Summary:
This is the senior-level managerial position with direct responsibility for the overall organization,
administrative direction and control of the police department. Supervising all subordinate
members of the unit, the chief is responsible to insure law enforcement functions within the
community are provided to all residents and visitors in a uniform, fair and impartial manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
While the chief of police may determine it prudent to delegate some functions as a result of time
management or for department efficiency, these functions are the essential responsibilities of the
chief of police, who maintains ultimate responsibility for each item:
Manages, plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates police department operations on the basis
of sound management practices and procedures.
Administers City code, policies and directions, consistent with federal law and state statute, and
best business practices to provide effective police services to the community.
Develops and maintains policies and procedures for the department in order to implement
directives and police department-related community initiatives as may come from the Common
Council and/or City Manager.
Plans and implements a law enforcement program for the City in order to better carry out the
policies and goals of City Management and Council; reviews department performance and
effectiveness and formulates programs, policies or tactics to alleviate deficiencies.
Maintains custody and control of department property, and the issuance/use of same.
Coordinates the information gathered and work accomplished by employees, assigns officers to
special investigations as the needs arise for their specific skills. Supervises and coordinates the
investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that
procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
Prepares work schedules and assignment of duties to subordinates that ensures personnel are
assigned to shifts or working units which provide optimum effectiveness in terms of current
situations and circumstances governing deployment.
Evaluates call data, evidence, witnesses and suspects, and in criminal cases to correlate all aspects,
to assess for trends, similarities or associations with other cases.
Supervises and coordinates the preparation of an annual budget; provides control of departmental
expenditures throughout the year; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replacement
equipment to ensure conformance to standards. Analyzes and recommends improvements to
equipment and facilities as needed.
Supervisory Requirements:
Directly supervises all Police Department employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in
accordance with organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing
and providing hiring recommendations to the city’s personnel officer, and training of employees
and volunteers; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and
disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Establishes clearly
understood policies, procedures, rules and responsibilities to effectively guide personnel in the
performance of their assigned tasks. Handles grievances, maintains departmental discipline and
the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel.
Qualification Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or
ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree (four year college or technical school) in a criminal justice/police science related
field, or an Associate’s degree (two year college or technical school) in a criminal justice/police
science related field and successful completion of the FBI National Academy or its equivalent.
Waiver of degree will be considered for applicants with past employment exceeding the minimum
experience requirements.
Minimum of ten years as a certified police officer and at least seven years law enforcement
experience in a managerial and supervisory capacity, with progressively more responsible
positions demonstrated and at least three years of satisfactory experience with a rank of Lieutenant
(or agency-equivalent senior leadership position) or higher. Must have current Advanced Police
Officer Certification issued by the Alaska Police Standards Council or equivalent, or be eligible
for Alaska advanced certification within 12 months of appointment