Police Chief

Coeur d'Alene, ID
Coeur d'Alene Police Department

Salary: $127,732.00 – $179,753.00 Annually

Closing Date: 3/1/2026

Position Summary:

The Police Chief manages and directs programs and activities of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. Determines and implements department programs, policies and processes and conducts long-term planning in support of the City strategic plan. Establishes and ensures department goals and objectives are accomplished. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and judgment, leadership responsibilities, highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills, time management, and organizational skills. The Police Chief requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or related field with a Master’s Degree preferred; Idaho POST Basic certification within one year and eligibility for Intermediate and Supervisory certifications; and ten (10) years’ of progressively responsible experience in local law enforcement and crime prevention, and three (3) years or more experience in a command position with management and supervisory responsibility. This position is required to supervise employees during the performance of critical incident functions which require employees to qualify to carry firearms, perform emergency medical, and/or lifesaving activities. The work is accomplished primarily in an office environment but situations arise wherein the employee is subject to dangerous, potentially life-threatening events, and inclement weather.

Essential Functions:

  • Directs the activities of a large diverse department where the goal is to provide the highest quality service;
  • Provides leadership to develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff and participates in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive employee relations environment;
  • Researches, evaluates and approves recommendations regarding department policies and programs;
  • Takes part in strategic planning and works closely with the City’s elected leadership in setting and carrying out the City’s vision, mission and goals and objectives for the Police department.
  • Confers regularly with command staff in analysis of daily activities and in resolution of problems in areas of labor relations, community rapport, trends in local crime activity, and internal investigations/personnel problems;
  • Reviews internal investigations of members of the department for alleged wrong doing; takes disciplinary action against members for violation of policies;
  • Develops strategies to attempt to reduce crime and improve public relations;
  • Formulates policy, procedures and regulations governing law enforcement activities;
  • Prepares annual budget estimates;
  • Develops short- and long-term plans and goals for the department;
  • Serves as the City authority pertaining to department programs, activities and goals;
  • Presents plans, proposals and reports to the Mayor and City Council as necessary;
  • Analyzes and resolves operational and procedural problems;
  • Analyzes police service needs, availability of police resources, and other related factors in developing programs in an effort to meet needs;
  • Maintain a high level of discipline and morale;
  • Participates in labor negotiations, administers labor agreements, addresses grievances and maintains dialogue with union leadership. Implements conditions established by police contract.
  • Establishes and maintains a culture of professionalism and community engagement between members of the department and the citizens and visitors to the City of Coeur d’Alene;
  • Coordinates or directs coordination of department activities with other governmental agencies. Maintains working relationships with other law enforcement agencies. Maintains good public relations through courteous and prompt attention to questions, conflicts and complaints regarding department actions, policies or procedures. Directs development and implementation of initiatives, policies and programs to strengthen community partnerships, public awareness and support for department programs and policies. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with the public, local businesses, inter-governmental agencies, news media, elected officials, department heads and employees.
  • Advises staff on current issues, instructions, policies and other matters of importance;
  • Develops policing strategy to include community engagement, intelligence led policing methods, COMPSTAT based assessment of effectiveness and the mentoring of mid-level managers to analyze existing practices and recommend improvements and changes as needed;
  • Optimizes the use of technology in policing while maintaining compliance with public records laws and balancing the cost/benefit of the efficiencies provided against the impact on the budget;
  • Maintains proficiency in the fundamentals of policing such as shooting, defensive tactics and patrol procedures in addition to remaining up to date with case law and emerging trends in the field of law enforcement to ensure quality improvement;
  • Works with community groups as well as citizens on law enforcement activities, citizen concerns, etc.; offers ideas and solutions;
  • Manages and supervises major events (planned and unplanned), crime scenes, field activities, etc.;
  • Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations to protect and serve the community;
  • Makes presentations to governmental agencies, the media, community groups and a variety of civic organizations;
  • Responds to management’s, co-workers’ and citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner;
  • Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of all matters;
  • Assists other department and City employees as needed or requested;
  • Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or related field with a Master’s Degree preferred;
  • Idaho POST Basic certification within one year and eligibility for Intermediate and Supervisory certifications;
  • Ten (10) years’ of progressively responsible experience in local law enforcement and crime prevention;
  • Three (3) years or more experience in a command position with management and supervisory responsibility;
  • Valid driver’s license; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs/133989-1/police-chief