Police Chief

BASIC FUNCTION:
The Police Chief plans, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Police Department, which includes law enforcement, crime suppression and prevention; works cooperatively with City departments and outside agencies; is committed to community engagement and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, police science, public administration or a closely related field. A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.   The successful candidate must pass an extensive background investigation and possess a valid California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Must maintain a valid California P.O.S.T. Peace Officer Certification throughout their employment tenure.

 Any combination equivalent to experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities qualifies. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Twelve (12) years of experience in police work, including at least five (5) years of extensive supervisory/management experience in a municipal Police Department or County Sheriff’s Department.

California P.O.S.T. Management Certificate.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California P.O.S.T. Executive Certificate

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plan, direct, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the activities of Police Department personnel in preserving order, protecting life and property, and in enforcing laws and municipal ordinances.
• Research modern police management methods. Direct and participate in the development of rules, goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Department. Presents budget estimates, controls expenditures of departmental appropriations, and establishes operational standards for the department. 

• Assure that personnel are assigned to shifts or working units which provide optimum effectiveness in terms of current situations and circumstances governing deployment.
• Direct the development and maintenance of systems, records and legal documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control and documentation of Police Department operations. Analyze and recommend improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed.
• Handle grievances and maintain departmental discipline in the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel. Supervise or conduct internal and special investigations.
• Prepare and submit periodic reports to the City Manager regarding the Department's activities. Prepare a variety of other reports, as appropriate.
• Confer with residents, elected or appointed officials, other law enforcement officials, and community and business representatives on law enforcement problems and assist in the development of innovative municipal law enforcement policies. Recommend adoption and assist with preparation of ordinances.
• Attend regional and state police conferences and meetings with other public officials to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Represent the Brawley Police Department in a variety of local, county, state and other venues.
• Cultivate good community relations by appearing before civic, fraternal and other community groups.
• Ensure that laws and ordinances are enforced and that the public peace and safety are maintained.

• Coordinate and cooperate with County, State and Federal law enforcement officers as appropriate where activities of the Police Department are involved.        Represents the Police Department in all significant public relations matters. 

OTHER DUTIES:

• Perform the duties of subordinate personnel as needed. 
• Assist in civil defense and preparedness activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Modern law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of police administration, organization, and operation, including the technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, records management, and care and custody of persons and property.
• Applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the work of the Department. 
• Municipal finance, budgeting, personnel, and labor relations. 
• Standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated and use of police records and their application to the solution of police problems.

ABILITY TO:

• Maintain discipline and respect of employees and to lead and command a sworn and civilian multidisciplinary staff in law enforcement and crime prevention activities. 
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Perform work requiring good physical condition. 
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, subordinates, peers, supervisors, and other law enforcement agencies, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies. 
• Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain moral integrity. 
• Possess a proven commitment to the philosophy of Community Oriented Policing.
• Use a personal computer, standard Microsoft Office applications and law enforcement specific software.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Indoor and outdoor environment; subject to shift work, working evening/variable hours, and driving a vehicle to conduct work. 
• Incumbents may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, occasional driving at high speeds, communicable diseases, physical abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals, and adverse weather conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical abilities required include above-average physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting, as well as good balance, hearing, and seeing to drive a vehicle.