FELLSMERE – Chief of Police

Position Overview:

The Chief of Police serves as the executive head of the City of Fellsmere, Police Department and is responsible for protecting life and property, maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and overseeing the enforcement of laws and municipal ordinances. This position provides visionary leadership, ensures operational excellence, and guides the department in developing innovative strategies that promote community trust, officer accountability, and the overall safety and well-being of residents and visitors.

This role is both administrative and operational, requiring a balance of executive-level planning and direct command during critical incidents. The Chief of Police is a public-facing leader who works collaboratively with elected officials, city leadership, the judiciary, civic groups, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods to address evolving public safety needs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

Lead the development and implementation of the Police Department’s strategic goals, annual operating plans, and long-term vision.
Develop, update, and enforce departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in line with best practices, legal requirements, and emerging trends in public safety.
Serve as an advisor to city administration and governing bodies on all matters related to law enforcement and public safety.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services; recommend changes based on performance metrics, crime trends, and public input.
Administrative Oversight

Plan, prepare, and administer the Police Department’s annual budget, including capital planning, staffing levels, fleet maintenance, equipment procurement, and technology investments.
Oversee internal audits, inspections, and operational reviews to ensure efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and legal compliance.
Manage risk and liability issues through proactive supervision, clear documentation, and adherence to state and federal statutes.
Ensure proper reporting of crime data to state/federal databases (UCR/NIBRS), and manage compliance with public records and transparency laws.
Personnel Management

Directly supervise command staff (Deputy Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants) and oversee approximately [insert number] of sworn officers and civilian employees.
Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and a strong chain of command while encouraging leadership development at all levels.
Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and promotional processes to ensure diversity, equity, and merit-based advancement within the department.
Investigate internal affairs complaints, use-of-force incidents, and citizen grievances in a thorough and impartial manner. Implement corrective action, discipline, or training as appropriate.
Community Policing & Public Engagement

Promote a community-oriented policing model that fosters trust, problem-solving, and collaborative safety efforts between police and residents.
Host or attend town halls, neighborhood forums, youth programs, and other civic events to maintain visible leadership and two-way communication with the public.
Develop special outreach programs for vulnerable or historically underserved populations, including youth, seniors, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness.
Operational Command & Emergency Response

Serve as Incident Commander during critical events, natural disasters, large-scale protests, active shooter incidents, or civil disturbances.
Oversee specialized units such as SWAT, K-9, Narcotics, Traffic Enforcement, Investigations, School Resource Officers, and others.
Coordinate with Emergency Management, Fire, EMS, and mutual aid agencies to ensure preparedness and cohesive response strategies.
Ensure the integration and ethical use of public safety technologies, including body-worn cameras, license plate readers, and real-time crime centers.
Ethics, Accountability & Reform

Ensure that all operations comply with constitutional policing principles, civil rights protections, and use-of-force best practices.
Maintain and strengthen internal accountability systems, early intervention tracking, and performance audits to identify and address misconduct or patterns of concern.
Lead department-wide reforms, modernization efforts, or consent decree compliance (if applicable).
Commit to transparency in department performance, including public dashboards, independent reviews, and data sharing with the community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, or a closely related field is required.
Master’s degree (MPA, MS in Criminal Justice, or related) strongly preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including at least 5 years in a command-level role (e.g., Captain, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief).
Certifications & Training:
Valid state law enforcement certification required.
Completion of executive-level leadership training preferred (e.g., FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police, Southern Police Institute, PERF).
Must possess or be able to obtain valid driver’s license and maintain insurability.

Desirable Skills & Knowledge:

In-depth knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, crime prevention, criminal investigations, and police administration.
Understanding of municipal governance, budgeting, labor relations, and collective bargaining agreements.
Skilled in public speaking, media relations, conflict resolution, and crisis communication.
Proficient in the use of crime mapping, statistical analysis, and technology-based policing tools.
Strong familiarity with civil rights law, criminal procedure, de-escalation techniques, and mental health response best practices.

Personal Competencies:

Integrity & Accountability: Leads by example, maintains transparency, and upholds high ethical standards.
Visionary Leadership: Anticipates emerging challenges, fosters innovation, and charts a strategic course.
Cultural Competency: Committed to building a diverse and inclusive department that reflects and serves the entire community.
Collaboration: Works effectively across departments, jurisdictions, and with community stakeholders.
Resilience: Performs under pressure, adapts to rapidly changing environments, and demonstrates sound judgment in high-stakes situations.

Working Conditions:

Frequently required to respond to emergencies outside of regular working hours.
Indoor office work with periodic fieldwork including crime scenes, accident sites, and special events.
Exposure to hazardous situations, including violence, civil unrest, or natural disasters.
Subject to frequent interaction with public officials, media, advocacy groups, and residents.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The City of Fellsmere is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful environment for employees and the public we serve.