Chief of Police

Overview

THE POSITION

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Chief of Police provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the Police Department. The Chief is responsible for setting organizational vision, establishing priorities, and ensuring effective delivery of public safety services.

The position requires a seasoned law enforcement executive who can lead with integrity, exercise sound judgment, and balance operational demands with community expectations. The Chief plays a visible role within the community and is expected to foster trust, transparency, and strong working relationships with residents, employees, and partner agencies.

Residency within the City of Cloverdale is preferred; however, the Chief must reside within a 45-minute response time.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing leadership in the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, and priorities
• Planning, directing, and coordinating police operations to protect life and property and enforce laws and ordinances
• Advanced modern policing practices, training standards, and operational efficiencies
• Evaluating employee performance and administering discipline when necessary
• Preparing and managing the Department’s budget
• Collaborating with City leadership and engaging with residents on public safety issues
• Building strong professional relationships with regional public safety partners
• Promoting positive community relations through outreach and engagement

The Cloverdale Police Department is a professional, community-focused agency with an annual operating budget of approximately $5.6 million. The Department is staffed by fourteen full-time sworn personnel (including the Chief) and eight full-time civilian employees, including dispatch, records, and community services.

The Department emphasizes community policing, crime prevention, and proactive engagement. Strong partnerships with residents, City leadership, and the Cloverdale Unified School District are central to its mission. Patrol Officers and Dispatchers currently work a 4/10 schedule, supporting both operational effectiveness and work-life balance.

The ideal candidate is expected to be a hands-on administrator who builds strong and trusted relationships with employees. He/she must be easily accessible and approachable to members of the Police Department; demonstrate flexibility when appropriate in the application of principles that guide the organization. The Chief of Police will be an experienced administrator who possesses the ability to perform well with an understanding and appreciation of the opportunities and challenges of policing in a small town with stable but limited financial resources.

The candidate must be trustworthy, honest, ethical, a positive role model with strong accountability and able to mentor and develop the skills of a dedicated group of police personnel. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential in this position, as is the willingness to be highly visible and involved in the community. Other attributes sought in the successful candidate include exhibiting an effective command presence, yet friendly and approachable.

The candidate must have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory/ management experience with a proven record of understanding the importance of a team environment based on mutual respect and trust. In addition, it is desirable that the candidate possesses a degree in criminal justice, public or business administration, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university.

A California P.O.S.T. Management Certificate or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of appointment is required. FBI Academy or Command College is also highly desirable. Applicant must possess/obtain a valid State of California driver’s license.

The successful candidate must be an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing, and possess a high degree of common sense and well-developed interpersonal skills and abilities. The candidate should be able to make persuasive presentations, have budgetary and financial…