Chief of Police

AAME; Balch Springs (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Balch Springs seeks a Chief of Police who leads from the front, setting direction for all operations and ensuring accountability. The ideal candidate will be a proven commander who uses data to guide priorities and communicates decisions clearly to residents, staff, and the City Manager.

The Chief will manage the department budget, pursue grants and partnerships to maximize local resources, and promote training, wellness, and leadership development across the force.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, business, or a related field.
• Experience: Ten years of progressive law enforcement experience, including three years in command.
• Certification: TCOLE Master Peace Officer.
• Chief Requirements: Meet TCOLE requirements for appointment as Chief, including Chief Administrator training.
• License: Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Lead department operations, policies, and strategic priorities.
• Represent the department before the City Council, regional partners, and the public.
• Manage the budget, pursue grants and partnerships to stretch local dollars.
• Invest in training, wellness, and the next generation of supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with Civil Service rules and Meet and Confer.

Skills

Data-driven decision making

Budget management

Public communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, business, or related field

Job description

The Chief of Police is the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in Balch Springs and reports directly to the City Manager. The Chief sets the department's direction and is responsible for all police operations, policies, and strategic priorities.

The department has 61 funded positions. The Chief leads a command staff that includes an Assistant Chief, a Captain, and lieutenants, with sworn officers, detectives, traffic, school resource officers, dispatch, property and evidence, and administrative staff.

The Chief serves on the City's leadership team and represents the department before the City Council, regional partners, and the public. The department operates under Civil Service rules and a Meet and Confer agreement.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The City of Balch Springs is seeking a Chief who leads from the front. Officers, dispatchers, and residents should see the Chief regularly and know where the department is headed.

The ideal candidate is a proven command-level leader who uses data to set priorities and explains decisions plainly. The next Chief will manage the budget with discipline, pursue grants and partnerships to stretch local dollars, and make the case for resources with facts.

The Chief will hold people accountable with fairness and consistency while investing in training, wellness, and the next generation of supervisors. Experience working within Civil Service rules and a Meet and Confer agreement is important.

Balch Springs sits at the crossroads of I-20, I-635, and U.S. 175, and the Chief will work closely with Dallas County, neighboring cities, and state and federal agencies. The right candidate stays calm during critical incidents, is open with the public, and brings problems to the City Manager early.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, business, or a related field
• Experience: Ten years of progressive law enforcement experience, including three years in command
• Certification: TCOLE Master Peace Officer
• Chief Requirements: Meet TCOLE requirements for appointment as Chief, including Chief Administrator training
• License: Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one

An equivalent combination of education, command experience, and executive training may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: Master's degree in public administration, criminal justice, or a related field
• Executive Training: FBI National Academy, LEMIT Leadership Command College, or Senior Management Institute for Police
• Executive Leadership: Experience as a chief or assistant chief of a municipal police department
• Civil Service: Experience with Civil Service and Meet and Confer
• Bilingual: English and Spanish