Police Chief

THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE

The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I‑35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 27,000 residents.

Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve.

DEPARTMENT

PURPOSE:

We believe that our community thrives when lives, property, and rights of all people are safeguarded through trusted partnerships. The Police Department creates a better tomorrow by providing law enforcement services that prioritize the quality of life and maintain a safe and secure community.

As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow.

We are guided in that work by our organization’s 3 Core Values:
Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.

Better Together

• Holding each other and ourselves accountable—to our peers and the community
• Trusting our peers will always be there to provide backup and support
• Building the team by helping each other out, mentoring, and collaborating
• Taking our work seriously, but not ourselves—humor is appreciated

Community Stewardship

• Conducting ourselves in a professional and approachable manner in the community
• Operating with integrity at all times
• Participating in opportunities for community engagement and partnership
• Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with
• Spending taxpayers’ money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively
• Maintaining a reputation as trusted responders

Pride in Our Work

• Showing up with a caring and positive attitude ready to support any individual on their worst day
• Having a willingness to learn new things and seek self‑improvement
• Always giving 100%
• Proudly honoring the positive public image of the police service and the responsibility that comes with that
• Giving and earning respect – within the department, the City, and the community
• Policing with professionalism

• Application Period:
  June 18, 2026 - July 13, 2026
• First Round Interviews:
  July 22, 2026
• Second Round Interviews:
  July 29, 2026
• Third Round Interviews:
  August 5, 2026
• Leadership and Management Assessment will be scheduled and completed on top candidate(s) Mid August
• Extend conditional offer of employment to successful candidate end of August
• Target start date:
  September 21, 2026

The Police Chief – Director oversees law enforcement operations, emergency response, and public safety initiatives. This role sets department goals, directs patrol, investigations, and records divisions, and manages personnel, training, and performance. The Director IV serves as a liaison to community partners, stakeholders, and elected officials while representing public safety interests. Responsibilities include policy development, ordinance review, budgeting, risk management, compliance, media relations, and emergency preparedness.

Additionally, this position ensures enforcement of state laws, approves city event permits, and upholds confidentiality and regulatory standards.

Specifically, as the Police Chief, you will:

• Direct the work of technical, professional, divisional and management staff of multiple programs, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance reviews and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions.
• Lead the development of multiple department operations, including development of goals, policies, staffing levels, budget and procedures for all department services; directing management in the development of work plans for the department; and leads strategic planning.
• Act as a technical resource for the City, management, boards, government representatives, and staff to ensure effective service delivery and address community needs; including analyzing and resolving issues associated with daily work, contracts, and projects; ensuring staff work complies with applicable standards, codes and regulations; attending internal and external meetings to answer questions and…