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HomeMy WebLinkAboutChief of PoliceUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Police Chief Department: Police Division: Administrative Services Supervisor: City Manager FLSA: Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 34 Job Number: 3403 Job Summary Plans, programs, directs, evaluates, and manages the operation of the Police Department. Formulates and implements new policy, operations, and disciplinary procedures. Establishes a positive relationship between the Police Department, outside agencies, and the general public. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Plans, directs and evaluates the overall law enforcement function of the Police Department and facilitates necessary changes. • Develops and executes departmental policies, procedures, programs, and long-range plans. • Participates in other organizations within the City, county and state. • Reviews all significant incidents involving the Police Department and makes recommendations as necessary. • Develops staff of the Police Department and provides training opportunities for all members of the Department. • Establishes and builds community relationships and maintains a positive image for the Police Department. • Develops, administers, and monitors the budget for the Police Department. • Reviews and/or investigates all complaints regarding Police Department employees. • Assists the City Manager in developing law enforcement policy and program recommendations to the City Council. • Plans long range department goals in conjunction with City Council strategic plan. • Recommends Capital Improvement Projects, develops and submits City Council agenda items to the City Manager and makes oral presentations and answers questions at City Council and Commission meetings. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and eight years of related experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Criminal Justice. Experience in law enforcement. Supervisory experience at the command level. • Iowa Peace Officer Certification. Valid State of Iowa driver's license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Must reside in the municipal limits of the City of Iowa City. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and more than seven years of related experience; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to analyze complex police problems, delegate responsibilities and authority, and manage large numbers of people and large numbers of money. • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. • Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors, commissions, or elected officials. • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to research, develop, and recommend budgeting needs, policies, procedures and practices. • Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. • Ability to write reports and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. • Knowledge at an advanced level of law enforcement management, criminal law, State statutes, City ordinances, personnel policies, and City budget. • Skill in interpersonal relations, verbal and written communications, leadership, listening, and negotiation. • Skill in the use of firearms and other related law enforcement equipment. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Supervision Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising subordinate supervisors and direct reports including Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Employee may be exposed to dangerous situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Dustin Liston, Police Chief (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________ Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)