Chief of Police

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

Benefits offered by this job

Take-home vehicle

Health insurance

Pension fund participation

Paid leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Village of Arlington Heights seeks an accomplished law enforcement leader to become its next Chief of Police. The role reports to the Village Manager and oversees 141.5 FTE with a FY2026 budget of $35 million, guiding strategy, operations, and emergency preparedness while maintaining strong community relationships.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience, advanced degrees, and a track record in labor relations and financial management, with FBI/National Academy preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• Illinois certification or ability to obtain; FBI/National Academy or equivalent preferred.
• Master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct departmental strategy and operations for the Police Department.
• Oversee the budget and allocation of resources and guide emergency preparedness.
• Maintain accountability across the Department and strengthen community relationships.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Community engagement

Labor relations

Education

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice or related field

Master's degree preferred

Graduate program (FBI National Academy or similar)

Job description

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
• 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.

• 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 about the role here: Chief of Police 2026

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.