ERIK JOSEPHSON
Cumberland,RI
Summary
Proven public safety executive with more than 30 years of progressive law enforcement and leadership experience, including service as Chief of Police in multiple communities. Recognized for restoring organizational stability, implementing reform, and strengthening public trust through ethical leadership, transparency, and collaboration. Experienced in managing comprehensive police operations, emergency management programs, and strategic community engagement initiatives. Skilled in organizational turnaround, accreditation readiness, fiscal stewardship, and leadership development. A trusted municipal advisor and consultant known for building sustainable, accountable, and community-focused agencies.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Director / Executive Consultant
First Step LEC LLC
01.2022 - Current
- Provide executive-level consulting and strategic guidance to municipal and law enforcement clients. Lead a team of current and retired chiefs conducting executive recruitment, process and policy review, and external investigations.
- Advise municipalities on reform strategies, recruitment and retention initiatives, and operational best practices.
- Conduct independent administrative and criminal investigations to support accountability and public confidence.
- Guide policy modernization and leadership development for sustainable agency improvement.
Chief of Police
Winchester Police Department
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Appointed through a national search to rebuild and stabilize a department facing long-term organizational challenges. (One year contract)
- Reestablished public and employee trust through transparent leadership and accountability measures.
- Implemented 30+ structural reforms, including policy modernization, command restructuring, and infrastructure updates.
- Introduced a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy, reducing turnover and enhancing morale and accountability.
- Enhanced fiscal transparency, resource optimization, and officer wellness programming.
- Positioned the agency for long-term success and future accreditation.
- Led community policing initiatives to enhance public trust and engagement.
- Implemented community-oriented policing initiatives, strengthening trust between officers and citizens.
- Championed officer wellness initiatives focusing on mental health support, physical fitness programs, and stress management strategies to promote overall well-being among personnel.
Chief of Police (Ret.)
Egremont Police Department
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Led all police operations for a rural Berkshire County community; also served as Harbormaster overseeing marine safety and enforcement.
- Modernized department operations, training, and interagency collaboration.
- Created community engagement initiatives including the Good Morning Senior Program and One Mind mental health initiative.
- Utilized social media to strengthen transparency and community partnerships.
- Received Governor’s and House of Representatives Citations for outstanding community service and program innovation.
- Led strategic planning efforts to improve departmental efficiency and resource allocation.
Sergeant – Patrol, Gang Intel. and Interdiction
St. Albans City Police Department
01.2008 - 01.2018
- Directed the city’s first Gang Intelligence and Interdiction program and supervised shift operations for patrol and dispatch.
- Led development of intelligence-driven initiatives targeting organized crime and street-level violence.
- Established the agency’s inaugural anti-graffiti and community revitalization program.
- Provided advanced field supervision and mentorship for patrol personnel.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with departmental procedures and regulations.
- Mentored junior officers, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans.
Sergeant
City of Franklin Police Department
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Supervised patrol, detective, and dispatch operations. Ensured operational readiness, report accuracy, and staff accountability.
Operations Commander / Sergeant
Lincoln Police Department
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Served as second-in-command, overseeing patrol, training, investigations, budgeting, and accreditation efforts.
- Managed internal affairs, recruitment, and community outreach programs.
- Acted as Chief in the Chief’s absence, maintaining full command authority.
- Directed operations during emergency response, ensuring effective resource allocation and team coordination.
- Developed training programs for new recruits, enhancing operational readiness and team cohesion.
- Evaluated performance metrics to identify areas for process enhancement and resource optimization in policing activities.
- Mentored junior officers on operational procedures, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the department.
Team Leader / Training Specialist
Central NH Special Operations Unit
- Trained and led a 30-member regional tactical team specializing in high-risk warrant service and critical incident response.
- Led operational planning for mission readiness and resource allocation.
- Coordinated training programs to enhance team performance and safety protocols.
- Mentored team members in advanced tactical procedures and teamwork strategies.
- Facilitated debriefing sessions to analyze mission outcomes and identify improvement areas.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
Police Officer / Gang Unit
Woonsocket Police Department
01.1992 - 01.2002
- Served as Field Training Officer and member of the Special Reaction Team for 10 years.
- Assigned to Gang Task Force to suppress gang and organized crime activity statewide.
- Earned multiple commendations, including Exceptional Duty, Distinguished Duty, and Police Merit Awards.
- Special Operation Unit-10 years
Reserve Police Officer
Woonsocket Police Department
01.1991 - 01.1992
Special Officer
Cumberland Police Department
01.1986 - 01.1991
Education
B.A. - Criminal Justice
New England College
Henniker, NHSkills
- Organizational Reform & Change Management
- Executive Leadership & Mentorship
- Community Policing & Trust Building
- Policy Development & Accreditation Preparation
- Strategic Planning & Budget Oversight
- Emergency & Incident Command (ICS/NIMS)
- Crisis Response & Critical Incident Management
- Recruitment, Retention & Wellness Initiatives
- Public Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
Affiliations
- Recipient of Governor’s Citation (Baker) and Massachusetts House of Representatives Citations (2019)
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- New England Association of Chiefs of Police
- Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association
- Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police
- Berkshire Law Enforcement Council
- Vice President, New England Chapter – East Coast Gang Investigators Association (2009–2015)
- Founder – Vermont Gang Investigators Association
- Guest Lecturer, Vermont Police Academy & multiple regional intelligence conferences
- Board member-Massachusetts Chiefs of Police committee on substance abuse
Certification
- Roger Williams University Command and Leadership Courses
- FBI-LEEDA e-Trilogy Award Recipient
- Certified Police Officer: Rhode Island, Colorado, Vermont, Massachusetts (Active through 2027)
Timeline
Managing Director / Executive Consultant
First Step LEC LLC
01.2022 - Current
Chief of Police
Winchester Police Department
01.2021 - 01.2022
Chief of Police (Ret.)
Egremont Police Department
01.2018 - 01.2019
Sergeant – Patrol, Gang Intel. and Interdiction
St. Albans City Police Department
01.2008 - 01.2018
Sergeant
City of Franklin Police Department
01.2006 - 01.2007
Operations Commander / Sergeant
Lincoln Police Department
01.2002 - 01.2004
Police Officer / Gang Unit
Woonsocket Police Department
01.1992 - 01.2002
Reserve Police Officer
Woonsocket Police Department
01.1991 - 01.1992
Special Officer
Cumberland Police Department
01.1986 - 01.1991
Team Leader / Training Specialist
Central NH Special Operations Unit
B.A. - Criminal Justice
New England College
AWARDS
Recipient of Governor’s Citation (Baker) and Massachusetts House of Representatives Citations (2019) as Chief of Police for my dedication to my community and creative outreach programs.
Exceptional Duty Award – Officer-Involved Shooting (1997), Unit Commendation-Officer Involved Shooting with an armed adversary., Distinguished Duty Award, Letter of Merit-Special reaction Team, Grim Reaper Award-Weed and Seed Drug raids, Unit Commendations – Special Reaction Team, Distinguished Duty & Police Merit Awards, Governor’s Citation & House Citation – Egremont, MA (2019)
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Advanced Executive & Command Training:
- Ethics in Leadership and Decision Making
- Strategic Communications
- Policy Development for Law Enforcement
- Planning for Change in Policing
- Four Levels of Leadership
- Supervisor Liability and Advanced Liability Programs