POLICE CHIEF
REPORTS TO: City Administrator
FY2026 POSITION PAY GRADE: 74
DEPARTMENT: Police
SALARY RANGE: $103,396.80/YEAR - $125,985.60/YEAR
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Police Chief provides leadership and management for the City of Kearney’s law enforcement and public safety services, including patrol operations, investigations, emergency response, and community policing. As a key member of the City Administrator’s Executive Leadership Team, the Chief ensures professional, ethical, and constitutional policing; regulatory compliance; and effective deployment of resources to meet both immediate and long-term community safety needs. The Chief leads the Police Department in delivering fair, responsive, and high-quality public safety services that protect individual rights, build community trust, and enhance the well-being and quality of life of Kearney residents.
OBJECTIVES:
- Lead and develop the Police Department team to build engagement, accountability and a high-performing, values-driven culture focused on results and continuous improvement.
- Deliver professional, fair, and constitutional policing services that enhance public safety and community trust.
- Develop, evaluate, and recommend public safety policies, operational strategies, and long-range plans that align with City priorities, legal requirements, and evolving community needs.
- Manage departmental budgets responsibly, allocating resources to meet immediate needs while planning for long-term sustainability, staffing capacity, and community safety.
- Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and best practices in law enforcement.
- Maintain emergency preparedness and ensure rapid, coordinated response to emergencies, critical incidents, and public safety threats.
- Strengthen collaboration with other departments to ensure cohesive planning, coordinated service delivery, and alignment with City priorities.
- Build public trust through transparency, accountability, and responsive communication with residents and stakeholders.
- Promote continuous improvement by using departmental metrics and performance data to identify opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and service quality.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Directs and oversees all operations within the Police Department, including patrol, investigations, administration, training, and community policing functions.
- Leads supervisors and staff in establishing goals, performance standards, and professional development plans; coaches, trains, and motivates employees to maintain a high-performing team.
- ·Organizes departmental structure and resources to ensure efficient service delivery and effective use of personnel and equipment.
- ·Develops, administers, and monitors departmental budgets for operations and capital purchases, monitors expenditures and forecasts future staffing, equipment and operational needs.
- ·Develops, implements, and enforces departmental policies, procedures, and directives in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.
- ·Pursues and manages federal, state, and other grant funding opportunities to supplement City resources.
- Develops and implements crime prevention and community-oriented policing strategies, utilizing data driven approaches to identify emerging trends and address community concerns through collaborative problem-solving.
- ·Analyzes crime data, operational metrics, and community feedback to guide strategic planning and resource deployment.
- ·Serves as the department spokesperson and coordinates communication with the public and media during incidents and routine operations, consistent with City communication protocols.
- ·Prepares and presents reports, policy recommendations, and strategic analyses to the City Administrator and Board of Aldermen to support informed decision-making on public safety priorities.
- Stays current on advancements in law enforcement practices, technology, and training; oversees responsible integration of new tools and systems.
- Oversees and ensures appropriate handling of all internal affairs investigations in conjunction with HR and ensures accountability, transparency, and due process
- Prepares and administers compliant bid documents, contracts, and required notices to ensure fairness and adherence to the City’s purchasing policy.
- Ensures all departmental operations comply with applicable laws, regulations and safety standards; develops and monitors safety programs and training.
- Develops and implements emergency response and continuity plans; coordinates with public works and outside agencies for response to emergencies, crises, and major incidents and recovery.
- ·Works closely with the City Administrator, members of the executive leadership team, consultants, contractors, and community partners to coordinate initiatives and resolve service issues.
- Confers regularly with the City Administrator regarding departmental operations and planning and provides updates, reports and recommendations to assist in prioritizing, planning and making future decisions.
- ·Engages with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to provide timely and accurate information about department services and initiatives, gather input, and address concerns with transparency, responsiveness, and respect.
- Represents the City in meetings and professional organizations, promoting Kearney’s public safety goals and maintaining productive relationships with external partners.
- ·Analyzes departmental performance metrics and identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost savings.
- Promotes transparency, accountability, and exceptional customer service in all interactions with the public and employees.
- ·Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
COMPETENCIES:
Leadership and Management
· Motivational leadership, coaching, mentoring and personnel management
· Conflict resolution and constructive feedback
· Delegation and accountability
· Emotional intelligence and relationship management
Strategic and Budget Management
· Strategic planning and prioritization
· Budget development, management, and forecasting
· Resource allocation and cost control
· Grant research, application, and management
· Data-driven decision-making and performance analysis
Technical and Operational Expertise
· Comprehensive knowledge of modern law enforcement operations
· Community-oriented policing principles
· Emergency and critical incident command
· Policy development and constitutional policing practices
Regulatory and Safety Compliance
· Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing law enforcement
· Missouri POST standards and compliance
· Safety program development and administration
· Internal affairs and professional standards oversight
Communication and Collaboration
· Clear written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences
· Active listening and presentation skills
· Interagency and interdepartmental coordination
· Community engagement and relationship-building
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
· Process analysis and improvement
· Law enforcement technology and records systems
· Performance measurement and benchmarking
· Change management and creative problem-solving
· Sustainability and environmental stewardship planning
· Proficiency with standard office and project management software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field, and ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in career law enforcement, including at least three years of supervisory, budgetary, and management responsibility; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Licenses or Certifications: Missouri POST certification required. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Missouri driver’s license. Command-level training or law enforcement executive leadership training required.
WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS:
The Police Chief is a full-time, FLSA-exempt, executive leadership position that requires attendance at evening meetings, emergency responses, and extended hours during critical events. The position demands a high level of commitment and accountability, and the Chief is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role, which often exceed a standard 40-hour workweek. This is a results-driven position requiring proactive engagement, creativity, innovation, flexibility, and dedication to public service – as well as a genuine love of helping people and leaving things better than you found them. The work is challenging, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding for those motivated by making a visible difference in the community.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is primarily performed in both a standard office environment and field environment. The employee may be required to lift or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds and may occasionally be exposed to extreme weather conditions, hazardous chemicals and materials, infectious disease and dangerous machinery during emergency responses, investigations, and on-site incidents.
ABOUT US:
The City of Kearney serves to create a thriving, sustainable and desirable community.
Our core values are integrity, compassion, service, and teamwork. We are honest and transparent in our communications and operations. We treat all people with respect and dignity. We express ourselves in a genuine and honest way. We apply the laws and rules that govern us to every decision we make and every action we take. We are kind, friendly and considerate towards the community and our colleagues, regardless of their status or disagreement with us. We listen well and seek to understand before responding. We nurture and embrace differing perspectives to make better decisions. We care about our community and are sensitive to its needs. We work towards mutually beneficial solutions to get to yes for positive outcomes. We believe learning never stops and are committed to continuous improvement. We admit mistakes freely and openly so that we can learn and become better. We are passionate about helping others and making Kearney a better place to live, work and visit. We recognize and appreciate that our differences make us stronger and smarter, allowing us to do amazing things for Kearney. We question actions inconsistent with our values and provide candid, helpful, and timely feedback to our colleagues. We take responsibility for our actions and decisions and following through on our commitments and promises. We value creativity, a positive attitude and enjoying ourselves at work.
The City of Kearney offers competitive pay and a great benefit package, including health insurance, 13 paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation, sick time and the L-7 Missouri LAGERS retirement pension for all full-time employees. We also offer a wellness plan, tuition reimbursement, annual service awards and an Employee Assistance Program.
The City of Kearney is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.
