Police Chief

City of St Joseph; Sandusky (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief of Police to lead the Sandusky Police Department. This full-time role requires a visionary leader dedicated to public safety and community engagement. The Chief will oversee operations, manage budgets, and enforce laws while fostering a culture of accountability within the department. With a focus on community-oriented policing, the ideal candidate will build trust through proactive initiatives and collaboration with city leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant community.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of laws and court procedures.
• Expertise in community-oriented policing and crime prevention.
• Strong understanding of budget management and grant writing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee police operations and ensure public safety.
• Manage department budgets and develop policies.
• Engage with the community and promote trust.

Skills

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws

Expertise in modern policing methods

Supervisory techniques

Budget preparation and financial management

Law enforcement equipment knowledge

Exceptional communication skills

Ability to analyze crime trends

Calm decision-making under pressure

Analytical techniques for investigations

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

MCOLES-certified police training academy

Job description

Position Title: Chief of Police (Full-Time)
Department: Sandusky Police Department
Reports To: City Manager

Position Posted 5/5/25
Closing Date 5/27/25 at 3:00pm

Job Summary
The Chief of Police serves as the executive leader of the Sandusky Police Department, responsible for overseeing all operations, ensuring public safety, and fostering community trust in Sandusky, Michigan (population approximately 2,700). This position directs a team of sworn officers and civilian staff, manages departmental budgets, develops policies, and collaborates with city leadership and community stakeholders to maintain a safe and vibrant community. The Chief enforces local, state, and federal laws, promotes community-oriented policing, and aligns department activities with the City of Sandusky’s mission to provide high-quality services.

Job Duties
Leadership and Supervision:
o Select, train, and supervise department personnel, ensuring equal employment opportunity in hiring and promotion.
o Review all police reports and daily activity reports.
o Assign work schedules, set priorities, and evaluate employee performance through reviews of work quality and adherence to policies.
o Identify training needs and coordinate professional development to enhance staff skills in areas such as de-escalation, community policing, and investigative techniques.
o Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and collaboration within the department.
Operational Management:
o Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and goals to ensure effective law enforcement services.
o Oversee criminal investigations, patrol operations, crime prevention programs, Evidence/Property Room, and emergency response activities.
o Direct the use of technology and equipment (e.g., body cameras, communication systems) to enhance operational efficiency.
o Procure and outfit police vehicles as needed.
o Coordinate crime scene investigations and ensure proper evidence collection and documentation.
Community Engagement:
o Serve as the primary liaison between the police department and the community, attending public meetings and engaging with residents, businesses, and civic organizations.
o Promote community policing initiatives, such as neighborhood watch programs and youth outreach (e.g., T.E.A.M.), to build trust and prevent crime.
o Address community concerns, respond to inquiries, and represent the department in media and public forums.
Budget and Grant Management:
o Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with city priorities.
o Write and administer grants to secure funding for equipment, training, or special programs, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
o Monitor expenditures and maintain accurate financial records.
Interagency Collaboration:
o Act as a liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and federal law enforcement partners.
o Coordinate mutual aid agreements and joint operations, such as drug task force initiatives or disaster response.
o Participate in regional boards or task forces, such as the Sanilac County Drug Task Force, to address community-wide issues.
Legal and Administrative Responsibilities:
o Ensure compliance with Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) regulations, city ordinances, and state/federal laws.
o Testify in court as needed and oversee the preparation of accurate investigation reports.
o Maintain records, prepare reports, and compose correspondence related to department activities.
o Develop and update emergency preparedness plans in coordination with the City Manager and other city/county departments.
Additional Duties:
o Perform law enforcement duties as needed, including responding to critical incidents or assisting officers in the field.
o Conduct staff meetings to communicate policy updates, legal changes, or operational directives.
o Perform related work as assigned by the City Manager.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, including Michigan criminal statutes and court procedures.
• Expertise in modern policing methods, including community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and investigative techniques.
• Proficiency in supervisory techniques, personnel management, and labor relations, including knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong understanding of budget preparation, grant administration, and financial management.
• Knowledge of law enforcement equipment, communication systems, and evidence handling procedures.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and supervise a diverse team while fostering a positive work environment.
• Exceptional communication skills to engage with the community, media, and government officials clearly and tactfully
• Ability to analyze crime trends, prioritize resources, and develop data-driven strategies to enhance public safety.
• Capacity to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure, including during emergencies or adversarial situations.
• Proficiency in applying analytical techniques to evaluate evidence and conduct investigations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and achieve departmental goals.
• Commitment to equal employment best practice.

Working Conditions

• The role requires working in an office environment and in the field, with potential exposure to hazardous conditions, inclement weather, or hostile situations.
• May involve extended periods of surveillance, physical exertion, or response to critical incidents.
• The Chief may be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays and be on-call for emergencies.
• Some tasks involve exposure to stressful or adversarial situations, requiring emotional resilience.

Physical Requirements

• Must be free of physical limitations that would impair effective performance of law enforcement duties.
• Ability to meet MCOLES physical fitness standards, including the capacity to pursue suspects, restrain individuals, or respond to emergencies.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and use law enforcement equipment safely.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Successful completion of an MCOLES-certified police training academy.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience, with an additional 5 years in a supervisory or command-level position (e.g., Lieutenant, Sergeant, or equivalent).
• Experience in budget management, grant writing, and community policing initiatives.
• Prior experience as a Chief of Police or Deputy Chief in a comparable municipality is preferred.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications

• MCOLES certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of Michigan.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Absence of a criminal record, including felony convictions or certain misdemeanors, that would prohibit receiving, possessing, or carrying a firearm.
• Advanced training (e.g., FBI National Academy, Michigan State University Staff & Command School) is highly desirable.
• Must pass a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and medical examination prior to appointment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications, in alignment with City of Sandusky pay scales.
• Benefits: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance (BCBS); retirement plan (MERS Pension with 2.25% multiplier and contributions to 457 plan; paid vacation, holidays and sick leave; and professional development opportunities.
• Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility required for emergencies and community events.