Chief of Police

About the role

The Chief of Police is an essential member of the City's leadership team and is responsible for the overall management, administration, and direction of the Staunton Police Department.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs all programs, activities, and operations of the Staunton Police Department
• Creates and implements a long-term strategic plan to guide department personnel and operations
• Oversees the administration of departmental policies, procedures, and operational reporting
• Reports regularly on departmental initiatives, performance, and results to the Mayor and City Council
• Engages in active community policing practices and fosters positive relationships throughout the City
• Participates in civic organizations, community events, and public and private group activities to promote the functions of the Police Department and establish collaborative partnerships
• Formulates regulations governing the activities of all Police Department employees
• Supervises the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations and coordinates programs of crime prevention and detection
• Advises subordinate officers in complex criminal matters; formulates and prescribes work methods and procedures for the Department; consistently evaluates departmental operations and implements improvements as needed
• Advises and assists officers in non-routine criminal investigations or other complex activities requiring technical or administrative guidance
• Develops a professional, skilled, and diverse departmental staff
• Provides career coaching, growth opportunities, and personal development support for all department personnel; facilitates succession planning
• Authorizes and oversees police training programs; ensures ongoing professional development and certification compliance
• Maintains discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the Department by reviewing allegations of misconduct and designating appropriate disciplinary action
• Handles employee performance and labor relations matters when they arise, including recommendations for termination as applicable
• Develops, administers, and monitors the annual departmental budget; seeks opportunities for cost control and operational efficiency
• Cooperates with Macoupin County, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as officials of other City departments
• Promotes public safety goals aligned with community needs
• Proactively engages with the community to build trust, break down barriers, and encourage open and ongoing dialogue; actively listens to community concerns
• Oversees dispatch operations and manages the scheduling, performance, and development of full-time and part-time dispatch personnel

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university, with coursework emphasis in criminal justice, public administration, law enforcement, or a closely related field preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive law enforcement experience required
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in a law enforcement supervisory or command capacity required
• Prior experience leading a municipal police department of comparable size preferred

Requirements

• Licenses And Certifications: Must possess, or be able to obtain prior to appointment, Illinois Law Enforcement Officer certification through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB)
• A valid Illinois driver's license required
• Completion of the Illinois Law Enforcement Executive Institute (ILEEI) or comparable advanced law enforcement leadership training preferred; or commitment to complete such training within one (1) year of appointment

Skills

• Strong general management, fiscal management, and personnel management skills
• Demonstrated leadership ability with a partnership-oriented, consensus-building approach to governance
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to promote community partnership and engagement
• Demonstrated and genuine commitment to community-oriented policing, transparency, and accountability
• Knowledge of current law enforcement best practices, applicable Illinois statutes, and constitutional policing principles
• Working knowledge of municipal budgeting processes and financial management principles
• Proficiency with law enforcement technology, computer-aided dispatch systems, and records management systems

Benefits

Retirement: Downstate Public Safety Pension Fund
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Paid Time Off: Paid holidays and paid sick leave

Pay

$80,000 - $115,000 commensurate with experience

Schedule

Not specified