Jamestown Police Department Chief Scott Forster was appointed to his new position on March 30. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

When deciding about careers, Jamestown Police Department Chief Scott Forster took a cue from his brother.

It was when Forster was an undecided student at Alfred State College, and his brother was a Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Deputy, and an officer with the Salamanca Police Department.

“I did a ride-along,” Forster said.

From there the chief began researching more about policing, and what the job as a police officer entails.

“I always liked helping people. I always liked talking to people, and I always liked to be part of things as a team,” Forster said.

After graduating from Alfred State, Forster enrolled at Buffalo State College and began taking Criminal Justice courses, and learning more about the craft, and how to help the community.

“And then ultimately, I wanted to get involved. I wanted to be part of a team. I wanted to be part of SWAT. I wanted to be something bigger, something to help out the community,” Forester said.

In 2008, Forster received his bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. In 2009, he began the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy at Jamestown Community College, started his law enforcement career at JPD in 2010.

According to sunyjcc.com, since 1978, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy has operated in partnership with Jamestown Community College to prepare individuals for careers in law enforcement. This comprehensive training program leads to a Certificate of Completion for the New York State Certified Basic Police Training Course, which is a legal requirement for municipal police officers in New York State. Graduates of the Sheriff’s Academy are eligible for employment with most police agencies in New York State, as well as agencies in states that recognize New York State’s Certified Basic Police Training. In many cases, agencies may place academy graduates into active service immediately, with minimal additional local training.

Forster brings 16 years of dedicated service to JPD. He was originally hired as a Police Officer on May 13, 2010, and has steadily risen through the ranks throughout his distinguished career: Sergeant (October 18, 2016), Lieutenant (February 25, 2019), Captain (January 19, 2021), and Deputy Chief (June 26, 2025),

Forster was appointed JPD chief on March 30, and his term will expire Dec. 31, 2030. Forster had been serving as the interim chief since the beginning of February when previous Police Chief Tim Jackson retired.

After being promoted to sergeant, Forster has been promoted several times as his career progressed before his appointment as deputy police chief after Mayor Kim Ecklund and former Police Chief Tim Jackson decided not to fill a captain’s position when Capt. Robert Samuelson retired. Instead, Forster was promoted to deputy chief and management duties that had been held by Samuelson were split between Forster and Jackson. As deputy chief, Forster had been responsible for oversight of the department’s Operations Division, which includes the Patrol Section, which includes three shifts, the K-9 unit and the School Resource Officer Unit; the Special Operations Section, which includes the SWAT Team, Honor Guard, Drone Team, Crisis Negotiation Team and Forensic Investigation Team; and the Operational Administration Section, which includes crossing guards and dog control. Forster had also been responsible for coordinating the agency’s commitment to New York State Division of Criminal Justice Service’s grant-funded programs.

“Chief Forster has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our community throughout his career,” said Mayor Kim Ecklund. “His experience, integrity, and vision make him the right person to lead the Jamestown Police Department forward. I am confident he will continue to serve our residents with professionalism and pride.”

The new chief said he is very grateful that Ecklund and the City Council showed support for the new opportunity.

“It was a new opportunity to do different things, so I was excited to have that opportunity,” Forster added.

The chief said no two days are alike.

“It changes every day,” Forster said. “Every day is a little bit different. There is always something else that needs my attention.”