Commander

Village of Waterman, IL – population 1,500 – a quiet, growing rural community in south-central DeKalb County offering a high quality of life and commitment to future growth.

About the role

Under general administrative direction from the Police Chief, the Commander performs responsible management and administrative work and assists in the planning and coordination of Police Department operations, including field operations, criminal investigations, management services, answering calls for service, and records management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage sworn and professional staff, including participation in hiring processes for subordinate positions and recommending/processing personnel actions as assigned.
• Organize and assign personnel for shift-based operations; coordinate staffing and daily activities; ensure appropriate deployment based on calls for service and emerging priorities.
• Supervise police department personnel to ensure proper policies and procedures are followed.
• Conduct regular inspections of facilities, vehicles, equipment, and readiness; address deficiencies and ensure corrective action.
• Coordinate assigned police activities with other Village departments and outside agencies, as appropriate.
• Respond to major crimes, accidents, and emergency situations, including taking command and coordinating operations until relieved by higher authority.
• Conduct investigations as directed; oversee interviews and problem-solving activities connected with incidents and complaints.
• Coordinate and review work plans for assigned areas of responsibility, including monitoring workflow, reviewing progress, and evaluating outcomes.
• Investigate citizen complaints and/or sensitive matters; ensure reporting and documentation are completed properly and in a timely manner.
• Participate in development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
• Participate in development and management of the department budget for assigned functional areas; monitor and approve expenditures as authorized.
• Identify opportunities for improving police services, procedures, and operational efficiency.
• Prepare and review police reports, records, and other required documentation.
• Respond to all manner of calls for service.
• Attend and participate in professional meetings, including collaboration with peer agencies and command-level groups.
• Respond to inquiries from the media and the public and/or participate in media coordination as directed.
• Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation; may be required to pass a physical examination, psychological examination, and drug screening.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Chief of Police.

Requirements

• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• Experience in administrative and supervisory roles preferred.
• Must be an excellent communicator, with the willingness and ability to represent the interests of the department and the village in various meetings and presentations.
• Must be a Certified Police Officer in the State of Illinois and in good standing.
• Must have a valid State of Illinois driver’s license and Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card.
• Must have been an active State of Illinois Certified Police Officer within the last four years.

Qualifications

• College preferred; bachelor’s degree or above from an accredited college or university with major coursework in political science, criminal justice, public or business administration, organizational behavior or development, or a related field is ideal.
• Advanced supervisory/command-level training from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety (NUCPS), Southern Police Institute (SPI), Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), or similar is desired.

Benefits

• Retirement plan (IMRF).
• Complimentary membership at the local fitness center.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Pay

$75,000 – $80,000 annually, plus an $800 monthly stipend (no health insurance offered).