Police Commander

About the Role

Command, supervise, and administer the functions of and the personnel in a Division of the Police Department. Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the work of sworn and civilian staff. Assists in developing and administering the department budget and expenditures, strategic and long-term planning, implementing a law enforcement program for the Town, and developing policies and procedures. Performs patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities as needed. Proactively undertakes community-oriented policing by working with and assisting citizens.

Responsibilities

• Command, supervise, and administer the functions of bureaus, sections, and personnel in a Division of the Police Department. Assist in developing and administering the department budget, strategic planning, and policy development.
• Plan, organize, direct, and oversee the work of sworn and civilian staff, including involvement in staff selection, promotional processes, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations.
• Perform patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and other law enforcement duties as needed.
• Direct staff in community-oriented policing projects, promoting crime prevention, traffic safety, and community protection. Communicate with community groups to understand policing needs.
• Attend meetings to review calls for service, cases, complaints, and coordinate local, regional, and national law enforcement strategies.
• Evaluate and recommend equipment purchases, upgrades, and staff training or career development activities.
• Oversee, prepare, and forward reports, forms, requisitions, grants, media releases, contracts, and other documents. Make presentations as required.
• Coordinate activities with other town officers, exchange information with other jurisdictions, and maintain contact with the public, court officials, and Town officials.
• Assist in emergency evacuations and situations, including the use of physical force up to and including lethal force when necessary.
• Adhere to department and Town policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Requirements

• Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training Board (AZ POST) Peace Officer Certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Arizona Criminal Justice Information Systems (ACJIS) certification.
• Ability to obtain an Arizona driver’s license within 10 days of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Ability to obtain all certifications and complete mandatory training as determined by the Chief of Police.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Maintain a physical fitness level to meet the demands of the job.

Qualifications

• Meet all applicable minimum qualifications of a police officer, sergeant, and lieutenant, as determined by the Chief of Police.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent as accepted by the Chief of Police).
• Six years of increasingly responsible law enforcement experience, including two years as lieutenant or similar rank; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Four or more years of experience working with municipal or county law enforcement budgets, projects, programs, grants, and personnel management.
• Graduate of FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, California Command College, or similar advanced leadership training.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of law enforcement managerial principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to read and understand complex court cases, budgets, policies, documents, and reports.
• Knowledge of municipal, federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Excellent written, oral advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategy and tactics for managing personnel and equipment in complex tactical and emergency situations.
• Ability to write complex agreements, correspondence, articles, letters, and reports.
• Principles and practices of criminal justice records management.
• Professional maturity and decision-making for complex policing, community, and organizational issues.