Police Chief

City of Lincolnton•Police Department - Lincolnton, NC

About The Position

The Police Chief performs administrative, managerial, and specialized law-enforcement work directing the activities of the City of Lincolnton Police Department. The role plans and directs the City’s law-enforcement program to protect life and property through crime and accident enforcement, detection, and prevention. It includes full managerial and supervisory responsibility for department operations, policy, standards, special activities, personnel, and budget administration. The Police Chief prepares required State, federal, and local reports; analyzes crime and accident trends; cooperates with other law-enforcement agencies; and represents the department and City in public communications and community activities. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and State and federal law, under the direct supervision of the City Manager. Performance is evaluated through observation, discussion, report review, and assessment of departmental effectiveness.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressively responsible full-time law-enforcement experience.
Significant supervisory and management experience.
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field, supplemented by advanced coursework in police administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Completion of the minimum requirements established by the North Carolina Justice Training and Standards Council for certified law-enforcement officers.
Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the NC Justice Training and Standards Commission.
Thorough knowledge of law-enforcement principles, practices, methods, and equipment; State and federal laws, local ordinances, and department policies; City characteristics; law-enforcement planning and budgeting; and community policing.
Knowledge of contemporary law-enforcement technology and data-informed operations, strategic planning, accreditation, policy and risk review, recruitment and retention, succession planning, grants, capital programs, community engagement, and public/media communications.
Skill in using firearms and other police equipment and applying self-defense tactics; skill in collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution.
Ability to manage a department and its administrative, supervisory, personnel, and budget functions; establish a mission and vision; lead and motivate personnel; and use sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
Ability to plan and direct special law-enforcement programs and events, build effective public relations, consult with public officials, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use common office equipment and word-processing, spreadsheet, and file-maintenance programs, and to express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
Meet the physical and mental requirements of a Police Officer, including continued physical fitness for law-enforcement duties and potential physical confrontations.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

Five to seven years of command-level experience is strongly preferred.
Master’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field.
Graduation from a recognized leadership management program, such as the FBI Academy, A.O.M.P., Southern Police Institute, or a similar program designed specifically for law enforcement.

Responsibilities

Strategically plan departmental goals and objectives from both long- and short-term perspectives.
Project and develop departmental budgetary needs, justify them to management, monitor the budget and purchasing, develop purchasing specifications, and write and monitor grants.
Recruit, select, and oversee training of department personnel; advise, direct, and consult with subordinate officers regarding training, assignments, scheduling, and discipline.
Receive and respond to public inquiries and complaints concerning police activities and services.
Supervise internal personnel investigations; establish policies, procedures, and operations; set priorities; and evaluate the department and its personnel.
Supervise preparation of periodic reports on crime, accidents, and department activities, and analyze data for trends.
Work with the public on difficult or unusual crime situations and cooperate with other law-enforcement agencies in crime prevention, detection, and investigations.
Lead and direct police activity at major crime scenes; spot-check patrol areas and observe traffic situations to monitor operational effectiveness.
Represent the Police Department and City in presentations and speeches to civic and volunteer organizations; issue press releases and participate in media interviews.
Attend City Council meetings and speak on police-department issues.
Attend community functions and interact with residents to foster a positive image of the department and law-enforcement activities.
Perform related duties as required.