Employees working in the Police Chief I job class are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operation of a small sized police department and assuring all police services are delivered in an efficient and appropriate manner. Supervision is exercised over all employees (i.e., sworn officers and civilians) of the department. Employees in this job class exercise considerable initiative, discretion, and independent judgement in interpreting and applying policies, rules, and regulations. Work is reviewed by the mayor through regular meetings, reports, and annual performance appraisals. The Police Chief I job class applies to jurisdictions with a population of 10,000 or less citizens.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES: Prepares, monitors, and administers departmental or organizational budget by reviewing spending trends, expenditure reports, analyzing financial data and ensuring expenditures are within annual budgetary limits. Represents the police department by meeting with citizen groups and businesses, collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, keeping the mayor, city manager, and/or city council updated on department activities, and communicating with the media. Oversees the training of law enforcement personnel within the department by approving training, ensuring personnel are receiving required training, and teaching training courses. Prepares and presents reporting documents regarding department activity to relevant parties (e.g., citizens, businesses, mayor, city, manager, city council, state, federal) by reviewing police reports, compiling and analyzing statistics, and preparing reports. Participates in law enforcement activities by taking command or assisting the scene commander by overseeing incidents, coordinating resources, talking to the media, and assisting with investigations. Develops and oversees department activities by developing new policies and procedures to maintain compliance with local, state, and/or federal laws and guidelines, improving existing policies and procedures, and responding to citizen complaints regarding department personnel. Plans, organizes, and directs department resources by obtaining required equipment and supplies, obtaining and monitoring grants, and determining personnel requirements. Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines. Supervises staff by assigning and distributing work, directing staff in their job duties, monitoring progress of work, providing feedback and/or training.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position: Option A: Current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification. Associate’s degree or higher in business or police administration, criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration or a closely related field. At least 3 years of experience in a supervisory capacity in law enforcement at the level of Police/Sheriff's Sergeant (or equivalent) or higher rank. Option B: Current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification. Ten (10) years of law enforcement experience. At least 3 years of experience in a supervisory capacity in law enforcement at the level of Police/Sheriff's Sergeant (or equivalent) or higher rank. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes. Experience in a supervisory capacity in law enforcement at the level of Police/Sheriff's Lieutenant (or equivalent) or higher rank. Experience researching, writing, and managing grants.
Competencies
Adaptability & Flexibility; Planning & Organizing; Physical Abilities; Oral Communication & Comprehension; Mathematical & Statistical Skills; Written Communication & Comprehension; Training & Facilitation; Learning & Memory; Technical Skills; Technical & Job Specific Knowledge; Teamwork & Interpersonal; Leadership & Management; Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use; Small Tool & Equipment Use; Customer Service; Self-Management & Initiative; Creativity & Innovation; Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing; Computer & Technology Operations; Researching & Referencing; Psychomotor Abilities; Professionalism & Integrity; Problem Solving & Decision Making
Performance Appraisal Competencies
Oral Communication & Comprehension; Written Communication & Comprehension; Leadership & Management; Teamwork & Interpersonal; Adaptability & Flexibility; Self-Management & Initiative; Professionalism & Integrity; Planning & Organizing
Compensable Factors:
Bachelor's Degree in Business or Police Administration, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or a related field and five years of law enforcement experience with at least three years as a supervisor at the level of Sergeant.
Critical Knowledges:
Knowledge of Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (APOST) standards for maintaining officer and department certification.
Knowledge of basic law enforcement procedures (e.g., issuing warrants, arrests) and terminology.
Knowledge of budgetary principles and procedures, and encumbrances/expenditures such as revenues, expenditures, and appropriations involved in establishing and maintaining budgets.
Knowledge of City and Police Department rules and regulations, policies, and procedures regarding jail operation.
Knowledge of Code of Alabama.Knowledge of constitutional law as it refers to Miranda Rights, Terry Stop, and Exclusionary Rule.
Knowledge of department policies and procedures on handling complaints (e.g., customer, citizen).
Knowledge of principles involved in the management of staff/personnel.
Physical Demands:
Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs. Work involves physical ability necessary to occasionally subdue or restrain a combative individual and exercise necessary self-defense.
Work Environment:
Work is conducted primarily indoors in office setting with occasional field visits to external locations such as crime scenes, community meetings, and public meetings. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc. Work may involve the use of specialized equipment such as firearms and hand-held weapons.
Disclaimer:
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.