Assistant Police Chief

13,924 - 17,663/mo. Job Summary Under the direction of the Police Chief, the Assistant Police Chief will embrace a vision of community-based policing, facilitate the development and implementation of a community-based police organization, manage and lead a major division of police service operations; lead and supervise the activities of police captains, officers and other assigned staff; and assure enforcement of laws. The Assistant Police Chief also acts as Police Chief in the Chief’s absence. Essential Duties Perform all duties in accordance with the City of Lakewood’s Operating Principles. Work and act as a team player with the Chief of Police and all city employees. Provide high levels of customer service and maintain a positive image of the City. Develop and implement department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; research policies and procedures; identify resource needs; ensure policies are adhered to. Participate in recommending personnel appointments; provide or coordinate staff training; manage discipline procedures; recommend terminations; ensure equitable personnel program. Direct, oversee, and participate in the department’s work plan; forecast requirements; assign work activities; monitor workflow; review and evaluate processes; meet with staff to resolve problems. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery; review with the Police Chief; implement improvements. Respond to and resolve difficult citizen inquiries and complaints. Participate in department budget development; forecast funds; approve expenditures; recommend adjustments. Coordinate police activities with other city departments, law enforcement agencies, and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Police Chief; prepare and present staff reports. Research and implement community policing approaches; coordinate implementation across multiple commands. Participate in labor negotiations; advise negotiation team. Advise on recruitment, hiring, promotion; assist HR; conduct interview; support equal employment; develop examinations. Assist in developing and implementing long-range training; serve as resource to training staff. Manage personnel program (discipline, vacations, sick leave, grievances, shift distribution). Coordinate safety program with Risk Manager; implement policies. Act as liaison for tort claims and lawsuits; work with Risk Manager and legal staff. Conduct internal investigations; develop recommendations. Attend professional meetings; present to organizations; stay abreast of trends. Serve as liaison to collective bargaining teams; advise on labor relations. Champion workplace safety; act as Police Chief when needed. Maintain reliable attendance. Other Duties Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Education, Experience, and Other Requirements Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Science, Public Administration, or a related field, and a minimum of 10 years of related experience, or equivalent. Candidates must have at least ten years of full‑time commissioned law‑enforcement experience, including five years supervisory experience; prior police command experience preferred. Licenses and Other Requirements Washington State Police Academy certification and Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center supervisory certification or equivalent. Out‑of‑state candidates must complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Center Equivalency Academy within six months. Valid Washington driver’s license within 30 days of hire. Satisfactory background investigation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Modern municipal police administration, organization, operations, crime prevention, patrol, traffic control, personnel management, community policing philosophy, city ordinances, civil service regulations, WAC rules, powers of peace officers, criminal behavior, law‑enforcement trends, technology, communication skills, public speaking, interpersonal skills, and more. Physical Ability to Perform Essential Job Functions Ability to read, interpret and apply budget management; perform normal operations; respond to emergencies; attend evening meetings. Working Conditions Work is generally performed in an office environment with standing, walking, and occasional stooping or kneeling. The role may require work outside, using body, ear and eye protection, and responding to complex police situations or emergencies. Attending evening community meetings is required. Benefits Summary Regular status, general full‑time employees receive benefits under the City of Lakewood benefits and retirement system. Salary increases are based on performance and may be awarded annually, not exceeding the salary range. Eligible employees accrue paid holidays, including New Year’s Day, M.L. King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and one floating holiday. Combination leave accrues annually based on tenure. Medical leave begins after 90 days. Military leave is available for reservists. Jury duty leave is paid. Retirement and insurance benefits are provided through LEOFF, DRS/PERS, and other plans. Optional voluntary 457, health‑saving, and dependent‑care plans are available at no cost to the employee. Additional voluntary insurance plans are offered through AFLAC. Work Hours Normal work week is five consecutive days, not more than eight hours per day, excluding lunch. Alternative schedules may be arranged to keep the work week no more than forty hours. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Lakewood, Washington