Police Chief

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.A./B.S.) or equivalent from college or university in criminal justice or a related field
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five (5) years in a senior level, supervisory position
• Or any satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above duties.
• Possession of or ability to obtain DPSST Executive Certificate within one (1) year of appointment.
• DPSST Management Certification or equivalent law enforcement certificate.
• Extensive background investigation, psychological test, and medical exam. 
• Possession of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of graduate degree in management or administrative field.
• Completion of FBI National Academy or equivalent advanced training institute.
• Previous leadership experience within an Oregon municipality in a similar capacity.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

The City of Canby is a growing community of over 19,000 residents located 25 miles south of Portland. Also known as “Oregon’s Garden Spot”, Canby, located in southwest Clackamas County, encompasses 4.5 square miles and is part of the beautiful Willamette Valley. Canby is a close-knit, family-friendly community that supports its local law enforcement agency. Canby’s exceptional quality of life and low crime has earned it numerous awards, including being named in the top safest cities in Oregon for several years running.

The City of Canby Police Department is currently recruiting to fill the position of Police Chief. This is a full time, exempt position. The City provides an excellent benefit and compensation package including PERS.  The City offers a 5% pay incentive for written and oral proficiency in the Spanish language or any other language if spoken by over 10% of the total Canby population.  

Application Deadline: May 3, 2026
Application Review: May 4, 2026
First Interview: May 20, 2026
Second Interview: May 27, 2026

Note: Interview timelines are tentative and could be subject to change.

Plan, direct and oversee the operations of the Police Department, including management services, field operations and criminal investigations, with accountability for results in terms of costs, personnel and methods. Carry out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances. Supervise Police Department personnel, through subordinate supervisors, in the performance of their duties. Ensure open communication with the public in matters of public safety and concern.

Serve as a member of the City’s Leadership Team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Leads the police department and provides strategic direction. Directly and indirectly supervises all employees in all police department divisions. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.

Duties and Responsibilities

The individual in this position is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

• Establish departmental objectives in line with Council goals. Plan and develop law enforcement policies, procedures, standards and programs based on analysis of City growth, crime patterns, workload, staffing levels, and related economic, legislative and judicial influences to provide appropriate and effective law enforcement services to the community.
• Formulate annual and long-term budget estimates for the Police Department. Develop justification and present department budget request. Manage and monitor approved department budget. Prepare and/or review requests for proposals. Review and approve expenditures. Review progress and make necessary modifications as appropriate.
• Assign, supervise and evaluate work of subordinates. Hear grievances and administer disciplinary action. Interview, hire, promote and terminate police personnel. Ensure provision of adequate training within department.
• Initiate and oversee internal investigations of public complaints and allegations of departmental employee misconduct. Provide corrective action as needed. Respond to complaints and inquiries regarding department operations and policies.
• Oversee and assist in major crimes, accidents, or unusual incidents.
• Coordinate emergency communications services.
• Oversee the City emergency management.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other public safety agencies, City departments, special interest groups and the general public. Maintain communication with media representatives to ensure cooperative effort and accurate reporting of activities.
• Confer with the City Administrator on administrative matters and policies pertinent to police service program areas. Ensure City officials are properly informed of activities.
• Attend City Council and various other meetings, providing input and receiving direction or other information. Prepare reports, resolutions, and ordinances for Council information or action. Prepare and present public education materials to various civic and community groups. Prepare, analyze and present traffic statistics and related information to other City officials and the general public as needed. Prepare and present press releases as necessary.
• Maintain effective working relationship with adjacent law enforcement agencies. Provide appropriate information to other law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, the media and citizens regarding on-going investigations, department policies, officer safety information, criminal activity, gang documentation, etc.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public. Aid stranded motorists and assist the public as needed.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures for work areas.
• Performs additional duties as assigned

 Competency Profile

The individual in this position is expected to possess or acquire: 

• Broad advanced knowledge of law enforcement activities, police practices and procedures, investigative methods and techniques, federal, state and local laws, use and safety precautions related to a wide variety of law enforcement equipment, principles of administration, supervision and personnel practices.
• Ability to understand complex oral and written instructions and act upon them accordingly; speak and write clearly and effectively, prepare clear, comprehensive, objective reports; operate assigned equipment and vehicles skillfully and safely; analyze situations and problems quickly and objectively to determine course of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department members and other law enforcement agencies, employees and the general public.
• Ability to analyze police department operations and develop recommendations.
• Ability to act calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to effectively plan, assign and review the work of others either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Knowledge of police administration, organization and operations.
• Knowledge of supervision and personnel practices, record keeping, labor relations, purchasing practices and budgeting.