Police Chief

Police Chief

The Police Chief serves as the administrative and operational leader of the Police Department for the City of Port Washington. This position is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing all police services, law enforcement activities, crime prevention programs, departmental operations, personnel administration, budgeting, training, and community relations. The Police Chief works closely with municipal leadership, community organizations, school district, neighboring agencies, and the public to ensure effective public safety services and maintain community trust. The Police Chief is expected to be a hands-on leader who actively participates in department operations, problem-solving, and community engagement while managing limited staffing and resources efficiently. The Police Chief is appointed by the Police and Fire Commission pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 62.13 and serves an indefinite term during good behavior.

Example of Duties

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates all operations and activities of the Police Department.
• Provides leadership and supervision to sworn officers, civilian staff, and department personnel.
• Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, goals, and operational standards in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Oversees and participates in patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, evidence handling, and community policing efforts.
• Ensures compliance with Wisconsin law enforcement standards, accreditation requirements, training mandates, and departmental policies.
• Prepares and administers the department budget, including capital equipment planning and grant opportunities.
• Oversees hiring, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, discipline, and professional development of department personnel.
• Encourages and supports employees attending professional training programs to share acquired knowledge and skills with department personnel through a train-the-trainer approach.
• Fosters and maintains strong collaborative relationships with Police, Fire, and the Sherriff's office.
• Serves as liaison to elected officials, municipal administration, fire, schools, county agencies, and regional law enforcement partners.
• Serves as the department liaison to local schools, fostering positive relationships, communication, and collaboration on school safety and community initiatives.
• Responds to major incidents, emergencies, critical events, and public safety concerns as needed.
• Coordinates internal investigations involving department personnel.
• Maintains department records, reports, statistics, and compliance documentation.
• Oversees department equipment, fleet management, technology systems, and facility operations.
• Promotes positive community relations through visibility, public engagement, educational programs, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Attends Common Council, committee, and community meetings as required.
• Coordinates emergency management and disaster preparedness efforts with other agencies and departments.
• Leads emergency management for the City.
• Ensures proper enforcement of laws and ordinances while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support public safety operations and municipal objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, and administration.
• Knowledge of criminal law, constitutional law, municipal ordinances, and law enforcement standards.
• Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, and evaluate personnel.
• Strong leadership, communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively during emergencies and critical incidents.
• Knowledge of budgeting, records management, policy development, and labor relations practices.
• Strong community engagement and public relations skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive situations.
• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, law enforcement, or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and significant command-level experience.
• Progressive law enforcement experience including supervisory and command-level responsibilities.
• Certification as a law enforcement officer by the State of Wisconsin or ability to obtain certification.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license required.
• Successful completion of background investigation, psychological evaluation, and other pre-employment requirements as applicable.
• Minimum of 5 years in supervisory role.
• Resident of Port Washington or within 12 months of hire.