Assistant Police Chief

About the role

The Assistant Police Chief performs at a highly skilled professional level and is considered an upper-level/command position. This role involves administrative and investigative tasks as directed by the Police Chief and holds significant managerial authority to assist in determining the organizational response to various law enforcement needs.

Responsibilities

• Functions as second in command of the department and acts as the commanding officer in the absence of the Chief.
• Oversees all line functions of the police department, including patrol division, criminal investigations, and records division.
• Assists in the development, administration, and monitoring of annual and long-range departmental goals and its strategic plan.
• Provides control and standardization of operational procedures, including staffing allocation, scheduling, methods of patrol, and special patrol coverage.
• Prepares, collects, and reviews timesheets to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Processes and maintains training records, including scheduling, lodging, transportation, and contracting with training sites.
• Assists in planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures for efficient delivery of police services.
• Allocates and prioritizes critical department resources identified through operational planning.
• Provides input to the Chief in evaluating tasks related to fiscal management and assists in preparing and carrying out the department budget.
• Processes internal and citizen complaints of staff and makes recommendations for appropriate action.
• Provides personnel recommendations for hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, grievances, commendations, and discharge.
• Supervises and evaluates first-line supervisors and civilian staff.
• Oversees the patrol schedule to ensure sufficient staffing levels, including responding to staffing communications at any time of day.
• Recommends changes to increase department operations and effectiveness.
• Ensures compliance with all standard operating procedures through irregular inspections across all shifts.
• Participates in civic-related meetings, community events, citizen inquiries, speeches, and other public relations duties.
• Represents the department at Common Council and/or committee meetings in the absence of the Chief or as needed.
• Identifies, addresses, and responds to critical situations requiring law enforcement intervention and assumes operational command, including Emergency Operation Plan responsibilities.
• Acts as a member of the City's Emergency Operations Team.
• Orders supplies, uniforms, and equipment; researches cost issues; ensures maintenance of department equipment; and manages inventory control.
• Contributes to a cooperative working effort by demonstrating a willingness to work with others and perform other job-related work as needed.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Eight years of experience as a police officer, with a minimum of five years in a supervisory role in a law enforcement agency.
• Related coursework at executive leadership colleges (e.g., WI Command College, Northwestern Police Staff & Command, or Certified Public Manager) preferred.
• Certifiable by the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board within six months of employment.
• Must pass annual firearms qualifications tests and other required law enforcement officer certifications.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment.
  • Health insurance: Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for single coverage or $554.72 per month for family coverage (no deductible or co-insurance).
  • Dental insurance: Premiums paid 100% by the City through Delta Dental.
• Automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing lifetime payments upon vesting and eligible retirement.
• Voluntary benefits including vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance.
• Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation.
• Access to an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.