Police Chief

This work is responsible for the administrative and technical Police Work in the direction of all employees and activities of the Chickasha Police Department. The work includes the efficient operation of the Chickasha Police Department through the control of activities, the determination of departmental procedures, the planning of departmental work priorities and goals, the implementation of programs and training assignments, and supervision of all departmental members. The Police Chief consults with the City Manager in determining plans and policies to be observed in the conduct of police operations, and except for general administrative direction, works independently in supervising the Police service functions. Work is reviewed through discussion of problems, review of reports, review of program results and other appropriate review methods. This position reports directly to the City Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains an effective communication process with the City Manager.
• Performs a variety of complex administrative, managerial and professional work in planning, coordinating and directing the activities of the Police Department.
• Provides effective leadership insuring that all functions within the Police Department are focused within an environment that is conducive to recognizing the creative attributes of all officers and civilians.
• Ensures that the department offers and maintains an effective and positive Community Oriented Policing philosophy for the purpose of maintaining the highest possible credibility level within the area.
• Assesses community crime prevention and traffic safety needs; investigates new methods, technologies, laws, and programs to strengthen and improve current levels of service; recommends new or revised programs and activities.
• Directs the maintenance of criminal and operational records; prepares a variety of regular and special reports; develops and plans new programs to improve police services and/or keep current with changes in law enforcement service demands.
• Manages and leads police department staff-including administration, operations, civilian operations and animal control, directly or through subordinate supervisors using leadership skills that include implementation of effective programs that the Chief may develop, implement, monitors, and adjusts, as necessary.
• Advises and assists subordinates in complex criminal or other investigations; assumes direct command of forces in emergency situations or major law enforcement operations.
• Cooperates with county, state, and federal officers in the apprehension and detention of wanted persons and with other departments where activities of the Police Department are involved; participates in and attends meetings of regional and state law enforcement associations.
• Creates an effective communication system throughout the police department.
• Plans, coordinates, manages and evaluates police department operations.
• Develops policies and procedures for the Department in order to implement directives from the City Manager.
• Determines data requirements, records, and reports needed for management of department; submits reports to the City Manager and Council as required.
• Ensures compliance with changing requirements in local, state and federal laws and CLEET accreditation requirements.
• Reviews Department performance and effectiveness, formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies.
• Supervises and coordinates the preparation and presentation of an annual budget for the Department.
• Periodically practices the use of a variety of firearms and attends seminars and lectures on various law enforcement practices and techniques.
• This safety sensitive position requires the carrying of a firearm.
• Plans for and reviews specifications and needs for additional personnel and for new or replacement equipment.
• Coordinates with Human Resources on hiring, promotions, and personnel matters.
• Ensures appropriate and adequate training and development of Department personnel.
• Handles grievances, maintains Departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel.
• Prepares and submits periodic reports to the City Manager regarding the Department's activities, and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate.
• Meets with elected or appointed officials, other law enforcement officials, community and business representatives, and the public on all aspects of the Department's activities.
• Attends conferences and meetings as needed to keep abreast of current trends in the field; represents the City and the Police Department in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.
• Ensures that laws and ordinances are enforced and that the public peace and safety is maintained.
• Directs the implementation of the department's budget.
• Other duties as assigned by the City Manager.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Public Administration, or other related fields preferred.

• Ten (10) years of experience in police or law enforcement work, six (6) years at a supervisory level.
• This position is an appointed position and is at the discretion of the City Manager of the City of Chickasha.
• This position may be promoted from within the Chickasha Police Department or may be hired through the normal process of receiving qualified applications.
• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; thorough knowledge of modern management and leadership principles.
• Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
• Ability to give verbal and written instructions.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid Oklahoma Driver's License.
• Ability to meet and maintain a level of fitness consistent with the Department's physical fitness standards.
• Ability to operate the following: police car, police radio, handgun and other weapons as required, must have knowledge in the use of computers.
• Must be CLEET certified or eligible to become CLEET certified, must have attended or be able to attend The Oklahoma Chief of Police Association.
• Should be able to qualify for advanced law enforcement certification through CLEET.
• Must meet any and all qualifications not listed but mandated through CLEET and the State of Oklahoma.
• Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
• Applicant must either possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license or be able to obtain an Oklahoma driver’s license and proof of liability insurance.
• Must not be a convicted felon.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and methods of organization, management, labor relations, employee relations, and supervision of operational units of law enforcement agencies; thorough knowledge of budgeting and other general management responsibilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, state and federal authorities, civic leaders, and the public.
• Driving history must reflect driving habits that are compatible with the safe operation of emergency vehicles.
• Thorough knowledge of the standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated and the use of police records and their application to police administration.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police administration and police methods.
• Must have stable employment and credit histories.
• Must be able to be accepted to the Oklahoma State Pension and Retirement System or the OMRF.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.

• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, run, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above.
• The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell.
• The employee may occasionally be required to physically subdue combative subjects and must maintain a level of physical ability accordingly.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work is performed most frequently in a normal office setting.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions, or near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderately noisy in the field.
• This classification is a “safety sensitive” position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws. As a “safety sensitive” classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.