Job Opening – Chief of Police

Please turn in your application, resume, and references to City Clerk Cindy Beshears

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Police Chief

Department: Police

FLSA: Grade:
Safety Sensitive Job: Yes Security Sensitive Job: Yes

Job Description Prepared: JUNE 2023

Note: Statements included in this description are intended to reflect in general the duties and responsibilities of this job and are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive. The employee may be assigned other duties that are not specifically included.

Relationships

Reports to: Subordinate Staff:

Internal Contacts: External Contacts:

Mayor

Police Captains; Super of Investigations; Police Office Administrator, All police personal
General Public; Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC); Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA); Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR); Alabama Department of Corrections (DOC); Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT); Alabama Department of Public Health (DPH); Military Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Department of Homeland Security (DHS); National Criminal Information Center (NCIC); Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP); Other Law Enforcement Agencies; Sheriff; Game Warden; Schools; Hospitals; Mental Health; Juvenile Probation; Attorneys; District Attorney; District/Circuit Courts; E-911; County Emergency Management Agency; Contractors; and Vendors

Job Summary

Under the administrative direction of the Mayor, the employee provides leadership and direction to the Police Department of the City. The employee performs work within the City’s policies and administrative regulations with wide latitude for exercise of independent judgment. The employee continuously evaluates operations and trends to ensure efficiency and adequacy of law enforcement services. The employee manages and directs programs and activities of the Department, developing and implementing policies and processes and conducting long-term planning in support of the City’s strategic plan. The employee sets the vision and develops goals and objectives; administers initiatives to deliver law enforcement to the City with a high degree of excellence and cost effectiveness. The employee prepares and oversees budget for the Department and manages all Department personnel. The employee serves as Department spokesperson and represents the Department to the City Council, community, and the media. The employee recruits and interviews applicants and ensures employees have the necessary training and equipment to perform their assigned duties. This job is a senior command-level supervisory job in the law enforcement job classification. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment background check and random drug screens.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Supervision and Management. The employee provides leadership and direction to a large department where the goal is to provide the highest quality service to the citizens of the City.

1. Leads and directs effective service delivery and activities by planning and prioritizing tasks, reviewing all operations, and ensuring policy and procedure compliance.
2. Plans and conducts staff meetings with key personnel to share information about current and upcoming issues; receives reports on issues of concern to personnel and citizens.
3. Meets with individual supervisors regarding specific issues and/or problems.
4. Makes all major decisions concerning the Police Department on policies and procedures not made by the state and City Council and officially sanctions and approves any changes in operational procedure or unit function before such changes become effective.
5. Oversees activities in the Department through subordinate officers; visits with units periodically to observe overall conditions and speak with personnel.
6. Motivates, communicates with, and leads subordinates to work as a team in accomplishing objectives.
7. Performs routine inspections of uniforms, vehicles, and all equipment within vehicle.
8. Monitors the general level of morale and job satisfaction and resolves developing problems as soon as possible.
9. Coordinates closely with line supervisors and other key personnel in planning programs to carry out policies of the Police Department, ensuring policies and procedures are strictly enforced.
10. Receives regular written and oral reports regarding activities of the Department; takes corrective actions as deemed necessary.
11. Reviews disciplinary actions by ranking officers.
12. Provides final approval of promotions within the Department.
13. Oversees performance appraisal system for the Department, reviewing all performance appraisal forms and ensuring consistency and fair implementation of system.
14. Conducts performance appraisals and signs performance appraisals done by ranking officers and supervisors.
15. Ensures employees receive required training and orientation.
16. Directs staff activities in researching and developing or revising Department policies and procedures.
17. Recommends policy changes by reviewing needs and emerging trends, identifying modifications, and monitoring other municipalities.
18. Recruits and interviews candidates for employment and provides final approval for hire.
19. Administers discipline, when necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Department Administration. Performs administrative duties to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Department.

1. Receives Departmental monthly and annual reports and compiles information into required reports to the Mayor.
2. Submits budget requests to City Council; expresses essential needs and priorities.
3. Monitors Departmental budget and financial expenditures throughout the fiscal year, adjusts as needed to stay within budgetary guidelines.
4. Attends Council meetings and makes reports as requested.
5. Researches, writes, and submits grant applications.
6. Ensures grant guidelines and goals are met.
7. Coordinates with the City Clerk to ensure grant-reporting requirements are met.
8. Signs purchase orders on behalf of Department.
9. Accounts for money from profitable exercises.
10. Seeks approval for the purchase and sale of surplus and auction items; ensures proceeds from sales are directed to Department budget.
11. Makes presentations to City Council regarding proposed ordinances and laws.
12. Attends conferences and training to remain current in principles of law enforcement leadership, techniques, and issues.
13. Recruits and interviews candidates for employment.
14. Attends civil service board interviews of applicants and recommends applicants to be hired and/or promoted.
15. Approves off-duty employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Patrol Operations. Performs patrol duties throughout the community and ensures all state and local laws are enforced.

1. Conducts routine patrols of the City to address problems and concerns.
2. Responds to major crime scenes and ensures proper procedures are followed.
3. Assists officers and provides backup support for patrol and law enforcement functions.
4. Testifies in court proceedings as needed.
5. Schedules and provides officers for courtroom security.
6. Performs death notifications on behalf of Police Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Community Relations. Performs public relations and safety activities to increase public awareness of the policies and regulations established to protect and support the community and its citizens.

1. Initiates and participates in projects to improve police/community relations.
2. Maintains excellent community and police relationships by making positive contact with people in neighborhoods, schools, and the business district.
3. Promotes good public relations by answering citizens’ questions and complaints.
4. Promotes good safety habits in the community.
5. Presents safety and drug awareness and prevention programs to schools, churches, and civic organizations.
6. Attends schools, seminars, and workshops.
7. Represents the City in matters pertaining to crime prevention and law enforcement.
8. Oversees the preparation of news releases and interacts with the media within limits set by Department policies and procedures.
9. Attends City Council meetings and provides information pertaining to municipal public safety issues.
10. Maintains effective working relationships with the District Attorney’s Office, other police departments, and the public.
11. Attends public functions as Police Department City representative.
12. Provides support to other jurisdictions as needed.
13. Participates in safety and educational classes.
14. Maintains physical condition required for the performance of duties.
15. Wears required safety and protective devices and equipment according to the situation.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides support to other jurisdictions as needed.
2. Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
(*Can be acquired on the job)

1. *Knowledge of City and Departmental policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police administration and procedures.
3. Knowledge of City, state, and federal laws and court procedures.
4. Knowledge of disaster and emergency procedures.
5. Knowledge of maintenance and use of firearms.
6. Extensive knowledge of modern law enforcement and investigation principles, methods, and procedures.
7. Knowledge of the principles and accepted good practices of community policing, patrol, traffic control and safety, criminal investigation, and the various functional services utilized in police operations.
8. Knowledge of the standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated.
9. Knowledge of civil law and court procedures.
10. Knowledge of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
11. Administrative skills to monitor budgets, programs, schedules, etc.
12. Verbal skills to communicate factual information to co-workers, supervisors, the general public, and court personnel.
13. Reading skills to read and understand department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
14. Writing skills to clearly, accurately, and neatly complete routine reports and other related paperwork.
15. Math skills to analyze, compute and prepare budgets.
16. Computer skills to create documents and utilize databases.
17. Driving skills to safely operate a vehicle under adverse conditions.
18. Listening skills to receive radio calls, take complaints, and interview witnesses.
19. Ability to supervise and direct others.
20. Ability to work in stressful and dangerous situations and maintain composure.
21. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action to be taken.
22. Ability to work independently and without supervision.
23. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees, the Mayor, the police committee, and the public.
24. Ability to command the respect of officers and assign, direct, and supervise their work.
25. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
26. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, accurate and comprehensive recommendations and reports.
27. Ability to pursue and detain a fleeing or belligerent individual.
28. Ability to organize and multi-task.
29. Ability to work outdoors under adverse conditions.
30. Ability to travel on foot for long distances without stopping, must be able to run, climb, jump, and crawl.
31. Ability to use a two-way radio.
32. Ability to drive a vehicle under adverse/emergency conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED; a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminology, or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
2. Possess and maintain APOSTC certification.
3. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a supervisory and administrative capacity in a municipal police department; or any combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
4. Possess firearm, NCIC, Draeger, Taser and cardio-pulmonary (CPR) certifications and ability to maintain certification(s) as required by the SSPD policy.
5. Possess a current and valid driver’s license; must be insurable.
6. Ability to attend and complete Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program courses in association with the AACOP.
7. Ability to complete annual state mandated training for police chiefs.
8. Ability to work non-standard work hours.
9. Ability to be on call twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week.
10. Ability to carry approved communication device and be able to respond to emergency calls according to department policies.
11. Ability to travel.
12. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

Physical Demands

The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs., crouching, or crawling in restricted areas, and defending oneself or others from physical attack.

Work Environment

The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., working at great heights under extreme weather conditions, subject to physical attack or mob conditions, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

City of Southside is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. City of Southside makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Please turn in your application, resume, and references to City Clerk Cindy Beshears

Job posting will close on July 31st at 4:00 PM