Police Chief

Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police; Hopkinsville (KY); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

15 vacation days

12 sick days

8 floating holidays

Federal student loan repayment

Job summary

Hopkinsville Police Department in Hopkinsville, KY, seeks a Police Chief to direct all operations and lead budgeting for a department with over 70 officers, 20 dispatchers and 20 staff. The role requires extensive LE experience, strong leadership, and completion of top-level training; salary range is $92,236–$121,052 annually with comprehensive benefits.

Applicants must have a high school diploma; a bachelor’s in criminal justice management is preferred, FBI/Institute training, and KLEC

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma; bachelor's degree preferred.
• 12 years in law enforcement, including 5 years supervising.
• Graduate of FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute or similar.
• Must be a graduate of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Academy or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Direct all operations of the Hopkinsville Police Department and ECC.
• Forecast annual and long-term funding for a budget over $12M.
• Lead short- and long-range planning for all department functions.
• Supervise over 70 officers, 20 dispatchers, and 20 staff; set policies and structure.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Community policing

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice management

Tools

FBI National Academy

Southern Police Institute

KLEC

Job description

Salary: $92,236.00 - $121,052.00 Annually

City/County Services

The Police Chief directs all operations of the Hopkinsville Police Department and the Hopkinsville/Christian County Emergency Communications Center. The Chief forecasts annual and long-term funding needs for a budget exceeding $12 million and leads short- and long-range planning for all department functions. Key responsibilities include supervising more than 70 police officers, 20 emergency dispatchers, and 20 support staff; establishing policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and organizational structures consistent with applicable guidelines and restrictions; and ensuring community-oriented policing services are provided at every level.

Requires a high school diploma; a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management or a related field is preferred. Candidates must have 12 years of law enforcement experience, including five years in a supervisory role and at least two years of equivalent experience as a police captain or higher. Candidates must also have graduated from the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute, or a similar command-level training program. Must be a graduate of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Academy (KLEC) or an equivalent academy recognized by KLEC. A valid driver’s license is required.

Excellent benefits include health, dental, vision, & life insurance. 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 8 floating holidays per year are offered. Federal student loan repayment program available for eligible employees. Certified KY Police credentialing receives an additional $4,300 annual state stipend. Compensation based on experience and education.

must be submitted no later than 4:00pm, Friday, November 13, 2026.