Original Author: MTAS
Date of Material: 09/26/2002
Reviewed Date: 05/12/2021
Job description for the position of Chief of Police.
CHIEF OF POLICE
This employee is responsible for the planning, organizing and directing of all activities of the Police Department. The employee is under the general supervision of the Mayor and city governing body. Instructions to the employee are general, and the employee must routinely use independent judgement when performing tasks. The employee must occasionally consider different courses of action in order to complete tasks. However, accepted professional standards and standard operating procedures help guide the employees’ work.
The employee will operate a variety of equipment including firearms, radio and communications equipment, police vehicles, radar, and fingerprinting and emergency equipment.
The demands of this position can be stressful both mentally and physically. The employee may be required to run, jump, bend, climb, crawl, squat, lift and carry heavy objects.
The employee will work both indoors and outdoors with the possibility of being exposed to adverse weather conditions and hazardous or extremely dangerous situations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
Plans, designs, organizes, directs and provides overall supervision of personnel, programs and activities of the Police Department.
Directs and participates in the preparation of the annual departmental budget, and in the control and expenditure of appropriations.
Patrols, by foot or motor vehicle, the streets of the city, places of business, and residential districts enforcing city ordinances or state and federal laws.
Investigates accidents and suspected crimes, reports findings and arrests suspected individuals or takes other action.
Formulates and prescribes the work methods, policies and procedures to be followed by the department.
Responsible for maintaining records and reports needed by other law enforcement agencies, units of government, and the city governing body.
ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Appraises the work of subordinate personnel and departmental working conditions.
Takes necessary steps to improve police operations.
Cooperates with individuals from the county, state, federal, and other jurisdictions, in order to achieve common goals.
Coordinates, directs and/or performs formal and in-service training programs for departmental personnel.
Testifies in court and legal proceedings.
Assists subordinates in preparation for court and legal proceedings.
Provides animal control services.
Counsels parents, youth, and others as needed.
Attends civic clubs, schools and other community organizations to explain and promote the activities and functions of the police department and to establish favorable public relations.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police organization, operations, and administration.
The standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated, and the application of police records to administration and solution of problems.
The functions of other governmental jurisdictions and authorities as they relate to public safety coordination.
The geographic area of the city.
City ordinances, state and federal laws.
Knowledge of modern supervisory practices and procedures. Ability to maintain a high level of discipline and morale.
An ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city officials, county, state and federal authorities, other employees, civic leaders and the general public.
Public contact is frequent.
Ability to design and coordinate training programs.
Prepare and effectively present oral or written information.
React quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine the proper course of action.
Explain and interpret pertinent provisions of laws, ordinances and regulations.
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, preferably graduation from a college or university with major course experience in police administration or related field.
Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license.
Must have five (5) years experience in law enforcement administration.
Must be POST certified.