Chief of Police

Position Title: Chief of Police

Department: ITKN Police Department

Reports To: Executive Committee

Schedule Hours: Monday - Friday / 8:00am - 4:30pm And as needed for emergency response, weekends, holidays, and community events

Employment Type: Exempt/Salary

Wage Range: $75K - $105K

Position Summary
The Chief of Police is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Police Department by ensuring that law enforcement services, personnel, and public safety activities are aligned with the direction set by the Executive Committee.
This position is responsible for the protection of life and property through enforcement of Tribal, Federal, State, and local laws, while directing all departmental operations, personnel, and community safety efforts.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Coordination

• Oversee daily operations of the Police Department
• Plan, assign, and supervise all department personnel and activities
• Ensure policies, procedures, and laws are consistently enforced
• Conduct employee evaluations and oversee personnel management
• Delegate duties to officers and staff to support department functions

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Plan and direct crime prevention, enforcement, and investigation activities
• Develop short- and long-range plans for public safety needs
• Analyze community issues and implement policing strategies
• Develops in conjunction with Emergency Preparedness Committee, emergency preparedness plans and procedures for community safety, and response to emergency/disaster.

Financial Oversight & Compliance

• Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget
• Monitor expenditures and ensure appropriate use of funds
• Ensure compliance with Tribal, Federal, and State laws and reporting requirements
• Oversee preparation of reports including Uniform Crime Reports

Program & Community Oversight

• Direct community policing and crime prevention programs
• Attends meetings, churches, schools, and other places of public gathering to explain the activities and functions of the police department, its policies and goals and to establish favorable public relations and public support of the department.
• Maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, and civic groups
• Address citizen concerns, complaints, and grievances

Human Resources Coordination

• Oversee hiring, training, and certification of department personnel
• Coordinate with Human Resources on hiring and personnel matters
• Maintain personnel policies, practices, and disciplinary processes
• Schedule and conduct training for department staff

Communication & Reporting

• Prepare reports for the Executive Committee and Tribal leadership
• Maintain accurate records and reporting systems
• Communicate departmental operations, issues, and needs clearly
• Serve as department representative in public and interagency communication

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain department records in compliance with laws and regulations
• Participate fully in BIA audits and improvement plans
• Supervise department equipment, purchases, and maintenance
• Coordinate with Fire, EMS, Public Works, and other agencies
• Serves as Bailiff for Tribal Court
• Directs Community Policing activities of the police department.
• Performs general public relations work
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Police Patrol
Because the Tribe is a small community, the Chief’s position shall require the Chief to perform patrol officer duties. The duties for a patrol officer are listed below.

• Performs and meets standards for the title of Police Officer as necessary and during an emergency.
• Accepts all essential job functions and duties of a police officer. Responds to crimes in progress, alarms, and supplements patrol officers and other employees in routine jobs as required and during emergency, special events or as needed.
• Coordinates public special events and activities in conjunction with the Tribe and public individuals/groups for safety and public order.
• Appears in court to testify on behalf of the department operations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge of techniques and procedures in crime detection, apprehension, and prosecution.
• Keeps accurate records and reports; prepares detailed reports.
• Conducts the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations and programs of crime prevention and detection as directed or necessary.
• Assists police officers in non-routine criminal and other investigations.
• Cooperates with civic groups, schools, businesses, and industry in safety and crime prevention programs.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Ability to manage complex and high-risk situations
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and lead others
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to maintain the physical standards required of subordinates and presents a professional image to the public and other law enforcement agencies.
• Ability and willingness to attend additional training to maintain certification and further career development.

Software & Tools

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Law enforcement communication systems
• Police vehicles and equipment
• Firearms and emergency response tools

Required

• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice or related field
• Minimum 5 years progressive law enforcement experience
• Supervisory and management experience required

Other Requirements - Certifications & Training

• Kansas Law Enforcement Certification or ability to obtain
• Possess Federal Law Enforcement in the Bureau of Indian affairs certification is desirable but other federal training is allowable. Must submit certification verification.
• Must pass background investigation, criminal background check and other screenings
• Possess or within one year of date of hire obtain Executive Level certification with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement Academy and submit certificate of training.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Must have a valid Drivers License, the ability to drive daytime and nighttime, and be fully insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
• Must also submit two (2) letters of recommendation.
• General knowledge of Indian tribal laws, customs and traditions.
• Must be willing to reside within the ITKN Reservation or boundaries, or be at a “minimal” response time.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field
• Experience in Tribal law enforcement
• Knowledge of Tribal laws and governance

Decision-Making & Scope

• Exercises independent judgment in law enforcement operations
• Oversees all Police Department personnel and functions
• Responsible for enforcement of Tribal, Federal, State, and local laws
• Responds to complex, high-risk, and emergency situations

Work Environment

• Office and field-based law enforcement environment
• Exposure to hazardous and high-risk situations
• On-call and emergency response required
• Interaction with community, leadership, and agencies

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee 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 performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 200 lbs, run short distances, climb stairs, operate a squad car in an emergency operation mode, discharge both their service weapon and shoulder weapon efficiently, and physically perform arrest and DAAT procedures on a combative subject.

Benefits and How to Apply:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Voluntary short term disability, Life Insurance, employee assistance program and other benefits/perks provided
• 401 K with up to 3% match, paid holidays, biweekly pay schedule

Native American Preference is given (BIA Form 4432). For more information regarding this position, please call 785-595-3258.