Chief of Police

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The position of Chief of Police is a highly responsible, administrative and technical police position requiring direction of employees and activities of the Police Department. This position is responsible for a total of 36 employees (24 sworn police officers, 4 communication officers, and 8 civilians) with a total budget of approximately $1,650,000. As a sworn law enforcement officer, an employee in this position is subject to hazardous duty in times of emergency or when necessitated by circumstances. The position requires full and continuous training as a law enforcement officer so that the employee can respond appropriately in emergency situations. Work involves responsibility for the protection of lives and property, and the organization and direction of all police functions. Work extends to planning, directing and coordinating all of the police activities, including services, and all other police activities in supervising the training, assignment and discipline of all employees. Work is performed with considerable independence of judgement and action within the framework of pertinent laws. Work involves the making of independent operating decisions based on experience and knowledge of police operations and the implementation of established procedural standards. Work is performed without technical affairs. Work originates as the result of normal police operations and occasionally on the basis of assignments which usually define the scope of the work to be performed and afford opportunity for the use of independent judgement in planning details and making technical reports of work accomplished, and conferences. Work involves considerable contact with the general public and other law enforcement officials.

 

EXAMPLES OF WORK

* Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs all activities of the Police Department; appraises crime prevention and law enforcement problems, develops efficient police solutions and adjusts departmental methods to meet situations and to improve existing operational effectiveness.
* Prepares budget estimates and controls the expenditures of the department appropriations.
* Formulates departmental policies and procedures, rules and regulations in consultation with subordinate supervisory officers.
* Disciplines members of the police department, promotes and approves transfers of personnel within the department.
* Attends meetings to explain police activities and functions; solicits citizen support of police projects.
* Serves on committees as directed by superiors.
* Utilizes and assists the police officers and supervisors in non-routine criminal and other investigations and personally participates in dealing with most difficult and complex police situations.
* Coordinates with federal, state and local jurisdictions in the apprehension and detention of wanted situations.
* Coordinates police functions which cross over jurisdictional lines.
* Must be able to perform all duties of a police officer.
* Performs related work as required.




MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Education: Four year degree in police administration, public administration or a closely related field. MA, MPS preferred.Training: Successful completion of basic police training (400 classroom hour) and successful completion of an advanced police supervisor’s course. Graduation from a nationally recognized police academy such as the FBI National Academy or the Southern Police Institute.Skills: Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police science, administration and crime prevention. Considerable knowledge of criminal law, particularly laws of arrest, search and seizure, protection constitutional rights of citizens, and admissibility of evidence. Through knowledge of the standards by which the quality of police services is evaluated. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other university officials and the public. Ability to prepare and direct the preparation of clear, accurate and comprehensive reports. Ability to command the respect of officers, plan, assign, direct, supervise and evaluate their work. Thorough knowledge of the physical and social characteristics of the city. Thorough working knowledge of the controlling state and federal directives dealing with the availability of funds of fiscal police programs. Skill in the use of firearms and in the skillful operation of motor vehicles.Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible police experience, with three years of responsible police command.Physical: Good physical condition. Must be capable of strenuous physical effort during arrest operations. Ability to maintain satisfactory fitness level. See attached Law Enforcement Officer Essential Job Functions form. Must pass semi-annual departmental firearms training.

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