Chief of Police

The Chief of Police performs difficult advanced law enforcement services and administrative work planning, organizing and directing all activities of the Police Department, enforcing laws, policies and procedures, developing and managing the department operating budget and capital improvement projects, and related work as apparent or assigned.  Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the Town Manager.  Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.

The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Plans, manages, directs, and evaluates the operations of the Police Department

• Recruits and selects employees; develops and oversees training plans and standards, conducts performance evaluations/counseling sessions; reviews personnel issues
• Develops policies, procedures, and program plans to meet current and future law enforcement needs; develops and evaluates programs and activities to improve law enforcement operations
• Prepares and monitors the department’s annual operating and capital improvement budgets and controls budgeted expenses; reviews and approves budget requests
• Attends meetings and serves on committees, boards, and agencies related to promoting crime prevention and improving law enforcement; evaluates and implements federal and state law mandates
• Prepares and reviews operational and administrative reports
• Manages agency equipment and supplies, orders necessary materials, ensures scheduled maintenance and repairs are completed
• Coordinates and conducts internal and administrative investigations in regard to citizen complaints and employee misconduct
• Supervises maintenance of records and materials associated with law enforcement activities or administration
• Makes periodic public addresses concerning police operations and law enforcement

• Comprehensive knowledge of laws, rules, and court decisions relating to the administration of criminal justice and law enforcement
• Comprehensive knowledge of methods of crime detection, criminal identification, and radio communication
• Comprehensive knowledge of controlling laws and ordinances
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the Town
• Skill in effectively operating equipment used in patrol and emergency responses
• Skill in the use of firearms and the operation of a motor vehicle
• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct the activities of police officers
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies
• Demonstrated integrity
• Ability to interpret State and Town ordinances and codes
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the police operation and to institute improvements
• Ability to prepare and review reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Town officials, law enforcement agencies, associates, and with the general public

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree with coursework in law enforcement, public administration, or related field and extensive experience law enforcement administration and operations including supervisory experience
• Master's degree preferred
• Completion of an executive training course, similar to the FBI National Academy, Administrative Officers Management Program, Southern Police Institute or similar training program

• Possession of Law Enforcement Officer certification
• Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as a satisfactory driving record

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing
• Frequently requires sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions
• Occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting
• Work has standard vision requirements
• Vocal communication is required for  expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

Salary : $132,260 - $151,925