Park Police Chief

Montgomery Parks; Wheaton (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional parks authority is seeking an experienced Park Police Chief responsible for overseeing law enforcement within an expansive park system. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in policing, community engagement, and strategic operational leadership. This executive role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on public safety and community relations.

Qualifications

• Extensive command experience in a mid-to-large law enforcement agency.
• Comprehensive knowledge of policing strategy, operations, and investigative practices.
• At least 18 months of experience as a Police Captain or equal rank.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic vision for the Park Police Division.
• Lead law enforcement operations and public safety initiatives.
• Manage budget and personnel planning.

Skills

Exceptional leadership

Integrated communication skills

Community-focused policing

Policing strategy

Operational oversight

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Job description

Montgomery Parks is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking law enforcement executive to serve as Park Police Chief—the senior-most leader of the Montgomery Parks Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police. This is a critical executive leadership position, responsible for overseeing the strategic vision, daily operations, and organizational direction of a full-service law enforcement agency within one of the nation’s most respected and expansive park systems.

About the Role

The Park Police Chief leads a dedicated and diverse team of approximately 98 sworn officers, 29 civilian staff, and 20 volunteers, managing operations through four Assistant Chiefs overseeing Patrol, Special Operations, Support Services, and Investigative Units. Reporting directly to the Director of Montgomery Parks, the Park Police Chief ensures the safety and security of park visitors across a jurisdiction that spans 496 square miles and over 37,000 acres of parkland, serving a county population of over 1 million residents.

Montgomery Parks manages an extensive park system that includes 415 parks, 280 miles of trails, 274 playgrounds, as well as campgrounds, swimming pools, lakes, skate parks, golf courses, equestrian centers, and preserved stream valleys. The Park Police Division provides 24-hour patrol coverage by vehicle, foot, bicycle, and ATV, with specialized teams for horse-mounted, marine, and motorcycle patrols.

To learn more about Montgomery Parks and its Park Police Division go to our website: https://montgomeryparks.org/about/park-police/

This role offers an outstanding opportunity for a visionary public safety executive with proven law enforcement experience, strong political and organizational acumen, and a demonstrated commitment to progressive policing, community engagement, and continuous operational improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and annual priorities for the Park Police Division.
• Lead complex law enforcement operations, crime prevention strategies, and data-driven public safety initiatives.
• Direct budget oversight, personnel planning, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal law, including the Maryland Police Accountability Act (MPAA).
• Represent the agency in high-profile, sensitive public safety situations and serve as spokesperson in emergencies.
• Partner with local, state, and federal public safety agencies to enhance inter-jurisdictional collaboration.
• Play a lead role in labor negotiations, policy development, and departmental accountability.
• Promote staff development and implement progressive training initiatives aligned with 21st-century policing.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a proven executive leader who demonstrates:

• Extensive command experience in a mid-to-large law enforcement agency.
• Comprehensive knowledge of policing strategy, operations, investigative practices, and law.
• Exceptional leadership, integrity, and communication skills, with a focus on building trust both internally and externally.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to drive innovation, organizational transformation, and performance accountability.
• A strong commitment to community-focused and culturally competent policing. A demonstrated commitment to being visible, available, and approachable within the department and in the community.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive, high-performing organizational culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Law, Criminal Justice Management, Public Administration or related field.
• Applicants will be evaluated via an oral interview by an Assessment Board (Selections are made in accordance with Commission selection rules and regulations).
• Must have at least eighteen (18) months of experience as a Police Captain with the Commission or a position of equal rank or responsibility in a law enforcement agency.
• Valid driver’s license in accordance with state and Commission rules and regulations. License must be unencumbered by revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
• Must successfully pass the Commission's Medical Examination for Park Police Officers.
• Must successfully pass State Mandated Annual In-Service Training Program for certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional specialized leadership education, such as the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) or the FBI National Academy, or a law degree or graduate degree in public administration, criminology, or a related field.
• A proven leader who is committed to professional, community-focused, innovative, and transparent policing, the principles and practice of 21st century policing, continuous improvement driven by data, and earning and keeping the public trust.
• A proven track record of spearheading transformative initiatives that drive growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. Must possess the strategic acumen to identify new opportunities, align diverse stakeholders, and lead complex initiatives from concept to implementation.

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Strategy/Planning, Administrative, and Management

Industries include Recreational Facilities, Government Administration, and Public Safety

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