Chief of Police

Application deadline: September 11, 2026, or until filled.

About the role

The Chief of Police serves as a hands-on working Chief responsible for both department leadership and operational police duties in a rural community of approximately 1,000 residents.

Responsibilities

• Supervising, scheduling, developing, and evaluating department personnel
• Maintaining dependable patrol and emergency coverage
• Participating directly in operational duties when needed
• Ensuring department policies, records, training, and practices comply with Illinois law, ILETSB requirements, Village ordinances, and approved directives
• Preparing and administering the annual police budget
• Planning equipment purchases, training, and staffing priorities
• Coordinating with McLean County dispatch, partner agencies, schools, and Martin Township stakeholders
• Advising the Mayor and Board of Trustees
• Building community trust through visible and accessible leadership

Requirements

• Certification through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB)
• Prior law-enforcement supervisory experience
• Ability to meet the Village's 30-mile residency/response requirement
• Residence within 30 miles of Colfax is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving a rural community or working in/leading a small law-enforcement agency
• Experience developing and maintaining an annual police budget
• Collaborative leadership style and ability to work effectively with elected officials, Village employees, schools, partner agencies, and community residents
• Demonstrated record of building community trust, improving staffing and coverage, and balancing administrative responsibilities with visible police service

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Attendance at regular monthly meetings
• Emergency/on-call response as needed

Pay

$65,000 – $80,000 per year, dependent upon experience.