Chief of Police - City of Florence, SC

International City Management • Florence, SC

45d • $130,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Are you a law enforcement professional who: Excels at building relationships and fostering collaboration across departments, agencies, and the community? Leads with transparency, empathy, and humility-supporting officers while remaining approachable and relatable? Embraces innovation and technology to advance modern, effective policing practices? Understands South Carolina law and values strong partnerships with County and State Law Enforcement Departments? If so, becoming the next Chief of Police for the City of Florence, South Carolina, may be the career move for you. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Florence is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and people-centered Chief who embodies integrity, accountability, and approachability. As a role model for the State accredited department, the next Chief will provide strong internal leadership by mentoring officers, fostering a culture of trust and accountability, and ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of policies. They will also guide key departmental initiatives such as succession planning, standardized promotions, and modernization of operational policies-including pursuit and Taser protocols-while utilizing technology, including AI, to enhance efficiency and crime prevention. The next Chief of Police will lead the department through a period of growth and transformation as Florence continues to expand through annexations, increasing the size and complexity of its policing needs. A top priority will be strengthening recruitment and retention through strategies such as offering sign-on bonuses, partnering with community colleges to attract new talent, and expanding training and professional development to boost morale, performance, and service delivery. The ideal candidate will actively engage with residents, youth, and underserved populations to strengthen relationships and build trust in law enforcement. Serving as a present, hands-on leader, the next Chief will guide the department with vision, fairness, and a commitment to community-centered policing-ensuring Florence remains a safe, inclusive, and thriving city.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a four (4) year college or university is required
• Five (5) years or more of command or supervisory experience in the rank of captain or above in a police department serving a population of the same size or larger
• Self-aware
• Excellent communication abilities
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and organizational resources
• A visible and approachable leader who builds trust and meaningful relationships across all levels-from officers and city staff to residents, civic groups, and regional partners-collaborating effectively with the City Manager, Sheriff's Office, and other agencies to strengthen public safety and advance community-oriented policing.
• A hands-on presence during critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings, major crimes, protests, and natural disasters, showing empathy, accessibility, and steady guidance.
• Committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability, demonstrating consistency in leadership, decision-making, and discipline while setting high expectations for self and others.
• An innovative and forward-thinking leader who embraces technology, including AI and modern policing tools, and is willing to challenge "the way things have always been done" to improve policing, morale, and community outcomes.
• Trusting and empowering, fostering accountability and confidence within the department while building meaningful relationships across Florence's diverse community.
• A personable, humble, and adaptable communicator who listens actively, admits mistakes, values the input of those directly impacted by decisions, and fosters trust, collaboration, and confidence among department staff, community members, and partner organizations.
• A dedicated servant-leader who prioritizes patrol presence, community engagement, and a "cop mindset," understanding the realities of policing on the street while remaining innovative, open-minded, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Actively engaged with youth, underserved populations, and the broader community, proactively working to prevent crime, strengthen relationships, and build trust and confidence in law enforcement.
• Deeply committed to both community policing and officer well-being, recognizing that effective public safety starts with taking care of the people who serve.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate of the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, or other nationally accredited Command College is preferred.
• Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
• Prior experience as a police chief is preferred, candidates with significant command-level experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the department
• Oversee all activities and functions to ensure effective, professional, and community-focused law enforcement
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures
• Supervise key operations such as community-oriented policing, patrol, criminal investigations, professional standards, training, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, animal control, the Real Time Crime Center, and the chaplaincy program
• Prepare and administer the department's annual budget
• Support the city's short- and long-term planning goals
• Ensure compliance with evolving legal, regulatory, and technological standards in law enforcement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees