Chief of Police

Town of Lake Hamilton•Lake Hamilton, FL

About The Position

The Chief of Police supervises the members of the Police Department and oversees administrative work, department assignments, and budget preparation. The position reports directly to the Town Administrator. The Chief establishes department goals, policies, procedures, and work methods; directs staff and training; monitors law enforcement, crime prevention, and support programs; manages department spending; and oversees hiring, performance appraisals, grievances, and investigations of complaints against department members. The role also coordinates with other law enforcement agencies, responds to major incidents as needed, and promotes positive police-community relations. Unless those duties are assigned to another designated employee, the Chief serves as the Department’s Public Information Officer. This includes serving as an authorized spokesperson; assisting the media and coordinating access to crime scenes; responding to media inquiries on call; preparing and distributing media releases, including through social media; arranging news conferences; and coordinating authorized releases of information about individuals, investigations, and operations in accordance with state statutes and department procedures. The position is generally performed in an office setting, with frequent meetings, administrative work, and coordination with Town leadership, staff, and outside agencies. Regular field presence is also required to oversee major incidents, emergencies, and critical operations. Evening, weekend, or on-call response may be necessary, and the Chief may be required to report to work during a declared emergency in Polk County. The role requires availability for on-call duty 24 hours a day.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; at least an associate degree from an accredited college is required.
Five years of administrative experience in a supervisory capacity is highly desirable.
Extensive experience supervising police operations, including managing personnel, coordinating team activities, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
Police Standards and Training Minimum Certification and any other requirements specified in the Florida Statutes for a Police Officer.
Command Officer Training.
At least two leadership training courses.
At least 22 years of age.
Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
Honorable military discharge if the applicant has been service-connected.
United States citizen or naturalized citizen.
Must pass a physical examination and drug urinalysis test.
Must pass a polygraph and psychological examination.
Must not have been convicted of a felony.
Must undergo a personal, professional, and moral background investigation to determine honesty, maturity, and dependability.
Must be available on call 24 hours a day.
Knowledge of modern police administration principles and practices, police methods, police-service evaluation standards, police records and their use in administration and planning, and the functions and objectives of Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies.
Advanced law enforcement managerial and administrative skills; initiative; independent decision-making and delegation ability.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to read, write, and speak clearly in English.
Ability to analyze, evaluate, prepare, and present department operational needs; manage the operating budget; establish and maintain an effective and efficient department; and plan, coordinate, and direct multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, County, State, and Federal authorities, civic leaders, department members, and the public.
Willingness to learn and demonstrate a positive attitude.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Five years of administrative experience in a supervisory capacity is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Establish goals and objectives for the Police Department.
Formulate department policies, regulations, work methods, and procedures.
Provide guidance and direction to the Department and monitor operations and program implementation.
Conduct staff meetings and direct member training.
Coordinate the grievance process.
Supervise preparation of the department budget and control expenditures.
Evaluate formal quotes and bids for department needs.
Lead selection and hiring.
Complete performance appraisals of supervisory and administrative staff.
Investigate complaints against department members and determine appropriate actions.
Cooperate with State, Federal, and County law enforcement agencies.
Respond to major crime scenes, emergencies, and critical incidents as needed to manage and direct department activities.
Promote positive police-community relations.
Serve as Department Public Information Officer unless those responsibilities are assigned to another designated employee.
Serve as an authorized spokesperson and assist media coverage, including coordinating crime-scene access and enforcing access restrictions when necessary.
Respond to media inquiries on call and prepare and distribute agency media releases, including via social media.
Arrange and assist with news conferences.
Coordinate and authorize the release of information concerning victims, witnesses, suspects, confidential investigations, and operational matters in compliance with statutes and department procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.