Chief of Police

TrulyHired; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clarke County School District is seeking a Chief of Police to safeguard students, staff, visitors, and property. You will enforce laws, investigate incidents, manage emergency responses, and guide administrators on disciplinary policies.

You will also serve on the district’s leadership team and provide emergency care when needed. The role requires a strong background in law enforcement, at least five years of experience with supervisory duties, and P.O.S.T.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in relevant field.
• P.O.S.T. certification, GA driver's license, fingerprint and background clearance required.
• Minimum five years in law enforcement with at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Knowledge of safety practices, laws, and district policies.
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with community agencies for safety and investigations in the school environment.
• Communicates safety policies and procedures to students, staff, and visitors.
• Conducts meetings and trainings to convey information and gather input.
• Coordinates responses to incidents, alarms, injuries, and security concerns.
• Develops and oversees preventive security strategies and programs.
• Coordinates with local/state/federal agencies to ensure compliance and plan updates.
• Develops district police budget and presents financial needs to leadership.
• Directs scheduling, assignments, and training for police staff and security.
• Directs all security aspects of district activities to maintain a safe environment.
• Evaluates personnel performance and enforces standards.
• Manages district police radio and information systems for reliability.
• Prepares policies and procedures to improve safety initiatives.
• Presents information in classrooms, meetings, and orientations about safety and rights.
• Stays current with laws and safety regulations relevant to district security.
• Responds to inquiries and provides information and referrals when needed.
• Testifies in court when required and performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

First aid & CPR

Office equipment

Records management

Software applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Police Administration, Law Enforcement, or related field preferred

Tools

P.O.S.T. certification

Georgia Driver's License

Criminal Justice Fingerprint

Background Clearance

Job description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Chief of Police

DIVISION: Operations

GRADE: 26

DEPARTMENT: Safety & Security

WORK DAY: 240

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

JOB CLASS: 3800

GROUP: Classified

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of the Chief of Police is focused on supporting the educational environment by ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, visitors, and school property. This includes identifying and addressing potential welfare and safety issues, enforcing laws, and assisting school administrators in implementing disciplinary policies and regulations. The Chief of Police is also responsible for preventing property loss, investigating criminal incidents, communicating essential information, and responding to inquiries. Additionally, this position involves providing emergency care when needed and serving as a key member of the district's leadership team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Police Administration, Law Enforcement, or related field preferred

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards and Testing) certification
• Valid Georgia Driver's License
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint
• Background Clearance

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum five (5) years' in law enforcement with at least two (2) years' supervisory experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Skills-based Competencies

Required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: administering first aid and CPR; operating standard office equipment; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and utilizing pertinent software applications.

Knowledge-based Competencies

Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent codes, regulations & laws; safety practices and procedures; and techniques for defusing hostile situations.

Ability-based Competencies

Required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups including those suspected of unlawful activities; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; maintaining confidentiality; and working with frequent interruptions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Collaborates with community agencies (law enforcement, courts, health care, etc.) for the purpose of addressing individual cases and/or taking action regarding investigations, criminal activities, gang activities, vandalism, etc. for the safety and security of the school site.
• Communicates safety and security policies and enforcement procedures to students, staff and visitors for the purpose of ensuring their understanding of such information and the potential consequences of violation.
• Conducts unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Coordinates responses to a variety of situations (accidents, injuries, vandalism, suspicious activities, alarms, etc.) for the purpose of taking the appropriate action to resolve immediate safety and/or security concerns.
• Coordinates creation of innovative and preventive security strategies and programs utilizing technology when appropriate (preventive drug programs, reducing gang and weapons in schools, etc.) for the purpose of providing effective safety and security for the district.
• Coordinates with school district personnel, other public safety agencies on a local, state and federal level (GCIC Georgia Crime Information Center, criminal background checks for prospective employees, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring state mandated security plans are implemented and revised annually.
• Develops District Police Department budget for the purpose of providing financial needs and recommendations to administrative personnel, Superintendent and/or Board of Education.
• Directs the preparation of work schedules, assignments, and training programs (sworn and civilian departmental staff, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining security coverage for the district.
• Directs all aspects of security for district activities for the purpose of ensuring student compliance with established guidelines, regulatory requirements, maintaining a safe and positive learning environment, and secure facility.
• Evaluates assigned personnel for the purpose of ensuring that standards are achieved and performance is maximized.
• Implements an effective security system for the purpose of providing intrusion, surveillance and fire protection for all school district facilities.
• Manages the District's Police Radio Communication System for the purpose of ensuring availability and proper functioning when needed.
• Prepares a variety of documents (administrative/regulatory policies, establishes conduct, methods and procedures, etc.) for the purpose of promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of safety and security initiatives.
• Presents information in a variety of settings (classrooms, parent meetings, staff orientations, etc.) for the purpose of informing individuals of campus security guidelines, and law enforcement procedures and/or individual rights.
• Researches literature, laws, regulations, etc. related to job responsibility for the purpose of maintaining current safety and security information for the department.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources regarding campus security issues for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or referral for addressing inquiry.
• Testifies in court proceedings for the purpose of providing information regarding alleged illegal activity.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Continued Employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Continued Employment which may be required of positions in this class. Clarke County School District encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Human Resources Department for further information.

Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing.

It is the policy of the Clarke County School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, religion, disability or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.

Last Updated: 09/2026