Assistant Director of Public Safety (Future Assistant Police Chief)

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $109,828 - $183,047 DOQ

Position Purpose

Provides senior-level administrative and operational support in planning, developing, and preparing for the establishment of the Lucas Police Department. Working under the direction of the Director of Public Safety (Future Police Chief), the Assistant Director of Public Safety assists with the development of organizational structure, policies, procedures, and operational standards necessary to build a professional law enforcement agency. This position coordinates and supports administrative activities related to department development, including budgeting assistance, staffing and recruitment efforts, training coordination, policy implementation, equipment and technology planning, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, while promoting accountability, transparency, and community trust. The Assistant Director also supports community engagement efforts, collaborates with regional partners, and assists in ensuring Lucas is prepared to deliver high-quality, responsive public safety services upon establishment of the police department.

Essential Functions

• Assist with the planning, development, and establishment of the future Lucas Police Department, including organizational structure, staffing models, policies, and procedures.
• Support policy development, strategic planning, and operational preparation for future public safety services.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of budget proposals, capital planning, and resource needs for the future department.
• Coordinate and monitor administrative processes, reporting systems, and operational readiness initiatives to support department development.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring processes, and onboarding activities for initial police personnel as authorized; support compliance with TCOLE requirements and accreditation standards.
• Assist in developing and coordinating training standards, professional development programs, and performance management processes for future department personnel.
• Ensure assigned projects, policies, and operational planning activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, City ordinances, and administrative policies.
• Provide support and recommendations to the Director of Public Safety regarding public safety planning, operational readiness, and department development initiatives.
• Support community engagement efforts and represent public safety interests in meetings, events, and public interactions as assigned.
• Assist in developing a departmental culture and community policing philosophy emphasizing accountability, transparency, professionalism, and collaboration.
• Coordinate with regional law enforcement agencies, emergency management personnel, vendors, and community partners to support public safety planning and future service delivery.

Secondary Functions

• Participate in emergency management planning activities and assist with emergency response coordination from an administrative or support role as needed.
• Attend City Council meetings, community events, professional conferences, and public safety meetings as required.
• Assist with mutual aid planning efforts and regional public safety initiatives.
• Coordinate and support procurement activities related to facilities, vehicles, equipment, technology, uniforms, and other resources necessary for future department operations.
• Assist with public information efforts, media coordination, and community outreach activities related to public safety services.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City leadership, employees, community members, vendors, and regional partners.
• Support operational planning, administrative projects, and special assignments related to department development and readiness.
• Maintain the knowledge, skills, certifications, and physical capability necessary to perform sworn law enforcement duties in support of department operations when required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Capital and/or Fiscal Responsibility

• Responsible for adhering to all City purchasing policies and procedures when conducting public safetyrelated purchasing and procurement activities.
• Assist with the preparation, tracking, and administration of budget needs associated with the development of the future Lucas Police Department, including operating and capital expenditures.
• Assist in identifying equipment, technology, facility, fleet, and resource needs necessary to support future department operations and organizational readiness.
• Support grant research, purchasing coordination, inventory tracking, and other administrative functions related to the development and future growth of the department.

Credentials (minimum preferred)

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• • Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, and equipment.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, including the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and City ordinances.
  • Knowledge of police administration, operational planning, budgeting processes, organizational development, and policy implementation.
  • Ability to analyze operational and administrative issues, exercise sound judgment, and make effective decisions in a professional manner.
  • Ability to assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, and programs for operational efficiency and compliance.
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills, including experience with recruitment, training coordination, personnel support, and project management.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.
  • Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, integrity, accountability, and public trust.
  • Ability to support and promote a departmental culture emphasizing transparency, collaboration, professionalism, and community engagement.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with staff, elected officials, community members, and outside agencies.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City leadership, employees, community members, vendors, and regional partners.
  • Ability to remain professional and exercise discretion when handling sensitive, high-profile, or politically sensitive matters.

• Formal Education/Certification/Licenses

• • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or command-level role.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered as determined by the City.
  • Must possess a valid Texas Class C drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Must possess and maintain a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Advanced Peace Officer certification; Master Peace Officer certification preferred.
  • Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership training such as the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), or equivalent leadership program preferred.
  • Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) training courses as outlined by FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management preferred or required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
  • Must maintain all required firearms qualifications, certifications, and continuing education requirements necessary to maintain peace officer licensure and departmental compliance.

Tools and Equipment Used

During the department development phase, work is primarily conducted in an office environment using standard office equipment including a personal computer, telephone, and related technology. The Assistant Director of Public Safety may also utilize communication equipment and software necessary for public safety coordination and planning.

Once the police department is formally established and operational, the position may require the use of law enforcement equipment such as radios, mobile data terminals, police vehicles, and protective gear, as well as other tools necessary for departmental leadership and oversight.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While much of the work is performed in an office environment requiring regular sitting, talking, hearing, and computer use, the Assistant Director must also maintain the physical ability to participate in field assignments and emergency management activities when necessary. This may include occasional standing, walking, or navigating uneven terrain during site evaluations or emergency operations. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with occasional travel to field locations, meetings, and emergency management activities. The Assistant Director may be required to support public safety operations during emergency or critical situations, which may involve working outside regular business hours. While administrative work is typically conducted in a quiet office environment, field visits or participation in emergency management activities may involve exposure to varying weather conditions or moderately stressful situations. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

Leadership

Supervisor: Director of Public Safety (Future Police Chief)

Direct Reports: None (until initial police personnel are hired)