Chief of Police

The New Mexico Municipal League, Incorporated; Jemez Springs (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Municipal League, Incorporated is seeking an experienced Chief of Police to lead a municipal police department in New Mexico. In this executive role, you will plan, direct, and oversee all law enforcement operations to safeguard the community, while managing personnel, budgets and departmental policies.

You will ensure compliance with laws and accreditation standards, coordinate with other agencies, and build strong relationships with residents, businesses, schools and civic

Qualifications

• Current State Peace Officer Certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory or command-level position.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to all police department personnel.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, procedures, and strategic plans.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Oversee criminal investigations, patrol operations, emergency response, and community policing initiatives.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, grants, and financial resources.
• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, discipline, and mentor department staff.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Represent the department at public meetings, community events, and governmental functions.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with community members, businesses, schools, and civic organizations.
• Review crime trends and implement strategies to improve public safety.
• Ensure effective emergency preparedness and disaster response planning.
• Maintain departmental records, reports, and statistical data.
• Investigate citizen complaints and internal affairs matters as required.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Budget management

Strategic planning

Communication

Negotiation

Education

State Peace Officer Certification

Job description

Employment Opportunities

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Salary Range:Based on qualifications and experience ($36 - $38.50 / hour)

Reports To: Mayor

Position Summary:
The Chief of Police serves as the executive leader of the police department and is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing all law enforcement operations. The Chief ensures public safety, enforces laws and regulations, develops departmental policies, manages personnel and budgets, and fosters positive community relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to all police department personnel.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, procedures, and strategic plans.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Oversee criminal investigations, patrol operations, emergency response, and community policing initiatives.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, grants, and financial resources.
• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, discipline, and mentor department staff.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Represent the department at public meetings, community events, and governmental functions.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with community members, businesses, schools, and civic organizations.
• Review crime trends and implement strategies to improve public safety.
• Ensure effective emergency preparedness and disaster response planning.
• Maintain departmental records, reports, and statistical data.
• Investigate citizen complaints and internal affairs matters as required.

Required Qualifications

• Current State Peace Officer Certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory or command-level position.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage personnel, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Knowledge of criminal investigations, patrol operations, and emergency management.
• Ability to build trust and maintain positive community relations.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies and critical incidents.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform administrative and field duties.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations at any time.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and operate vehicles and equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to meet department physical fitness standards.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and field environments.
• Subject to irregular hours, on-call status, and emergency response requirements.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous situations and stressful conditions.

This position requires integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to protecting and serving the community.