Chief of Police

Surfside Police Department; Surfside (FL); On-site; USD 141,000 - 226,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit retirement plan

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Surfside Police Department seeks a forward-thinking Chief of Police to lead the Town’s Public Safety and ensure accountable, community-oriented policing. You will guide strategic direction, oversee operations, and build trust with residents and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will hold CJSTC certification, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology or Public Administration, and at least seven years in senior command roles with a track record in data-driven decision making and regional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field.
• CJSTC certification with seven+ years in chief or senior command roles.
• Leadership training such as FBI National Academy or Police Staff & Command programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, innovative leadership for departmental functions, operations and personnel.
• Foster accountability, integrity, transparency, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with municipal officials and regional partners to enhance public safety.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice/Public Administration

CJSTC certification

Advanced leadership training (FBI NA, etc.)

Job description

Public Safety Department - Overview

The Town of Surfside Public Safety Department is a 45-member department comprised of 29 sworn and 16 non-sworn positions, including Communication Operators, Parking Enforcement Officers, Community Service Aides, Accreditation Manager, and administrative staff. The department is responsible for the enforcement of all local and state laws and the investigation of crimes within the Town limits.

Chief of Police – Position Overview

The Chief of Police serves as the executive leader of the Town of Surfside Police Department and operates under the general direction of the Town Manager. This position provides strategic, innovative, and professional leadership in the administration, management, and overall direction of departmental functions, operations, and personnel. Through effective supervision of command staff and review of departmental activities, the Chief ensures the delivery of high-quality public safety services aligned with the Town’s mission and values.

The Chief of Police is entrusted with preserving the peace and protecting the lives and property of residents, businesses, and visitors. This role commands and directs all police operations, ensuring the consistent and fair enforcement of the Town’s Code of Ordinances and applicable laws. The Chief is responsible for fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, transparency, and community engagement within the department.

As a key member of the Town’s executive leadership team, the Chief of Police works collaboratively with municipal officials, community stakeholders, and regional partners to proactively address public safety needs, implement best practices in modern policing, and enhance the overall quality of life in Surfside. The position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and a commitment to maintaining public trust while advancing innovative strategies that support a safe and thriving community.

Budget - Overview

The Town of Surfside’s FY 2026 total operating budget is approximately $60.5 million. The FY 2026 Public Safety Department budget is $9,454,232, reflecting the Town’s commitment to providing exceptional public safety services, maintaining operational excellence, and ensuring a safe and secure community for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and principled law enforcement executive with a strong commitment to community-oriented policing and organizational excellence. This individual is an experienced leader who demonstrates integrity, accountability, and transparency, and who fosters a culture of professionalism and respect within the department.

The successful candidate will possess a proven track record in modern policing practices, including crime prevention strategies, data-driven decision-making, and proactive community engagement. They will be an effective communicator who builds trust with residents, elected officials, and staff, while maintaining strong regional partnerships.

Additionally, the ideal candidate is a strategic and fiscally responsible manager who understands the importance of balancing operational needs with budgetary constraints. They will bring experience in managing personnel, advancing training and professional development, and leveraging technology and innovation to enhance service delivery.

Above all, the Chief of Police will be a collaborative leader dedicated to preserving Surfside’s safe, welcoming, and family-oriented environment while guiding the department with vision, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field, along with advanced courses in managerial and leadership training such as the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, Southern Police Institute Command Course, and other leadership and administrative programs.

The ideal candidate must be certified through the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) and have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police, Captain, or similar rank.

A comparable combination of training, education, and experience may be considered as a substitute for the minimum qualifications.

Salary range: $141,190.57 - $225,904.91 DOQ/E Excellent benefits.

Competitive salary dependent upon qualifications and experience (DOQ).

The Town of Surfside offers a defined benefit retirement plan and excellent benefits.

Position will remain open until filled.