CHIEF OF POLICE
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

Independence, MO (population 123,000) is looking for a successful police leader to be their next Chief of Police.  Independence is known as the hometown of the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, and the starting point for the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum contains exhibits detailing the life and career of the former U.S. president and hometown hero is a year-round attraction. As the “Queen City of the Trails” you can find many references to the westward expansion of the United States throughout the community including the National Frontier Trails Museum and wagon rides through the historic downtown. 

Independence seeks a Police Chief with diverse experience who is able to excel in all facets of the job. A documented history of developing all staff and building succession plans is a critical skill. Candidates must be able to navigate political waters while remaining apolitical. Experience with facility development is a plus. The new chief will have the opportunity to guide the department through the challenges being faced by law enforcement at the national, regional, and local level. The department is dealing with recent critical incidents, and the new Chief will need to understand the need for department and peer support. The Chief needs to lead by example and have unquestioned integrity. 

The next Chief of Police will have the following experience: 

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred
• Have at least ten (10) years of service in law enforcement, including five (5) years in a supervisory position, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
• Candidates should have executive management training, including but not limited to the FBI National Academy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award, PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), Center for Police Leadership and Ethics Crossing Program or similar leadership training.
• Be an exceptional communicator, able to thoughtfully represent the interests of the Department and the City, with a high level of community engagement.
• Will have a record of success in a leadership position in a similarly diverse community with a comparably sized municipal law enforcement agency.
• Have extensive experience with budget development with a municipal police department.
• Have a history of success in working in a collective bargaining environment.
• Be proactive in addressing criminal activity while maintaining and enhancing community engagement.
• Be a commissioned police officer by the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training, or able to attain certification within one (1) year of hire. 

Candidates must possess well developed communication and public presentation skills, utmost integrity, and be committed to the long-range success of the Independence Police Department. The Police Chief is appointed by and subject to the authority of the City Manager and is considered an at-will employee. 

The starting salary range for the position is $150,000-$160,000 DOQ with an excellent benefit package. Submit resume, cover letter and contact information for 5 professional references by May 11th, 2022 to Jon Fehlman at www.GovHRjobs.com. Electronic submissions are required. Email or telephone inquiries may be directed to Jon Fehlman at 615.692.9264 or [email protected]. 

All positions in the City of Independence are filled according to the Equal Rights Act with no discrimination shown on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. 

Click Here to Apply!