Police Chief

City of London KY•London, KY

14d

About The Position

Police Chief – City of London, KY Position Overview The Police Chief serves as a critical pillar of the City’s executive leadership team. Beyond tactical command, the incumbent is a community-focused administrator responsible for cultivating public trust, ensuring civil service excellence, and navigating the complexities of municipal governance. This role requires a diplomat’s touch in community relations and a CEO’s precision in departmental management.

Requirements

Extensive Experience: A minimum of 20 years of progressive law enforcement experience, with at least 10 years in a command-level role (Lieutenant or higher).
Proven Command History: Documented experience in managing diverse operations, including tactical response units, training academies, or investigative divisions.
Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field, or an equivalent combination of 25+ years of service and advanced executive leadership training (e.g., KSP Command, FBI National Academy).
Certifications: Current POPS certification.

Nice To Haves

Legal Expertise: Experience being qualified as an Expert Witness in State or Federal court regarding police practices and use of force.
Advanced Instruction: A background in developing state-wide firearms standards, tactical command training, or school-based security strategies.
Commendations: A record of meritorious service and commendations for bravery or distinct acts of achievement.

Responsibilities

Civil Leadership & Municipal Administration Executive Spokesperson: Serve as the primary advocate and spokesperson for the City on all law enforcement issues, utilizing diplomacy and political awareness in all public forums.
Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the City Mayor, City Council, and other City Department heads to develop integrated programs that maximize municipal service delivery.
Legislative & Legal Compliance: Monitor changes in laws, court decisions, and municipal codes; ensure all departmental actions are in strict compliance with the Open Meetings Act and Kentucky Revised Statutes.
Human Capital Management: Oversee the entire lifecycle of personnel—from recruitment and merit-based promotion to grievances and dismissals—while serving as a coach and mentor to future department leaders.
Fiscal Accountability: Maintain ultimate accountability for all financial operations, ensuring every expenditure reflects the values and priorities of the London community.
Strategic Community Partnerships: Initiate and coordinate deep-rooted partnerships with civic organizations, neighborhood groups, and the "Hope for London" resource group to solve quality-of-life issues.
Event Protection & Response: Lead the security and safety planning for high-profile community events, such as the World Chicken Festival, ensuring a balance between robust protection and a welcoming environment.
Public Transparency: Maintain an ongoing program of community services and public relations that is visible and responsive to citizen feedback, including conducting regular town hall meetings and educational presentations.
Victim & Minority Advocacy: Ensure the department implements trauma-informed interviewing and provides specialized resources for domestic violence victims and vulnerable populations.
School Safety Liaison: Collaborate with the Laurel County Board of Education to maintain proactive safety strategies and support the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.
Academy-Level Standards: Ensure all personnel meet or exceed Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) and DOCJT training mandates, fostering a culture of continuous professional development.
Ethics & Accountability: Promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints against department staff to maintain the highest level of institutional integrity.
Innovative Problem Solving: Adopt new technologies—such as the LPD project tracker and ordinance management systems—to improve operational transparency and efficiency.