THE DEPARTMENT

The West Plains Police Department, with a budget of approximately $3.78 million, is fully staffed with 32 sworn officers and 7 civilian staff. It is a service-oriented agency committed to integrity, professionalism, respect, and teamwork. The department works hard to maintain public trust and in return enjoys strong community support. Dedicated to excellence in policing, community engagement, and innovative practices, its mission goes beyond crime prevention, focusing on community outreach, crisis intervention, and proactively addressing social issues that impact public safety.

THE POSITION

The police chief is an at-will position appointed by the city council and reports to the city administrator. As a member of the executive team, the chief oversees police services including law enforcement, criminal investigations, community relations, traffic control, dispatch, evidence collection, records maintenance, crime prevention, and animal control. The chief of police is assisted by the command staff, comprised of two lieutenants, 4 sergeants, and 6 corporals.

POSITION CHALLENGES

Current challenges we’re facing include strengthening community police relations, supporting the growth and development of younger staff members within our agency, securing necessary funding to expand our force, and combating the persistent issue of drug-related crime within the community. Addressing these challenges requires strategic thinking and innovative solutions to ensure the success and safety of our community.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate for police chief will have a strong commitment to fostering trust and collaboration between the police and the community, a proven record of ethical leadership, and extensive experience in law enforcement with a demonstrated track record of success. The chief is expected to actively engage with our community, build relationships that transcend traditional boundaries, and create a shared vision for safety and well-being. The candidate should possess strong leadership skills, including visioning, strategic planning, and communication, and be able to partner effectively with community members, advisory bodies, and city departments. Empathy, sensitivity, and respect toward community members are crucial, as is the ability to continuously improve and identify areas for enhancement.

The police chief will work closely with the city administrator and other stakeholders to deliver a vibrant vision for the police department while fostering teamwork and a culture of excellence within the department. They must also possess a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, balancing diverse viewpoints and interests while being visible and accessible in the community. The ideal candidate will value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and uphold the highest ethical standards, fostering an environment of integrity and trust within the department and the broader community.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The next chief of police for West Plains should have a robust background in law enforcement, supported by a strong educational foundation. Qualifications include a minimum of ten years in law enforcement, with significant leadership experience in a municipal police department, demonstrating successful community engagement and collaborative problem-solving in diverse settings. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, business or public administration, or a related field is required, while a master’s degree and completion of advanced law enforcement training, such as the FBI National Academy, are highly preferred.

Combinations of experience and training that provide the necessary knowledge and abilities are acceptable, including at least ten years of law enforcement experience, four of which should be in senior management. The candidate should hold a valid Missouri Driver’s License with a safe driving record and possess/obtain Missouri POST certification. Successful candidates will also need to pass background investigations, physical and psychological examinations, and drug screenings to meet established qualification standards.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The chief of police position has a salary range of $77,480.00 - $108,035.20, based on candidate qualifications.

In addition, a comprehensive benefit package is offered, which includes:

Retirement - The City contracts with Missouri Local Government Employee Retirement System (LAGERS) to provide retirement benefits which are fully funded by the City (no cost to employee) with vesting after 5 years.

Health Plans - The City contracts with Anthem BCBS for medical insurance. The City offers coverage at zero cost to the employee, with dependent coverage offered at the employee’s cost.

Dental Plans - The City offers employees two (2) dental plans. The City offers coverage at zero cost to the employee, with dependent coverage offered at the employee’s cost.

Vision Plans - The City offers employees two (2) voluntary vision plans. The premium is paid by the employee.

Vacation - Employees accrue eight (8) hours per pay period.

Holidays - 12 paid holidays provided per year.

Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD) - The City provides group term life insurance equal to $40,000 and LTD coverage at no cost to the employee.

Additional Benefits - Cafeteria Plan IRS Section 125, Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plans, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Supplemental Life, Accident, Cancer coverage, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter along with a list of at least five references to hr@westplains.gov. Candidates who are selected to continue in the process will participate in a panel interview. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment or post-offer testing, including but not limited to, a drug and alcohol screening, thorough background investigation, credit check, medical examination and verification of required qualifications.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Jordan Belanger, Human Resources Manager, 417-256-7176 ext. 2214, or by email to jordan.belanger@westplains.gov

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