Police Chief - Columbus Police Department

The City of Columbus is seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as our next Police Chief. This is not just a job; it is a calling to lead with integrity, inspire a team of dedicated professionals, and shape the future of public safety in our community.

Why This Role Matters

The Police Chief is one of the most critical leaders in our city, responsible for ensuring safety, trust, and accountability in law enforcement. This individual must set the highest standards, drive measurable results, and cultivate a culture of excellence within the department. In a rapidly evolving world, our community needs a Police Chief who is not only committed to upholding the law but also deeply invested in strengthening relationships between officers and the people they serve.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an inspiring leader who:

• Has a clear vision for the future of law enforcement and can implement forward-thinking strategies to enhance public safety.
• Leads by example with unwavering integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Motivates and empowers officers and staff to be their best, fostering a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Is results-oriented, able to set goals, track progress, and deliver tangible improvements in crime reduction, community engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Builds trust with residents, businesses, and community organizations, ensuring that law enforcement serves all people with fairness and respect.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the Police Department, including but not limited to: budget, patrol, investigations, community and administrative services.
• Establish high-performance standards, evaluate departmental and individual outcomes, and implement best practices.
• Develop and execute strategic policies to enhance public safety and emergency response effectiveness.
• Lead recruitment, training, and professional development initiatives to ensure the department operates at the highest level.
• Foster strong inter-departmental and community partnerships and advance initiatives that promote transparency, unity and public trust in law enforcement.
• The Police Chief works under the direction of the Mayor and City Administrator to align the department’s goals and objectives with the city's broader vision.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with courses in police science, criminal justice, or public administration.
• Extensive progressive experience in law enforcement, including supervisory and administrative roles.
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Completion of a Law Enforcement Training Center management course.
• Civil Service Commission Certification.
• A proven record of leadership, innovation, and measurable success in public safety.

Benefits

• Exempt Position.
• Salary Range is $95,851 – $137,552 dependent on experience.
• Competitive benefit package
• City paid membership dues; National & International Association of Police Chiefs, FBI National Academy Association & LEEDA, Police Officer Association of Nebraska

Application Process

To apply, complete a City of Columbus application form, available at Columbus City Hall or downloadable from the City of Columbus website. Submit your completed application via:

• Email: tammy.orender@columbusne.us
• Fax: 402-564-9348
• Mail: Tammy Orender, Human Resources Director, 2500 14 St, Suite 3, Columbus, NE 68601
• Deadline: Applications must be received by Monday, March 24, 2025

Competitive Examination

This Civil Service position requires a competitive examination. All applicants will take an online test consisting of eight different scenes. Each scene will be individually scored, and the final assessment will be based on the cumulative performance across all scenes.

This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader who exemplifies integrity and accountability, inspires excellence, and understands the critical role law enforcement plays in maintaining a thriving community. Join the City of Columbus and lead a dedicated team of professionals committed to serving and protecting with honor and excellence.