Assistant Police Chief
Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Criminal Justice, Social Science, Public Administration or a related field coupled with a minimum of 10 years of experience, or an equivalent combination to a Bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned areas and 10 years of experience with increasingly-responsible and varied administrative experience in a police department which provides a full range of police services.
A minimum of ten years’ qualified, increasingly responsible, full-time commissioned law enforcement work experience including at least five years supervisory experience. Prior police command experience preferred.
Under the direction of the Police Chief, embrace vision of community-based policing and instill it in others; facilitate the development and implementation of a community-based police organization, with recognition of restraints and limitations; manage and lead a major division of police service operations; lead and supervise the activities of police captains and officers and other assigned staff; assure the enforcement of State, County and municipal laws; plan and develop methods and procedures to assure department goals and objectives are met. Serve as Acting Police Chief in the Chief’s absence.
The Assistant Police Chief will assist in the overall direction of the department’s internal operations; directs assigned activities, while assuring the effective protection of lives, property and constitutional rights through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Also to help formulate, develop, implement and evaluate department policies goals and objectives. The Assistant Police Chief will help inspire a sense of confidence and security in the citizens of Lakewood through professionalism, citizen involvement, and creative approaches to public safety.
Essential Duties
- Perform all duties in accordance with the City of Lakewood’s Operating Principles.
- Work and act as a team player with the Chief of Police and in all interactions with other city employees. Always provide a high level of customer service; project and maintain a positive image on behalf of the City of Lakewood with those contacted in the course of work.
- Develop and implement the goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Police Department; research policies and procedures related to department; identify resource needs; develop and implement policies and procedures; ensure policies and procedures are adhered to.
- Participate in recommending the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures; recommend employee terminations; ensure personnel program is implemented equitably and consistently.
- Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the department’s work plan; forecast department’s requirements; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; review with Police Chief; implement improvements.
- Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Participate in the development and administration of the department budget; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.
- Coordinate police department activities with those of other city departments, outside law enforcement agencies, and other organizations; provide staff assistance to the Police Chief; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Direct and participate in the research of alternative approaches to law enforcement including community policing, coordinate implementation of Community Policing across multiple commands within the Department.
- Participate in labor negotiations; advise City negotiation team regarding effects of negotiation demands; help clarify issues or concerns brought by the labor negotiators; ensure contract is complied with.
- Advise or facilitate the recruitment, hire, and promotion of Department personnel; assist Human Resources in identifying how and where to recruit target groups; assist in the interviewing of the finalists for job openings and make recommendations; support the City’s equal employment efforts; participate in the development of entry level and promotional examinations; ensure exams are valid; develop promotion recommendations.
- Assist in the development and implementation of long-range training for the Police Dept; assist Police Chief to develop overall vision; work with staff to develop goals and objectives; implement program; act as a resource to training staff as needed.
- Managing the Department’s personnel program, including discipline, vacations, sick leave, work conditions, grievance resolution and complaints, and distribution of personnel within various shifts and divisions; coordinating the Department’s personnel program with the overall department personnel program.
- Coordinate the Department’s safety program; coordinate with Risk Manager; implement policies and procedures.
- Act as Department liaison for all matters related to tort claims and lawsuits brought against the department and its personnel, work with Risk Manager and legal staff.
- Conduct internal investigations as directed by the Police Chief; research and gather all necessary information; develop recommendations; present findings to Police Chief.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; make presentations to organizations and civic groups; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of police science.
- Serve as a resource to the City’s collective bargaining teams to advise on labor relations activities and operational impacts to draft proposals. May serve on the City’s negotiation team.
- Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.
- Act as Police Chief as required when Police Chief is absent and perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.