Description

The City of Stockbridge in Henry County is seeking professional, innovative, and self-motivated candidates interested in serving as the Chief of Police. Stockbridge is a diverse and progressive city of approximately 35,475 residents located just 15 minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Police Department will have approximately 67 sworn officers and 16 civilian employees. This City has a combined operating and capital budget of $22 million. The city serves an area of 19.1 square miles. The Police Chief is confirmed by the Mayor and Council and reports to the City Manager. The City is financially healthy, has no city property taxes and is funded primarily through local option sales tax revenues and other tax revenues and fees.  The Chief of Police must have strong leadership and communications skills, who is familiar with creating a police department from its inception and must be committed to a team-oriented inclusive management style, a visionary leader, with strong budgetary skills and a proven history of building successful partnerships within the community.

Candidates must have experience in strategic planning, performance measurements/standards, and community engagement.  This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Criminology, Criminal Justice or related field desired; Master’s degree preferred; ten (10) to twelve (12) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience to include five (5) years at a supervisory level; Certified Peace Officer under regulations of Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.).  Exceptional candidates will have completed advanced training through agencies such as the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, Georgia Command College or equivalent. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Residency in the City is not required. The Mayor and council, via the City Manager, may at its discretion, choose a third-party agency in the performance of some or most of the vetting process. 

This is important administrative, professional, and managerial work responsible for planning, directing and leading the operations of the Police Department. Work involves general responsibility for the planning, development, and directions of all programs and policies. Some administrative duties include budget development and administration, policy development, and personnel administration.  The incumbent represents the department in working with other legal authorities, governmental agencies, and the media. Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Manager. 

Requirements

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Plans, directs, supervises and leads the work of the Police Department and Court Services. Schedules and assigns work; establishes priorities; ensures the training of officers in correct methods and procedures; assures that personnel are assigned to shifts or working units which provide optimum effectiveness in terms of current situations and circumstances governing deployment; reviews and evaluates employee performance.
• Develops comprehensive short- and long-range plans to ensure the effective delivery of quality services to the public through effective operation of all areas within the department; maintains ultimate authority and accountability for all fiscal matters and financial operations of the Police Department.
• Develops and implements departmental rules and regulations and work methods and procedures; ensures departmental rules and regulations and work methods and procedures are followed; enforces disciplinary measures as necessary.
• Makes decisions regarding hiring, disciplining, and terminating police department personnel.
• Communicates with the City Manager regarding departmental concerns, problems, and related issues.
• Prepares the annual departmental operating budget and obtains City Manager and Council approval; monitors expenditures throughout the year; operates the department within the approved budget and ensures expenditures are made in strict compliance with City purchasing policies and ordinances.
• Answers questions, addresses concerns, and gives information to the public, civic organizations, neighborhood groups, business groups, the media, and other groups; attends meetings as necessary as it relates to law enforcement.
• Communicates and cooperates with other municipal, city, state, and federal agencies in the accomplishments of criminal justice system objectives.
• Attends professional meetings and conventions to maintain and upgrade knowledge concerning new technology and developments within the field.
• Prepares reports, departmental correspondence (both internal and external), other correspondence, and other documents.
• Attends council meetings and other required meetings.
• Operates department vehicle in performance of duties.
• Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of procedures, methods and techniques in law enforcement patrol, traffic control, crime prevention, investigations, apprehension, criminal process and arrest.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of search and seizure and preservation and presentation of evidence.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles of personnel management, city budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; and so forth.
• Knowledge of geography of City of Stockbridge.
• Skill in coordinating various departmental functions to ensure efficient services in a cost effective and timely fashion.
• Skill in the proper use and care of firearms. 
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill and ability to drive and operate the department’s vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to maintain all licenses, certifications, and qualifications required by position.
• Ability to recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient law enforcement services.
• Ability to serve in a law enforcement capacity in a responsible and effective manner, often under difficult and stressful situations.
• Ability to manage, direct and coordinate the work of supervisory and sworn personnel.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public.

Supervisory Controls:  The City Manager assigns work in terms of departmental goals and objectives.  The work is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of activities.

Guidelines:  Guidelines include federal and state laws, criminal and traffic laws, city ordinances, City of Stockbridge policies and procedures, departmental policies and procedures and court decisions.  Interpretation of guidelines requires expertise and judgment.