Police Chief

Neenah Police Department; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 122,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid vacation

Job summary

The City of Neenah in Wisconsin seeks a visionary Chief of Police to lead the Neenah Police Department and safeguard its 27,000 residents.

You will guide operations, drive strategic planning, and cultivate strong community relations alongside the Mayor and Police Commission. A decade of law enforcement experience and Wis. certification are required; the role includes a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field (master’s preferred).
• Ten years of law enforcement experience, with at least three in leadership.
• Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board certification, or eligibility.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and administer all department operations and personnel.
• Plan and oversee police services and department operations.
• Lead organizational development and strategic planning.
• Manage department personnel and implement policing strategies.
• Ensure the delivery of public services, community protection, and law enforcement services within the City.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the community.
• Work with the Mayor and Common Council on hiring, promotions, and significant disciplinary matters.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Public safety administration

Policy development

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

City of Neenah Mission

“We strengthen our community by building on the past, owning the present, and stewarding the future together.”

Our Core Values

• Pursue Growth: Individual development positively influences the community.
• Encourage Innovation: Anticipate change. Embrace creativity and inspire ideas.
• Cultivate Collaborative Relationships: Succeed by fostering mutual respect as we grow and work together.
• Engage with Our Community: Acknowledge people. Hear people. Include people.

Position Overview

The City of Neenah, Wisconsin, is accepting applications for the position of Chief of Police. The Neenah Police Department has 44 full-time officers, 10 full-time professional staff, 1 full-time Evidence Custodian, 1 part-time Fleet Manager, 2 part-time Code Enforcement Specialists, 9 part-time Community Service Aides, and 17-20 part-time Crossing Guards, serving a community of approximately 27,000 residents.

Neenah Police Department Mission

“We are Neenah’s Guardians, standing between peace and peril to keep our community safe. We are warriors against evil, defenders of life, protectors of rights, and friends of the people.”

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of the Chief of Police include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and administer all department operations and personnel.
• Plan and oversee police services and department operations.
• Lead organizational development and strategic planning.
• Manage department personnel and implement effective policing strategies.
• Ensure the delivery of public services, community protection, and law enforcement services within the City.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the community.
• Perform duties under the direction of the Mayor and Common Council.
• Work with the Police Commission on hiring, promotions, and significant disciplinary matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Ten years of law enforcement experience, including three years in a leadership capacity, is preferred. A combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board certification, or eligibility for certification, is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Hiring Salary- $135,201

Excellent benefits package:

• Competitive health and dental insurance programs with WRS contributions
• Free access to Employee Health Clinic provided by ThedaCare at Work
• Generous sick and vacation program with 5-week level of vacation granted upon hire

Selection Process

• Interview Day: December 8, 2026
• Police Commission Interview: December 14, 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Neenah is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn More About the City of Neenah

• City of Neenah Video
• City of Neenah Community and Services Video