Chief of Police - Sylvania Township, Lucas County

The selected candidate will serve as Deputy Chief during the initial transition and will become Chief upon the incumbent's retirement.

The Chief of Police provides the overall direction of Police Department operations and administration. The Chief reports to the Township Administrator and works under the authority of the Sylvania Township Board of Trustees. The Chief supervises the entire Police Department with substantial independent judgment and limited direct supervision.

Responsible for the overall direction of the Police Department operations and administration. Is readily available and accessible to ensure that the Department remains proactive and responsive to issues or complaints as they arise. The Chief of Police also serves as a department liaison to the Township Officials, staff, and the public, including community entities.

Necessary Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and in decision making; extreme confidentiality.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on call.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local criminal laws, law enforcement standards, and contemporary police leadership and management practices.
• Possess and maintains a current valid driver’s license.
• Ability to become familiar with Sylvania Township’s geographical area.
• Ability to effectively deal with public to ascertain needs and resolve issues
• Experience with media relations and support in the use of department social media.
• Identifies and analyzes complex operational and organizational problems, evaluates relevant information, and draws sound, supportable conclusions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, outside agencies, elected officials and general public.
• Possess good oral and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with Township officials, staff and the public, including community entities.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and perform the duties of a sworn Peace Officer as needed
• Tact and courtesy when interacting with Township officials, staff and the public, including community entities.
• Operate all software programs necessary to meet the needs of Sylvania Township and the Police department.

Essential Functions

NOTE: Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.

• Creates departmental policies and procedures, rules and regulations, work rules, directives and orders, as necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the police department, and monitors compliance.
• Responsible for the safety of all Police Department personnel.
• Coordinates adequate and efficient staffing levels.
• Responsible for development of department budget and approving all expenditure throughout the budget year.
• Provides general management and leadership for all Department members, including oversight of conduct, discipline, operational efficiency, performance, professional development, and training.
• Assists with union negotiations and ensures compliance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Advises, assists, responds to, and monitors critical incidents and emergencies, as circumstances require.
• Develops and sustains strategic community partnerships and safety initiatives that strengthen public trust, enhance collaboration, and address concerns related to crime and law enforcement.
• Interprets policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.
• Must maintain a thorough knowledge of community relations, public and school safety, crime prevention, conflict mediation, recruitment and retention and media relations.

Other Functions

• Ensures prompt, professional, and courteous delivery of law enforcement services to the community.
• Ensures the delivery of police services that the community has come to expect and improves the quality of life in Sylvania Township.
• Addresses complaints and issues identified by the general public.
• Represents the Township at various functions and events.
• Addresses employee relations and morale issues within the department.
• Maintains an active and visible presence throughout the community.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, residents, business owners and various local, state and federal agencies.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates short- and long-term programs and strategic goals for Department operations.
• Promotes a safe, healthy, and positive work environment and takes a proactive stance regarding employee and public risk management in alignment with the Township mission and values.
• Attend and/or participate in public meetings, hearings, workshops, planning sessions as needed
• Prepare and maintain a variety of detailed reports and records on departmental activities including, but not limited to, incident reports, training reports, and personnel evaluations.
• Represents the department and attends conferences, meetings, and hearings as required.
• Perform such other duties as may be required as the Chief of Police.

Education/Experience

Minimum:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree in law enforcement or related field
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience in a department comparable in size, service demands, and organizational complexity.
• At least five years of progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience in a command-level position within a department comparable in size, service demands, and organizational complexity.
• Current certification as an Ohio peace officer through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

Desired:

• Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or related field
• 15 years’ experience in law enforcement in a similar sized department
• 8 years’ progressive supervisory and administrative experience in a command position in a similar sized department

Supervision Received/Exercised

Works under the administrative supervision of the Township Administrator and subject to the authority of the Sylvania Township Board of Trustees. Exercises substantial independent judgment with limited direct supervision and is responsible for supervising the entire Sylvania Township Police Department.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Typical office setting with long periods of sitting and working at a desk/computer and work may be performed in outside weather conditions.
• Hand eye coordination is necessary for operation of tools and equipment.
• Moderate physical effort involves, but is not limited to, walking, moving, bending, stooping kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of objects, climbing stairs.
• Motor vehicle travel to and from sites and meetings in various locations.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous and high-risk law enforcement situations.

Tools & Equipment Used

Computer, township police vehicle, firearms, mobile and portable radios, digital camera, telephone, printer/copier, fax machine, scanner.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience; up to $135,000

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, HSA
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)
• Paid Vacation (prior service credit)
• Holidays & Sick Time
• Tuition & Gym Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• Longevity Bonus
• Assigned Vehicle

DISCLAIMER: The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employee and the employer and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.