Chief of Police

The City of Stoughton, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking law enforcement professional to lead, manage, and support the operations and personnel of our Police Department. The Chief of Police position is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring effective public safety services, fostering strong community relationships, and guiding the department with integrity and professionalism.

The Chief of Police oversees all departmental activities, personnel, and operations. This role combines strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and direct involvement in public safety functions. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to community‑oriented policing.

There is a unique opportunity with this position, as our current Chief has fostered a well‑functioning department with strong leadership, clear expectations, and high morale. The incoming administrator will step into a stable, supportive environment where staff are engaged, professional, and committed to serving the community—providing an excellent foundation for continued growth and success.

Please note:

To apply for this position, you must submit the following:

• A completed DJ-LE-330 application as well as this online City application. Use the following link:
  DJ-LE-330 to obtain the DJ-LE-330. When you have finished, add it to your online application as an attachment. Please be sure to answer all of the questions in section 6.
• Cover Letter
• Resume

Applications without the DJ-LE-330 AND answered questions in section 6 will NOT be considered.

This position performs administrative functions: develops, implements, evaluates, and/or oversees programs, policies, procedures, guidelines, and goals; prepares and reviews the Department budget; assists with labor negotiations; assists in the determination of staffing requirements and equipment needs; engages in community and media relations; plans or attends meetings with staff, the Mayor, City Council, Police and Fire Commission, etc.; maintains contact with other law enforcement agencies, and fire and ambulance providers;

and completes reports as required.

This position also provides supervisory responsibility: assigns and supervises Departmental employees; establishes departmental organization and determines lines of authority; assists with the selection, promotion, and discharge of personnel; delegates authority and responsibility to subordinates; prepares and reviews performance evaluations; ensures training, career development, and education requirements are met; handles employee problems and disciplinary actions.

This position interprets public safety laws, regulations, and policies as they relate to department activities, orders, and programs for the development of department services. It also monitors daily activities and coordinates emergency responses: oversees operation of the communications center; responds to citizen complaints; monitors police reports; inspects establishments licensed to serve alcohol; directs serious incident and emergency activities.

• This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Law enforcement, Public Administration or related field.
• A minimum of five years of law enforcement, supervisory, and management experience is required.
• To be considered for the position candidates will be required to submit to a background check, pre‑employment physical, drug screen, oral interviews, and a psychological examination.
• The residency requirement for this position is within 15 miles of the City.

• Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents such as the Department budget, reports such as Committee, expenditure, and daily police reports, dispatch logs, inventory records, payroll records, State and City statutes, ordinances, and laws, policy and procedure manuals, etc.
• Ability to prepare a variety of documents including the Department budget, statistical analyses, training records, performance evaluations, various reports, etc. using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
• Ability to use and interpret legal, law enforcement, and public safety terminology.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the Police and Fire Commission, Human Resources/Risk Management, the Mayor, City Council members, department heads, staff, media representative, business & community leaders and the public both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to assign, supervise, and review the work of others.
• Ability to make decisions regarding the selection, training, discipline, and discharge of employees.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percent's, and make use of the principles of descriptive statistics.