Chief of Police

About the Organization, Department and Position The City of Asheville operates under a Council‑Manager form of government, where the elected City Council establishes the community's policy vision, and the City Manager oversees daily municipal operations. Managing a comprehensive fiscal portfolio, the City maintains an annual budget of $275.8 million for FY 2026‑2027 and relies on nearly 1,300 full‑time personnel distributed across 17 municipal departments. The Asheville Police Department (APD) is a premier agency with a proud reputation for technology innovation and progressive, community‑focused policing. The Chief of Police is appointed by and reports to the City Manager’s Office. Role Overview The next Chief will lead a dedicated team of 272 allocated personnel, including 232 authorized sworn positions (191 filled, 11 cadets in training) and 40 authorized professional staff. The department manages an annual operating budget of $41.84 million. The Chief provides direct leadership over the Administration Bureau Deputy Chief, the Operations Bureau Deputy Chief, the Professional Standards Lieutenant, and an Executive Assistant. The department's primary divisions are Administration, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Community Engagement (currently realigning as the Specialized Operations Division). APD also conducts Citizens and Junior Police Academies. Manage departmental budget and fiscal resources. Lead and inspire a diverse workforce, emphasizing transparent communication and collaborative decision‑making. Ensure the effective deployment and maintenance of advanced public‑safety technologies such as Automatic License Plate Readers and drone technology. Coordinate with the Asheville Fire Department on search and rescue operations and other community‑service initiatives. Develop and implement strategies that balance immediate operational needs with long‑term organizational sustainability, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a closely related field. At least ten years of progressive professional law‑enforcement experience, with a minimum of five years at a command executive level (e.g., Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain, or equivalent). An active Law Enforcement Certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (or the immediate ability to obtain certification via reciprocity). Preferred Qualifications A master’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Graduation from premier executive‑leadership programs such as the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute (SPI), or the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government Municipal/County Administration Course. A proven track record of sustaining cutting‑edge public‑safety technology platforms amid fiscal limitations. Location 100 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. The City of Asheville, NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr