Police Chief

Chief Of Police

The Police Chief manages and directs programs and activities of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department. Determines and implements department programs, policies and processes and conducts long-term planning in support of the City strategic plan. Establishes and ensures department goals and objectives are accomplished. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and judgment, leadership responsibilities, highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills, time management, and organizational skills. The Police Chief requires a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or related field with a Master's Degree preferred; Idaho POST Basic certification within one year and eligibility for Intermediate and Supervisory certifications; and ten (10) years' of progressively responsible experience in local law enforcement and crime prevention, and three (3) years or more experience in a command position with management and supervisory responsibility.

Examples of duties include :

• Directing the activities of a large diverse department where the goal is to provide the highest quality service;
• Providing leadership to develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff and participating in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive employee relations environment;
• Researching, evaluating and approving recommendations regarding department policies and programs;
• Taking part in strategic planning and working closely with the City's elected leadership in setting and carrying out the City's vision, mission and goals and objectives for the Police department.
• Conferring regularly with command staff in analysis of daily activities and in resolution of problems in areas of labor relations, community rapport, trends in local crime activity, and internal investigations / personnel problems;
• Reviewing internal investigations of members of the department for alleged wrong doing; taking disciplinary action against members for violation of policies;
• Developing strategies to attempt to reduce crime and improve public relations;
• Formulating policy, procedures and regulations governing law enforcement activities;
• Preparing annual budget estimates;
• Developing short- and long-term plans and goals for the department;
• Serving as the City authority pertaining to department programs, activities and goals;
• Presenting plans, proposals and reports to the Mayor and City Council as necessary;
• Analyzing and resolving operational and procedural problems;
• Analyzing police service needs, availability of police resources, and other related factors in developing programs in an effort to meet needs;
• Maintaining a high level of discipline and morale;
• Participating in labor negotiations, administering labor agreements, addressing grievances and maintaining dialogue with union leadership. Implementing conditions established by police contract.
• Establishing and maintaining a culture of professionalism and community engagement between members of the department and the citizens and visitors to the City of Coeur d'Alene;
• Coordinating or directing coordination of department activities with other governmental agencies. Maintaining working relationships with other law enforcement agencies. Maintaining good public relations through courteous and prompt attention to questions, conflicts and complaints regarding department actions, policies or procedures. Directing development and implementation of initiatives, policies and programs to strengthen community partnerships, public awareness and support for department programs and policies. Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with the public, local businesses, inter-governmental agencies, news media, elected officials, department heads and employees.
• Advising staff on current issues, instructions, policies and other matters of importance;
• Developing policing strategy to include community engagement, intelligence led policing methods, COMPSTAT based assessment of effectiveness and the mentoring of mid-level managers to analyze existing practices and recommend improvements and changes as needed;
• Optimizing the use of technology in policing while maintaining compliance with public records laws and balancing the cost / benefit of the efficiencies provided against the impact on the budget;
• Maintaining proficiency in the fundamentals of policing such as shooting, defensive tactics and patrol procedures in addition to remaining up to date with case law and emerging trends in the field of law enforcement to ensure quality improvement;
• Working with community groups as well as citizens on law enforcement activities, citizen concerns, etc.; offers ideas and solutions;
• Managing and supervising major events (planned and unplanned), crime scenes, field activities, etc.;
• Demonstrating continuous effort to improve operations to protect and serve the community;
• Making presentations to governmental agencies, the media, community groups and a variety of civic organizations;
• Responding to management's, co-workers' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner;
• Performing time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of all matters;
• Assisting other department and City employees as needed or requested;
• Performing all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.