POLICE CHIEF

JOB SUMMARY

Performs a variety of complex administrative, supervisory and professional work in planning, coordinating and directing the activities of the Police Department.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates police department operations.

2. Develops policies and procedures for the department in order to implement directives from the City Manager.

3. Plans and implements a law enforcement program for the City in order to better carry out the policies and goals of City Management and Commission including those set forth in the City’s Affirmative Action Plan; reviews department performance and effectiveness, formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies.

4. Coordinates the information gathered and work accomplished by various officers; assigns officers to special investigations as the needs arise for their specific skills.

5. Assures that personnel are assigned to shifts or working units which provide optimum effectiveness in terms of current situations and circumstances governing deployment.

6. Evaluates evidence, witnesses, and suspects in criminal cases to correlate all aspects and to assess for trends, similarities, or for associations with other cases.

7. Supervises and coordinates the preparation and presentation of an annual budget for the Department; directs the implementation of the department’s budget; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replaced equipment.

8. Directs the development and maintenance of systems, records and legal documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control and documentation of police department operations.

9. Trains and develops Department personnel.

10. Handles grievances, maintains departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel.

11. Prepares and submits monthly reports to the City Manager regarding the department’s activities, and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate including the annual report of activities.

12. Meets with elected or appointed officials, other law enforcement officials, community and business representatives and the public on all aspects of the department’s activities.

13. Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field; represents the City Police Department in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.

14. Cooperates with county, state and federal law enforcement officers as appropriate where activities of the police department are involved.

15. Ensures that laws and ordinances are enforced and that the public peace and safety is maintained.

16. Develops and administers testing procedures for initial applicants, promotion positions, and other special assignments.

17. Supervises functions of NCIC/TCIC.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Directs investigation of major crime scenes. Performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed. Analyzes and recommends improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed. Makes recommendations regarding address change proposals.

 DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: (A) Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration or closely related field; and (B) Seven (7) years of experience in police work, three (3) of which must have been equivalent to police sergeant or higher; and (C) Completion of the basic law enforcement training academy or equivalent; or (D) An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; (B) Skill in the use of the tools and equipment listed below; (C) Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel; Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors; Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; Ability to give verbal and written instructions; Ability to meet the special requirements listed below.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid drivers license without record of suspension or revocation in any state, have the ability to meet department’s physical standards, and possess basic law enforcement training certification or equivalent.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, baton, handcuffs, pager, first aid equipment, and other equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work includes sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste and smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry more than 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required; physical agility; drug screening; final selection and pre-employment medical examination.  NOTE:  Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.