Job Title: Police Chief

Revision Date: 07/03/2024

Department: Police

Reports To: Mayor

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory Responsibilities: Police Force

Safety Sensitive Position: Yes

Salary: $51,500.00 - $61,500.00

*Special Note: Please put together a packet of the following items:

• Application (download at austin-ar.com)
• Resume
• CLEST Form F-3

**To be considered for an interview, this packet will need to be sent to the City of Austin, prior to interviews, via one of the following options:

• Mail: P.O. Box 129 Austin, AR 72007
• Email: bchamberlain@austin-ar.com AND randerson@austin-ar.com
• Drop off: 3181 Hwy. 367 N. Austin, AR 72007

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

1. Job Summary: Under general supervision of the Mayor, the Police Chief must plan, organize, direct and have overall supervisory responsibility of the city’s Police Department to include all Police personnel assigned and the Probation Officer; provide professional assistance to City management staff in areas of expertise; coordinate with other City departments; foster a cooperative working relationship with other police agencies, citizen groups, and others on police matters; keep the Mayor and, as needed, the City Council up to date on police and crime prevention matters.

2. Disclaimer: The incumbent is appointed by the mayor and serves at his/her pleasure.

3. Legislative Reference: A.C.A. § 14-52-101 – 307, and others

4. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs through appropriate police personnel, all city police functions including patrol, law enforcement, investigation, police communications, community and administrative services.
• Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department.
• Responsible for purchases of supplies or equipment needed for the police operations.
• Answers citizen’s complaints and takes necessary corrective action.
• Conducts disciplinary actions and commendations of police personnel.
• Provides protective services as requested at city and other public functions.
• Responsible for Police Department budget.
• Research and solicit grant funding for Public Safety Programs.
• Represents the Police Department positively and professionally at events.
• Performs evaluations of personnel and programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies and procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining an adequate number of competent personnel.
• Responsible for the inventory control of the Police Department.
• Testifies in court regarding departmental operations, policies, and procedures.
• Ensures statistical data is compiled and accurate.
• Responsible for the strategic planning of the Police Department regarding staff, equipment, programs, training, certifications, and facilities.
• Enforces city ordinances and state and federal laws by identifying and arresting offenders which may include physically subduing resistant violators.
• Must be able to proficiently use firearms and pass annual weapons certification.
• Keeps the Mayor informed as instructed regarding police events and responses.
• Keeps the City Council informed, as needed, regarding police events and needs.
• Maintain on-going sensitivity training and programs for department staff.
• Consistently streamline the department, reducing operating and maintenance costs, and improve services to the public.
• Responsible for the interaction with staff from top to bottom providing adequate communication to build consensus and effectiveness in the total operation of the department.
• All other duties as assigned

5. Minimum Qualifications:

• A citizen of the United States.
• Valid Arkansas driver’s license with clean driving record for three years. License must be maintained while employed as the Police Chief.
• Certified as an officer by the Arkansas Law Enforcement Standards.
• Must have a minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience in civilian or military law enforcement.
• No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving violence, weapons, or illegal drugs.
• No domestic abuse convictions or pleas.
• Be able to maintain a high level of professionalism, attitude, appearance, and enthusiasm within the Department.
• The ability to successfully complete all training classes or programs assigned.

6. Additional Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities Needed:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and City laws and ordinances including rules of thumb and state-of-the-art modern police methods.
• Skill in computers and experience using spreadsheets, presentations and word processing software.
• Skill in observing situations and to record them clearly and accurately.
• Ability to understand and carry out and issue oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks at any given time.
• Ability to perform with firearms and maintain applicable standards.
• Ability to maintain proper self-restraint and composure during and following any altercation or incident.
• Ability to physically and mentally react in a variety of emergency law enforcement situations.

7. Additional Demands:

• As a member of the police department, the job at any time may require the employee to run, lift or carry injured person, use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms, and may even endure physical altercations. At any time, duties may require the employee to endure physical force and respond with the minimum amount of force necessary to protect life or prevent bodily harm.
• This job may require the employee to be exposed to outside weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, wet and dry, and also working after dark and in emergency situations. A potential exposure to infectious diseases exists while dealing with suspects.