Police Chief

Police Chief – City of London, KY

Position Overview

The Police Chief serves as a critical pillar of the City’s executive leadership team. Beyond tactical command, the incumbent is a community-focused administrator responsible for cultivating public trust, ensuring civil service excellence, and navigating the complexities of municipal governance. This role requires a diplomat’s touch in community relations and a CEO’s precision in departmental management.

Expanded Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Civil Leadership & Municipal Administration

• Executive Spokesperson: Serve as the primary advocate and spokesperson for the City on all law enforcement issues, utilizing diplomacy and political awareness in all public forums.


• Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the City Mayor, City Council, and other City Department heads to develop integrated programs that maximize municipal service delivery.


• Legislative & Legal Compliance: Monitor changes in laws, court decisions, and municipal codes; ensure all departmental actions are in strict compliance with the Open Meetings Act and Kentucky Revised Statutes.


• Human Capital Management: Oversee the entire lifecycle of personnel—from recruitment and merit-based promotion to grievances and dismissals—while serving as a coach and mentor to future department leaders.


• Fiscal Accountability: Maintain ultimate accountability for all financial operations, ensuring every expenditure reflects the values and priorities of the London community.

2. Community-Oriented Policing & Engagement

• Strategic Community Partnerships: Initiate and coordinate deep-rooted partnerships with civic organizations, neighborhood groups, and the "Hope for London" resource group to solve quality-of-life issues.


• Event Protection & Response: Lead the security and safety planning for high-profile community events, such as the World Chicken Festival, ensuring a balance between robust protection and a welcoming environment.


• Public Transparency: Maintain an ongoing program of community services and public relations that is visible and responsive to citizen feedback, including conducting regular town hall meetings and educational presentations.


• Victim & Minority Advocacy: Ensure the department implements trauma-informed interviewing and provides specialized resources for domestic violence victims and vulnerable populations.


• School Safety Liaison: Collaborate with the Laurel County Board of Education to maintain proactive safety strategies and support the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.

3. Professional Standards & Training

• Academy-Level Standards: Ensure all personnel meet or exceed Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) and DOCJT training mandates, fostering a culture of continuous professional development.


• Ethics & Accountability: Promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints against department staff to maintain the highest level of institutional integrity.


• Innovative Problem Solving: Adopt new technologies—such as the LPD project tracker and ordinance management systems—to improve operational transparency and efficiency.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Leadership Style: A "servant leader" capable of delegating responsibility and building a two-way environment of trust within the department.


• Communication Mastery: Exceptional oral and written skills, with the ability to translate complex law enforcement data into clear, concise reports for the City Council and the public.


• Community Presence: A leader who is naturally visible in the community—walking the business district and attending neighborhood meetings—to bridge the gap between the uniform and the resident.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

To ensure the highest standard of safety for our citizens, applicants must meet the following stringent criteria:

• Extensive Experience: A minimum of 20 years of progressive law enforcement experience, with at least 10 years in a command-level role (Lieutenant or higher).


• Proven Command History: Documented experience in managing diverse operations, including tactical response units, training academies, or investigative divisions.


• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field, or an equivalent combination of 25+ years of service and advanced executive leadership training (e.g., KSP Command, FBI National Academy).


• Certifications: Current POPS certification.

Highly Desirable Specialized Skills

• Legal Expertise: Experience being qualified as an Expert Witness in State or Federal court regarding police practices and use of force.
  


• Advanced Instruction: A background in developing state-wide firearms standards, tactical command training, or school-based security strategies.
  


• Commendations: A record of meritorious service and commendations for bravery or distinct acts of achievement.