Arlington Heights, IL – Chief of Police

Village of Arlington Heights; Arlington Heights (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid leave

Police Pension Fund participation

Take-home vehicle

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Village of Arlington Heights, Illinois, is seeking a highly experienced Chief of Police to lead a nationally accredited department and build on a tradition of community-focused policing. The role reports to the Village Manager and requires strong skills in administration, budgeting, and personnel leadership.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and at least ten years in law enforcement, with a master’s preferred, and a record of professional development and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• Master’s degree preferred; FBI National Academy or comparable executive leadership program is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct departmental strategy and operations.
• Oversee the budget and allocation of resources.
• Guide emergency preparedness and maintain accountability across the Department.
• Build productive relationships with sworn and civilian employees, residents, businesses, and community organizations.

Skills

Police leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Labor relations

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Chief of Police

Village of Arlington Heights, Illinois

The Village of Arlington Heights is seeking an accomplished law enforcement leader to serve as its next Chief of Police following the current Chief’s upcoming retirement. Located 25 miles northwest of Chicago, Arlington Heights is a community of more than 77,000 residents. The next Chief will lead a nationally accredited Police Department known for strong community relationships, modern facilities, and high standards of service.

The Police Department has 141.5 full-time equivalent employees, including 110 sworn officers, and a $35 million budget for FY 2026. The Department offers advanced technology, specialized assignments, and strong regional partnerships, providing a solid foundation for the next Chief to develop emerging leaders and advance responsive, community-focused policing.

Reporting to the Village Manager, the Chief of Police will direct departmental strategy and operations, oversee the budget and allocation of resources, guide emergency preparedness, and maintain accountability across the Department.
The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in police administration and operations, strategic planning, financial management, labor and employee relations, and community engagement. The Village seeks an accessible leader who builds productive relationships with sworn and civilian employees, residents, businesses, and community organizations.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field; at least ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience; and Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certification or the ability to obtain; A master’s degree is preferred. Graduation from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, or a comparable executive law enforcement leadership program is strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range is $200,000–$215,000, depending on qualifications and experience, within a full salary range of $158,313–$229,552.

• Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• generous paid leave
• Police Pension Fund participation
• a Village-provided take-home vehicle
• professional development opportunities

Residency is not required; however, candidates must be able to respond to public safety emergencies within a reasonable timeframe.

Learn more here:

The Village of Arlington Heights is an equal opportunity employer and strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all, improving how we recruit, empower, and retain the most diverse and very best talent, ensuring careers in public service will continue to attract the brightest for coming generations.
Any offer of employment is conditional upon passing a background and pre-employment drug screen.