Police Chief

General Job Description This position performs a variety of complex administrative, management, and professional work. These duties include planning, coordinating, and directing the activities of the Independence Police Department in support of the department operations, goals, and mission. Essential Functions-Duties & Responsibilities An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties; however, these examples do not include all the specific tasks which an employee may be expected to perform. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Supervises assigned employees which includes scheduling and task assignment. Provides mentorship, coaching, and training. Develops work plans, reviews completed tasks, and evaluates performance, offering constructive feedback. Sets work standards, enforces, or proposes disciplinary actions as needed, addresses grievances, and plays a key role in hiring and termination decisions. Plans, coordinates, manages, and evaluates department operations; ensures that laws and ordinances are enforced and that the public peace and safety are maintained. Designs and evaluates the organizational structure of the department, organizing key responsibilities and functions. Ensures personnel are strategically deployed in shifts or working units to efficiently address community needs for police protection. Recruits and retains qualified personnel at all departmental levels consistent with applicable laws and regulations; analyzes future personnel staffing needs and develops short and long range plans to meet those needs. Assists with the coordination of efforts and information between police agencies within the community. Coordinates the department's activities with those of other city departments and offices to ensure a consistent and congenial approach towards common projects and interests; cooperates with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and officers, as appropriate, when activities of the department are involved. Supervises employee activities and equipment operations to uphold safety standards. Implements and sustains safe operating practices, ensuring compliance with established safety procedures, rules, and regulations. Performs on-site inspections to monitor safety, review work performance, and respond to various problems. Takes on the responsibilities of subordinate personnel as required or when necessary. Displays proficiency in effectively engaging with all segments of a diverse community, actively collaborating with stakeholders, and nurturing and expanding crucial community relationships. This individual also dedicates themselves to actively participating and investing in the community. Develops, prepares, and updates short and long range plans that address community and department priorities, and contributes to the city's overall plans and strategies. Reviews department performance and effectiveness; formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies. Analysis of crime trends, traffic conditions, juvenile delinquency, vice and narcotics issues, white collar crime, and related community law enforcement concerns; implements appropriate actions to meet needs identified by these analyses and reports major issues and trends to the City Manager and, if directed, City Council. Directs on-going research into new law enforcement technologies and trends and recommends implementation of programs and equipment to help the department achieve its objectives more efficiently; attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Oversees the preparation, presentation, and implementation of realistic and fiscally sound annual departmental budgets to enable the department to achieve its objectives including special activities as assigned; ensures that the department functions within budget appropriations. In accordance with recognized accreditation standards, directs the development and maintenance of information systems, records, and legal documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control, and documentation of police operations. May serve as Manager in charge in the absence of the City Manager and perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the City Manager. Nurture and sustain professional networks and actively participate in relevant training sessions and conferences to enhance skills and stay informed about current issues and best practices across all areas of responsibility. Represents the City of Independence by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regard everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible. Must be able to provide creditable sworn testimony. Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience An acceptable combination of education and experience that equips the candidate with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to fulfill the outlined duties. A common qualification path includes obtaining a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice alongside a DPSST Management Certificate, coupled with a minimum of four years of progressively responsible police experience involving managerial/supervisory responsibilities. A DPSST Executive Certificate is preferred. Degrees must be from an accredited institution recognized by the Office of Degree Authorization, US Department of Education, as mandated by ORS 348.609. The selected candidate must furnish official transcripts for the degree. Graduate of FBI National Academy preferred. Special requirements/ Licenses A valid Oregon Driver’s License, First Aid/CPR certification, and DPSST Management Certification is required. DPSST Executive Certificate required within 2 years of hire. Knowledge, Skill and Abilities Knowledge Extensive knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; effective managerial principles and practices; advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration. Skills Ability to exercise sound leadership, judgment and decision making; formulate, implement, and administer department policy; effectively delegate authority to subordinates; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, and the general public; meet department physical standards. Abilities Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner; represent the City professionally and effectively in meetings with others; establish and maintain effective working relationships; handle critical emergency situations in a professional, effective, and efficient manner; develop departmental goals and objectives. Other Requirements Physical Demands The physical demands described here (including lifting, mobility, movement, and manual dexterity) are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In the performance of job duties, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb, including stairs and ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, reach, or crawl; smell; run short and moderate distances in foot pursuit; jump and dodge obstacles; lift and carry objects and people; drag and pull objects and people; push/pull heavy objects; use short and moderate duration force with subjects; use restraining devices; use restraining/control holds; and use hands/feet for self-defense. The employee may occasionally be required to engage in physically combative confrontations with resistant and possibly violent individuals to subdue them. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required 95% of the work period. This is used while operating equipment such as cameras, calculators, vehicles, computers, laptops, firearms, alternative weapons, defensive tactics, etc. Safety Employees must maintain a safe work environment by complying with city and department safety policies and rules and by practicing safety while performing the essential functions of the position. Work Environment / Working Conditions The work environment and working conditions described here are representative of those that are typical of the job and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In the performance of the job duties, the employee will frequently work in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high precarious places; and with explosives; and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Occasional travel includes local and regional meetings, training, and regular travel throughout the city. This position may regularly be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.