POLICE CHIEF

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Surprise is seeking an experienced public safety professional with outstanding leadership skills to serve as Police Chief. The Surprise Police Department is committed to maintaining a safe community by providing extraordinary law enforcement service with an emphasis on professionalism, accountability and respect.

The Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Management or a related field and seven (7) years of full-time law enforcement experience including five (5) years supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as listed in the job description. Additional education cannot be substituted for experience. Must have at the time of hire and be able to maintain a valid Arizona driver license. Must be able to obtain AZ P.O.S.T. Certification within three months of hire.

SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this challenging and rewarding career opportunity, please apply by submitting your online application, and attaching your cover letter, resume, current salary, and list of four work-related references (references will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment). Resume should reflect to/from dates (months and years) of each position held, as well as size of staff and budgets you have managed. Materials will only be accepted electronically by applying online at surpriseaz.gov/careers. Paper applications and resumes will not be accepted in person, or by fax, e-mail, or postal service.

The final filing date for the position is Sunday, May 4, 2025, 11:59PM. Materials will not be accepted after the final filing date.

Selected finalists deemed to have the most relevant experience will be invited to participate in City interviews. A selection is expected in June followed by completion of reference/background checks.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Fingerprinting
• Criminal Background screening
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Examination
• Drug Screen
• E-Verify
• Pre-employment Physical Examination
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check
  
  

To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click HERE

To view the Police Chief brochure click here.

For information about the Surprise Police Department click here.

The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.

The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please Click Here

01

I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and/or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and/or a job offer to be rescinded.

• I acknowledge the above statement.
  
  

02

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed:

• Master's Degree, or higher, in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Management, or a related field
• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Management, or a related field
• Associate's Degree
• High School diploma or G.E.D. awarded
• None of the above
  
  

05

How many years of full-time law enforcement experience do you possess?

• 11 years or more
• 9 years to less than 11 years
• 7 years to less than 9 years
• Less than 7 years
• None of the above
  
  

06

Do you have at least five (5) years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

Will you have and be able to maintain a valid Arizona Driver License at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

I understand that this position requires a valid Driver's License with no major driving citations in the last 39 months.

• I acknowledge the statement above
  
  

09

This position requires AZ P.O.S.T. Certification, please select the option that applies to you.

• I currently possess AZ P.O.S.T. Certification
• I will obtain AZ P.O.S.T. Certification within three months of hire
  
  

10

How many sworn and non-sworn personnel are in your department?

11

Briefly describe your experience preparing and managing budgets.

12

Briefly describe your experience with and philosophy on leading and managing teams and individuals.

13

Please indicate your experience speaking in a formal setting and working with the following (choose all that apply):

• City Council
• Boards and Commission
• General Public
• None of the above
  
  

14

What unique skills and experience do you bring to this position?

15

Briefly describe why you want to work for the City of Surprise in this position.

16

I confirm my cover letter, resume, and references are attached in completion of the application process.

• I confirm attachments
• Required Question