Assistant Police Chief

Known as the Scenic City, Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a rare combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cutting‑edge innovation — all wrapped in a warm, community‑driven environment. With its rich history and thriving arts scene, the City of Chattanooga offers a high quality of life for residents and a unique experience for visitors. Not to mention, the community’s emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and its commitment to creating a better future for its 187,030 residents only adds to the charm and appeal of this exceptional city.

The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is a full‑service police department budgeted for 500 officers and 121 professional staff focused on violent crime reduction. The Department is committed to building trust with the community it serves through accountability and transparency, which is why it is determined to meet all the principles of police practices and reform laid out by advocacy organizations Campaign Zero and the 8 Can’t Wait project.

The CPD currently meets all the applicable proposals for reducing police violence and advancing more restrictive use of force policies to save lives.

The CPD is also nationally recognized for its Gun Team and Victim Services Units. The CPD Gun Team is one of the first proactive NIBIN‑centric units in the United States and the source of several best practices. It is one of the ATF’s top three Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) and houses the only active subject matter expert (SME) in Crime Gun Intelligence in the United States.

The department’s Victim Services Unit is embedded with the agency to provide support and services to victims of crime. CPD received the Leadership in Victim Services award by IACP (2021) for its dedication to prioritizing the needs of victims and survivors.

The Assistant Police Chief assists the Deputy Chief of Police and the Chief of Police with protecting life and property; enforcing federal, state, and local laws; and overseeing the daily operations and activities of their assigned Bureaus, Commands, and Divisions within the Chattanooga Police Department. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social science, public or business administration, or a related field is preferred, plus at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible managerial or supervisory experience in law enforcement, criminal investigation, or police administration.

Firsthand experience managing large projects and experience in patrol, investigations, specialized units, and/or internal affairs is preferred.

• Must possess or obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license by first day of employment
• Must meet all promotional eligibility requirements (this only applies to internal candidates)
• Must be a U.S. citizen or resident status
• Must be Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified as a law enforcement officer or be able to become POST certified within six months of hire
• Must be certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• FBI National Academy
• Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Leadership Program
• Southern Police Institute (SPI)
• Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (ILEA)
• Command Staff Leadership Academies
• Southeast Leadership Academy (SELA)
• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership Programs

The salary range for this position is $125,522 - $133,244 per year depending on experience and qualifications.

The City of Chattanooga provides a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 39 days per year of paid leave/PTO; and a robust wellness center that includes full-service medical offices, gym, and pharmacy. A take-home vehicle and cell phone are provided. The city also offers options for a 457b retirement plan.