Police Chief - Trinidad

A distinctive southeastern Colorado community and the seat of Las Animas County, the City of Trinidad is rich in western-frontier history, stunning views of expansive mountain vistas, and abundant tourism attractions. Situated alongside the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains and the Purgatoire River, the historic and award-winning community home to 8,216 residents combines the best features of a low-cost, family-friendly way of life with diverse outdoor pursuits, the economic opportunities afforded by an interstate highway, and a renewed spirit of civic optimism.

Established in 1876, the Trinidad Police Department is made up of 25 sworn officers, a Police Chief, seven Dispatch employees, and seven non-sworn employees, who are focused on the protection of life and property. The Department is split into four main divisions:
Patrol, Investigations, Community Services, and Dispatch. Officers respond to approximately 18,000 calls for service each year, including all crime, civil issues, animal control, and code enforcement. Trinidad’s Police Chief is responsible for the efficient management, direction, and operation of the Police Department. The Police Chief ensures that laws and ordinances are enforced and follow professional standards, and that measures are implemented to prevent crime and protect lives and property.

This position represents the Department and the City in all matters related to law enforcement and will perform work in a manner consistent with and exemplary of the City’s PRIDE philosophies and the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy.

The City of Trinidad seeks an experienced, compassionate leader, who is community-oriented and a strong people person, to serve as its next Police Chief. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in police science, criminal justice, or a directly related field is required, plus eight (8) years of law enforcement experience with at least five (5) years of senior administrative responsibility.

An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

• Candidates must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license or obtain one prior to the start of employment. The license must not be under suspension, revocation, or denial, and candidates must not have any alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses within the past five years.
• Must pass a background investigation and physical examination in accordance with job duties prior to employment.
• Must undergo drug testing prior to employment and may be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment as per City policy.
• Must be able to obtain provisional certification as outlined in the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines. Must then be able obtain basic certification within 6 months.
• CPR and First Aid training.
• Must maintain mental alertness; specific vision abilities; and knowledge of handling law enforcement-related equipment.
• Must be comfortable with occasional contacts and involvement with potentially dangerous people, animals, and equipment.

The salary range for this position is $110,000-$125,000, depending on experience and qualifications.