Chief of Police

DISCLAIMER: This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions section of this classification may vary from position to position. The employer reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Police Chief plans and directs the law enforcement program of the Town. The employee is responsible for the protection of life and property through a varied program of enforcement, detection, investigation and prevention of crime and accidents. Work involves a full managerial and supervisory role including the establishment of operations and policy, creating, and articulating a Community Policing philosophy, establishing trust and credibility with the community; evaluation and adherence to prescribed standards, and planning for and implementing special law enforcement activities. Work also includes overseeing the preparation of special State, Federal, and local reports; cooperating with other law enforcement agencies; preparing and managing operating and capital budgets; overseeing the application of technology within the department; and supervising all department personnel. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and State and Federal statutes. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Town Manager and is evaluated through periodic conferences, observation of results achieved, and review of records, reports and files.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs all administrative functions to include strategically planning, establishing departmental goals and objectives for both the long and short term, projects and develops budgets for the department and provides recommendations to the Town Manager, provides budget administration and purchasing for the Department, and writes and administers grants, supervises staff use and care of vehicles, technology and equipment.
• Establishes and communicates standards of performance and a philosophy of law enforcement for the department; develops a vision and clear direction with staff; develops staff capacities; creates a high-performance work team; provides leadership, motivation, conflict resolution, performance coaching and evaluation programs for staff.
• Oversees recruitment, selection, career development and training of personnel for the department; advises directs, and consults with subordinate officers on matters of training, work assignments, scheduling, and discipline; develops teamwork and staff leadership skills.
• Establishes credibility and trust with the community through various community educations and outreach programs; receives and acts upon inquiries or complaints from the public concerning police activities and services.
• Supervises and participates in the functions of the department including patrol, investigations, SRO, and related activities.
• Supervises internal personnel investigations; establishes policies, procedures and operations; sets priorities; and evaluates the department and its personnel.
• Supervises the preparation of periodic reports of crime and accident activity and police department activities; and analyzes data for trends.
• Works with the public and staff on difficult or unusual crime situations; and, cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in crime prevention, detection, and investigative activities.
• Represents the Police Department and the Town in presentations to civic and volunteer organizations; and, drafts press releases and conducts media briefings.
•  Oversees fleet operations, equipment maintenance, inventory, and related resources, oversees the management and operation of the Town's fleet maintenance program and shop operations.
• Supervises fleet personnel and vehicle maintenance and repairs; and ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the Town's fleet. 
• Execute other duties as assigned by the Town Manager. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods, and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, and policies of the police department.
• Thorough knowledge of the physical, economic, and social characteristics of the Town.
• Considerable knowledge of modern public sector personnel laws and regulations and Town policies.
• Considerable knowledge of policies and principles involved in public sector budgeting and purchasing.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to law enforcement work.
• Considerable knowledge and skill in motivation, communications, leadership, performance coaching and other skills necessary to develop a high-performance team.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment, and in the application of self-defense tactics.
• Skill in public presentations and collaborative conflict resolution.
• Skill and ability to effectively and efficiently manage a department including all related administrative and supervisory functions involving personnel and budget administration.
• Ability to establish authority and to lead and inspire confidence among subordinate officers.
• Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to plan and direct special programs and events related to law enforcement.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective public relations with the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work in this classification is supervisory and requires the same physical and mental requirements as that of a Police Officer. Physical requirements are defined as medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas or other information between individuals or groups. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines and motor vehicles, determining accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing surroundings. Employee must be able to demonstrate continued physical fitness to withstand the rigors of law enforcement officer and potential physical confrontation with assailants and/or foot chases for apprehensions. Employee may be required to use deadly force to subdue an assailant or to protect themselves or others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Employee is exposed to both inside and outside working conditions in all types of weather from extremes of cold and heat to rain/snow/ice as well as varying terrain from streets, dense foliage, dark buildings, and water. Employee may be exposed to noise which would cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Workplace conditions include operating vehicles for extended periods of time, working varied hours and shifts, and confronting violent persons many of whom have criminal records with little to no respect for law enforcement or who may be a threat to themselves or others. Work requires the application of safety precautions and wearing of protective clothing, gloves, and body armor designed to minimize exposure to blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and bodily harm.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in criminal justice or public administration, supplemented by advanced courses in police administration and considerable supervisory experience of a progressive responsible nature in law enforcement work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid NC driver’s license required. 
• Certified at the Intermediate or Advanced Level Law Enforcement Certificate awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission.
• Law enforcement instructor certification is preferred.
• Must be reachable and able to respond outside of normal operating hours. 

DRUG TESTING: This position requires the employee to be subject to random drug testing as per the Town of Landis Policy. 

CLOSING DATE: 08/07/2026