Chief of Police

Pelham, AL
The City of Pelham

A search is underway to attract a highly qualified candidate to lead the Pelham Police Department.

This is truly a rare and incredible opportunity to lead a progressive law enforcement agency in a community that
supports and values its police officers. With 27 years of policing under his duty belt, Police Chief Patrick S. Cheatwood is retiring, effective March 1, 2023. The department is also without a Deputy Chief after the recent
retirement of a veteran officer with 30 years of experience.

The Chief of Police is responsible for the leadership and overall management of the police department, which is comprised of four operating divisions: Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Communications and Records, and Administrative Services. Personnel from some of these divisions also staff specialty units that provide unique or
specialized services as needed.

The Police Chief plans, directs, and controls patrol, traffic, criminal investigation, and related police services and activities, and supervises all department employees’ training, assignments, and discipline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • The Chief is responsible for enforcing all City ordinances and state laws/regulations for which the Police
    Department is accountable.
  • Benchmarks the department againstbest practices in law enforcement to develop and implement policies, procedures, and effective community policing techniques consistent with all applicable laws.
  • Employs intelligence-led policing strategies to determine the most effective and efficient use of esources to achieve the department’s mission.
  • Prepares and manages the department budget.
  • Coordinates law enforcement services with other agencies regarding new programs, special department activities, and shared services.
  • Serves others as a positive and encouraging energetic leader.
  • Keeps the Mayor, City Manager and City Council apprised of changes impacting city safety and best policing practices.

Criteria

EDUCATION
Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Law Enforcement, Police Science, Criminology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE
A minimum of five years as a Police Chief in a similarly-sized jurisdiction or as a highlevel commander/administrator is required.

EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT COURSES
Graduation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course or Command Officer Development Course, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or a comparable, comprehensive police executive leadership program is preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The current maximum salary is $156,805.