Are you an experienced, forward-thinking, law enforcement leader who can guide a growing, accredited Police Department that is committed to community policing? If so, apply to be the City of Bartow’s next Chief of Police. We’re looking for a Police Chief who is:
· A visionary and decisive leader who is service-oriented and passionate about directing the City’s law enforcement operations
· A principled leader, exhibiting the highest integrity, moral character, and accountability
· Approachable and accessible, seeking to serve and connect with all segments of Bartow’s diverse community
· Committed to professional development, accountability, and service excellence
Bartow, Florida, is a city of roughly 23,600 residents and serves as the county seat of Polk County. Known as the “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” Bartow combines the charm of a historic town with the resources of a regional government hub. The City is home to numerous county, state, and federal offices, including the Florida Department of Transportation’s District One headquarters.
Appointed by and reporting directly to the City Manager, the Police Chief plays a critical role in sustaining Bartow’s commitment to public safety while fostering strong relationships with the community and partner agencies. The position is responsible for the overall administrative direction of the Police Department’s functions, operations, and personnel through supervision of subordinate staff and review of their activities.
The Bartow Police Department is committed to proactive, community-oriented policing built on respect, integrity, service, and excellence. With 48 sworn and 28 civilian positions, the Department provides patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, K-9, and community outreach programs. The Department is accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), and the Bartow Police/Fire Communications Center is accredited by the Florida Telecommunications Accreditation Commission.
The Police Chief serves as the primary City authority on matters pertaining to department programs and law enforcement, and speaks before public groups on the plans, programs, and goals of the Police Department.
Required qualifications include:
· Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal Justice, Criminology, public administration, or a related field
· Ten (10) years’ experience of a wide and progressively responsible nature in law enforcement; five years of which must have been at the level of Chief or Command Level position in a comparable department
· Possess or have the ability to obtain certification as a Law Enforcement Officer from the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or an equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain certification in Florida prior to commencing employment.
· An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities and other competencies necessary for the position will be considered
· Possession, or ability to obtain, a valid Florida Driver License
Preferred:
· Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal Justice, Criminology, public administration, or a related field
· Completion of advanced leadership programs (FBI National Academy, University of Louisville Southern Police Institute, Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, etc.)
· Experience in accredited agencies
The City of Bartow offers a competitive starting salary of $130,000 - $180,000 DOE/DOQ, coupled with an array of traditional municipal benefits.
For more information on this position contact:
Doug Thomas, Executive Vice President
Strategic Government Resources
DouglasThomas@GovernmentResource.com | 863-860-9314