Chief of Police and Security

TITLE Chief of Police & Security

DEPARTMENT Police & Security

CLASSIFICATION Professional Employee

WAGE/SALARY Commensurate with Experience

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Port Director and CEO, the Chief of Police & Security provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all functions of the Security and Police Department, including the planning, organization, and administration of public safety operations for the Port of Brownsville.

The position is responsible for ensuring law enforcement, security, and homeland security functions are carried out in a safe, effective, and compliant manner in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The Chief oversees departmental operations, resource allocation, and service delivery, including coordination with internal departments, external law enforcement agencies, and entities contracting with the Port for public safety services.

The Chief of Police & Security develops and implements public safety strategies that support Port operations, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and long-term organizational objectives. The position exercises broad discretion in departmental management and is accountable for operational effectiveness, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility while serving as a certified peace officer in the performance of assigned duties.

Job Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by this incumbent. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

• Leads, plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of the department; with the support of subordinate staff, develops, integrates, implements, and monitors work programs, policies and processes to achieve department and Port of Brownsville goals.
• Collaborates with the Administration Team in the development of long-term and short-term goals and priorities, in alignment with the Port of Brownsville mission.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Port of Brownsville policies, ordinances, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Establishes performance requirements and employee goals; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Port of Brownsville Human Resources policies, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Enforces, through the Lieutenant, Sergeant and staff, federal laws, state statutes and local ordinances within the Port of Brownsville jurisdiction.
• Meets with officials and others on department administrative matters; serves as a member of law enforcement committees, boards, and ad hoc groups; negotiates and coordinates with other agencies on critical and complex matters.
• Serves as the Alternate Facility Security Officer and works in coordination with the Facility Security Officer to ensure compliance with maritime security regulations.
• Directs the preparation and analysis of records, reports, and crime pattern data to ensure efficient operations and to comply with authorized requests for information regarding activities and personnel of the department.
• Attends professional conferences and training to remain current on law enforcement and public safety practices.
• Collaborates with other Port of Brownsville department heads to coordinate Police and Security Department activities that cross department lines of control.
• Directs the development and implementation of initiatives, policies and programs to strengthen crime prevention and support for department programs and policies.
• Promotes and directs the development and implementation of technology and information systems to improve department effectiveness and performance.
• Promotes a leadership philosophy that is approachable and fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication.
• Plans, develops, and administers the Police and Security Department budget.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and extensive law enforcement experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, with prior service at the rank of Commander or Captain, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief or Chief.
• Comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement theory, principles, crime prevention strategies, and police administration.
• Experience in public administration, budgeting, and resource management.
• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal laws relevant to public safety and law enforcement.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and often confidential issues and situations.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies related to public safety and departmental operations.
• Ability to manage and develop a diverse team of sworn and civilian personnel effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
• TCOLE Master Peace Officer Certification.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Additional Requirements

• Active Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer’s License.
• TCOLE Advanced Peace Officer Certification.
• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintained thereafter.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must pass a pre-employment physical exam, drug screening, and background investigation.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative, and do not include all, of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, dust, and vehicle exhaust.
• Requires standing for long periods and occasional lifting of objects up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to walk and/or sit for prolonged periods.

This job description outlines the key duties and requirements but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties and qualifications may be adjusted as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Pay: From $96,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person