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Job Description
Police Chief Ongoing Applications Reference number Posted 06/25/26
Job Type Full Time Package Annual Salary:
$213,432 - $259,404 (As of 7/1/26) Position Description Police Chief Recruitment Bulletin (PDF, 5MB) The duties, qualifications, and guidelines listed in this bulletin are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The complete job specification may be found here: SANFERNANDO.GOV/Job-Specs .
THE DEPARTMENT
The San Fernando Police Department (SFPD) serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the City of San Fernando, California, providing comprehensive public safety services to residents, businesses, and visitors. SFPD is committed to community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and proactive engagement through neighborhood and business watch programs, youth outreach, traffic safety enforcement, and emergency response services. The Department prioritizes transparency, accountability, and building trust through strong partnerships with schools, local organizations, and community stakeholders. In addition to traditional patrol and investigative functions, SFPD utilizes modern tools and technology to enhance public safety, including crime analysis, specialized units, and coordinated regional response efforts. The Department also emphasizes professional development, community education, and collaborative problem-solving to address quality-of-life concerns and emerging public safety challenges. Through a balance of enforcement and engagement, the San Fernando Police Department works to maintain a safe, responsive, and connected community.
THE POSITION
The San Fernando Police Department Chief serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and is part of the executive management team.
Essential job duties include:
Plans, directs, and evaluates all Police Department operations, programs, budgets, and strategic goals. Leads, supervises, and develops department personnel, including recruitment, performance management, and disciplinary actions. Promotes high-performance, customer service-oriented culture that supports the City's mission and values. Develops and implements departmental policies, strategic initiatives, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborates with the City Manager, City Council, legal advisors, community groups, and other agencies to address public safety needs and departmental issues. Oversees all police functions, including patrol, investigations, community services, communications, jail operations, traffic enforcement, records, and support services. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and operational standards through administrative controls and inspections. Directs responses to critical incidents and major investigations, while analyzing crime trends and implementing crime prevention strategies. Represents the department through community outreach, media relations, and participation on law enforcement boards, committees, and interagency partnerships. Leads emergency preparedness, terrorism response, and disaster management programs, and ensures compliance with Type-1 jail operational requirements and inspections.
QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A
typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined in this bulletin is graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration, or a closely related field and ten years of police experience including five years of management level experience.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A
valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance program. Advanced POST certificate is required. Completion of Law Enforcement Command-level courses. STC Jail Supervisor or completion of Manager/Administrator Core Course as specified by the California Standards and Training for Corrections (STC).
ICS/NIMS
(Incident Command Systems/National Institute Management System) 100/200/400/700. Must maintain the physical fitness and weight standards required to perform essential duties, including walking, running, and operating vehicles and equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation. Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to interpret information, perform detailed work, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing demands. May be required to successfully complete psychological evaluations.
SALARY AND BENEFITS SALARY
(depending on qualifications): $213,432 - $259,404 (as of 7/1/26) plus generous benefits
RETIREMENT
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 3% at 60 for Classic members (hired on/before 11/12/05), 2% @ 55 for Classic members (hired after 11/12/05), 2% at 62 for new members (hired on/after 1/1/23). Employee contribution based on Executive Management - Department Head Memorandum of Understanding.
INSURANCE
As part of a full flex Cafeteria Plan, employee receives a monthly flex dollar allowance ($1,156.79 Single; $1,994.28 Two Party; and $2,680.09 Family) to apply toward Medical, Dental and Vision benefits offered through the City's insurance plans for employee and eligible dependents. The City pays for Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, and $50,000 term/AD&D Life Insurance Policy for employee. Additional voluntary purchase is available with no medical questions asked.
ANNUAL LEAVE
160 - 240 hours per year (depending on length of service).
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
120 hours per year (prorated first year).
HOLIDAYS
13 days per year.
LONGEVITY
3% above base monthly salary upon completion of 10 years of continuous service; a total of 4% after 20 years of service, and a total of 5% after 30 years of service.
AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE
City-provided vehicle or car allowance of $400 per month.
BILINGUAL BONUS
$100 per month upon passing bilingual (Spanish language) exam.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for approved courses.
WELLNESS REIMBURSEMENT
Up to $750 per fiscal year for certain wellness expenses.
