What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Police position at City of Lakefield?
Overview
The City of Lakefield, population 1,690, located in Southwest Minnesota, is accepting applications to establish an eligibility list for a full-time Police Chief.
Step into a leadership role that commands respect, inspires excellence, and safeguards our community’s well-being. As the Chief of Police, you will be the strategic visionary and operational leader responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and fostering positive community relations. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated team of law enforcement professionals, implement innovative policing strategies, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Your leadership will directly impact the safety, security, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership to police department personnel, setting clear goals and fostering a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement comprehensive law enforcement policies aligned with legal standards and community needs.
- Oversee daily operations including patrol activities, investigations, traffic enforcement, and emergency response coordination.
- Manage departmental resources efficiently, including budgeting, staffing, equipment procurement, and training programs.
- Ensure compliance with all local ordinances, criminal laws, procedural laws, evidence law, and search and seizure regulations.
- Lead complex criminal investigations involving criminal law experience, evidence handling, forensic procedures, and suspect interrogations.
- Foster strong community relationships through outreach initiatives, public safety education, and transparent communication.
- Oversee training in firearms handling in law enforcement contexts, use of force protocols, conflict management techniques, CPR/First Aid procedures, surveillance operations, and physical conditioning programs.
- Maintain high standards for report writing accuracy and thorough documentation of incidents and investigations.
- Collaborate with other agencies on joint operations involving immigration law enforcement or loss prevention efforts.
- Ensure departmental adherence to safety protocols including first aid protocols and animal handling when necessary.
Experience
- Extensive experience in law enforcement with a proven track record in criminal investigation and patrol operations.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities in managing diverse teams within a police or military environment.
- Strong knowledge of traffic laws, procedural law (including search and seizure law), criminal procedure, evidence law, animal care regulations when applicable, and local ordinances.
- Proficiency in report writing with attention to detail; ability to analyze complex situations quickly and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Experience conducting investigations involving firearms handling in law enforcement settings; familiarity with use of force training standards is essential.
- Background in conflict management strategies and de-escalation techniques to handle high-stress situations effectively.
- Physical conditioning sufficient to meet demanding operational requirements; ability to operate standard passenger cars safely during patrols.
- Additional qualifications such as CPR certification or first aid training are highly desirable to enhance emergency response capabilities.
Qualifications
- AA or AS degree in Law Enforcement Criminal Justice, or related field
- Minnesota POST full-time license
- Valid Minnesota Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one
- At least five years of experience as a police officer
- Supervisory training or employee supervision experience preferred
Pay: $71,801.00 - $92,185.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Military leave
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $71,801 - $92,185