Summary
This is the senior-level managerial position with direct responsibility for the overall organization, administrative direction and control of the police department. Supervising all subordinate members of the unit, the chief is responsible to insure law enforcement functions within the community are provided to all residents and visitors in a uniform, fair and impartial manner.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
While the chief of police may determine it prudent to delegate some functions as a result of time management or for department efficiency, these functions are the essential responsibilities of the chief of police, who maintains ultimate responsibility for each item:
Manages, plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates police department operations on the basis of sound management practices and procedures.
Administers City code, policies and directions, consistent with federal law and state statute, and best business practices to provide effective police services to the community.
Develops and maintains policies and procedures for the department in order to implement directives and police department-related community initiatives as may come from the Common Council and/or City Manager.
Plans and implements a law enforcement program for the City in order to better carry out the policies and goals of City Management and Council; reviews department performance and effectiveness and formulates programs, policies or tactics to alleviate deficiencies.
Maintains custody and control of department property, and the issuance/use of same.
Coordinates the information gathered and work accomplished by employees, assigns officers to special investigations as the needs arise for their specific skills.
Supervises and coordinates the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations. Prepares work schedules and assignment of duties to subordinates that ensures personnel are assigned to shifts or working units which provide optimum effectiveness in terms of current situations and circumstances governing deployment.
Evaluates call data, evidence, witnesses and suspects, and in criminal cases to correlate all aspects, to assess for trends, similarities or associations with other cases.
Supervises and coordinates the preparation of an annual budget; provides control of departmental expenditures throughout the year; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replacement equipment to ensure conformance to standards. Analyzes and recommends improvements to equipment and facilities as needed.
Directs the development and maintenance of systems, records and legal documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control, operation and documentation of departmental operations.
Directs the collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property seized, maintaining security and chain of custody in accordance with standard law enforcement practices and procedures.
Ensures training is coordinated in a manner that will develop department personnel, and train staff in proper police work procedures. Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties. Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
Prepares and submits periodic reports to the City Manager regarding the departments activities and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate.
Meets, as may be required or beneficial, with elected or appointed officials and city department heads, other law enforcement officials, community and business representatives and the public on all aspects of the departments operations. May meet with civic educational, and community groups to develop community programs and events, and to discuss law enforcement subjects.
In coordination with the City Manager, interfaces with and assists the Public Safety Advisory Commission by providing information and expertise to allow the Commission to perform its functions as outlined in city ordinance.
Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field; represents the Citys Police Department in a variety of local, regional, state and other meetings.
Cooperates with State and Federal law enforcement officers and the Court, testifying when required, as appropriate where activities of the department are involved.
Provides assistance to the City Manager as required and participates with fellow department heads as part of the management team.
Ensures laws and ordinances are enforced uniformly and the public peace and safety is maintained.
Reviews requests for information and supervises the release of police records. Responds to police correspondence. Prepares news releases and serves as the departments Public Information Officer (PIO), in coordination with the City Manager. Develops, implements, reviews or revises the departments Operations Procedures Manual (OPM), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) for the department. Reviews contents of written orders to ensure adherence to legal requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.
- Supervisory Requirements:** Directly supervises all Police Department employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizations policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and providing hiring recommendations to the citys personnel officer, and training of employees and volunteers; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Establishes clearly understood policies, procedures, rules and responsibilities to effectively guide personnel in the performance of their assigned tasks. Handles grievances, maintains departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel.
- Qualification Requirements:** To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Education and/or Experience:** Bachelors degree (four year college or technical school) in a criminal justice/police science related field, or an Associates degree (two year college or technical school) in a criminal justice/police science related field and successful completion of the FBI National Academy or its equivalent. Waiver of degree will be considered for applicants with past employment exceeding the minimum experience requirements.
Minimum of ten years as a certified police officer and at least seven years law enforcement experience in a managerial and supervisory capacity, with progressively more responsible positions demonstrated and at least three years of satisfactory experience with a rank of Lieutenant (or agency-equivalent senior leadership position) or higher. Must have current Advanced Police Officer Certification issued by the Alaska Police Standards Council or equivalent, or be eligible for Alaska advanced certification within 12 months of appointment.
- Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:** Extensive knowledge of public safety administration, planning and police issues. Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques a