Chief of Police

Salary: $75.00 - $89.15 Hourly
Location : Caldwell Police Department, ID
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400271
Department: Police
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Mountain


Description
The Chief of Police shall serve as the chief executive officer of the Police Department and be responsible for providing strategic and executive-level leadership, administrative direction, and operational oversight for all departmental functions; ensure the delivery of professional, ethical, and effective police services while maintaining public trust, organizational accountability, and compliance with applicable laws and professional standards; exercise sound judgment and risk management oversight in guiding a complex law enforcement organization within a dynamic legal, operational, and community environment; embody a servant-leader philosophy, prioritizing approachability, accessibility, visibility, and responsiveness while promoting collaboration and a relationship-based policing philosophy within the department and the community; embrace innovative policing methods, prioritize community engagement, and create a department culture that reflects the values of respect, integrity, and service; and inspire its members to serve as exemplary guardians of the community, fostering safety and security for all. This is an exempt position.
*** Interviews are anticipated to take place in October, with the specific date to be determined. Interviews will be in-person only***
Responsibilities


Executive Leadership and Administration
The Chief of Police shall:

• Directs, manages, and oversees all administrative and operational functions of the police department.
• Establishes organizational priorities, strategic goals, and performance expectations.
• Provides leadership that promotes ethical conduct, accountability, professionalism, and continuous organizational improvement.
• Demonstrates strong servant leadership qualities, ensuring that the department is accessible and responsive to both staff and community members. Shall be visible within the community, participating in events and engaging directly with citizens to build trust and encourage collaboration.
• Supervises and mentor leaders and personnel within the department, promoting performance excellence and opportunities for professional growth while nurturing an environment where every member feels valued and supported.
• Ensure departmental operations align with city policies, legal requirements, and community expectations.

Policy Development and Legal Compliance
The Chief of Police shall:

• Develops, implements, and enforces departmental policies, procedures, and directives.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and recognized professional standards.
• Oversees the regular review, evaluation, and revision of departmental policies to address legal developments, operational needs, and organizational risk.

Operational Oversight
The Chief of Police shall:

• Oversees all law enforcement operations, including patrol services, criminal investigations, and support functions.
• Allocates personnel, equipment, and resources to promote officer safety, effective service delivery, and public safety outcomes.
• Monitors operational performance and direct corrective actions when deficiencies or risks are identified.

Data-Driven Policing/Crime Reduction Strategies
The Chief of Police shall:

• Utilizes industry best practices to drive data-informed policing strategies, identifying patterns and trends to allocate resources effectively, and addresses community safety issues proactively.
• Leverages innovative technology to enhance crime analysis, improve response times, and ensure a strategic approach to crime prevention and public safety initiatives.
• Oversees and ensures the Real Time Crime and Information Center is staffed and aligned with industry best practices and operates efficiently to prevent and deter crime effectively.
• Conducts weekly crime control meetings to ensure mission alignment within every unit of the department.

Community Engagement and Public Trust
The Chief of Police shall:

• Serves as the primary representative and spokesperson for the police department to the public and external stakeholders.
• Builds, maintains, and strengthens collaborative relationships with residents, community organizations, businesses, elected officials, and partner agencies.
• Represents the department, the city, and the state on various associations, committees, and boards, actively contributing to public safety initiatives and community welfare.
• Promotes transparency, open communication, and shared responsibility for public safety.

Fiscal Management and Resource Allocation
The Chief of Police shall:

• Prepares, administers, and manages the department's budget in accordance with city policies and fiscal guidelines.
• Oversees departmental expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Identifies staffing, equipment, technology, and capital needs based on data analysis, operational demands, and risk considerations.

Recruitment, Training, and Professional Development
The Chief of Police shall:

• Ensures the recruitment, selection, training, development, and retention of a highly qualified and professional workforce.
• Establishes and maintains training standards that meet or exceed state, national requirements, and industry best practices.
• Oversees training programs that promote leadership development, ethical conduct, risk awareness, officer wellness, and organizational accountability.
• Promotes and models continuous learning and professional growth throughout the organization.
• Ensures personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the community's evolving needs while maintaining the highest standard of accountability and professionalism in their law enforcement duties.

Personnel Management and Organizational Culture
The Chief of Police shall:

• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates command staff and senior leadership personnel.
• Fosters a workplace culture characterized by professionalism, fairness, inclusivity, accountability, and employee wellness.
• Addresses performance issues, misconduct, and organizational challenges in a timely, consistent, and appropriate manner.
• Oversees all personnel investigations (internal affairs) to ensure thorough, unbiased, and fair reviews of allegations against department personnel.
• Serves as the final disciplinary authority, making decisions that uphold the integrity and accountability of the department while ensuring due process.
• Implements mechanisms and systems by using industry best practices to address misconduct effectively and maintain public trust in law enforcement.
• Will embody the mission and vision statement of the department, demonstrating genuine appreciation for every department member and the community served.

Risk Management and Organizational Accountability
The Chief of Police shall:

• Identifies, assesses, and mitigates organizational and operational risks across all departmental functions.
• Oversees policies, training, supervision, and practices related to use of force, employment practices, vehicle operations, and workplace safety.
• Monitors emerging legal standards, case law, and national policing trends and applies this knowledge to reduce legal exposure and operational risk.

Intergovernmental and Interagency Coordination
The Chief of Police shall:

• Represents the police department in coordination with local, regional, state, and federal agencies by maintaining collaborative relationships.
• Develops and maintains interagency partnerships that enhance information sharing, cooperation, and coordinated public safety responses by implementing innovative 21st-century policing practices, leveraging new technologies and strategies.

Strategic Planning and Innovation
The Chief of Police shall:

• Leads long-term strategic planning to ensure organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and adaptability.
• Evaluates emerging trends, technologies, and service delivery models.
• Implements innovations that enhance public safety, operational efficiency, and organizational performance.
• Leverages innovative technology to enhance crime analysis, improve response times, and ensure a strategic approach to crime prevention and public safety initiatives.

Legislative and Advocacy Responsibilities
The Chief of Police shall:

• Testifies before the city council, state legislature, and relevant commissions on significant law enforcement issues, policy proposals, and funding needs.
• Advocates for legislative measures that advance the interests of the Caldwell Police Department and prioritize public safety.
• Stays informed about legislative changes and emerging trends impacting law enforcement practices.

Crisis and Emergency Management
The Chief of Police shall:

• Leads the department's response to public safety crises and emergencies, coordinating resources and communication with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
• Oversees the development of comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and regular training exercises to ensure operational readiness.
• Is a champion of the "Command and Control," leadership philosophy and empower junior leaders to exercise command and control and critical incidents by modeling the way.

Executive Professional Development and External Engagement
The Chief of Police shall:

• Maintains professional competency and organizational relevance through continuous executive education and external engagement.
• Attends and participates in local, state, regional, and national conferences, executive leadership programs, training seminars, and professional forums.
• Conducts out-of-state travel to benchmark operations, evaluate emerging practices and technologies, mitigate organizational risk, and strengthen professional networks.
• Applies knowledge gained through professional development to improve departmental policies, procedures, training programs, and operational performance.
• Ensures all professional development and travel activities align with the department's mission, approved budgets, and applicable city policies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration, criminology or a related field.
  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, police science or a closely related field is preferred.
  • Equivalent combinations of education and relevant work experience may be considered as meeting the minimum education requirements.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience
• At least five (5) years in a command or executive leadership role in municipal police department or related agency.
  • Ten (10) years in a command or executive leadership role is preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Must currently serve as a certified law enforcement officer.
• Possession of a valid and current Idaho driver's license or be able to obtain by time of hire.
• Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, or the ability to obtain Idaho POST certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
  • Current Idaho POST certification is preferred.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, including testing for prescription medications.
  • This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to testing to post-offer testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and physical. Applicants must be able to pass:
  • Driving Record and credit history check.
  • CJIS and Transportation Security Administration background check (SIDA)
  • Post-offer Medical Examination
  • Physical Examination and Physical Fitness test to meet Idaho Administrative Procedures Act (IDAPA) requirements.
  • Psychological Evaluation (by a licensed psychologist)
  • Polygraph test

The City of Caldwell offers a complete benefits package to full-time (30 or more hours per week) employees including health care, dental, vision, PERSI retirement, 401k with City match, deferred compensation plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO).


The City is a qualifying employer for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
01


I have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration, criminology or a related field.
02


I have a master's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, police science or a closely related field(preferred).

• Yes
• No

03


I have fifteen (15) years or more of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
04


I have at least five (5) years in a command or executive leadership role in municipal police department or related agency.
05


I am currently serving as a certified law enforcement officer.

• Yes
• No

06


I am in possession of a valid and current Idaho driver's license or will be able to obtain by time of hire.
07


I have an Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, or the ability to obtain Idaho POST certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
08


I understand this position requires the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for prescription medications, as well as a Post-offer Medical Examination, Polygraph test, Psychological Evaluation (by a licensed psychologist), CJIS and Transportation Security Administration background check (SIDA), and Driving Record and credit history check.

• Yes
• No

Required Question