Chief of Police
City of Lowell, North Carolina
The City of Lowell is seeking an experienced, community-focused law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Police Chief provides executive leadership and management of all Police Department operations and personnel.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all Police Department operations, including patrol, investigations, records, school resource activities, and community policing.
- Establish departmental goals, priorities, policies, performance standards, and a clear philosophy of professional law enforcement.
- Recruit, develop, supervise, coach, and evaluate department personnel while promoting teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
- Prepare and administer the department's operating and capital budgets and oversee purchasing, vehicles, equipment, and technology.
- Develop short- and long-term strategic goals and evaluate departmental operations and performance.
- Build trust and positive relationships with residents through community engagement, education, and outreach.
- Investigate citizen complaints and oversee internal personnel investigations.
- Coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Analyze crime, accident, and departmental activity data and provide reports to City management and elected officials.
- Represent the Police Department and City before civic organizations, community groups, elected officials, and the media.
- Pursue and administer applicable grants and other funding opportunities.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, administration, and applicable state and federal laws.
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Experience developing and managing personnel, budgets, policies, and departmental operations.
- Ability to build effective relationships with employees, elected officials, partner agencies, and the community.
- Strong conflict-resolution, coaching, and performance-management skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
- Ability to communicate clearly through reports, presentations, public meetings, and media interactions.
Education & Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field, supplemented by advanced training in police administration and progressively responsible supervisory or command-level law enforcement experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Requirements
- Valid North Carolina driver's license.
- At least a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the State of North Carolina.
- Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate preferred.
- Completion of the FBI National Academy or NCSU Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) preferred.
Compensation
Salary Range: $94,089–$138,894, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The City of Lowell offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
Opening Date: August 21, 2026
Closing Date: September 21, 2026
Applications may be submitted online at LowellNC.com or obtained at City Hall.
Candidates should submit a City application, resume, and cover letter to:
Cheryl Ramsey, Human Resource Director
City of Lowell
101 W. First Street
Lowell, NC 28098
cramsey@lowellnc.com
The City of Lowell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
