The Chief of Police is an integral member of the City's leadership team and reports to the City Manager. The Police Chief plans, directs, and controls patrol, traffic, criminal investigation, and related police services and activities, and supervises all department employees' training, assignments, and discipline.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
- Establishes rules and procedures to be followed by Police Department personnel as may be necessary for proper law enforcement and criminal apprehension.
- Recommends the appointment and removal of officers and employees within the Police Department within such limits and bounds as prescribed by the Pelham Civil Service statutes and City Administrative Policies.
- Prepares the Police Department’s budget annually and submits the budget for review and inclusion in the total city budget; responsible for its efficient administration after adoption.
- Prepares and submits at the end of each month a report of activities of the Police Department during the month, and other reports as requested.
- Responds in emergency situations; directs the department’s emergency management functions.
- Provides timely, accurate and thorough performance evaluations for Police Department employees.
- Confers with citizens and City officials on law enforcement problems.
- Plans and implements Police Department goals and objectives and develops and administers programs, policies and procedures. Coordinates Police Department programs, services, and administrative matters with the Mayor and/or City Manager.
- Attends City Council meetings, public hearings, and related proceedings to represent the Police Department.
- Delegates work assignments, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; and reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
- Oversees establishment, planning, and supervision of the police training.
- Works with outside agencies and other departments to explain and justify Police Department programs, policies, and activities and to negotiate and resolve sensitive issues.
- Attends civic, professional, service, and community group meetings to explain the activities and functions of the Police Department and promote positive public relations.
- Works with a variety of boards and commissions, including attending and participating in professional groups and committees and staying abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law enforcement.
- Formulates and implements policies, rules, regulations and operating procedures for the Police Department.
- Effectively supervises all Divisions and Units of the Police Department.
- Initiates internal investigations when appropriate and directs corrective action as needed.
- Reads, comprehends and maintains a good working knowledge of state criminal laws, motor vehicle laws, municipal codes, civil service law and the police department’s General Orders.
- Performs total oversight duties relative to overall departmental operations in order to maintain high standards of service delivery.
- Delegates duties to subordinates to the maximum degree possible and oversee overall operation of the Police Department.
- Mediates and attempts to resolve differences or conflicts between citizens and assigned subordinates, whether the conflict results from a lack or legal or procedural knowledge on the part of the citizen, or whether the citizen has a complaint of minor category police misconduct.
- Analyzes employment recommendations, interviews candidate finalists, and authorizes final offers of employment.
- Maintains liaison with City Attorney and City’s insurance carriers.
- Coordinates Police Department’s response in civil litigation matters.
- Authorizes bids and purchases of equipment and supplies for the Police Department.
- Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with others.
EDUCATION
Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Law Enforcement, Police Science, Criminology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
EXPERIENCE
A minimum of five years as a Police Chief in a similarly-sized jurisdiction or as a high-level commander/administrator is required.
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT COURSES
Graduation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course or Command Officer Development Course, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or a comparable, comprehensive police executive leadership program is preferred.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Within six (6) months of the hire date, the employee must establish primary residence within Shelby County, with a residence within the Pelham city limits preferred. The employee must also possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. All required licenses and certificates, as mandated by local, state, and federal laws or as required herein, must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range is $134,659 - $183,527. Starting compensation is based on qualifications and experience. The City provides an excellent array of benefits, including Tier I retirement through the Retirement Systems of Alabama and health, dental, and vision insurance. A complete list of benefits is available at www.pelhamalabama.gov.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Email your cover letter and resume to Human Resources Director Tracy Hill at thill@pelhamalabama.gov. The first round of applications will be reviewed on February 12, 2025.
Police Chief Recruitment Packet
Police Chief Job Description