The position has been advertised and the city's Civil Service Office has already received several calls, said Ralph Jacobs, the city's personnel director.

The chief's job pays $93,487 to $102,791 annually. Jacobs is now working with the Washington, D.C.-based International Association of Chiefs of Police to get a contract written for the candidate to replace Wilbur L. Chapman.

The city bought out Chapman's contract in January when the Board of Police Commissioners refused to recommend that he be appointed to a second five-year term.

Anthony Armeno, formerly a deputy chief, is the department's acting police chief. He has said he wants the chief's job.

The City Charter allows police chiefs to serve a maximum of two terms. The Board of Police Commissioners and the mayor can decide whether to reappoint a chief.

But the police board does not have a say in the initial selection process, said Thomas L. Kanasky Jr., panel chairman.

Candidates must undergo a barrage of tests, including a background check and a psychological evaluation, according to the advertisement.

They must also have at least 10 years of law enforcement experience — five of them in a command position in a community of at least 80,000 residents, a quarter of whom are minorities, it stated.

Veterans will receive extra points on the test, and candidates with labor management and at least a four-year degree in criminal justice or a related field are preferred.

Meanwhile, Jacobs said he is also interviewing consultants in the national search for fire chief. Michael Maglione retired earlier this year to lead Waterbury's department, because his second term would have expired in 2007.

Brian Rooney, a former deputy chief, is the provisional fire chief.

Aaron Leo, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6222.