CHIEF OF POLICE

BEAR RIVER BAND OF THE ROHNERVILLE RANCHERIALoleta, CA
$91,395 - $130,088Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Police is responsible for overseeing and directing the law enforcement operations within tribal jurisdiction. This includes ensuring public safety, enforcing tribal, state, and federal laws, and maintaining strong community relationships. The Chief of Police will develop and implement department policies, manage personnel, and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to protect tribal members and assets.

Requirements

  • Must be professional, polite, and respectful towards all community members and guests.
  • Must be able to work extended hours when necessary.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
  • Knowledge of Public Law 280 and relevant Federal Laws.
  • Knowledge of the Indian Civil Rights Act, Tribal Law and Order Act, and agreements such as cross-deputization with local and state agencies.
  • Familiarity with treaties, sovereignty issues, and tribal governance structures, or willingness to learn.
  • Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Must have High School diploma or its equivalent.
  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in: Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field. OR; equivalent combination of education and experience (Equivalent = two (2) year’s direct experience to one (1) year of education).
  • Must have 5 /years of related experience in Law Enforcement.
  • Must have 2 /years of supervisory experience within a Police Department or similar department.
  • Shall possess a valid driver's license and be insurable by agencies insurance.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test and physical.
  • Must provide or obtain CPR & First Aide certification within three (3) months of hire.
  • Must have valid JOB RELATED Certification or License: Current California Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification (POST) from an accredited California certified academy.
  • Demonstrated use of intermediate computer operations (basic programming in 3rd and 4th generation languages, relational databases, and operating systems) and intermediate software packages 9word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc.).
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
  • Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
  • Ability to define problems, collects data, establishes facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment (copier, fax, etc.).
  • Must be able to work with American Indian people and be sensitive to their culture.
  • Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures.
  • Report all unsafe activities to supervisor and/or Human Resources.
  • Participate in proactive team efforts of Bear River Tribal Gaming Agency and the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria.
  • Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.
  • Must be able to work all shifts, weekends, holidays & special events as needed.

Nice To Haves

  • Prior experience working with Tribal Governments, Native American communities, or in rural law enforcement.
  • Active Shooter response, de-escalation tactics, cultural sensitivity training, and crisis intervention certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with tribal sovereignty, adhere to tribal, state and federal laws and integrate community policing strategies.
  • Develop and manage department budgets, allocate resources efficiently.
  • Coordinates with tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to address jurisdictional matters and enhance public safety.
  • Acts as the lead director of the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria Police Department by directing subordinates and making policy recommendations.
  • Patrols the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria Community, buildings, and acres owned by the Bear River Band, to prevent and discover crimes, investigate crimes, maintain order, and answer calls and complaints.
  • Answer community requests for police services and outreach opportunities on the Rancheria.
  • Familiarizes self with routes, roads, and community living on the Rancheria.
  • Develops working relationships with community partners.
  • Organizes and coordinates search and rescue efforts if necessary.
  • Investigates illegal or suspicious activities and mitigates disturbances; law violators when necessary, following recognized police procedures.
  • Conducts investigative interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects.
  • Performs first aid and provides public safety assistance to accident-related and other victims.
  • Investigates causes and results of traffic accidents on the Rancheria.
  • Serves as a Bailiff (Court Security) during Tribal Court hearings.
  • Operates police communication and computer equipment to obtain, disseminate, and report information.
  • Attends community meetings to discuss crime prevention activities and crime problems; offers solutions when appropriate.
  • Writes detailed incidents, investigations, activity, and other reports.
  • Participates in the Healing to Wellness Court process.
  • Testifies in Tribal Court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations, and actions.
  • Learn and enforce Tribal Codes and Ordinances, the Penal Code, Health and Safety US Code, the policies and procedures of the Tribe, and any other applicable rules, ordinances, and/or regulations.
  • Serve Tribal Court documents.
  • Lead, train, and mentor officers in culturally competent and trauma-informed law enforcement practices, emphasizing de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and restorative justice.
  • In order to maintain the MOU with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, there may be additional training required.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service