Police Chief

This position is responsible for directing the operations of the Bismarck Police Department.

Police Chief Brochure

Examples of Duties

• Plans, directs, organizes, and coordinates the activities of the Police Department; ensures compliance with rules, policies, procedures, regulations and laws.

• Directs the hiring and training of department personnel; oversees staff promotional processes; makes final disposition decisions regarding disciplinary matters, to include employee reprimands, demotions, suspensions and/or terminations.

• Develops, reviews and implements department policies and procedures.

• Plans and determines the allocation of department equipment and personnel resources in order to meet current and projected future operating needs and services demands; studies records and reports to ascertain present conditions and to obtain information on which to base departmental programs; makes high-level strategic decisions regarding recommendations for improving organizational and procedural departmental operations.

• Delegates the authority to direct division/section operations to command staff and supervisors; mentors commanders and supervisors in supervision and management principles.

• Supervises the development and maintenance of the department budget and the administration of approved funds.

• Studies and interprets new and amended laws, court decisions, and accreditation standards and determines the application or impact to policy or procedures.

• Coordinates with other city departments and external agencies.

• Attends public meetings to answer questions and provide information.

• Advises the City Administrator and City Commissioners on law enforcement matters.

• Performs related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the department/division in order to direct and coordinate work within the department/division, usually interpreted to require five years of upper-level command experience.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Ability to meet current North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of business management principles and practices.

• Knowledge of law enforcement management principles.

• Knowledge of standards, trends and developments in the field of police administration, operation and technology.

• Knowledge of law enforcement accreditation standards.

• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws.

• Knowledge of budget management principles.

• Knowledge of supervisory management principles.

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in planning, organizing, analyzing, decision making, and problem solving.

• Skill in the use of firearms and other standard and specialized law enforcement equipment.

• Skill in the use of assigned vehicles.

• Skill in the use of office equipment, including a computer and calculator.

• Skill in public relations.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.