Job Summary The Chief of Police holds a vital leadership position responsible for overseeing all law enforcement operations within the City of Tucumcari. This role requires a dynamic and strategic leader committed to maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, working closely with other agencies and fostering community trust. The Chief of Police organizes, directs and supervises law enforcement and animal control personnel, manages schedules, ensures compliance with NM State Law and City ordinances. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for service excellence, creating a safe environment for residents, visitors, and staff alike. Duties Lead and coordinate all police department activities, including patrols, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community outreach programs. Develop strategic plans to enhance public safety initiatives and crime prevention efforts. Supervise police officers, animal control officers and administrative staff, providing mentorship, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities. Oversee law enforcement procedures ensuring adherence to procedural law, criminal law, evidence law, search and seizure law, and local ordinances. Manage Police and Animal Control Departmental budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and oversee procurement of equipment such as firearms handling gear, surveillance technology, and communication systems. Conduct criminal investigations by directing case assignments, reviewing reports, and ensuring thorough documentation through report writing. Ensure departmental compliance with training requirements including use of force protocols, first aid (CPR), first aid and physical conditioning standards. Maintain community relations by engaging with residents through public meetings and outreach programs to foster trust and transparency. Respond promptly to critical incidents requiring conflict management skills or deployment of specialized units. Oversee the implementation of security measures including surveillance systems and loss prevention strategies to safeguard departmental assets. Qualifications Extensive experience in law enforcement with demonstrated expertise in criminal investigation, traffic laws, firearms handling in law enforcement contexts, and procedural law knowledge. Proven leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams in high-pressure environments; military background is a plus. Strong understanding of criminal law experience including arrest procedures, search and seizure laws, New Mexico State Code and local ordinances. Proficiency in report writing with attention to detail; ability to analyze complex situations quickly and make sound decisions. Physical conditioning capable of meeting demanding operational requirements. Maintain budgets for Police Department and Animal Control. Certifications in CPR/AED/First Aid protocols; training in use of force policies; surveillance techniques; animal handling; security practices; evidence collection; conflict management; search procedures; fire arms handling; evidence tracking/monitoring and criminal procedure are highly desirable. Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage crisis situations effectively while maintaining professionalism. Join us as a city department leader dedicated to safeguarding our community through proactive policing strategies rooted in integrity and service excellence!

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Military leave Paid time off Retirement plan Uniform allowance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person