Police Chief-City of Sierra Madre (CA)

The City of Sierra Madre offers a rare opportunity for an accomplished law enforcement leader to serve as its next Police Chief—leading a highly visible, community-centered department in a close-knit foothill community known for its exceptional quality of life, engaged residents, and strong sense of place. This is an opportunity to combine the responsibilities of a Police Chief with the opportunity to be a trusted civic leader: strengthening community partnerships, supporting the department’s dedicated professionals, embracing innovation, and ensuring that public safety remains aligned with the values and expectations of the community. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership, sound judgment, exceptional communication skills, and a genuine commitment to relationship-based policing, while working collaboratively with City leadership, residents, businesses, and regional partners to shape the future of public safety in Sierra Madre.

ABOUT SIERRA MADRE

Sierra Madre is a geographically small city, approximately 3.5 square miles, located 12 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, and home to approximately 11,000 residents. The City borders Pasadena to the West, Arcadia to the South and East and shares its largest border with the Angeles National Forest to the North. Sierra Madre is known for its village ambience, serene neighborhoods, scenic views, and access to regional trails and open spaces. At its heart is the City’s charming downtown shopping district, a popular destination for visitors and residents. Sierra Madre is a tightly knit community that takes deep pride in its history yet maintains a modern-day lifestyle.

THE SIERRA MADRE POLICE DEPARTMENT

For over 100 years, the men and women of the Sierra Madre Police Department have been committed to ensuring a safe environment for those who live, visit, and work in Sierra Madre. Thanks to a community policing partnership between the Police Department and community members, Sierra Madre has one of the lowest crime rates in California which allows officers the time to interact with the people they serve and work together with them to solve the public safety problems community members face.

The department has a FY 2026-2027 budget of $6.9 million and consists of twenty-one full-time employees, seventeen part-time employees and twenty-two volunteers. The department is composed of two divisions: Patrol and the Records Services/Dispatch Division. The Captain, Administrative Lieutenant, and the Records Services/Dispatch Division Supervisor report directly to the Chief of Police.

THE POSITION

Serving as the head of the police department, the Police Chief will be a leader who establishes trust and credibility with the community, sets the tone for the department, and provides clear recommendations and counsel to the City Manager on matters of public safety. The Police Chief serves on the City’s Executive Management team, which works collaboratively to manage the operations of the City, develops and recommends the annual budget, and implements the vision of the City Council. Key areas of responsibility include directing all operations of the Police Department; establishing policies, programs, and priorities to address current and emerging public safety needs; strengthening trust with the community through active involvement, open communication and collaborative problem-solving; serving as a visible leader who builds partnerships with residents, businesses and civic organizations; recruiting, developing and mentoring a diverse and high-performing team; work closely with state and federal agencies, regional partners and other city departments; directing the preparation and management of the Department’s budget; and modeling professionalism, integrity and political acumen.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned law enforcement administrator who is competent in budgeting public presentations and other aspects of the Police Chief role; fluent in 21st century policing principles and continually aware of emerging trends and issues; have the ability to bring vision to the department with a focus on innovation and modernization; be a strong leader, committed to leading by example; be willing to invest in the mentorship and professional development of employees; have a strong focus on community engagement; and have demonstrated experience and creativity with respect to recruitment and retention.

QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered qualifying for this position. The following is a typical way to qualify:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Administration of Justice, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.

Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible sworn law enforcement experience, including at least three (3) years of command-level experience at the rank of Police Lieutenant or higher, or an equivalent position with substantial operational and administrative responsibilities. Prior service as a Police Captain, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief or Police Chief is highly desirable. Candidates must demonstrate progressively responsible experience in police operations, organizational management, personnel administration, budgeting, policy development and community relations.

Certification: Possession of a POST Management Certificate, and the ability to obtain a POST Executive Certificate subsequent to appointment. Must additionally possess a current American Red Cross certificate in First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community or obtain this certification within three months of employment.

Licensure: Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Usage Policy.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The City of Sierra Madre provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this role is $201,723 to $251,924, with specific placement within the range dependent on qualifications and experience. The City’s benefits program includes CalPERS Retirement with 3% @ 55 for Classic members or 2.7% @ 57 for new members. The City also offers voluntary deferred compensation with the City contributing $100 per pay period ($2,600 annually). Relocation assistance may be negotiated with the successful candidate and is subject to City Manager approval.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at .

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.