Description

The Village of Lawton, located in southwest, Michigan, is a community with a population of 1,876 residents. The Village is seeking a Chief of Police to manage its Police Department. The Village operates under the Council-Manager form of government with the Police Chief reporting to the Village Manager. This is a working Chief position where he/she will be expected to answer calls for service as well as handling administrative/management duties. The police department employees 7 personnel (including the Chief) 3 fulltime and 3 part-time sworn personnel, and 3 crossing guards. The police department’s area of responsibility is 2.36 square miles.

The Village is seeking an individual with managerial experience in the operation of a police department. The selected candidate must possess leadership skills, a dedication to community involvement, experience with intergovernmental cooperation, possess excellent communication and public relations skills, be a contributing member of the Village’s management team, and have experience in budget preparation and control.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES ALSO INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Plan, organize and direct the operation of the Village Police Department.
• Plan and coordinate the work schedules of police officers to provide effective protection to citizens and their property.
• Review patrol reports completed by police officers to assure application of approved police practices and follow-up on unusual public safety situations.
• Participate in the selection, orientation and training of police department personnel and evaluate the performance of subordinates.
• Advise and assist officers in emergency or unusual work situations.
• Coordinate the purchase and maintenance of police equipment and facilities.
• Investigate complaints related to police activities and initiate remedial action as required.
• Prepare the police department budget request each year and maintain records of supplies, equipment and uniform expenditures.
• Submit reports to Village officials and police agencies, summarizing departmental statistics on the number and type of accidents, violations and other police matters.
• Coordinate Village police activities with those of other law enforcement agencies.
• Manage the staffing, schedules, and pre-school year meeting for school crossing guards.
• Advise and assist Village Council and Village Manager on matters relating to public safety.
• Plan, implement and participate in community education programs on various aspects of public safety.

NEGOTIABLE BENEFITS 

• Salary range of $ 80,000 to 83,000 depending on qualifications
• Village of Lawton retirement available
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Health insurance 80/20 or stipend paid for waiving health insurance
• Optical and Dental options available
• Uniform and duty gear provided
• Extensive continued training

Requirements

REQUIRED TRAINING:

Preferably includes an associate’s degree with specialization in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent military training/experience, progressively more responsible experience as a police officer, with supervisory experience preferred, valid Michigan driver’s license, and current MCOLES certification required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• U.S Citizen
• Associate’s degree preferred, or waiver of associate’s degree for prior military experience.
• 21 years of age of older
• Must possess current Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES)
•  licensing or be licensable prior to job posting deadline.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and have a good driving record.
• Must maintain State of Michigan mandated firearms qualification.
• Demonstrates dependability, reliability, professionalism, and ethical behavior.
• Ability to work successfully in a sometimes high-stress environment, handling multiple tasks
•  and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent judgment skills in terms of interpersonal communications and ability to be flexible
•  and adapt to changing work situations.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to apply constitutional law, substantive criminal law,
•  criminal procedure, juvenile law, the law of evidence, criminal and non-criminal investigation
•  techniques, court functions and civil law, crime scene processing, patrol procedures and
•  techniques, civil liability, criminal and noncriminal report writing, court testimony procedures,
•  parking violations and ticket writing procedures, motor vehicle crash investigation and
•  preparation of the Uniform Traffic Crash Report, and physical security procedures.
• Demonstrates experience working collaboratively with staff, students and the public with tact
•  and courtesy.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess excellent customer service skills.
• Basic computer knowledge and experience using standard word processing software, such as
•  Microsoft Word and use of e-mail systems.
• Ability to use discretion in regard to matters of confidentiality interactions and decision
•  making.
• No Domestic Violence Convictions or Felony Convictions
• No drug use including marijuana/THC or illicit.
• Prior to the date of hire, selected candidates will undergo and must successfully pass a drug
•  test, physical, psychological exam, and a thorough background investigation.