Chief of Police, Grade 18

The City of Glenarden is seeking an experienced and community-focused Chief of Police to lead and manage the Glenarden Police Department. The City of Glenarden is a municipality of 6,402 residents located just outside of Washington, D.C.

The Chief of Police provides leadership, management, and operational oversight of the department, delivering 24/7 patrol only coverage within the City’s incorporated jurisdiction. The incumbent is responsible for enforcing laws and codes, directing community policing initiatives, overseeing crime prevention and investigative functions.

As a key member of the City’s leadership team, the Chief establishes and maintains effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, community stakeholders, local businesses, federal, state, and local agencies, as well as City employees and residents.

Although the Chief is not expected to perform routine patrol duties, this is a working leadership position that may require providing backup response, investigative support, and representing the department at community events and special functions. The incumbent reports directly to the City Manager.

APPLICANTS MUST HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A STATE OF MARYLAND ACCREDITED POLICY ACADEMY; BE IN GOOD STANDING WITH PREIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND/OR BE CERTIFIED.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Police Department, establishing goals, priorities, and operational objectives.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure effective, efficient, and professional service delivery.
• Manage recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, and discipline of staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace culture that supports teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Attend City Council meetings, professional conferences, and trainings to remain current with best practices.

Law Enforcement

• Develop and implement strategies to prevent and investigate crime, maintain public order, and ensure community safety.
• Develop, interpret, and enforce departmental policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Remain current with evolving law enforcement practices, technologies, and legislative changes.

Community Relations

• Strengthen relationships between the Police Department and the community through transparent communication and community engagement.
• Build trust and promote mutual respect between police personnel and Glenarden residents.
• Address community concerns in collaboration with residents and organizations to develop solutions to public safety issues.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, including forecasting, resource allocation, and expenditure monitoring.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and identify supplemental funding sources, including grants and external partnerships.

Emergency Management

• Develop and implement emergency response plans for natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other emergencies.
• Coordinate emergency response efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.

Public Relations and Media Management

• Serve as the department’s primary spokesperson, communicating with the media, public, and other stakeholders.
• Manage public relations to maintain and enhance the department’s reputation.
• Respond to media inquiries professionally and transparently.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen and at least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, police science, public administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License (required).
• Maryland Police Officer Certification and Maryland Police Administrative Certification (MPCTC) (required).
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification (required).
• Desirable: Maryland Inter-agency Law Enforcement System (MILES)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, (mandatory).
• Minimum of three (3) years of command-level experience (Sergeant or above) in a department of similar or greater size and complexity (mandatory).
• Demonstrated leadership, supervision, recruitment, training, evaluation, and mentoring experience.
• Proven success in community policing, crime prevention, and crisis response.
• Strong budgeting, capital planning, and grant administration experience.
• High personal integrity, professionalism, empathy, and accountability.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively and respectfully with diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Advanced law enforcement operations, modern police science, public administration, crime prevention, legal frameworks, strategic leadership, financial management, and community relations.
• Principles of personnel management, supervision, and organizational leadership.
• Criminal investigation methods, evidence handling, and crime prevention practices.
• Police records management and relevant federal, state, and local laws.
• Municipal budgeting, fiscal controls, and grant processes.
• Community policing and public relations strategies.
• Use of firearms, police equipment, and safety protocols.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement strategic and operational plans.
• Lead, motivate, and direct a professional police workforce.
• Analyze policies and operations to identify issues and implement improvements.
• Prepare and administer budgets and financial reports.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Respond decisively in high-pressure and emergency situations.
• Maintain physical and mental fitness necessary to perform assigned duties.

Any combination of education and experience will be considered. APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION CLEARLY DEMINSTRATING HOW THEY MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.

This is a full-time, essential, permanent position providing 24/7 coverage to the City’s incorporated jurisdiction. It selected, the candidate must complete an in-depth background check, including physical, polygraph, and psychological examinations. Starting salary is $97,774 - $102,723 per year. Please submit your resume by the closing date of January 25, 2026 to Karen DC Shoultz at shoultz@cityofglenarden.org. Eligible candidates will be reviewed and referred periodically throughout the open period.

The City of Glenarden is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive professional work environment. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $97,774.00 - $102,723.00 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $97,774 - $102,723