What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Police position at City of New London?
The Chief is appointed by the Commission through the authority in Wisconsin Statue 62.13. The Chief operates under an optional power commission:
The City of New London has a Police and Fire Commission that exercises optional powers:
Granting optional powers to a police and fire commission changes the customary flow of authority and exercise of responsibilities in managing the police department. An optional powers commission takes on the executive responsibilities normally exercised by a Mayor or City Manager as chief executive officer and statutory head of the police department. The Mayor or City Manager no longer plays a direct role in managing the police department. The Police Chief reports to the commission on matter related to the department. The Mayor only has “Appointment Authority” over the Police and Fire Commission. The Police and Fire Commission has “Functional Authority” over the Chief of Police. Only the Police and Fire Commission and the Chief of Police has “Functional Authority” over the police department, personnel, operation rules and regulations, and department operations.
Purpose of Position: To provide administrative and operational oversight of law enforcement functions, to be the public face and voice of the police department.
Normal Probationary Period: Probationary periods do not apply to Police Chiefs
Note: This position is not included in a labor (union) contract. This position is exempt from flsa overtime requirements
This Position Reports To: Police & Fire Commission
- Reviews and responds to daily reports of officers, mail, electronic communications, phone calls, personal visits, media relations
- Prepares policies, documents, reports, press releases, agendas, minutes and correspondence for the department
- Attends required meetings and training sessions
- Manages personnel, including employee recruitment, testing, evaluation, hiring, orientation, coaching, maintenance of personnel & medical records files, investigation of allegations of misconduct, contract negotiation, grievance process, discipline & termination.
- Review all open record request
- Prepares budgets, plans for capital needs, strategic planning, event planning, data analysis
- Participates in law enforcement, crime investigation, follow-up investigation, assist officers, assist other agencies & oversee programs such as explorers, ride-along, and school liaison program
- Conducts background checks
- Testifies in court, as required
- Oversees the traffic safety function in the city
- Work with the School District on safety policies and procedures
Supervisory Responsibilities of Position:
- Hires/fires (as directed by the police and fire commission)
- Supervises all members of the department
- Oversees the disciplinary process of the department.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinates activities with other city departments, service clubs, and other organizations
- Responds to lawful requests of the mayor
- Gives public relations information to schools, churches, & public
- WLESB certification
- Bachelor’s degree or higher (preferred)
- Skill in using a variety of police tools (handgun, rifle, shot gun, baton, electronic control device, etc)
- Exceptional communication skills
- Advanced knowledge of law enforcement, police procedures & practices
- Self-improvement commitment
- Skill in using office equipment, report writing, and giving presentations
- Awareness of employment law, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, workers comp
- Training in first aid, defibrillators, CPR
- Supervisory and counseling ability
- Have a valid driver’s license
Associate degree required in law enforcement or related field; Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree preferred. 12 years of law enforcement experience required, 5 years of progressive supervisory experience at the rank of Sergeant or higher. Certifiable as a law enforcement officer in the state of Wisconsin. Possess a valid driver’s license. A US citizen. Able to lawfully possess a firearm. No felony convictions.
Work Environment:
Mostly office work, needs to respond to quickly changing situations, occasionally outside in all weather conditions, may need to be aggressive physically: restraining subjects, moving subjects, running
Salary : $100,797 - $118,971
