Chief of Police

Salary: $83,053.00 – $126,998.00 Annually

Position Summary:

Zebulon Police Department (ZPD) provides patrol services, emergency response, crime prevention, investigations, community outreach, and administrative functions. The next Police Chief will have the vision and strategic ability to guide the department through a period of growth while ensuring public safety and community trust.

Essential Functions:

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of all police department operations and personnel.
• Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and initiatives aligned with the Town’s goals and community needs.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, service excellence, integrity, and transparency.
• Ensure effective recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management of department staff.
• Advance community policing and outreach efforts to build trust, partnerships, and crime prevention programs.
• Oversee major investigations and serve as a visible leader during high-profile incidents.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including all NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission regulations.
• Prepare and manage the department’s annual operating and capital improvement budget.
• Develop and submit grant applications; oversee the implementation and compliance of awarded grants.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with local, regional, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
• Engage regularly with civic groups, neighborhood associations, and the broader community through public presentations and direct engagement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Town Manager on public safety policy, risk mitigation, and law enforcement trends.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field.
• 8 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including supervisory and command roles.
• Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (or ability to obtain).
• Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership training preferred (AOMP, SPI, FBI National Academy, etc.).
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
• Must meet all minimum standards for law enforcement certification in North Carolina.

Preferred Requirements:

• Proven success in implementing community policing and crime reduction strategies.
• Experience leading in a growing and demographically diverse community.
• Background in organizational change management and strategic planning.
• Strong record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within a law enforcement environment.
• Successful grant writing and management experience.