Enfield — The search for a new police chief is underway in Enfield to replace former Chief Richard Crate, who stepped down last month as part of a settlement over allegations that he physically assaulted his minor son.

The town recently hired Meredith, N.H.-based consulting firm Municipal Resources, Inc. to aid in the search, which is expected to select a candidate sometime in July, according to Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth.

“The town has worked with MRI in a number of different contexts in the past,” said Aylesworth, who was hired himself last year through a search spearheaded by the firm.

Aylesworth, who is responsible for selecting the new chief, said that several officials recommended MRI to advertise and screen candidates.

The firm also has helped hire officials in Lebanon, Claremont and Hartford.

“I agreed with that assessment and so MRI will be doing a similar multi-step process” like last year’s town manager search, Aylesworth said.

While the search process hasn’t been finalized yet, he said, it will likely include a small group of “respected town elders.”

Enfield’s next police chief will be expected to oversee a staff of eight full-time and two-part time employees. The position also doubles as the town’s emergency management director.

An ad for the job calls for applicants to hold a college degree and 10 years of “progressively responsible” police experience.

“We’re obviously not looking to do a lot of on-the-job training,” Aylesworth said.

The town’s next chief should act as a mentor to junior officers and a leader to those with experience, he said.

A police chief who is willing to be visible in the community and can listen to both employees’ and residents’ complaints is a must, Aylesworth said.

Crate, who had served as police chief since 2005, was budgeted to earn $94,000 this year.

The town is advertising a salary range for his successor between $82,500 and $87,500.

Crate announced his departure from police work in late April in a deal negotiated with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, which said it had probable cause to charge him with simple assault.

Crate denied that an assault had taken place, and prosecutors said it would be a difficult case to prove in court.

Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com or 603-727-3223.