Definition

The City of Davenport seeks an experienced, forward-thinking, and community-focused professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This leadership position is responsible for directing all operations of the Police Department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality public safety services, and fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Check out the recruitment brochure for additional details on this opportunity and information on the full compensation package!

Under the administrative direction of the City Administrator, directs and plans the activities, programs and personnel of the Davenport Police Department. This position requires extensive initiative and independent judgment and the ability to work with others to accomplish departmental and city goals and objectives.

Responsibilities include participating as a member of the City Administrator's Leadership Team; preparing and administering the annual operating budget; maintaining National Accreditation; developing and implementing policies and standards; leading sworn and civilian personnel of the Police Department; planning and executing short and long-term goals; and handling problems effectively as they arise. In addition, the Police Chief is responsible for performing all duties set forth in Davenport City Code 2.42.040 and 2.42.050.

Examples Of Duties

Directs, administers and coordinates the activities of the Davenport Police Department in support of policies, goals and objectives established by the City Administrator and the City Council and in compliance with federal, state and local laws.

Develops departmental policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations and address public safety needs of the City of Davenport.

Oversees the preparation of short-term and long-range plans based on broad administrative goals and growth objectives to align with the City Administrator’s work plan and City Council goals.

Develops and administers departmental budget.

Provides leadership to subordinate employees and supervisors and encourages same to act in a professional, ethical and cooperative manner.

Regularly leads department’s response to critical incidents, including public notifications and engagement.

Develops and implements strategic initiatives to enhance community relationships with law enforcement and to promote regular collaboration and innovation in policing.

Explains, applies and enforces City and department policies and collective bargaining agreement provisions.

Manages and oversees the workforce, including hiring, promoting, evaluating, recognizing, and disciplining employees; adjusts employee grievances; or recommends any of these actions.

Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

Engages with elected officials on a frequent and recurring basis.

Provides timely and accurate responses to requests for services and information.

Works cooperatively with employees, supervisors, department heads, elected officials, outside agencies, the media and members of the public.

Exemplifies the philosophy and mission statement of the Davenport Police Department.

Makes speeches and gives presentations to inform citizen groups of department progress and programs, and to encourage input into future plans.

Advises the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council and others on a variety of police-related matters.

Qualifications

Must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Political Science or related field and fifteen (15) years of experience in law enforcement, with a minimum of five (5) years of command staff experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the required work in this position.

Must reside within the City of Davenport within a time period prescribed by the City.

Must pass a thorough background investigation, including completion of a polygraph examination, as prescribed by the City of Davenport. External candidates must pass a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen, and psychological evaluation as prescribed by the City of Davenport.

Required Licenses And Certificates

Must possess and maintain throughout duration of employment a valid driver's license.

Must be certified by the State of Iowa Law Enforcement Academy within six months of appointment.

Shall possess and maintain a professional permit to carry a weapon as issued by the state of Iowa.

Must comply with department-required training and certifications, including firearms, consistent with all department personnel.

Knowledge and Skills

Comprehensive And Broad Knowledge Of

Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to community law enforcement and emergency response and operations;
The principles and practices of modern police administration and police methods as applied to patrol, crime prevention, traffic safety, criminal investigations and the various functional services utilized in police operations.

Thorough Knowledge Of

Personnel management, including the principles and practices of collective bargaining, contract administration and grievance resolution;
Municipal budgeting practices and procedures; public finance; grant development and administration;
Strategic and operational planning techniques;
The types and uses of communications, electronic devices, firearms, equipment and vehicles used in modern police work;
The functions of federal, state and local jurisdictions and authorities as they relate to police work.

Ability To

Plan, organize and manage departmental operations;
supervise, train, evaluate, motivate and lead the work of others;
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees and officials, state and federal authorities, elected officials, community leaders, the media and the general public;
Maintain confidentiality of materials and situations encountered on the job;
resolve conflict;
Prepare and present management and technical reports and other presentations to City officials and the public;
Identify, analyze and solve a variety of problems, using sound reasoning and resources available;
Write, read, prepare, comprehend and interpret a variety of complex documents;
Maintain a high level of discipline and morale;
Multitask;
Work effectively while remaining apolitical;
Train and perform all police functions, especially in emergency situations.

The City offers a competitive salary and benefit plan. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. In addition to compensation, the City provides health insurance, coverage under the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS), 457 deferred compensation, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday, technology allowance, and educational assistance.

City of Davenport

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