Hillsborough’s Police Chief Resigns

Hillsborough Police Chief Clarence Birkhead will step down as the Police Department’s head on April 2.

“As you know, I am a candidate for sheriff of Orange County,” the police chief stated in his resignation letter. “I feel that I should devote all of my energies to my campaign. Under the circumstances, I feel it is best for the Town of Hillsborough and my campaign to step down.”

Birkhead, 49, has been Hillsborough’s police chief for almost five years, starting with the town on July 5, 2005. His annual salary was $92,751. He supervised a department with 32 employees and a $2.4 million budget in Fiscal Year 2010.

“For almost five years I have been devoted to the service of the Town of Hillsborough and its citizens,” Birkhead stated. “During my tenure, the Police Department has markedly improved its service to our citizens. We have experienced successes in all areas of police service. I am confident that I leave the department in a strong position for continued success and excellent service under the leadership of my successor.”

Town Manager Eric Peterson hopes to name an interim chief by early next week.

“We are all thankful for the many improvements Chief Birkhead has made over the past five years to improve the quality of policing that’s been provided to Hillsborough’s citizens,” Peterson said.

Plans will be developed as soon as possible for selecting a new police chief. Replacing a department-head level position typically takes about six months. The process is lengthy due to the need to develop a selection process, advertise the position, screen applicants, conduct interviews and perform background investigations. The entire process must be completed before an employment offer can be made to a potential new chief.