Chief of Police

Commitment to Citizen Service

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

Position Summary: Leads Tribal Police Department in all aspects of Law Enforcement; leads team members and manages processes and resources to ensure the smooth running of the police force of the organization. Work closely with the Government Manager and decision makers in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective public safety solutions for all aspects of the organization. Provide a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi community, defend the sovereignty of the Band and the rights of all the people in its jurisdiction, and assist in improving the quality of life for all Tribal Citizens.

Essential Functions:

• Provides the overall purpose, direction, motivation, coaches, teaches, mentors, provides resources and tools and sets an overall tone of excellence for the department. This includes the interviewing hiring, orienting, and training and development of team members in accordance with Pokagon Band and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) standards; planning, assigning, and directing work; providing timely feedback, appraising performance, and providing professional development opportunities; and rewarding and disciplining employees. Proactively address and resolve staff concerns and explore and implement methods and procedures for improving departmental workflow and service to Tribal Citizens.
• Provide strategic leadership and consultation to the Tribal Council, Tribal Government and Leadership staff in all areas of police services , policies, and programs. Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures in alignment with the Pokagon Band’s Vision, Mission, Expected Outcomes and Strategic Initiatives.
• Develop budget for Tribal Police Department, ensure compliance with stated goals, guidelines, and objectives, and develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for spending and initiatives.
• Supervise Internal Affairs investigations. Direct investigation of citizen complaints regarding officer misconduct or other alleged wrongdoing.
• Interpret existing and proposed Tribal laws, policies, and procedures as they relate to the department.
• Intercede in cases of deviance from policies and provide guidance to other professionals and officers-in-charge.
• Give direction on investigative criminal cases as needed, offering guidance and expertise and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Command police force during emergencies, such as fires, riots, and natural disasters.
• Provide final approval of department logs and reports including inspection reports, State incident and accident reports and Bureau of Indian Affairs Reports, etc. to ensure compliance with criminal, motor vehicle, and traffic laws and with department regulations.
• Cooperate with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testify in court as necessary.
• Oversee process for the collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
• Make public presentations; represent the department at various conferences, meetings and in the community at various events.
• Coordinate with resource development staff on funding sources and grant development.
• Collaborates and builds strategic relationships with local, and state agencies while attending Chiefs Association meetings in Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph County Indiana and Van Buren County.
• Collaborate and retain cross deputation agreements with Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph County Indiana and Van Buren County Sheriffs and agencies.
• Collaborate and maintain agreement and working relationship with the Notre Dame Police Department and Dispatch Center.
• Collaborate and retain Mutual Aid Agreements with Hartford City, New Buffalo City, South Bend City and Dowagiac City.
• Collaborate as needed with the Special Agent in Charge at the District 7 office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• Oversee and maintain licensing of officers with MCOLES and ILEA.
• Maintain and oversee working police facilities/substations/Headquarters in Berrien County, Cass County, St. Joseph County Indiana and Van Buren County.
• Develops and trains officers in all aspects of law enforcement to ensure readiness and safety in multi-faceted and complex situations.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Assist other local police agencies with calls.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

• Standard office equipment.
• Two-way radios, hand tools including handgun, shotgun, handcuffs, baton, cap stun, flashlight.
• Systems used: MS Office applications, Interact Reporting System
• Uniform required.
• Motor vehicle under regular and emergency conditions.
• Protective gear required as necessary

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in the Criminal Justice or combination of education and experience. Degree must be from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education.
• Police Academy graduate or equivalent certification required.
• Must meet requirements of Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).
• Bureau of Indiana Affairs Special Deputation Training and Certification required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in law enforcement role required.
• Minimum six (6) years of experience law enforcement management/supervisory experience required. This experience to be from within the Pokagon Tribal Police Department or another Tribal Police Department preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles of administrative management, including budgeting techniques, office procedures, and reporting required.
• Clear understanding of the functional organization of the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and working knowledge of the Tribal Government and various offices and departments required.
• Ability to take command of an emergency situation and render immediate decisions required.
• Knowledge of Native American culture.
• Proficiency with MS Office Applications required.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills; and the ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions required.
• Certified Federal, Indiana and Michigan Firearms.

Indian Preference:

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform rigorous physical activity.
• Must be able to qualify with department firearms: handguns, assault rifles, and shot guns.
• Frequently subject to varying levels of stress in accordance with type of assignment.

Work Environment:

• General office environment and outside environment.
• Variety of hazardous environments including noise, fumes, dust, traffic, etc. Extensive motor vehicle operation. Exposed to moving traffic enforcement/control situations. Subject to assault, combative persons in arrest situations, disturbance or other emergency calls. My have deadly/dangerous weapons used against officer. May be required to break up fights between two or more persons.
• Local, regional and national travel is necessary, so the ability to travel as needed is required.

Competencies:

• Using Financials
• Ensuring Accountability
• People Management
• Fostering Learning and Development
• Organizational Savvy
• Thinking Strategically
• Problem Solving
• Exemplifying Integrity