Big Valley Police Chief

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Tribal Administrator, the Police Chief of the Big Valley Police Department is responsible for overseeing all law enforcement operations, establishing department policies, and ensuring the safety and security of the tribal community. This position involves strategic planning, supervision of personnel, coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, and enforcement of tribal laws. The Police Chief will lead efforts to develop and maintain a fully operational police department, implement community policing strategies, and build strong relationships with tribal leadership and community members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop, implement, and continuously improve strategic plans, policies, and procedures to establish and operate the police department.
2. Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to all department personnel, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
3. Oversee community policing initiatives to proactively engage with community members and enhance crime prevention and public safety.
4. Manage departmental operations, including patrol, investigations, traffic control, and emergency response.
5. Ensure all department personnel adhere to established protocols, maintain accurate records, and uphold the highest professional standards.
6. Patrol reservation in car, on bicycle, and on foot; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of tribal laws; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations for reported criminal activity, deaths and vehicle traffic accidents.
7. Respond to any emergency, utilizing exceptional physical abilities which include but are not limited to: high speed driving, pursuing criminals while on foot, carrying injured persons, climbing fences and walls, overcoming physical resistance of uncooperative violent suspects, and directing traffic at emergency scenes, fires and special events. Most of these requirements occur outside and may be in inclement weather.
8. Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants and witnesses, interrogate suspects, gather and preserve evidence, testify and present evidence in court.
9. Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.
10. Prepare reports detailing patrol activities, arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.
11. Maintain accountability for departmental records, evidence management, and administrative processes
12. Serve warrants and subpoenas.
13. While on patrol, stop drivers who are operating vehicles violating laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices, issue citations and make arrests as necessary.
14. Administer first aid in emergency situations.
15. Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
16. Work unsupervised as a solo unit in responding to emergencies.
17. Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Law enforcement experience with demonstrated supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven experience in community policing and establishing law enforcement programs.  
• Prior experience working with Tribal communities is preferred.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• In-depth knowledge of police methods, investigative techniques, community engagement, and criminal law.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with local, county, state, and federal agencies.
• High integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the community, employees, and partner agencies.
• Experience in developing and implementing law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Capacity to analyze situations, assess threats, and adopt effective courses of action.
• Commitment to community policing and proactive crime prevention strategies.

The following are desired abilities:

LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports.
• Proficiency in standard broadcasting procedures for police radio systems.
• Strong ability to give and follow oral and written directives.

REASONING & CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically.
• Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies while assessing situations and people accurately.
• Ability to interpret and apply tribal, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Keen observational skills, with the ability to remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and locations.

PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must meet the physical fitness standards set by the Tribal Police Department.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and work under high-stress conditions.
• Capable of standing, walking, and performing law enforcement duties for extended periods.
• Proficient in the use and care of firearms.
• Must be able to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to operate a vehicle at high speeds and in emergency conditions.
• Capable of overcoming physical resistance when pursuing or apprehending suspects.
• Must be able to handle stressful and possibly hazardous situations.
• Must be able to perform duties in various weather conditions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS   

- Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License.

- No felony convictions.

- Have normal hearing with not over 15% loss in either ear.

- Have corrected 20/20 vision in both eyes with full color perception

- Possession of a California POST Basic Certificate or the successful completion of a certified POST Basic Academy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Must be able to work in an intense environment where a high degree of concentration is necessary to perform the required job duties.

OTHER

1. Must pass pre-employment drug testing and background investigation.

2. In accordance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Sections 701 (B) and 703 (1), preference in filling all vacancies will be given to qualified Native American Indian candidates.

3. Must be sensitive to the needs of the Indian community, their culture and traditions

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000