Police Chief

SUMMARY:

The Chief of Police serves as the executive and administrative leader of the Williston Police Department, providing strategic direction, oversight, and evaluation of all law enforcement operations. The role emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, data-informed decision making and continuous organizational improvement.

The position operates under the general direction of the Town Manager and is responsible for advancing a modern, community centered approach to public safety while fostering trust, transparency, equity and accountability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Administration

· Provides strategic leadership and direction for all functions of the Williston Police Department

· Establishes departmental mission, vision, goals, policies, and procedures

· Advises Town Manager and municipal leadership on public safety matters

· Leads strategic planning, developing short- and long-term plans for staffing, facilities, equipment, and services assessing organizational effectiveness, and implements continuous improvement initiatives

· Promotes modern, community-oriented policing principles emphasizing accountability, transparency, and trust

Law Enforcement & Public Safety

· Directs crime prevention, investigation, and emergency response strategies ensuring visibility, responsiveness, and accountability

· Provides executive leadership during critical incidents and emergencies

· Ensures protection of life, liberty, and property through effective service delivery

· Ensures enforcement of local, state, and federal laws

· Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards

· Apprises Town Leadership and relevant stakeholders of significant events and departmental activities

· Serves as the department’s primary spokesperson with media, elected officials, and the public

Department Operations

· Oversees all divisions and services, including patrol, investigations, dispatch/emergency communications, and administrative functions

· Leads modernization efforts including technology and reporting systems

· Establishes and monitors operational procedures, performance standards, and accreditation requirements

· Anticipates future public safety needs and implements proactive strategies

• Maintain updated knowledge of changing laws and practices and monitor compliance with all state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
• Reviews and approves major investigations, initiatives, and special operations.

· Leads continuous improvement and reform efforts monitoring performance metrics and service delivery to ensure efficiency and effectiveness

Budgeting & Resource Management

· Develops, presents and administers the department’s operating and capital budgets

· Maintains control of department expenditures, oversees procurement, resource allocation and fiscal management.

• Ensures the effective and efficient use and maintenance of department property and equipment
• Identifies and secures grant funding and other external resources

Personnel Management

• Supports staff in all aspects of their jobs, promoting a culture of integrity, professionalism, accountability and inclusion
• Evaluates staff performance and establishes individual and departmental development goals to maximize performance, morale, and quality of services.
• Oversees recruitment, training and professional development ensuring compliance with established procedures and standards
• Oversees internal investigations and responses to citizen complaints, ensuring fairness and compliance
• Supports positive labor relations and participates in collective bargaining
• Maintains confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information

Equity, Inclusion & Modern Policing

· Promotes fair, impartial, and equitable policing practices

· Fosters a culture of inclusion, transparency, accountability

· Supports data-driven decision-making and alternative response models where appropriate

· Engages community members seeking diverse perspectives and incorporates public feedback into policing strategies.

Community-Centered Leadership, Collaboration and Partnerships

• Champions a community policing philosophy that prioritizes trust, accessibility and shared problem-solving
• Builds and maintains relationships with community members, businesses, schools, community organizations and other stakeholders
• Workes with regional agencies and community partners
• Communicates with media, elected officials, and the public
• Collaborate with community groups and schools to provide information related to law enforcement, address concerns, and conduct crime prevention activities.

Interagency Coordination

• Collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure effective coordination of public safety efforts
• Coordinates with municipal departments and regional partners to support integrated service delivery and emergency response
• Represents the department in regional, state, and professional organizations, task forces, and initiatives
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with partner agencies to address shared public safety priorities
• Facilitates information sharing, joint planning, and coordinated responses across jurisdictions and disciplines

Additional Duties

· Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of modern law enforcement administration, criminal law, and public safety practices, including applicable federal, state, and local laws and accreditation standards
• Demonstrated transformational leadership skills, with the ability to set vision, lead organizational change, inspire high performance, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, including the capacity to lead complex operations and respond effectively in high-pressure, ambiguous, and emergency situations
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fair policing practices, with the ability to lead an organization that values diversity, builds trust across communities, and ensures equitable service delivery
• Knowledge of community-oriented policing, restorative justice, and trauma-informed practices, with the ability to integrate these principles into policies, operations, and organizational culture
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, engage diverse stakeholders, and maintain effective relationships with staff, elected officials, and the community
• Ability to collaborate across agencies and disciplines, build consensus, and advance shared public safety and community outcomes
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation, with the ability to align resources with organizational priorities
• Experience leveraging data, performance metrics, and technology to inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and support transparency and accountability
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and discretion, including the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field and seven years of progressively responsible experience with at least three years at policy development/command-level. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Must be a certified Vermont Law Enforcement Officer or able to obtain Level III certification within one year.
• Ability to meet all Vermont Criminal Justice Council requirements.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

This position reports to the Town Manager

SUPERVISION EXCERCISED:
Administrative and functional supervision of 18-20 full-time employees and 1-5 part-time employees.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical Fitness, Strength, and Endurance: Ability to engage in physically demanding tasks such as running, climbing, jumping, and restraining individuals. Must have ability for prolonged periods of standing, walking, or running while patrolling assigned areas, pursuing suspects on foot, or responding to emergencies. Must be capable of exerting physical force to overcome resistance and possess the stamina to sustain physical activity for extended periods. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

• Visual Acuity: Must have excellent visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception to accurately perceive and identify individuals, objects, and potential threats in different lighting conditions and environments. Must be able to read documentation and view screens and other devices for prolonged periods of time.
• Hearing Ability: Must have good hearing to effectively communicate with the public, colleagues, and witnesses. The ability to perceive and interpret verbal commands, radio communications, and other auditory cues is crucial for the safety of others and self.
• Manual Dexterity: Must have precise control and coordination of hands, fingers, and arms to ensure proper handling and operation of various equipment, including firearms, handcuffs, radios, and other tools. Must also have finger dexterity to type and grip to operate vehicles.
• Overall Health: Shall be free from any physical conditions that could impede ability to perform the essential functions of the job. This includes but is not limited to cardiovascular fitness, respiratory capacity, and freedom from debilitating diseases or conditions that may compromise their ability to carry out their duties safely.
• Ability to Wear Personal Protective Equipment: Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as body armor, helmets, and safety gear to protect themselves in hazardous situations.
• Mental Ability:Must possess constant mental faculties to maintain concentration, think clearly, and always make appropriate decisions, including high-stress situations.
• Agility and Coordination:Must be able to effectively navigate various environments, including uneven terrain, confined spaces, or obstacles during foot pursuits or emergency responses. This includes the ability to operate vehicles safely and effectively during law enforcement operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to varying outside weather conditions and motor vehicle traffic. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; bloodborne and airborne pathogens; risk of electrical shock; explosives; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Regular exposure to individuals who may be emotionally upset, confused, and/or defensive, and some of whom may have a history of violence. The employee may be exposed to potentially life-threatening situations. May assist Vermont game wardens with fish and game enforcement and dispatching sick and injured animals. The employee may be required to take another human life in accordance with law and policies.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The Town of Williston is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $135,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person