Chief of Police

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Chief of Police is responsible for directing, planning, and managing all functions and operations of the Police Department in the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the prevention of crime, and protection of life and property. Work involves organizing and directing the activities of the Police Department’s major divisions of Investigations, Support Services, Management Services, Patrol, and Operational Support. This role involves supervising subordinate leaders, making decisions related to risk management, and approving budget allocations. Responsible for handling citizen complaints and media inquiries, ensuring timely responses. Directs and oversees the administration of the collective bargaining agreement; maintains liaison with labor representatives; and ensures maintenance of management rights. The Chief of Police reports to and consults with the City Manager in determining plans and policies to be observed in police operations. Except for general administrative direction, the incumbent works independently with performance evaluated on results achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

• Plans and directs the implementation of the department’s short- and long-term goals, objectives, strategies, including the department’s budget.
• Formulates, prescribes and promulgates department policies and procedures.
• Drafts reports on department activities and supervises others in the preparation of reports to the City Manager and City Commission.
• Presents budget estimates, controls expenditures of departmental appropriations, and establishes operational standards for the department.
• Directs and participates in police training programs.
• Directly supervises the activities of the Assistant Chief and Deputy Chiefs in charge of the different police divisions.
• Represents the Police Department in all significant public relations matters.
• Commands force during emergencies such as natural disasters, acts of terrorism and riots.
• Ensures ongoing operational risk management control, evaluation, communication, training, monitoring and documentation.
• Provides leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the police department, including responding to critical events.
• Plans, manages, coordinates, and engages in community policing initiatives, including organizing and participating in community events such as 5k Run with the Heroes, Shop with a Cop, Autism Awareness, BBQ Cook-Off, and National Night Out.
• Attends City Commission Meetings and other city meetings, collaborates with other department heads to address organizational needs, reviews and drafts ordinances, and acts as liaison with the City Legal Department, as necessary.
• Responds to and manages both internal and external complaints against department staff, overseeing internal affairs disciplinary processes.
• Conducts departmental meetings to discuss current events, provide guidance on the department's direction, and communicates expectations to the staff.
• Manages the department's information technology systems and ensures that computer systems are kept up to date and secure.
• Supervises and manages the department's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
• Facilitates the application, approval, and management of grants.
• Coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies for task force officers and represents the department on local committees through the Council of Governments (COG).
• Ensures the department remains compliant with the Texas Best Practices Accreditation Program.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Additional Requirements:

• 
  This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles for City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
• Appointments to positions in the Police Department are subject to appropriate polygraph and background standards.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon assignment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED

• Works under the policy direction of the City Commission and receives general direction from the City Manager. Reports directly to the City Manager.
• Exercises supervision over Assistant Chief and Department Command Structure.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

• Principals, practices, and procedures of police science and modern police administration, organization, and operation; including states statues.
• 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.
• Crisis management incidents and Incident Command System.
• Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.

Ability to:

• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Maintain discipline and respect of employees and to lead and command a sworn and civilian multidisciplinary staff in law enforcement and crime prevention activities.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, employees, other law enforcement agencies, boards, commissions, and the general public.
• Produce written documents in English with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, grammar, and punctuation.
• Communicate with individuals and groups in a face-to-face one-to-one setting or by telephone.
• Understand community and social conditions to determine needs.
• Maintain moral integrity.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; and five (5) years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Attendance of the FBI academy preferred.
• Experience with the accreditation process of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) is preferred.
• Experience with Texas Police Chief Association Best Practices Recognition Program preferred.
• Experience with Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.

Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:

• TCOLE Advanced Peace Officer License.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee is occasionally exposed to moving vehicle traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SAFETY SENSITIVITY

This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position due to the following:

The employee is responsible and entrusted with their own or other people's safety.