Deputy Chief of Police

City of Springfield, Ohio•Springfield, OH

About The Position

The Deputy Chief of Police is a senior executive leader responsible for assisting the Chief of Police in the overall management, direction, and administration of the Springfield Police Division. The Deputy Chief plays a central role in implementing and sustaining the Division’s Strategic Plan, ensuring that organizational decisions, resource allocation, and operational priorities align with the Division’s mission, vision, and values. This position provides strategic leadership to advance people-first leadership, operational efficiency, life-long learning, innovation, effective communication, and proactive community engagement. The Deputy Chief acts on behalf of the Chief in their absence and serves as a key advisor on policy development, organizational performance, and long-range planning.

Requirements

Progressive leadership experience in supervisory, administrative, or command-level roles, with demonstrated ability to lead personnel and operations.
Must meet state requirements for sworn law enforcement certification or be eligible for immediate reciprocity.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations and large-scale incidents.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
Ability to bend, stoop, reach and maintain mobility necessary to navigate office and field environments.
Sufficient manual dexterity to operate computers, communication devices, and standard law enforcement equipment.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Adequate vision and hearing to monitor situations, review documents, and respond to operational needs.
Ability to analyze complex situations, make rapid decisions, and exercise sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Completion of command-level or executive leadership training preferred.
Candidates who demonstrate the potential and commitment to complete advanced training will be considered.
Experience supporting organizational initiatives such as strategic planning, budgeting, policy development, or accreditation desired.
Advanced education or executive leadership certifications preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Serves as a principal leader responsible for executing, monitoring, and advancing the Springfield Police Division Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with established goals, objectives, and performance measures.
Supports the Chief of Police in translating strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, policies, and operational expectations.
Fosters a positive labor-management environment and supports constructive relationships with bargaining units.
Oversees major operational initiatives focused on data-driven policing, deployment strategies, investigative effectiveness, and crime reduction efforts.
Ensures departmental policies remain current, legally compliant, and consistent with professional accreditation and best practices.
Assists with budget development, fiscal management, and long-range operational forecasting to ensure strategic priorities are properly resourced.
Oversees major projects, grants, and initiatives to ensure compliance, accountability, and effective outcomes.
Responds to critical incidents and provides command-level leadership during emergencies and major events.
Supports initiatives related to body-worn cameras, records management systems, cybersecurity, and mobile technology solutions.
Promotes proactive engagement with community members, stakeholders, and partner agencies to strengthen trust and legitimacy.
Supports initiatives that increase transparency, accessibility, and collaboration with diverse communities.