City of Bartow, FL - Chief of Police
About The Position
The City of Bartow is seeking a forward-thinking, service-oriented law enforcement leader to direct its growing, accredited Police Department and guide its community-policing work. The Chief is appointed by and reports directly to the City Manager. The position provides overall administrative direction for the Police Department’s functions, operations, and personnel, including supervising subordinate staff and reviewing their activities. The Chief serves as the City’s primary authority on department programs and law enforcement matters, and represents the Department by speaking to public groups about its plans, programs, and goals. The role requires integrity, accountability, accessibility, and a commitment to professional development, service excellence, and strong relationships with Bartow’s diverse community and partner agencies. The Bartow Police Department has 48 sworn and 28 civilian positions and provides patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, K-9, and community outreach programs. The Department is accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, and the Bartow Police/Fire Communications Center is accredited by the Florida Telecommunications Accreditation Commission.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or a related field.
- Ten years of broad, progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five years at the Chief or Command Level in a comparable department.
- Possess or be able to obtain certification as a Law Enforcement Officer from the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or equivalent certification from another state, with the ability to obtain Florida certification before commencing employment.
- Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver License.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies will be considered.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or a related field.
- Completion of advanced leadership programs, such as the FBI National Academy, University of Louisville Southern Police Institute, or Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command.
- Experience in accredited agencies.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall administrative direction for the Police Department’s functions, operations, and personnel.
- Supervise subordinate staff and review their activities.
- Serve as the City’s primary authority on department programs and law enforcement matters.
- Speak before public groups about the Police Department’s plans, programs, and goals.
- Foster strong relationships with the community and partner agencies.
- Support proactive, community-oriented policing and the Department’s commitment to respect, integrity, service, and excellence.
Benefits
- Traditional municipal benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
