Chief of Police (Internal & External)

Taos, NM
Taos Police Department

Salary: $113,934.00 annually.

Position Summary:

As chief law enforcement official, performs professional, administrative and managerial duties related to planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the enforcement of federal, state and local laws as needed to preserve the peace and protect citizen rights and property.

Essential Functions:

  • Plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates Police Department operations; researches, writes, establishes, and evaluates department policies and procedures to implement executive and legislative directives from the mayor and town council; develops organizational structures including lines of authority, responsibility and communication in order to carry out the policies and goals for town law enforcement; revises organizational structure as required.
  • Serves as community liaison as needed to communicate and promote department philosophy, methods, and practices; interacts with community and business leaders, elected officials, state and local law enforcement agencies, federal agencies and news media as needed to cooperate in the solving of mutual concerns and problems.
  • Oversees media relations; manages the release of all public information; screens and reviews all public announcements and communications to assure compliance with department policy, decisions and protocol; monitors general activities of the department to assure compliance with standard operating procedures.
  • Directs the preparation and administration of departmental budgets; presents budget proposals to town management; monitors compliance with established fiscal guidelines and limitations; oversees the development of specifications for the acquisition of department equipment; reviews and signs all purchase orders and requisition forms; orders equipment, supplies and large budget expenditures; verifies costs incurred by the department; ensures payrolls are submitted promptly and accurately.
  • Manages and supervises direct-report staff by coordinating, assigning, and reviewing work to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Conducts employee evaluations, introductory and annual. Makes recommendations for hiring, promoting, and releasing employees. Initiates and administers corrective action, as necessary, according to the Employee Manual. Mentor’s employees to full potential and ensures appropriate training is given to meet the standards of the position held.
  • Directs and conducts departmental strategic planning; researches law enforcement programs and practices and implements strategies in order to better carry out policies and goals; conducts program evaluations and formulates action to upgrade a departmental efficiency and capability as needed.
  • Prepares and submits periodic reports to mayor and town council and the federal and state officials regarding departmental activity; prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate; assists in developing and making recommendations for traffic planning for installation of traffic control devices.
  • Attends various State, local, task force, interagency, legal-update, and other meetings to maintain an effective networking system and provide coordination within the law enforcement agencies and other departments; coordinates and conducts departmental meetings; attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in law enforcement.
  • Participates in, directs, and coordinates high risk, hazardous and emergency actions related to tactical operations, narcotics, gang activity, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and other enforcement activities as required; supervises and monitors the maintenance of police record keeping system; monitors reports.
  • Directs the development and maintenance of systems, records and legal documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control and documentation of Police Department operations.
  • Oversees the lawful ordering, transportation, storage and usage of equipment obtained from the Defense Logistics Revitalization program (1033 Program).
  • Performs related duties as required.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in police science, criminology or some other related field; AND Ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience;
  • Five (5) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; OR
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license; or obtain such license within 30 days following appointment.
  • Must possess and maintain a state of New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification; or obtain such certification within 9 months of employment.