Police Chief

Police Chief Revised April 7, 2017 Revised January 14, 2020 Reports To: Mayor Classification Summary: Under general direction, manages all activities of the City of Ruidoso Downs Police Department. Exempt FLSA. Full‑Time Appointed position. Job Title Summary: The Police Chief directs the operations of the Police Department to enforce municipal, state, and federal laws and ordinances of the City of Ruidoso Downs. Operations of the Police Department include administration, police patrol, investigations, training, animal control, code compliance, communications, detention, and records. Develops and implements rules, regulations, policies and procedures to advance the Department's mission, goals, and objectives, and to provide efficient and effective police services for residents, visitors, and businesses in the City of Ruidoso Downs. Essential Job Functions: Determines levels of staff, equipment, and other resources needed to effectively protect the City of Ruidoso Downs during broad seasonal variances in its population and nature of activities. Performs a variety of complex administrative, managerial, and professional work in planning, coordinating, and directing the activities of the Police Department. Ensures that the department offers and maintains an effective and positive community Oriented Policing philosophy for the purpose of maintaining the highest possible credibility level within the area. Manages and leads police department staff‑including administration, operations, animal control, communications, directly or through subordinate supervisors using leadership skill. Develops, implements, monitors, and adjusts, as necessary, effective communication system throughout the Police Department. Ensures compliance with changing requirements in local, state, federal laws and accreditation requirements. Reviews department performance and effectiveness, formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies. Manages and coordinates the preparation and presentation of an annual budget for the department; directs the implementation of the department’s budget; plans for and reviews specifications and needs for additional personnel and for new or replacement equipment. Ensures appropriate and adequate training and development of Department personnel in all areas such as but not limited to advance officer training, safety, current law changes, dispatcher training, emergency procedures etc. Handles grievances/or departmental problems, maintains Departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel. Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Mayor regarding the Department’s activities, and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate. Ensures that laws and ordinances are enforced and that the public peace and safety is maintained. Evaluates, disciplines, and terminates employees following established procedures and policy. Guides and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth. Consults on the management of projects, programs, and major criminal cases. Researches, develops, and recommends new laws, procedures, and ordinances. Cooperates with County, State and Federal law enforcement officers as appropriate when activities of the police department are involved. Coordinates law enforcement efforts with other departments and jurisdictions. Develops programs for the enhancement of public relations between the police Department, residents, merchants, and schools, such as the bicycle and walking patrol programs. Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements: Ensure that employees keep timesheets based on actual hours worked. Ensures that employee time sheets are submitted accurately and timely. Ensures that any on‑the‑job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions. Reports any suspected fraud and/or abuse to the Mayor or the Mayor’s delegated Official. Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported and appropriate actions are taken. Represents the City of Ruidoso Downs in the New Mexico Police Chief’s Association and federal law enforcement agencies and associations. Responsible for maintenance of assigned vehicle. Prepares and delivers talks and presentations to local civic and professional groups. Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field; represents the City of Ruidoso Downs and the police Department in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings. The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. As a condition of employment, employees are required to perform other related duties and special projects as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in police science, criminal justice or related field and six years full‑time professional law enforcement work, at least three years of which included responsibility as a shift supervisor or higher level managerial experience OR eight years full‑time professional law enforcement work, at least three years of which included responsibility as a shift supervisor or higher level managerial experience. Valid State of New Mexico Police Officer Certification or certifiable by waiver or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. Preference will be given to those candidates having completed on‑going law enforcement or related training either within an established college degree program or through law enforcement training schools, such as FBI National Academy (FMINA), the Southern Police Institute (SPI) or the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. Knowledge of the City of Ruidoso Downs Municipal Code pertaining to police service and public safety. Knowledge of the Police Standard Operating Procedures Manual and other recognized manuals on police operations and standards. Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations. Knowledge of the policies, goals, and procedures of the City of Ruidoso Downs Police Department. Knowledge of modern management and leadership principles. Knowledge of general public administration principles and practices including budgeting, strategic planning, program evaluation and development, and employee supervision and training. Knowledge of law enforcement principles, methods, techniques, and practices including patrol, investigations, court procedures, community relations, special weapons and tactics, traffic control, report preparation, custody of persons and property, and crime prevention. Knowledge of equipment used in law enforcement, including weaponry, communications, personal computers, and automotive equipment. Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel. Ability to supervise the day‑to‑day operations of an assigned function or shift, such as training, investigations, traffic enforcement, or patrol. Ability to understand and interpret complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions. Ability to give verbal and written instructions. Ability to evaluate operations and programs to determine if they meet community needs. Ability to prepare reports documenting the facts and actions regarding criminal and civil law enforcement incidents. Ability to research and develop laws and ordinances. Ability to negotiate and communicate, in person, in writing and on two‑way radio. Ability and Knowledge to conduct internal affairs investigations. Ability to operate the following: police car, police radio, handgun and other weapons as required, pager, personal computer including word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Must be able to establishing and maintaining routine working relationships with citizens, public officials, outside agencies, businesses, and employees. Must be able to pass regular criminal history checks. Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required. Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks will be conducted by the City of Ruidoso Downs. Physical Demands: Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles. Frequently required to sit, talk or hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, run, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell. Occasionally required to physically subdue combative subjects and must maintain a level of physical ability accordingly. The usual requirements in an office environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustment of office furniture. Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Work Environment: Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations. Ability to drive, occasionally long distances and during inclement weather conditions. Most frequently in an office setting. May work a fairly irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidays. Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management. May be called when needed. Noise level could be quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field. Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress. May be exposed to hazardous condition; physical confrontation; driving hazards; high speed chases; foot chases; dangerous animals; gunfire and rescue attempts in difficult terrain. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. Travel Requirements: Frequent - ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the area. Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities. Overnight travel as required. This job description is subject to change as the needs of the City of Ruidoso Downs and Department change or the requirements of this position change. #J-18808-Ljbffr