HOOKSETT — After nearly a year without a permanent police chief, Hooksett is vetting consultants to help conduct a search to fill the position.

Barry Cox, of the Local Government Center, met with the Hooksett Police Commission last week to discuss how the organization could help the Commission advertise and search for potential candidates.

“It sounds like the Police Commission is starting to get the ball rolling,” said Town Councilor Todd Lizotte. Lizotte said the Commission will interview other leading recruitment and staffing consultants, such as Municipal Resources Inc., before signing any contracts.

Last Week, acting Chief Jon Daigle submitted a letter to the Police Commission, withdrawing his candidacy the job. He also asked them to appoint another interim chief so he could return to his role as captain.

Daigle was appointed the department's acting chief last September when the commission placed former Chief Stephen Agrafiotis on administrative leave. Agrafiotis resigned last February.

A month after Daigle was appointed, the Commission presented the results of an audit of the Hooksett Police Department from the Public Safety Strategies Group. The audit found a “poorly developed culture, low morale and a lack of trust,” along with deficiencies in planning, recording keeping, equipment, community relations and other key areas. Last December, PSSG signed a one-year contract to help the commission move forward with a long list of recommended changes.

Daigle acknowledged he had wanted to end his career as Hooksett's police chief, but said the timing and circumstances weren't right. He also expressed frustration with the Police Commission.

“I am disappointed in the fact that since becoming Acting Chief of Police in September, 2011, the Hooksett Police Commission has not communicated any goals or expectations for me as acting chief of police,” Daigle wrote.

“The fact that the Commission failed to complete my evaluation due last November and have not offered any input on my performance have contributed to my decision.”

Lizotte said Daigle has been working hard as acting chief, but all the goals and expectations had already been outlined in the audit.

“I think the Commission wanted to see if he could implement the stuff with PSSG,” said Lizotte who added he wished Daigle had stayed in the running for the job.

Police Commission Chairwoman JoAnne McHugh did not return calls for comment on Daigle's decision or the Commission's next step.

In his letter, Daigle said he has spent the past 10 months working closely with PSSG.

“I have worked without reservation or hesitation with the management team to implement the recommendations of the audit,” he wrote.

Daigle's work has not gone unnoticed by other town officials.

“I think Mr. Daigle has been doing a fine job,” said Town Council Chairman James Sullivan. “Things have improved, morale is up and everything is settling down.”

Sullivan said the Town Council has discussed the position but the decision is up to the Police Commission. Commissioners have kept their plans and intentions about the next chief under wraps.

“My personal opinion is all I can hope is we're all moving forward,” said Sullivan. “Although I do wonder why it is taking them so long.”

Lizotte said the Police Commission took on a major task and has no complaints with the pace of their progress.

“When you have to overhaul the whole police department, to bring it up to modern standards, I don't think three-quarters of a year is too long,” he said, adding that the board wanted new procedures and personnel in place before bring in a new chief. “Ultimately, they want success.”

btaormina@newstote.com