City of Foster City

Estero Municipal Improvement District

Job Specification

Chief of Police

DEFINITION:

To plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Police Department including law enforcement, criminal investigations, support services, and administrative functions; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES, REQUIREMENTS:

This is a full -time, executive level position that serves as the Department Head of the Police Department and at the will of the City Manager. Responsibilities include response to emergency conditions during non-business hours to provide direction to staff and coordination with other agencies during such situations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED:

Receives general administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the Police Department in the preservation of order, protection of life and property and enforcement of law and municipal ordinances; prepare the annual department budget and control budget expenditures; formulate department rules, procedures and policies and insure their implementation; maintain effective intra-departmental discipline and morale; evaluate and aid in the professional development of subordinate supervisors and officers; insure that new police officers receive adequate training in modern police procedures and methods; establish appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; maintain effective public relations and handle community issues in a tactful and courteous fashion; objectively review and handle citizen complaints; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other department heads, employees and the public; carry out long-term and short-term initiatives to meet the needs of the City; perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES:

Assess and monitor work load; oversee communications and records processing functions including property control, dispatch functions and records maintenance; oversee and assure proper distribution of concealed weapon permits; receive complaints or charges made by citizens regarding officer conduct; direct investigations of charges and make recommendations of corrective action to City Manager.

JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:  the modern principles, practices and techniques of public administration and their applicability to emergency service situations; extensive knowledge of modern police methods and scientific methods of crime prevention and criminal identification; knowledge of modern budgetary practices and methodology; understanding of organizational development and efficient use of resources.

Ability to:  plan and coordinate the work of a major operating department, and to put into effect and administer sound departmental policy; ability to meet with the public and handle complaints and problems in a courteous and tactful fashion; administrative ability to develop and carry out long-term and short-term goals; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other departments; ability to work with community oriented policing groups and programs; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way would be:

Education:  Equivalent to a B.S. degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration, or a related field. Graduation from POST Command College and a Masters Degree in Public Administration are highly desirable.

Experience:  Eight years increasingly responsible experience in law enforcement and crime prevention field, of which at least two years were in a responsible command position (Lieutenant or above).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, jump, physical mobility to negotiate around crime scenes and or emergency situations. Must be willing to work as needed during non-business hours; attend conferences and seminars to receive updated information on new laws and regulations and attend Council meetings and other evening meetings as needed.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATION:

Licenses:  Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

SALARY:  $13,376 - $16,259 per month