STAMFORD, Conn. — Mayor David Martin announced today his appointment of Timothy J. Shaw as Stamford’s next Police Chief. Chief Shaw is a former Stamford Police Officer who rose through the ranks from Officer to Assistant Chief over a 28-year career in the department. Since leaving Stamford’s Police Department as an Assistant Chief in 2015, Shaw has served as Police Chief for Easton, Connecticut.

“I am very proud to invite Chief Shaw back to our City as Stamford’s next Police Chief,” said Mayor David Martin. “My priorities for selecting this position were to pick a candidate who could build off of the accomplishments of Police Chief Jonathan Fontneau, but also bring new ideas to the department and modernize our police force. I believe Shaw’s experience in Easton has given him vital experience coordinating with the state, and provided him ideas on how to improve our department. I look forward to his return to Stamford.”

Mayor Martin appointed Chief Shaw after considering several candidates for a number of months. This process was guided by feedback from leadership in Stamford’s Board of Representatives who were updated about the status of the police chief search. This in-depth process showed Chief Shaw was the best qualified candidate for Stamford’s next Police Chief.

As Assistant Chief for Stamford’s Police Department, Shaw managed over 150 sworn and civilian officers, recommended budget and personnel decisions, and initiated a multicultural coalition between officers and community groups to build trust and transparency with Stamford’s residents. Shaw oversaw the entire Investigation Division of Stamford’s Police Department, including the Crime Scene Investigations, Narcotics, Property and White-Collar, Internal Affairs, Youth, School Resource Officer Program, and Task Force Officers. He also oversaw administrative personnel assigned to 911 Communications, Animal Control, Records, Fleet Management, Budget, Headquarters, and Jail.

“I am honored to be selected as Police Chief for the Stamford Police Department and excited to have the opportunity to be back working with residents and the dedicated brave men and women in the department.,” said Police Chief Timothy Shaw. “Being a Police Chief for another community provided has given me a broader experience and invaluable experience to lead the Stamford Police Department. I plan on utilizing a family and community-oriented style and collaborating with city agencies to help those in need. I look forward to leading this department into the future and maintaining Stamford Police Department’s reputation as the premiere law enforcement agency in the state.”

As Police Chief for Easton, Connecticut, Shaw had the opportunity to coordinate on state initiatives and communicate with other departments more frequently. Shaw served as the Chairman for Connecticut Police Chiefs Association’s Opiate Response Team, providing him the opportunity to gain more knowledge about a nationwide epidemic that's affecting Connecticut communities. As Chairman, Shaw authored curriculum for 8^th grade students about the dangers of opiates, and coordinated with other communities to combat the issue on the state level.

 “Chief Shaw has the unique experience of serving 28 years with the Stamford Police Department coupled with the perspective gained serving as Police Chief in another agency,” said Director of Public Safety Ted Jankowski. “He is an insider with a fresh perspective gained from being an outsider for the past five years. He is a progressive leader with excellent qualifications who believes in the pillars of 21st Century Policing and the importance of community and family policing. He will bring about positive change with new ideas and innovation. With the support of the brave men and women of the Stamford Police Department, I am confident he will be an excellent Police Chief and an asset to the City for years to come.”

“Chief Shaw is a person of honor and integrity who will do a tremendous job in leading the Stamford Police Department,” said Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo. “He is a problem solver, and collaborator who puts people at ease. You cannot ask for more than that from a leader.”

Chief Shaw has first-hand experience advocating for his community’s needs to securing additional funding for his department. As Easton’s Police Chief, Shaw testified for the state’s Public Safety Commission to change language regarding a dash camera grant. This testimony was vital to changing a law’s text, which provided Easton 100 percent reimbursement for new dash cameras.

Police Chief Shaw has been recognized multiple times for his work in Easton, including:

• Recognized as one of the “First 100 Plus Leaders” by the State’s Coalition against domestic violence.
• Awarded in 2019 by the Connecticut State Police for leading the response to a double murder investigation, resulting in the arrest and conviction of the culprit and accomplice.
• Received Distinguished Chief’s award from the Connecticut Police Commissioners in 2018.
• Nominated in 2019 to serve on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association.

Chief Shaw’s career in law enforcement began in 1988 as a police officer for Stamford’s Police Department. Shaw began in patrol and quickly became an investigator for the Statewide Narcotics Task Force in 1990 where he worked as an undercover officer within Fairfield County to infiltrate organizations in coordination with local, state, and federal partners. As a direct result of Shaw’s undercover work, numerous narcotics, firearms, and monies were seized from illegal operations. Shaw’s expertise for narcotics investigations continued throughout the rest of his career. He later served as Sergeant and Lieutenant within the Narcotics Division prior to becoming Assistant Chief.

Police Chief Shaw has also shown his willingness to tackle difficult challenges as he gains more responsibility. As a Patrol Lieutenant in 2005, Shaw led a newly-formed unit for addressing high crime rates during peak hours (7 p.m. to 3 a.m.). In this position, he developed a comprehensive strategic plan to respond to crime “hot spots” throughout Stamford that continues to be used to this day. While developing this plan, Shaw met with community members for feedback on implementation and effect of this initiative. Shaw later served as Patrol Lieutenant responsible for patrol duties of the Eastside District in Stamford, often considered the most challenging district in the City of Stamford at that time.

In 2008, Police Chief Shaw took on more managerial duties as he supervised over 30 investigators within the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. In this position he was tasked with investigating all homicides that happen within Stamford. Following this position, Shaw served as Lieutenant Commander for the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit where he worked with federal organizations including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and the US Marshall’s Office.

The Mayor’s nomination of Police Chief Shaw must be confirmed by Stamford’s Board of Representatives. This vote will take place on March 2, 2020.

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