What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Police position at City of Boca Raton, FL?
General Statement of Job
For more details about this career opportunity, check out the hiring brochure here: Chief of Police
Starting April 8, 2026, applications will be evaluated based on the qualifications listed below. The most qualified candidates will be invited to interview with the City of Boca Raton.
The Chief of Police serves as a key member of the City’s executive leadership team and is entrusted with ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of the community. This position provides strategic direction and oversight for all law enforcement services, guiding the Department with a commitment to professionalism, accountability, and public trust.
With a focus on service and partnership, the Chief of Police works collaboratively with City leadership, employees, and the community to address public safety needs, enhance quality of life, and uphold the highest standards of integrity. This role leads through vision and example, fostering innovation, developing people, and ensuring the Department is prepared to meet both current and future challenges.
The Chief of Police is responsible for building strong relationships, promoting transparency, and delivering effective, responsive policing services that reflect the values and expectations of the City of Boca Raton.
Essential Functions
- Provides executive leadership and direction for all Police Department operations, personnel, and programs
- Establishes strategic goals and objectives aligned with City priorities and community needs
- Plans, organizes, and directs all departmental functions, including patrol, investigations, administration, and support services
- Develops and enforces policies, procedures, and standards in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Directs the deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources to ensure effective law enforcement and public safety services
- Oversee recruitment, training, performance management, discipline, and professional development of personnel
- Promotes accountability, professionalism, and ethical conduct throughout the Department
- Prepares, administers, and monitors the Department budget and long-range resource planning
- Evaluates operational performance, analyzes crime trends, and implements data-driven improvements
- Oversee Internal Affairs, including investigation and resolution of citizen complaints
- Serves as principal advisor to City leadership on law enforcement and public safety matters
- Represents the Department in interactions with City officials, community stakeholders, and partner agencies
- Leads community engagement efforts to build trust and support public safety initiatives
- Directs emergency preparedness, critical incident response, and interagency coordination
Related tasks:
- Prepares and submits reports, recommendations, and presentations to City leadership on operational, administrative, and public safety matters
- Coordinates mutual aid agreements and interagency collaboration with regional, state, and federal partners
- Represents the Department at public meetings, community events, and professional organizations
- Reviews and approves major operational plans, initiatives, and special projects
- Monitors legislative changes, emerging trends, and advancements in law enforcement practices and technology
- Oversees grant identification, application, and compliance activities
- Participates in labor relations activities, including collective bargaining and contract administration
- Supports Citywide initiatives, strategic planning efforts, and cross-departmental collaboration
- Performs other related duties as assigned or required to support the Department and City operations
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Federal, state, and local laws, rules, ordinances, and court decisions related to criminal justice, law enforcement, criminal identification, and radio communications
- City geography, including the location of key buildings and critical infrastructure
- Disaster preparedness and evacuation procedures
- Labor laws and collective bargaining practices
- Leadership principles and effective supervisory practices
- Directing and coordinating the activities of law enforcement personnel
- Evaluating police operations and developing effective crime prevention strategies
- Preparing, reviewing, and analyzing reports
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with City officials, law enforcement partners, and the public
- Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and tact
- Exercise sound judgment and resourcefulness in emergency situations
- Assess operational effectiveness and implement improvements
- Maintain composure and perform effectively under high levels of stress
- Foster collaboration and professionalism across diverse groups and stakeholders
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a closely related field
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory and command-level experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be certified as a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida (or have the ability to obtain Florida certification within a specified timeframe)
- Completion of a recognized executive-level law enforcement leadership program required (e.g., FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Senior Management Institute for Police, FDLE Senior Leadership Program, or equivalent)
- Must be able to respond to emergencies and serve as an essential employee during declared emergencies and disaster events
POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:
Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:
- Criminal Background Check to include Fingerprinting
- Employment Verification
- Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
- Workers' Compensation
- Certification/License Verification
- Credit Check
- Reference Checks
- Polygraph
- Psychological Examination
- Physical
- Drug and Alcohol Screen
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.