Raleigh, North Carolina, is seeking an experienced police executive to serve as the next Chief of Police.

The Police Chief reports to the City Manager or Designee and is responsible for the direction and oversight of the police department. RPD provides patrol and emergency response, crime prevention and investigation, animal control, community education, records, and other related police functions. The City of Raleigh is looking for an exceptional leader with at least 10 years of progressively responsible, related experience that includes significant management and supervisory experience, preferably in a similarly sized city and police department operation.

Like other cities and towns across the country, Raleigh is experiencing rapid growth and evolving community needs. The City is navigating an expanding population that demands increased public safety services and a proactive approach to addressing gun violence. With growth comes the challenge of ensuring that public safety infrastructure keeps pace, maintaining the trust and confidence of a diverse and dynamic community. Raleigh is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity and addresses social inequities. The City has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance community engagement, strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents, and promote equitable policing practices.

As Raleigh continues to grow and adapt, the City’s ongoing commitment to safety and service remains a top priority. The next Chief of Police should be prepared to lead the department in addressing the challenges of city growth and public safety, with a focus on reducing gun violence and ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.

Qualified candidates will clearly exemplify the City’s organizational values of responsiveness, integrity, respect, collaboration, honesty, diversity, stewardship, and initiative. Advanced skills in project management, planning, and formulating strategies and policies in response to emergent technological opportunities and challenges will be essential.

The Raleigh Police Department works in partnership with the community to identify and address conditions that give rise to crime. The Department employs a policing approach that emphasizes the importance of maintaining a full range of enforcement priorities, including quality-of-life issues and violations that breed more serious crime. Through the dedicated service of officers and civilians, district policing, innovative programs, effective use of technology, and enhanced relationships between residents and the police, the Department is confronting crime in Raleigh and continuing to make the City an even better place to live, work, visit and conduct business.

Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will evaluate the department’s operations and work to advance new initiatives to improve how services are delivered. The ideal candidate will maximize the department’s community policing and crime reduction strategies while emphasizing accountability and transparency. The selected candidate will have a track record of promoting diversity within the department and demonstrate a genuine cultural competency that will allow them to navigate complex issues while respecting individual differences. Like many cities, Raleigh faces challenges associated with recruiting qualified and diverse applicants. The Police Chief will address recruiting strategically to ensure a strong and healthy workforce. The Chief will have experience with restorative justice programs but will balance the need to address community safety in all neighborhoods with the ideal to advance such programs.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in public administration or field directly related to assignment and ten years of progressively responsible related experience that includes significant management and supervisory experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Licensing/Certifications

Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.

City of Raleigh Municipal Government jobs

Chief of Police