Police Chief

Job Summary

This is a highly responsible administrative position that provides direction and coordination for law enforcement functions, operations and personnel through supervision of subordinate staff and review of their activities of the Police Department.

The Police Chief must be able to ensure public safety, peace and order for the residents of the City of Moss Point at all times. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting and budgeting for all aspects of the police department. The position requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in police practices, procedures, and programs necessary to maintain community safety and rapport. The Chief must determine efficient and innovative strategies to maintain and balance services within a given budget.

Responsibilities

• Attends conferences and meetings with the Mayor and other operating officials regarding programs, operations, services, and procedures of divisions for which the incumbent is responsible.
• Conducts, assigns, and/or arranges training of police officers assuring staff are in compliance with annual training and qualifications as required by various agencies.
• Develops the vision and mission statement for the department in addition to department logistics for delivering police services.
• Establishes, evaluates, and communicates goals and objectives annually for the police department in providing police services to the residents and visitors of the City of Moss Point.
• Directs and participates in the effective and efficient operation of the Police Department through control of activities, seeing that order is maintained and that laws and ordinances are enforced and by taking measures to prevent crime and protect lives and property.
• Designates an officer to assume duties as the "Officer in Charge" in the Chief's absence, subject to approval by the Mayor.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the community, and related organizations.
• Inventories and updates department equipment, vehicles, weapons, communications equipment and uniforms making sure that building facilities and equipment are safe and maintained in peak operating condition, documenting and reporting any deficiencies to the Mayor.
• Directs, participates, and complies with the effective and efficient operations of the office of the Municipal Court Clerk.
• Cooperates with the all levels of judicial and federal court systems and officials as it pertains to investigations.
• Collaborates with internal and mutual aid departments to mediate any natural disasters that might occur.
• Sees that order is maintained and that laws and ordinances are enforced, in addition to taking measures to prevent crime and protect lives and property.
• Cooperates with public safety officials at the local, state, and national levels to improve the level of service to all citizens.
• Collaborates with Office of Human Resources and Risk Management on recommendations on personnel matters, training programs, and classification of positions, promotions, raises, and disciplinary actions.
• Issues orders to subordinate personnel for execution, reviews performance and accomplishments
• Supervises and assists in the preparation and management of budgets, in the management and disbursement of funds, and in the preparation of ordinances and resolutions.
• Communicates with the media, organizations, groups, and individuals to inform the public of various safety programs, projects, cases, and events.
• Represent the Police Department and maintain a positive working relationship with other departments,

elected officials, media, outside agencies.

• Possesses a clear understanding of policies, procedures, and reports and presents such information publicly as needed. Creates a monthly and annual public report as approved by the Mayor realizing redaction of any information of an investigative or sensitive nature.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs public relations duties and maintains/improves relationships with the community through established programs and events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Mayor.
• Proven leadership experience in law enforcement or a related field; military experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of criminal investigation techniques and law enforcement practices.
• Excellent report writing skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in conflict management strategies and effective communication skills.
• Ability to handle animals safely when necessary, demonstrating knowledge of animal care principles.
• Familiarity with security protocols and loss prevention measures.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; ability to operate police vehicles safely under various conditions.
• Certification in first aid and CPR is preferred; ongoing training will be provided as needed. The ideal candidate will possess a commitment to public service, integrity, and a passion for enhancing community safety through effective policing practices.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Extensive knowledge of various federal and state laws, City ordinances and landmark judicial rulings; of the controlling laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest and evidence.
• Extensive knowledge of department rules and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of occupational hazards involved in the work and the safety precautions for safe performance of the job.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of police and court administration and budget preparation and administration.
• Solid understanding of police practices, holding self and others accountable for best practices within the organization.
• Ability to develop and maintain a department budget.
• Ability to develop immediate and future plans for the department and implement same.
• Thorough knowledge of modern management and leadership principles.
• Considerable ability to assign, instruct, and review the work of subordinates; to deal firmly and courteously with subordinates and the public.
• Considerable ability to make decisions based on recognized precedent and department policies, and to be resourceful in meeting and solving new problems.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relations; to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups, organizations, individuals, the media, other law enforcement agencies, and in reports.
• Knowledge and expert level of skill in using firearms and other essential equipment.
• Detailed knowledge of the municipal boundary of the City of Moss Point and familiarity with surrounding municipalities.
• Ability to conduct training for police officers
• Ability to analyze complex, fiscal, and organizational situations, and recommend proper courses of action.
• Ability to react to change productively, and to handle other tasks as assigned.
• Must have and maintain a valid Mississippi vehicle operator's license.
• Must be reliable for emergency calls.
• High level of critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability and experience to deal constructively with conflict and developing consensus, including the ability to identify and repair internal working relationships, and a willingness to confront and resolve issues.
• Willingness and ability to embrace a team approach to City issues.
• The ideal candidate will have an outgoing personality and a willingness to engage the community, promoting improved relationships.
• The ability to develop solid partnerships with allies and supporting agencies.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor while at the same time be approachable.
• A strong sense of integrity and fairness. The ideal candidate will be open, honest and trustworthy, team builder with the ability to work with various personalities effectively and cohesively.
• The ability to develop a professional yet enjoyable organizational culture.
• Writing skills and public speaking skills are necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides administrative direction for all Police Department functions, operations, and personnel through the supervision of subordinate staff and review of their activities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration or a related field with fifteen (15) years of law enforcement experience with five (5) years supervisory experience in a rank of Captain, Major, Deputy Chief or Police Chief; or high school diploma or GED equivalent with twenty (20) years of law enforcement experience with ten (10) years supervisory experience in a rank of Captain or Major.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of the FBI National Academy is preferred.
• Attend Mississippi Command College with Mississippi Association of Chief of Police is preferred.
• Must annually complete 20 hours of executive-level CEU's approved by Mississippi Office of Standards and Training, new Police Chiefs must completed 40 hours in their first year. MS Code
• Certified Law Enforcement Officer under Mississippi Office of Standards and Training
• Must be bondable
• Must have a valid driver's license

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderately noisy in the field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75, $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• 457(b)
• Credit union membership
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Military leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person