Police Chief Job Type:

Full Time Fortuna, CA Fortuna Police Department Salary:

$148,000.00

Annually Closing Date:

9/23/2026

Position Summary:

The Police Chief is a full-time department head classification responsible for the functions of the Police Department. This position provides assistance to the City Manager in a variety of administrative, analytical, and collaborative capacities. Work is performed under the administrative direction of the City Manager, with extensive latitude granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Responsibilities include coordinating activities with other departments and agencies and managing and overseeing the complex functions of the department. Work is typically performed in a general office environment and in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations that may involve exposure to potential personal danger. Moderate to heavy physical activity may be required in certain situations. Outdoor work may include exposure to inclement weather.

Essential Functions:

Assume full management responsibility for all department services and activities, including law enforcement and crime prevention programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures. Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, strategic priorities, and long-range organizational planning efforts. Support implementation of the City Council's Strategic Plan, General Plan, and organizational priorities by aligning Police Department operations, services, and resources with adopted City goals. Plan, direct, and coordinate, through subordinate-level staff, a department work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems. Provide leadership in emergency management, disaster preparedness and Incident Command System (ICS), including coordination with City departments and regional partners during emergency operations. Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, internal reporting relationships, technology, crime analysis, operational data, and performance measures to identify opportunities for improvement; direct organizational changes that enhance operational effectiveness and public safety services. Direct and assist with the investigation of major crimes, accidents, or other unusual incidents. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training and career development; work with employees to correct deficiencies and implement discipline. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate. Oversee Department accreditation, regulatory compliance, and professional standards to promote accountability, operational consistency, and adherence to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and industry standards. Provide assistance to the City Manager; participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Represent the Police Department by developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with City departments, elected officials, residents, businesses, schools, community organizations, the media, allied agencies, and regional public safety partners to enhance public safety, strengthen public trust, and support City goals. Promote community engagement through public education, presentations, transparency, outreach, and collaborative problem-solving. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of recent developments in the fields of crime prevention, police-community relations, and other law enforcement areas. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Perform related duties as required.

Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field required. Any combination of training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities would be eight (8) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including significant command-level experience at the rank of Lieutenant, Captain, or equivalent. Demonstrated executive leadership, organizational management and administrative experience are required. Experience may be substituted for education. Possession of a Supervisory Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) and a P.O.S.T. Management Certificate are required Must possess a valid California Driver's License through-out employment. The incumbent will participate in the DMV "Pull Program." Must be willing to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

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