Deputy Chief of Police Position Available In Polk, Florida

Deputy Chief of Police City of Winter Haven, FL – 3.5 Winter Haven, FL Job Details Full-time $87,256 – $117,957 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Pension plan Employee assistance program Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Criminology Management Master’s degree Driver’s License Bachelor’s degree Law Enforcement Senior level Leadership Political Science Full Job Description Applications can be completed online or in person at our Human Resources Office at 500 Third Street NW. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or . The City of Winter Haven is looking for a Deputy Chief of Police to assist the Chief of Police in planning, directing, and managing the day-to-day operations of the Police Department. This position plays a critical leadership role in developing and implementing departmental goals, policies, and procedures to ensure effective law enforcement and public safety services. The Deputy Chief acts on behalf of the Chief in their absence and serves as a key liaison between staff, city officials, and the community.

Job Title:

Deputy Chief of Police Category:

Full-Time Application Closing Date:

June 8, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

Salary and Benefits:

$87,256 – $117,957 Annually, Depending on Experience and Qualifications Annual Step for Performance Pay Adjustments 12 Paid Holidays Per Year 12 Vacation Days Minimum, Earned Per Year 12 Sick Days Earned Per Year Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits Co-Sponsored Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Social Security Coverage Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities Employee Assistance Program – to include Mental Health Assistance/Services “Take Home”

Police Vehicle Option Essential Job Functions:

Directs, supervises, and oversees the day-to-day activities of the Police Department and staff. Plans the assignments of personnel based on the Police Department’s Strategic Plan, priorities, and objectives in accordance with established policies and procedures; ensures that optimum efficiency and effectiveness are obtained. Acts as second in command in the areas of law enforcement and police administrative activities. Supervises staff inspections and internal affairs. Has considerable latitude in the exercise of individual initiative in the performance of duties and responsibilities; assists the Chief of Police in planning and directing the activities of the Police Department and coordinates these efforts with those of other law enforcement agencies. Performs duties under the general supervision of the Chief of Police; assists the Chief of Police in varied administrative, planning, and coordinating functions; prepares the operational budget of the Police Department budget. Plans, directs, coordinates, supervises, trains, and evaluates the work of sworn and civilian personnel. Initiates and recommends personnel actions for recruitment, promotions, discipline, and termination subject to the approval of the Chief of Police. Trains and counsels employees on matters related to laws, policies, department operations, and individual work performance; conducts regular department meetings with employees. Maintains discipline and ensures compliance with City and department rules and regulations. Receives and carries out special assignments; effects changes in organizational and operational procedures to obtain desired results; confers with command staff to transmit departmental directives and objectives. Continually monitors the activity of and within the department; detects conflicts or problem areas and takes necessary action to resolve same. Maintains professional work habits and public image; develops and maintains a positive working relationship with colleagues and the general public. Deals with the public and responds to citizen and community needs, complaints, and conflicts. Interacts with and responds to media inquiries and requests. Effects authorized procedural changes; provides advice or assistance with difficult or unusual problems. Takes charge of major incidents where unusual or very difficult circumstances exist. Studies crimes and other reports to determine trends. Performs related duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Police as required and acts as Chief in the Chief’s absence. Must work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the Department. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of modern principles and practices of police administration and police operations; extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; and court rulings which govern and affect police operations and practices. Thorough knowledge of the principles of management, including functions concerned with personnel, public finance, and budgeting; and of administrative and supervisory practices and methods. Skill in dealing with problems concerning public relations and the ability to foster public confidence and interest in the work of the department. Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment. Ability to plan, organize, and effectively direct the operations of the Police Department. Ability and willingness to effectively speak before public groups on topics related to the department and law enforcement. Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions; ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports and letters.

Minimum Education & Experience:

Must have a minimum of five years’ experience in law enforcement leadership command or administrative staff level position at a comparably sized or larger agency and a Bachelor degree in criminology, law enforcement, government administration, or related field from an accredited college or university; a Masters degree in the same fields of study is preferred. Must have completed command level leadership training courses in supervision and management as offered by education centers such as the Institute of Police Technology and Management, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Southern Police Institute, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy or similar command school.

Special Requirements:

Must currently possess and thereafter maintain certification as a Law Enforcement Officer from the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission; possession of a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven; absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven. Physical /

Environmental Factors:

Primarily requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis, performing routine keyboard operations, and sitting and operating a vehicle safely. Must likewise be capable of performing the essential job functions of a Police Officer and be proficient in the use and care of firearms.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

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