What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Police position at The City of Asheville?
Summary
Applicants must apply by July 31, 2026
The historic, progressive, and eclectic City of Asheville, North Carolina—nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains—seeks a seasoned, strategic, and collaborative law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police.
The Asheville Police Department (APD) is a premier agency with a proud reputation for technology innovation and progressive community-focused policing. The next Chief will step into this leadership role at a defining moment for both the agency and the community. Moving forward from the lingering structural and fiscal impacts of 2024’s Hurricane Helene, the next Chief must balance immediate operational action with long-term organizational sustainability.
The ideal candidate is a champion of team-based decision-making who values transparent communication, holds a deep appreciation for diverse populations, and can masterfully navigate complex community expectations under close public scrutiny. This leader must show a genuine passion for the city and step into the role without a pre-set personal agenda. Additionally, Asheville’s next Chief will spend significant time listening to various personnel and neighborhood stakeholders to keep Asheville progressing towards its vision as an inclusive, connected and engaged community where everyone has access to economic opportunity, housing stability, and core municipal services.
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Some positions may require a fingerprint-based SBI background check after a conditional offer and before your start date; HR will provide instructions if applicable.
For benefits-eligible positions, explore our full benefits at AshevilleBenefits.com.
About us:
The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity.
The City’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants will be assured of fair treatment in all aspects of recruitment and selection without regard to a person’s age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, genetic information,or disability, except where certain physical and mental requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQ). The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.
The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.