The Independence Chief of Police is responsible for planning and directing the work of the department. A full list of job duties appears below, but beyond the technical skills and experience required, our ideal candidate will be a principled servant leader who models the behavior expected from the rest of the team; supports growth and development among officers; acknowledges excellent performance; leads with humility; effectively teaches, trains and carries out corrective action as needed; and represents the City of Independence positively as an engaged community citizen. The new chief will be encouraged to attend executive level training, such as the University of Kansas’ LELA Command Course or FBI National Academy. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops rules and regulations for department 
• Keeps City Manager informed of status of crime and investigations within the city 
• Reviews daily criminal investigation reports 
• Oversees the operation of patrol, investigations and public safety answering point call center 
• Handles major investigations as required 
• Develops departmental training programs 
• Selects and recommends new employees 
• Recommends and approves disciplinary actions and terminations 
• Prepares budget estimates for the department and monitors expenditures 
• Meets with civic groups 
• Appears in court as required 
• Performs additional duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of municipal police administration and organization 
• Knowledge of the technical and operating principles, practices, and problems of law enforcement and crime prevention activities 
• Knowledge of the laws governing custody of persons, search and seizure, Kansas criminal law, and the rules of evidence 
• Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the work of varied activities within a police department 
• Ability to analyze police problems and to plan policies and procedures 
• Ability to command the respect of a number of police officers and to assign, direct, and evaluate their work 
• Ability to appropriately plan and manage the department’s budget 
• Ability to ensure vehicles, equipment and facilities are maintained properly 
• Ability to ensure compliance with City safety policies 
• Ability to maintain favorable working relations with City employees, employees and officials of other jurisdictions, and the general public

Education and Experience

• Completion of high school or GED required; bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field preferred
• Ten years of law enforcement experience, including three years in a supervisory or lead capacity required
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications is required

Special Requirements

• Kansas Class C driver’s license (Must not have any violations that City’s insurance carrier would deem uninsurable to drive a City vehicle)
• Must be 21 years of age
• Must have completed Basic Recruit Training with the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center
• Must complete any advanced training as assigned, and maintain KLETC certification
• Must meet KS-CPOST qualifications and meet minimum continuing education requirements
• Must be available to work nights, overtime, in shifts, and weekends

Physical Requirements

Primarily moderate to occasionally intense physical effort is required. Individual must be able to stand, walk, sit, kneel, speak, and listen for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions

Work involves some exposure to moderate risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range (commensurate with experience and qualifications) $69,742-$101,130 Paid vacation and sick leave provided. 14 annual paid holidays.

Application Process

To apply, submit cover letter and resume to: DavidC@IndependenceKs.gov 

Applications accepted until position is filled: First-round review beginning May 14, 2024; 

Initial interviews expected to begin by May 28 (May be conducted remotely);

Finalist interviews to follow. (On site)