CHIEF OF POLICE
Manheim Borough Police Department | Manheim, PA (Lancaster County) | Serving Manheim Borough and Rapho Township
Full-time | Salary competitive and negotiable | Open until filled
About the Opportunity
Manheim Borough is seeking its next Chief of Police. This is a full-time, salaried leadership position reporting to the Mayor, with responsibility for the direction, administration, and performance of a department that serves two communities.
The Manheim Borough Police Department serves both Manheim Borough and Rapho Township under an intermunicipal service agreement. Together the two communities cover roughly 48.5 square miles and about 17,000 residents, from a walkable historic downtown to rural township roads. The department is staffed by 17 full time sworn officers and one administrative assistant, operating from the station at 211 North Charlotte Street, on a police operating budget of $3.3 million.
This is a working command position. The Chief handles budget preparation, policy, labor relations, discipline, training, community engagement, and shift coverage directly rather than through layers of staff, and administers the service agreement with Rapho Township. The candidate who takes this role will have unusual latitude to set direction, build the command structure, and shape how the department serves both communities for years to come.
What You Will Do
- Lead, direct, and evaluate all operations, programs, and personnel of the Police Department.
- Set the internal organization of the department and establish goals, priorities, and written policy.
- Plan patrol coverage across both municipalities, analyze crime and traffic data, and direct resources in response.
- Respond to and assume command of serious or critical incidents.
- Recruit, assign, evaluate, and develop sworn and civilian staff, and complete written annual evaluations.
- Investigate complaints and allegations of misconduct and administer discipline consistently and defensibly.
- Prepare and administer the department budget and report on it to the Mayor and Borough Council.
- Participate in collective bargaining preparation, contract administration, and grievance response.
- Administer the body-worn camera program, use of force reporting, records retention, and Right to Know compliance.
- Pursue and maintain accreditation, and identify and administer grant opportunities.
- Represent the department publicly, at Borough Council and Rapho Township meetings, with the media, and with residents and businesses.
- Administer the intermunicipal service agreement with Rapho Township and maintain the working relationship with Township officials.
- Maintain the relationship with the Manheim Central School District and with partner agencies across Lancaster County.
What We Are Looking For
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
- Current Pennsylvania Act 120 certification through MPOETC, or the ability to obtain certification prior to appointment.
- A minimum of twelve years of full‑time sworn law enforcement service.
- Command experience meeting one of the following: a minimum of three years as a Chief of Police, or a minimum of five years at the rank of Lieutenant, Captain, or Deputy Chief.
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license, or ability to obtain one, with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain and maintain access to CLEAN, JNET, and related law enforcement systems.
A demonstrated record of accomplishment in each of the following:
- Leading and developing a command staff and setting direction for an agency or a major division.
- Preparing, presenting, and administering an operating budget.
- Developing, issuing, and enforcing written policy and standard operating procedures.
- Conducting or directing internal investigations and administering discipline.
- Managing a collective bargaining relationship, including contract administration and grievance response.
- Conducting written performance evaluations and managing performance over time.
- Representing an agency publicly, including in public meetings and with the media.
Preferred
- Master's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field.
- Completion of an executive law enforcement program such as the FBI National Academy, the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association executive development program.
- Experience managing an agency through Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation.
- Experience in a borough or small municipal department where the Chief carries a working command role.
- Experience administering an intermunicipal, regional, or contracted police service agreement.
- Experience with Act 111 collective bargaining and interest arbitration.
- Grant writing and administration experience.
- Experience leading an agency through organizational change.
Conditions of Employment
- Appointment is contingent on a comprehensive background investigation, a post‑offer psychological evaluation, a post‑offer medical examination, and a drug screen.
- United States citizen, at least twenty‑one years of age, with no conviction that would disqualify the candidate from certification or from possessing a firearm.
- Residency: must reside within a distance not to exceed 30 linear miles measured from the jurisdictional boundaries within one year of appointment.
- Must maintain Act 120 certification, firearms qualification, and all mandatory training throughout employment.
- Must be available on call and reachable at all times, subject to approved leave.
- Employment is governed by a written employment agreement approved by Borough Council.
What the Borough Offers
- Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
- Participation in the Manheim Borough Police Pension Plan.
- Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance.
- Paid vacation, holiday, personal, and sick leave.
- Professional development, command‑level training, and association membership.
- Uniform, equipment, and technology allowances.
- Take‑home vehicle provided, with no mileage limitation.
Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Manheim Borough is an equal opportunity employer. The Borough does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodation is available to applicants with disabilities upon request.