The City of Mendota is seeking a visionary, community-focused Chief of Police to lead a dynamic department and serve as a trusted partner to residents, businesses, and city leaders.
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This executive role requires a proven leader who values integrity, accountability, and innovation, with a strong commitment to community-oriented policing.
Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Chief of Police will provide both strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of all Police Department operations, including Animal Control and Code Enforcement.
The ideal candidate will be an approachable leader who builds strong relationships, fosters youth engagement, enhances crime prevention efforts, and ensures effective service delivery.
About the Department : The Mendota Police Department is a professional, service-oriented team of 28 full-time employees, including 22 sworn officers, 3 Community Service Officers, and 3 Records staff.
The department is structured into three divisions :
- Field Operations – Patrol, Detectives, Traffic, and School Resource Officers
 - Administration – Records, Property & Evidence, Permits, Recruitment & Hiring, Audits & Compliance, and support functions
 - Animal Control / Code Enforcement – Protecting community safety and quality of life through ordinance enforcement Candidate Profile : The next Chief of Police will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with a track record of success in law enforcement leadership.
 
The position requires strength in administration, community engagement, and staff development.
Education :
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field requiredMaster’s degree preferredEquivalent experience may substitute for formal education License and Certificates :Valid California Driver’s LicenseP.O.S.T.Advanced, Supervisory, or Management Certificate (required)
FBI Academy or Command College is highly desirable.Experience :
Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including supervisory and management rolesDemonstrated success leading a municipal or comparable law enforcement agencyExperience with staff supervision, training, budgeting, policy development, grants, and community engagement programs Compensation and Benefits : Annual Salary Range : $111,861 – $142,767 (6 steps, DOE / Q) In addition to a competitive salary, the City of Mendota offers an outstanding benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and work-life balance of our employees and their families.Take home vehicle provided by the CityCity issued cell phoneCity paid medical, dental and vision insurance for employee and dependents.Employee with health insurance coverage from a non-City source may elect to receive payment in lieu of coverage in the amount of $500 per month
Life insurance$50,000 term life paid for by CityThe City offers a 401(k) plan with both a Traditional and Roth optionCalPERS RetirementSDI paid for by CitySocial security coverageEmployer paid for Employee Assistance Program for employee and qualifying family membersPaid Holidays- (16)eight hour observed holidays and (1) – eight hours floating holidayVacation leave accruals start at 3.08 bi-weeklySick leave accrues at 4 hours bi-weeklyAdministration leave is 96 hours per fiscal yearBilingual Pay Incentive (Spanish / English) upon passing of bilingual speaking and listening testEducation Incentive available, if eligible Application and Selection Process : This is a confidential recruitment process.All interested candidates must submit :
A completed City of Mendota employment applicationResumeCover letter Applications will need to be delivered either in person or by mail to : City of Mendota Attn : Cristian Gonzalez, City Manager 643 Quince Street, Mendota, CA 93640 Or via email to : cristian@cityofmendota.com and jennifer@cityofmendota.com Incomplete or faxed applications will not be accepted.Applications will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.
Finalists will undergo a comprehensive reference and background check, including a credit review.
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