Provides strategic leadership, direction, and management for the City’s Police Department. Oversees the activities of highly skilled managerial, supervisory, sworn, and civilian personnel engaged in law enforcement operations and support services. Responsibilities include command oversight of administrative services, uniformed patrol, records management, criminal investigations, community engagement initiatives, and other departmental operations.

Directs departmental operations through subordinate personnel while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, transparency, and community partnership. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, and operational strategies to ensure efficient and effective delivery of public safety services.

The position requires extensive knowledge and expertise in modern law enforcement practices, organizational leadership, personnel development, and strategic planning. The Police Chief must demonstrate strong decision-making, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a significant focus on coaching, mentoring, developing, and evaluating staff while advancing the organization’s mission and public safety objectives.

The essential functions listed below are intended to be representative of the duties and responsibilities performed within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed. Management reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as necessary that are consistent with the position and operational needs of the City.

Essential Functions

• Provides overall leadership and direction for the planning, preparation, development, and administration of departmental budgets, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to accomplish departmental goals and objectives.
• Oversees management staff in planning, coordinating, and maintaining operational readiness and resource availability for all departmental functions.
• Directs the acquisition, maintenance, repair, replacement, and inventory management of departmental vehicles, equipment, supplies, and related assets.
• Oversees administrative reporting, records management, documentation, and compliance functions for departmental operations.
• Coordinates activities within the department and collaborates with other City departments, outside law enforcement agencies, emergency response organizations, and partner agencies on operational initiatives and training activities.
• Establishes and ensures adherence to operational procedures, schedules, and standards related to inspections, maintenance, inventory control, and equipment readiness.
• Develops, implements, interprets, and enforces departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Directs and participates in major criminal investigations and critical incident response activities as required.
• Plans, organizes, and evaluates departmental operations through analysis of reports, operational data, performance measures, and meetings with management personnel.
• Oversees management staff in identifying training needs, coordinating professional development opportunities, and evaluating training effectiveness.
• Directs research and development activities related to the acquisition and replacement of departmental equipment, technology, vehicles, and supplies.
• Prepares and reviews reports, analyses, statistical data, and presentations related to operational performance, compliance requirements, and City administration requests.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships and partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, civic groups, and local businesses; serves as a departmental liaison and representative.
• Conducts meetings with staff to communicate organizational goals, operational updates, policy changes, and departmental initiatives, while recognizing employee accomplishments and addressing operational concerns.
• Responds to major emergencies and critical incidents; coordinates with internal departments and external agencies to ensure effective emergency response and assumes strategic or tactical command responsibilities as necessary.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends, best practices, legal developments, and emerging technologies in law enforcement, investigations, community policing, and criminal intelligence.
• Serves as departmental spokesperson and Public Information Officer as assigned, including authorizing the release of information related to investigations and departmental operations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Supervision

• Reviews and evaluates operational procedures, work methods, and performance standards; meets with management staff to identify operational challenges and implement solutions.
• Monitors workload distribution, staffing levels, and operational efficiency; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements corrective actions where appropriate.
• Selects, trains, mentors, motivates, and evaluates personnel; addresses performance issues; and administers disciplinary actions in accordance with City policies and applicable laws.
• Oversees the development and administration of the departmental budget, including forecasting staffing, equipment, material, and supply needs; monitors expenditures and authorizes budget adjustments as necessary.

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a closely related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement operations and administration, including at least three (3) years of experience serving in a Deputy Chief or Assistant Chief capacity, or a minimum of five (5) years of senior supervisory or management experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience may be considered.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver license. Must possess certification as a law enforcement officer through the State of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC). Additional certifications may be required depending on assignment and operational needs.

Regular in-office attendance is required.

Final candidate(s) will be subject to interview(s), medical examination, drug screening, and a comprehensive background investigation.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position successfully and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

• Extensive knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and best practices governing law enforcement operations.
• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices related to budget preparation, administration, fiscal management, and strategic resource allocation.
• Strong knowledge of leadership, supervision, organizational management, employee development, and workforce motivation practices.
• Thorough understanding of operational readiness standards, emergency preparedness, law enforcement response protocols, and critical incident management.
• Knowledge of records management, reporting requirements, documentation standards, and evidence-handling procedures.
• Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), emergency management principles, mass casualty response protocols, and field operations procedures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively communicate directives, policies, and operational information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, analyze complex situations, make effective decisions under pressure, and implement appropriate response strategies.
• Ability to assess safety risks and emergency scene conditions while ensuring the protection of personnel and the public.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and implement policies, procedures, operational plans, and training initiatives.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, concise, and accurate reports, analyses, recommendations, and presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, partner agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other law enforcement-related technologies and software systems.
• Ability to organize work effectively, manage multiple priorities, and ensure timely completion of assignments.
• Commitment to providing exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Ability to regularly attend work and maintain punctuality in accordance with assigned schedules.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with union representatives and participating in collective bargaining negotiations and labor relations matters.
• Must uphold and adhere to the ethical standards and professional conduct established by the Florida Police Chiefs Association and maintain the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Physical Requirements
Depending on assignment, duties may involve moderate physical activity, including occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects weighing up to 80 pounds with assistance and appropriate equipment as necessary.

Environmental Requirements
Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, noise, fumes, dirt, or other environmental factors associated with law enforcement operations.

Sensory Requirements
Duties require manual dexterity, visual acuity, hearing acuity, color recognition, and the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Emergency Response and Essential Employee Statement
All City employees share responsibility for emergency response activities. While not all positions may be designated as essential during emergency events, employees may be subject to recall at any time to support emergency operations. Such assignments may require irregular work hours, work at alternate locations, and the performance of duties outside the normal scope of responsibilities under physically and operationally demanding conditions.

Preference may be given to qualified current City employees. Positions are open until filled unless otherwise specified. The City of Marco Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
The City of Marco Island is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and federal laws. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the City. Applicants requiring accommodation during the recruitment or selection process should notify the Human Resources Department.