Police Chief

Ongoing downtown construction is resulting in temporary road closures, detours, and traffic delays around Carthage. Motorists should use caution, follow posted detour signs, and allow additional travel time when traveling through downtown Carthage.

Applications closing on October 30, 2026, 05:00 PM

• Job Type Full Time
• Package Salary Grade 26 | $84,446-$120,638 | Full-Time Exempt

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Town of Carthage invites qualified internal and external candidates to apply for Chief of Police. Carthage is the county seat of Moore County and is experiencing continued residential and commercial development. The Town seeks an ethical, progressive and community-focused law-enforcement executive who can lead approximately 13 full-time sworn officers while preparing the department for the community Carthage will require in the next five to ten years.

Subject to the general supervision of the Town Manager, the Chief provides strategic direction and overall leadership for patrol, investigations, records, training and administration. The Chief establishes departmental goals, policies and professional standards; manages personnel, budgets, equipment, technology and grants; maintains community and interagency partnerships; and serves as a visible representative of the Police Department and Town.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will combine command credibility with strong people-management and municipal-administration skills. The next Chief should be fair, approachable, decisive and consistent; capable of leading change without losing the important personal relationships in a small community; and comfortable remaining connected to operations while functioning as an executive leader.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and/or a related master’s degree.
• Graduation from FBI National Academy, NC State AOMP, Southern Police Institute, FBI-LEEDA or comparable executive training.
• Senior command experience in a municipal agency or growing community.
• Experience with strategic planning, accreditation principles, policy/risk review, recruitment and retention, succession planning, grants, capital programs, community engagement and public/media communication.
• Experience evaluating or implementing contemporary law-enforcement technology and data-informed operations.

Submit all required materials through the Town of Carthage application process no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026.

• Completed Town employment application
• Cover letter, no more than two pages
• Responses to the supplemental questions included with the application

The selection process is expected to include application review, a structured virtual interview for selected semifinalists, and an in-person assessment for finalists. Finalists should expect presentation, scenario and written exercises, professional references, and comprehensive background and post-offer requirements.