Chief of Police

Jones College•Decatur, GA

About The Position

The Chief of Police at Jones College is responsible for providing executive leadership and strategic oversight for all campus police operations at Jones College. The Chief ensures a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment consistent with the College’s educational mission. This position directs departmental operations, personnel management, policy development, emergency preparedness, and interagency coordination while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and institutional policies. The Chief of Police serves as the College’s senior law enforcement official and primary liaison with regional, state, and federal law enforcement partners.

Requirements

Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Certification or ability to obtain certification within a reasonable time
Minimum of five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or command role
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, or a closely related field
Master’s degree in a related field preferred
Completion of an advanced law enforcement leadership or command program (e.g., executive command college, leadership academy, or military command school)
Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience
Demonstrated advancement into supervisory, command, or executive leadership positions
Experience in campus police, municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement agencies
Proven experience managing complex incidents, investigations, and emergency responses
Prior active duty, reserve, or National Guard military service, particularly in leadership, command, or security roles
Experience applying military leadership principles: discipline, accountability, and operational planning
Experience developing, overseeing, or delivering law enforcement training programs
Advanced training or certifications in one or more of the following: Leadership and executive development Crisis intervention and de-escalation Emergency management, incident command, and disaster preparedness (ICS/NIMS) Ethics, use-of-force policy, and professional standards
Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and officer readiness
Proven ability to lead a diverse law enforcement workforce
Experience supervising sworn officers
Demonstrated success in: Strategic planning and organizational development Policy development and departmental assessment Accreditation, compliance, and internal review processes Budget preparation, fiscal oversight, and resource allocation Strong record of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability
Experience utilizing law enforcement and campus safety technologies to support effective operations and informed decision-making, including: Use of electronic records management systems (RMS), computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and digital crime reporting platforms Oversight or operational use of campus security systems such as access control, video surveillance (CCTV), alarm systems, and emergency notification technologies Ability to analyze incident data, crime trends, and security reports to support strategic planning and resource allocation Familiarity with data security, information privacy standards, and appropriate handling of sensitive law enforcement and student records
Significant experience collaborating with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
Active participation in mutual aid agreements, joint operations, and regional task forces
Demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-agency responses and shared training initiatives
Understanding of the unique public safety needs of a college campus
Experience with Clery Act compliance, Title IX considerations, and campus safety reporting requirements
Familiarity with student conduct issues, residential life safety, and large-scale campus events
Commitment to community-oriented policing in a higher education environment
Proven ability to build trust with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community stakeholders
Ability to communicate effectively in public forums, crisis situations, and executive settings

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership, vision, and direction for the campus police department
Plan, organize, and oversee all law enforcement, security, and public safety operations
Supervise, evaluate, and mentor sworn officers
Develop, implement, and update departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards
Oversee emergency preparedness, response planning, and incident command operations
Ensure compliance with the Clery Act, including accurate and timely crime reporting
Coordinate safety and security planning for campus events, athletic activities, and residential facilities
Direct criminal and administrative investigations involving campus incidents
Maintain effective working relationships with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
Represent the College on regional task forces, emergency management committees, and mutual aid agreements
Develop and manage the departmental budget and ensure responsible stewardship of resources
Oversee training programs for officers and provide campus-wide safety and emergency education
Prepare reports and briefings for senior leadership as required
Perform other duties as assigned in support of campus safety and institutional objectives