. He told the board he holds two bachelor’s degrees from Westfield State (criminal justice and psychology), served several years with the Nantucket Police Department early in his career, rose through Littleton ranks from patrol officer to lieutenant, spent seven years on a regional SWAT team and completed a master’s degree in public administration. He also said he is enrolled in a municipal leadership program at Suffolk University this fall.

“It is to lead an organization officers are proud to work for and a department the town is proud of,” Landry said of his five-year vision, adding that he wants officers and residents to have stronger personal relationships built on “trust, respect” and regular engagement. He outlined near-term steps including chief office hours, town halls, more visible patrols and open communication with the select board to improve transparency.

Board members described the hiring process as internal and highly structured: an outside contractor conducted an assessment center at the senior center, the select board reviewed assessment data, conducted individual interviews and met in executive session before choosing a finalist. The board said the process began with posting the appointment in May and attracted four internal applicants.

The board moved to appoint Landry pending contract negotiations; the motion was made by Mark (select board member) and seconded by Chuck (select board member). The board affirmed the appointment by unanimous voice vote.

The meeting also included thanks to Chief Patterson. Board members said Chief Jeff Patterson will retire Sept. 1 and thanked him for his years of service.

Landry said recruitment and retention will be priorities as the department implements a staffing plan over the next five years; he described plans to recruit experienced officers and academy graduates, expand promotion opportunities, and use community-policing programs to strengthen ties between officers and residents.

The board and Landry closed the meeting with photographs; the appointment remains subject to successful contract negotiations and a later formal swearing-in or public ceremony.