Chief of Police

City of Prescott • Prescott, AZ

10d • $186,129 - $207,605 • Hybrid

About The Position

Serves as the chief law enforcement officer and strategic leader for the Prescott Police Department, providing executive direction over departmental operations, personnel, budget, and resources. Advises the City Manager and City Council on public safety matters. Establishes organizational vision, ensures ethical and community-focused service delivery, implements policy initiatives, builds organizational culture, collaborates with city departments and regional partners, and aligns department priorities with the City's strategic plan and core beliefs.
This is an executive management position responsible for leading and administering the Police Department with broad authority over operations, personnel, policies, and resources. The position is expected to exercise broad independent judgment, reports directly to the City Manager, serves as a member of the City's executive leadership team, and advises the City Council on public safety issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Management, or a closely related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible sworn law enforcement experience, including at least five (5) years of command-level experience (e.g., Lieutenant, Commander, Deputy Chief, etc.) in an agency of comparable size or complexity.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education, advanced executive training, and command experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered.
• Possess a valid Arizona driver's license.
• Possess AzPOST certification as a Law Enforcement Officer or obtain within 90 days of hire (see AzPOST.state.az.us).
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive executive background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical exam, and satisfy all statutory requirements for appointment as a chief law enforcement officer in the State of Arizona.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and operational standards of modern police administration and police methods.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, municipal ordinances, and court decisions governing law enforcement operations and municipal government.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, continuous quality improvement, risk management, and performance measurement systems.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal finance, operating and capital budget preparation, administration, records, and grant stewardship.
• Knowledge of contemporary leadership methods, personnel administration, recruitment, retention, succession planning, labor relations, and disciplinary procedures.
• Knowledge of the City of Prescott's organizational structure, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and directing the work of employees performing varied operations connected with police activities.
• Skill in translating City Council priorities and community needs into actionable strategic goals, departmental policies, and operational vision.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Skill in preparing, presenting, and managing complex departmental budgets, while efficiently deploying personnel, technology, and equipment.
• Skill in recruiting, mentoring, evaluating, and developing personnel to foster a high-performance culture grounded in integrity, accountability, and teamwork.
• Skill in delivering clear written and oral communications to elected officials, executive management, news media, individual community members, and large public assemblies; commanding confidence during critical incidents.
• Skill in analyzing complex operational, legal, and community issues to implement sound, data-driven solutions under routine and high-stress conditions.
• Skill in maintaining proficiency in the operation of motor vehicles, departmental technology, firearms, and specialized emergency law enforcement equipment.
• Ability to establish and sustain collaborative, trusting relationships with elected officials, City staff, residents, business leaders, and regional/federal public safety partners.
• Ability to act with decisive, sound authority and discretion on high-consequence operational, legal, financial, and personnel matters.
• Ability to direct high-level functions, including professional standards, internal investigations, and the Regional Communications (Joint Fire and Police Dispatch) Center.
• Ability to maintain emotional composure, clear vision, and decisive command during emergencies, major crises, and periods of public scrutiny.
• Ability to model and enforce high ethical standards, transparency, procedural justice, and community trust across all levels of the organization.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sets departmental vision, goals, priorities, and long-range plans aligned with the City Council's direction and the City's strategic plan.
• Evaluates organizational effectiveness using data, performance metrics, and technology to drive continuous improvement.
• Directs all police operations including patrol, dispatch, criminal investigations, support services, training, and professional standards. Leads the department's response to critical incidents.
• Formulates, presents, and administers the department's operating and capital budgets. Evaluates long-range staffing, facility, technology, and equipment needs. Identifies grant and revenue opportunities to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Oversees recruitment, hiring, performance evaluation, professional development, employee relations, succession planning, and discipline.
• Fosters an organizational culture grounded in integrity, accountability, teamwork, continuous learning, and professional standards.
• Serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and collaborates with City departments to implement the best community-oriented solutions.
• Provides expert policy advice and operational recommendations on public safety, emergency management, and emerging trends to the City Manager and City Council.
• Represents the department at City Council meetings, on municipal committees, in the media and other public forums, and other public environments. Builds proactive, trusting relationships with residents, local businesses, and community organizations through transparent communication and active community engagement.
• Establishes and maintains strong collaborative partnerships with local, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies to coordinate mutual aid and regional initiatives.
• Establishes comprehensive policies and procedures that uphold constitutional standards, statutory mandates, civil rights, risk management, City policies, ethical conduct, and industry best practices.
• Performs other executive duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A diverse range of complimentary mental health and wellness services is available, including an Employee Assistance Program, a free subscription to Calm, and health coaching
• Paid time off up to 25 days in first year of employment
• 10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday per year
• Free employee only coverage for medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
• Pension and long-term disability through State Retirement System
• Supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation plans and additional life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive