TELL US: Should Newton Hire its Police Chief From Outside the Department?

As Newton begins the process of hiring a new police chief, some are questioning whether the new department head should come from inside the system, or whether the city should look for outside talent. 

In a Globe opinion piece published today, columnist Lawrence Harmon advocates for the city hiring from outside the department, saying that Mayor Setti Warren "would do would do his constituents a big favor" by hiring a chief that has no connection to Newton. 

Harmon argues that the current culture of the department is "rotten" and that an outsider may bring a breath of fresh air to the force.

Former Newton Police Chief Matthew Cummings was fired in October after an investigation and hearing concluded that he kicked and verbally harassed his former secretary, actions "unbecoming a police chief." 

Cummings, who was appointed chief in 2009, had been with the Newton Police Department for more than 30 years.

But, the troubling headlines about the department didn't end with Cummings' dismissal. The Globe column points out that Newton Police Captain Christopher Marzilli was also investigated for making offensive remarks toward a female officer. Marzilli was cleared last week of the charges.

And just a couple of weeks ago, reports surfaced that several Newton Police officers were caught egging a house in Framingham that belonged to a Newton Police sergeant. 

So, what do you think? Should the city hire a new police chief from outside the department? Should it stick to candidates who are in the system? Tell us in the comments section below.