The Chief of Police provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Police Department. Reporting directly to the City Administrator, this role ensures the effective enforcement of state, and local laws while managing departmental resources, personnel, and community relations. The Chief is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of public safety and professional integrity within the City of Peabody.

Core Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• Law Enforcement Oversight: Directs the enforcement of all state, and local ordinances and laws.
• Policy Management: Administers and enforces all City of Peabody and Police Department policies and procedures.
• Reform Structure: Administers and oversees the restructuring and restaffing of the Police Department to ensure public safety and fiscal responsibility.
• Community Policing: Develops and implements innovative community policing concepts to foster trust and public safety.
• Inter-agency Collaboration: Coordinates with and assists external law enforcement agencies as required.

Administrative & Financial Management

• Fiscal Responsibility: Leads the development, monitoring, and execution of the annual department budget.
• Procurement: Authorizes and manages all departmental purchases and resource procurement.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintains consistent, transparent communication with the City Administrator, Mayor, and City Council.
• Project Management: Oversees departmental resources and equipment to ensure operational readiness.

Personnel & Team Development

• Direct Supervision: Provides daily guidance and frequent supervision to all department personnel.
• Staff Management: Manages personnel issues, conducts internal investigations into complaints, and prepares pay increase proposals.
• Training & Compliance: Schedules and monitors all mandated training to ensure legal and professional compliance.
• Workforce Administration: Tracks and manages sick leave, vacations, and holiday scheduling for the team.

Field Operations & Public Relations

• Criminal Investigations: Actively participates in crime scene investigations, witness interviews, evidence gathering, and follow-up reporting.
• Public Engagement: Acts as the primary public relations liaison for the department, delivering presentations to community and professional groups.
• Equipment Proficiency: Operates specialized law enforcement equipment, including patrol vehicles, firearms, radar, and communication systems.

Professional Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Professional Background: Requires minimum of 5 years of law enforcement experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity. Preference for experience in restructuring and reforming a police department or a division/department within a police department.
• Academic Foundations: A technical degree or college credits in Criminal Justice or a related field is required.
• Onboarding: Candidates are expected to reach full operational proficiency within one year of appointment.

Licenses & Certifications

• State Certification: Must be a graduate of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) or possess a certification recognized by the State of Kansas.
• Licensure: Must possess and maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License and all other statutorily required certifications.
• Continuing Education: Completion of 40 hours of annual continuing education is mandatory.

Key Professional Competencies

• Technical Knowledge: Advanced understanding of criminal law, law enforcement techniques, and emergency medical protocols (CPR/First Aid).
• Problem Solving: Demonstrates high-level independent problem-solving regarding personnel, budget, and complex community concerns.
• Decision Making: Exercises sound independent judgment when prioritizing assignments and resolving sensitive citizen or personnel issues.
• Communication: Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal skills are essential for regular contact with the public and city officials.
• Cognitive Abilities: Must possess the ability to interpret legal documents, analyze complex reports, and maintain focus in high-stress, distracting environments.

Environmental & Physical Demands

• Operational Conditions: This position involves exposure to adverse conditions, including extreme weather, excessive noise, heights, and hazardous chemicals or explosives.
• Health & Safety Risks: Personnel will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens during crime scene processing or when assisting medical crews. The role carries an inherent risk to personal safety.
• Physical Standards: Must maintain the physical fitness standards and requirements established by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

Note: This job description is intended to highlight typical duties and requirements and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

Applications may be dropped off at City Hall, 300 North Walnut Street, or emailed to pleeker@peabodyks.com. Please include a cover letter and resume.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.