Assistant Chief of Police

Position Profile

The Assistant Police Chief is a non-civil service appointed position and reports to the Chief of Police. The Assistant Chief will assist in the planning and administration of the Police Department, as well as its policies and operations. One of two assistant chief positions is open.

The selected candidate will work closely with the Chief of Police and may assume full authority and responsibility for the department in the Chief’s absence in rotation with the other assistant chief. They will be responsible for developing and maintaining a work environment that fosters leadership, integrity, and accountability.

The selected candidate will directly supervise, in coordination with the Chief of Police, either the administrative services division or the police operations division, and will coordinate with the respective supervisors in planning, organizing, and directing the work of their teams. Either assistant chief may be assigned a role in emergency planning/management role for the city.

What We Are Looking For

The Fife Police Department is seeking a strong, decisive individual who demonstrates a clear command presence balanced with well-developed interpersonal skills. Given the unique nature of the department, the Assistant Chief of Police must place a high premium on customer service.

The successful candidate will lead by example, setting the tone of honest, ethical behavior, demonstrating integrity beyond reproach. The Fife Police Department plays an integral role in the daily operations of the City of Fife. They must be a consensus builder who can easily and comfortably interact with a variety of constituencies and partner agencies. The Assistant Chief of Police must be able to function effectively in a very public role within the broader framework of a multi-faceted political environment. They must be able to quickly identify the appropriate opportunities to provide input from their perspective as the department’s representative and be able to articulate their points in a concise and efficient manner.

The Assistant Chief of Police must be a good listener, skilled communicator, and team builder. They will represent the department on a variety of internal and external panels and coalitions. The Assistant Chief of Police must be a proactive and energetic participant in these endeavors, and provide strategic input from the department’s perspective, as well as from the City’s broader perspective. Must be a highly skilled leader and manager of people. As one of the senior leaders within the department, they will partner with the Chief of Police in driving change and continuous improvement. They must have the ability to identify and analyze issues, prioritize tasks, and develop alternative solutions, as well as evaluate courses of action and reach logical conclusions. The Assistant Chief of Police must be able to handle personnel issues in a timely, fair and consistent manner and generate a feeling of inclusiveness and genuine respect for others throughout the department.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able to perform the functions of the position:
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, or related field, with a graduate degree preferred. Graduation from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Staff & Command, Senior Management Institute for Policing or similar law enforcement leadership institution is preferred.
• Seven years of progressive law enforcement experience including three years of demonstrated supervisory experience, at the time of appointment, in a law enforcement agency of comparable or larger size and complexity to the Fife Police Department.
• The ability to obtain certification as a Washington State Peace Officer.
• Successful completion of a comprehensive background check including polygraph and psychological examination.
• Candidates that have been out of active law enforcement for more than two years will not be considered for this position.

Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with experience, within the range of $120,855.00 up to $193,370.00 annually with a comprehensive benefits package which includes:
• FLSA: EXEMPT
• Vacation: 12 days per year, max accrual 240 hours per year
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year, max accrual 1600 hours
• Holidays: 13 days per year
• Bereavement: Up to 3 days with pay per year
• Longevity: 3% upon 5th year and an additional 3% upon 10th year of employment
• Retirement: LEOFF
• City paid professional associations dues
• HSA/VEBA Health Reimbursement Account: $2,500 individual/$4,000 family, paid annually
• $20,000 Life Insurance & Disability 100% paid by City
• High Deductible Medical, Dental w/dependent Orthodontia and Vision: 95% premiums paid by City for employee and dependents

Application Process & Deadline

TThe Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs is assisting in the search process. Applicants must submit a packet including a resume, and a detailed cover letter that describes your experience, leadership style, what knowledge, skills and abilities uniquely qualify you for this position, and why you are interested in the position. Packets are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2024 to be considered as part of the first review of candidates.
Packets must be submitted electronically to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and to the attention of Rachelle Harwood at the contact information below.

Mailing address:  WASPC
Rachelle Harwood
3060 Willamette Drive N.E.
Lacey, WA 98516
Questions: Contact Michael Painter, Director of Professional Services
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs
Phone: (360) 292-7959

Please do not contact the police department employees with inquiries about this position.