Assistant Director of Public Safety; Assistant Police Chief

The City of Lucas is seeking an experienced law enforcement leader to serve as its inaugural Assistant Director of Public Safety. This unique opportunity offers the chance to help build a new municipal police department from the ground up while shaping its culture, policies, operations, and community partnerships. If you are committed to professional policing, public service, and leaving a lasting legacy, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits:
The City of Lucas offers a competitive benefits package. View our Benefits Guide here.

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Provides senior‑level administrative and operational support in planning, developing, and preparing for the establishment of the Lucas Police Department. Working under the direction of the Director of Public Safety, the Assistant Director of Public Safety assists with the development of organizational structure, policies, procedures, and operational standards necessary to build a professional law‑enforcement agency. This position coordinates and supports administrative activities related to department development, including budgeting assistance, staffing and recruitment efforts, training coordination, policy implementation, equipment and technology planning, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, while promoting accountability, transparency, and community trust.

The Assistant Director also supports community engagement efforts, collaborates with regional partners, and assists in ensuring Lucas is prepared to deliver high‑quality, responsive public safety services upon establishment of the police department.

• Assist with the planning, development, and establishment of the future Lucas Police Department, including organizational structure, staffing models, policies, and procedures.
• Support policy development, strategic planning, and operational preparation for future public safety services.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of budget proposals, capital planning, and resource needs for the future department.
• Coordinate and monitor administrative processes, reporting systems, and operational readiness initiatives to support department development.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring processes, and onboarding activities for initial police personnel as authorized; support compliance with TCOLE requirements and accreditation standards.
• Assist in developing and coordinating training standards, professional development programs, and performance management processes for future department personnel.
• Ensure assigned projects, policies, and operational planning activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, City ordinances, and administrative policies.
• Provide support and recommendations to the Director of Public Safety regarding public safety planning, operational readiness, and department development initiatives.
• Support community engagement efforts and represent public safety interests in meetings, events, and public interactions as assigned.
• Assist in developing a departmental culture and community policing philosophy emphasizing accountability, transparency, professionalism, and collaboration.
• Coordinate with regional law enforcement agencies, emergency management personnel, vendors, and community partners to support public safety planning and future service delivery.

• Participate in emergency management planning activities and assist with emergency response coordination from an administrative or support role as needed.
• Attend City Council meetings, community events, professional conferences, and public safety meetings as required.
• Assist with mutual aid planning efforts and regional public safety initiatives.
• Coordinate and support procurement activities related to facilities, vehicles, equipment, technology, uniforms, and other resources necessary for future department operations.
• Assist with public information efforts, media coordination, and community outreach activities related to public safety services.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City leadership, employees, community members, vendors, and regional partners.
• Support operational planning,…