Police Chief
Decatur, GA (population 24,928). The City of Decatur is a 4.6 square-mile urban city, is a thriving community of friendly neighbors, tree-lined streets, great schools, parks and playing fields, libraries, colleges, and businesses. As the county seat of DeKalb County, Decatur is located five miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. The community is highly diverse, comprised of engaged people who work well together, share a community vision and cherish and celebrate individual differences.
The City of Decatur is seeking police professionals for the position of Chief of the Decatur Police Department.
The Police Department has a complement of 60 full time positions, with the Chief overseeing a sworn staff of 1 Deputy Chief, 3 Captains, 5 Lieutenants, 8 Sergeants, 4 Investigators and 25 Officers. The remaining full-time positions include Emergency Communications personnel (11) and other support staff.
Candidates meeting the position criteria with a history of exceptional leadership, capable of partnering with the community to move the Police Department to new levels of success, are encouraged to apply. The Decatur Police Department enjoys a history of community support and working openly in partnerships with the community to foster an atmosphere of cooperation and trust. The position is being filled due to the retirement of the current Police Chief following a 30 year career with the Decatur Police Department.
The salary range for the position is $86,944-$142,480; starting salary will be competitive and dependent upon qualifications. The City offers an excellent benefits package.
Requirements for Police Chief candidates:
Proven leader with experience of applying management, creativity, and analytical abilities to work collaboratively and cooperatively.
Proven track record of success in a comparable department and diverse community; understands, communicates, and effectively interacts with people across cultures.
An exceptional communicator, able to thoughtfully represent the interests of the department and the City, with a high level of community presence and responsiveness.
A minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a Police Chief or a high-level manager with progressive supervisory/management experience and a range of operational and administrative experience commensurate to the duties and responsibilities of a Police Chief in a similarly-sized jurisdiction.
A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field from an accredited college or university required. Master’s degree preferred.
Executive management training or completion of equivalent training such as the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute or equivalent.
Possess or obtain Georgia State Certification (POST) as a Law Enforcement Officer within one (1) year of employment and maintain that status for the duration of service.
Candidates must possess well-developed communication and public presentation skills, as well as the utmost integrity, and be committed to the long-range success of the Decatur Police Department and the larger community. The Police Chief is appointed by the City Manager and reports to the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager for Public Works/Police.
Decatur, GA 30031
United States
The position is open until filled, with the review of initial applications beginning with those received on or before November 14, 2021. To apply, electronically submit résumé, cover letter and contact information for 5 professional references to Dele Lowman Smith or Paul Harlow at www.govHRJobs.com. Electronic submissions are required. Telephone inquiries: (847) 380-3240. More information about the City of Decatur may be found at www.decaturga.com.