What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Chief - East Lansing, Michigan position at Baker Tilly Public Sector Executive Recruitment?
The City of East Lansing, Michigan (est. pop. 48,500) is a dynamic community with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy. With Michigan State University at its core, East Lansing thrives as a hub of academic and research excellence, attracting top talent from around the world and fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual growth.
Reporting to the City Manager, the Police Chief plans, directs, manages and leads the activities and operations of the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD). This includes law enforcement, crime prevention programs, the detective bureau, Parking and Code Enforcement (PACE), Neighborhood Resource Officers and records programs and services. The Police Chief has full leadership responsibility for all 44 sworn and 32 non-sworn personnel, services and programs, and recommending and administering policies and procedures. This position oversees a FY2025 departmental budget of $15.2 million.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT ELPD POLICE CHIEF
The next East Lansing Police Chief will have the exciting opportunity to build a robust and well-supported team, enhancing officers’ wellness and reducing overtime demands. By addressing staffing challenges, the Chief can create a more efficient and effective department. Another key opportunity is to implement and adhere to response to resistance recommendations, working to eliminate racial disparities and ensuring fair and equitable policing practices, thereby fostering greater community trust.
The Chief can also leverage community engagement initiatives to build stronger relationships with residents, enhancing public trust and collaboration. Additionally, there is significant potential to innovate and adopt emerging solutions in law enforcement, aligning with the City's goals and priorities to foster a more effective and responsive police force.
The City of East Lansing offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of its employees and their families. This includes a negotiable salary in the range of $128,603 to $134,260, depending on qualifications and experience, with annual cost of living increases, a City vehicle for work use and 13 paid holidays. Health coverage is provided, with family dental and vision plan premiums fully covered by the City. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental and vision plans from their date of hire. Retirement benefits feature a hybrid pension plan (10% of salary), a Health Care Savings Plan and a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Additionally, the City contributes $1,000 annually to the post-employment Health Care Savings Plan.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in police science, criminal justice, public administration or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years related law enforcement leadership experience, including three (3) years in a role equivalent to Deputy Chief or five (5) years in a role equivalent to Captain and certification from the Michigan Law Enforcement Officer’s Training certification, or a similar certification from another state, and a valid Michigan driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment is required.
A master’s degree, and graduation from a command leadership program such as the FBI Academy, Southern Police Institute, Senior Management Institute for Police, or similar desired. Residency within the City limits is strongly preferred.
Application review begins on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. After this date, the lead consultant will evaluate applications and may invite selected applicants for additional assignments or interviews. This announcement will remain posted until the City of East Lansing extends an offer to a finalist.
Applicants must authorize criminal background checks, credit checks, academic verification and reference checks, in accordance with the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Background Investigation standards. Per state or local laws, all submitted information, including resumes and cover letters, may be subject to public disclosure. For more information, contact edward.williams@bakertilly.com or call (214) 842-6478.
The City of East Lansing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary : $128,603 - $134,260
