The Position
The current vacancy is for Deputy Police Chief for the Santa Cruz Police Department. This promotional recruitment is open to current regular City of Santa Cruz employees in the classified service only. Under general direction, the Deputy Police Chief performs responsible administrative and technical work in planning, coordinating, directing and supervising the activities of a major division of the police department to include any combination of the following functions: Operations, investigation, community relations, administration, personnel, training, property, evidence, and records.
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Promotional Deputy Police Chief vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Recruitment #26-PD-09
Application And Selection Process
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
On Thursday, 04/02/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by Teri Black & Co by 5:00 pm Thursday, 04/02/26; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Resume and Cover Letter are REQUIRED. Please send your resume and cover letter to info@tbcrecruiting.com
- For questions regarding resume and cover letter submissions, please reach out to Teri Black at (310) 781-0878.
- Week of 04/06/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process by 04/08/26.
- Week of 04/10/26: Qualified candidates will undergo a preliminary phone screening with the Recruiter.
- Week of 04/27/26: Interviews will be scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function
Under general direction, the Deputy Police Chief performs responsible administrative and technical work in planning, coordinating, directing and supervising the activities of a major division of the police department to include any combination of the following functions: Operations, investigation, community relations, administration, personnel, training, property, evidence, and records.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
- Assists in the development of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities; formulates rules, procedures and standards for assigned divisions and ensures they are maintained.
- Reviews and analyzes current programs, procedures and activities to ensure efficient and effective use of resources and delivery of service; develops recommendations on changes in organization and programs to meet changing operational needs.
- Selects, trains, schedules, supervises and evaluates assigned staff; directs, and advises subordinate managers on the supervision of their employees.
- Coordinates activities of assigned divisions with the work of other divisions, other City departments; other law enforcement and public agencies; represents the department to community groups, citizens, city officials, news media and others.
- Conducts studies and prepares technical and administrative reports for the Police Chief and others as assigned.
- Receives and reviews major crime reports; directs and coordinates investigations or other police activities concerning the more complex criminal cases or law enforcement problems; provides advice and direction as needed; ensures cases are prepared properly for court presentation.
- Plans, organizes and directs the collection, analysis, utilization and dissemination of criminal intelligence data.
- Develops and directs programs for involving the public in crime prevention.
- Develops annual budget proposals for assigned divisions or entire department; monitors resources and expenditures throughout the year.
- Interprets and implements the City's fiscal policies and procedures within the department; coordinates the department's financial operations including payroll and purchasing; prepares grant applications and maintains grant accounts.
- Coordinates the department's employee recruitment and selection process with City Human Resources department; directs the departmental scheduling of pre-employment tests, background investigations and interviews; assists Human Resources and the Chief in making final disqualification and hiring decisions.
- Evaluates the department's training needs; develops, coordinates and directs the department's training programs including training academies, field training, roll-call training, firing range operations, outside classes, seminars, and in-house training programs; insures mandated training is accomplished.
- Directs the investigation of misconduct or exceptional performance by police personnel.
- Develops and maintains divisional records to accomplish assigned functions.
- May serve as Acting Police Chief as assigned.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods of time; lift and drag 100 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; vision of 20/100 correctable to 20/30, with adequate depth perception and color vision; if soft contacts are worn, there is no limit on uncorrected distance visual acuity; hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person, over the telephone, and over the radio; carry and operate a firearm; work in intense life-threatening conditions; drive standard police vehicles, work in a standard office environment or field environment; exposure to noise, outdoors, inclement weather, animals, chemicals, fumes, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, traffic, traffic hazards, moving objects; dangerous persons, animals, firearms, and bodily fluids.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education And Experience
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in police science, criminology, business or public administration, or a related field; and
- Two (2) years of experience as a police lieutenant or an equivalent sworn, management-level position.
- Completion of a Police Officers Standard Training course in mid-management skills.
Knowledge
- The current principles, practices and techniques of law enforcement and crime prevention, including patrol, traffic, investigation, juvenile delinquency, support services and other specialized police operations.
- Federal and state laws pertaining to the apprehension, arrest and prosecution of persons.
- The current principles, practices and techniques of police organization, administration, supervision and training.
Skills
- Write and prepare clear and comprehensive reports on administrative and technical issues.
- Communicate orally to present technical and sensitive information to individuals and groups.
- Analyze and conduct administrative and technical studies, and develop appropriate recommendations for action.
- Organize, coordinate and manage effectively all aspects of a multi-functional division.
Abilities
- Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of others.
- Establish and maintain a high level of discipline and morale.
- Plan, organize and conduct comprehensive training programs.
- Interpret, apply and explain technical laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Exercise sound judgement in emergency situations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, public officials, other agencies and the general public.
- Physical health, strength, stamina, and agility to meet the physical demands of police work.
Licenses and Certificates
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
Career Ladder
- Chief of Police
- Deputy Police Chief
- Police Lieutenant
- Police Sergeant
- Police Officer
APPOINTMENT - Promoted employees are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process.
LEAVE
Vacation – 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Management Vacation – 80 hours per year
Sick – 8 hours per month. The City has a sick leave incentive program.
Holidays – 104 hours/year
INSURANCE – (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical – Depends on plan selected; Generally no cost for employee only coverage and no or minimal cost for family coverage.
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program – City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage.
Life – City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability – City provides a long term disability plan.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE/OPTIONAL BENEFIT PLAN
80 hours of additional vacation per year, 40 of which may be converted to cash. A $1,300 (less than 10 yrs) or $1,500 (greater than 10 yrs) annual contribution may be used to purchase additional vacation, be place in deferred compensation account or be paid in cash.
BILINGUAL PAY
The City shall provide a monthly allowance of $200 for bilingual speaking skills, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police and the approval of the Human Resources Director.
RETIREMENT
All new regular employees become members of Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2.7% @ 57 plan (3 year average). Employees contribute 16.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. Prior PERS membership may change retirement formula. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not All Inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Uniforms provided & maintained
Vehicle Allowance - $400 per month
The information included in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
