Police Chief

The Police Chief plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the operations, personnel, and programs of the City of Ketchum Police Department. This position provides leadership and oversight for law enforcement services, crime prevention, emergency response, community engagement, and departmental operations in support of the City’s mission and priorities.

As a member of the City’s executive leadership team, the Police Chief works closely with elected officials, staff, community organizations, regional partners, businesses, and residents to maintain public safety and strengthen community trust in a highly visible resort-community environment.

Essential Functions

• Direct and manage Police Department operations, personnel, programs, and activities
•  Establish departmental goals, policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives
• Oversee patrol operations, investigations, crime prevention, emergency response, and community policing efforts
• Develop strategies addressing public safety concerns, traffic safety, special events, seasonal population impacts, and emerging crime trends
• Maintain relationships with residents, businesses, visitors, and community stakeholders
• Coordinate public safety efforts with local, regional, state, and federal agencies
• Advise City leadership on public safety matters, operations, and policy recommendations
• Prepare and administer department budgets and identify grant funding opportunities
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, employee development, and succession planning
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and law enforcement best practices
• Manage critical incidents, emergency operations, and sensitive personnel matters
• Encourage innovation, technology use, and modern policing strategies
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement administration, criminal justice, emergency management, budgeting, personnel management, and community-oriented policing
• Strong leadership, organizational management, and communication skills
• Ability to analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, agencies, employees, and the public
• Ability to manage budgets, projects, and operational priorities effectively

Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, law enforcement, or related field required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Ten to fifteen (10–15) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including supervisory and command-level experience in a municipal law enforcement agency
• Experience in community-oriented policing, emergency management, and organizational leadership preferred

Licenses and Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Idaho POST Advanced and Management certifications preferred or ability to obtain
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Position is designated safety sensitive and may require drug and alcohol testing
• Must be available to respond to emergencies and critical incidents outside normal working hours

Working Conditions

Work is performed in office and outdoor environments and may include exposure to adverse weather, stressful situations, hazardous conditions, and potentially dangerous incidents. Physical requirements include operating vehicles and equipment, responding to emergencies, and occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
 The City of Ketchum is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
 Learn more about the Police Chief role and the City of Ketchum

The complete job description