The City of Clinton is seeking an experienced, ethical, and community-focused law enforcement executive to serve as Chief of Police. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to public service, accountability, and constitutional policing.
Position Overview
Operating under the executive direction of the City Administrator, the Chief of Police is responsible for protecting lives and property through the leadership, administration, and supervision of the Clinton Police Department.
The Chief oversees the Department’s administrative and operational functions, including personnel, planning, budgeting, policy development, and coordination of services. The position exercises independent judgment and decision-making within applicable law, City policy, and delegated authority. The Chief may assume command of critical incidents and major police emergencies.
The City Administrator reviews the Chief’s work through conferences, written reports, and evaluation of results.
Qualifications
Education and Experience • Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Police Science, Management, or a closely related field. • Possess at least five years of progressively responsible experience in police administration, including at least five years of general law enforcement experience as a sworn officer in a public law enforcement agency. • Possess executive or command experience as a Chief of Police in a comparable or smaller agency; Deputy Chief or Assistant Chief in a comparable or larger agency; or Commander, Major, or equivalent position in a significantly larger agency. • Have completed at least one extended professional management or executive leadership program, such as the Senior Management Institute for Police, FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, or a comparable program. Certification and Peace Officer Requirements Applicants must obtain a valid Iowa peace officer certification within 1 year and maintain eligibility to serve as an Iowa peace officer throughout employment. Applicants must meet all applicable Iowa Law Enforcement Academy standards, including: • United States citizenship and a minimum age of 18 at appointment. • A high school diploma or GED. • Applicable Iowa residency requirements, subject to any lawful City ordinance exception. • A valid Iowa driver’s license, or a qualifying license from the state of residence when legally permitted. • Good moral character and compliance with applicable criminal history standards, including restrictions involving felonies and crimes of moral turpitude. • Compliance with ILEA requirements concerning drug or alcohol addiction. • Applicable medical, vision, color vision, hearing, and physical fitness standards. • Willingness to use lawful force when necessary to perform official duties. • No prior decertification in another jurisdiction or conduct disqualifying the applicant under applicable ILEA rules. The successful candidate must remain legally eligible to possess firearms, maintain required firearms qualifications, and satisfy applicable continuing education, in-service training, and certification requirements. Preferred Qualifications • A master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Management, Police Science, or a closely related field. • Demonstrated success in community engagement, organizational improvement, employee development, and strategic planning. • Experience administering municipal police budgets, grants, collective bargaining agreements, and civil service processes. • Experience using crime analysis, performance measures, and technology to improve public safety services.
Special Requirements
The successful candidate must demonstrate: • Thorough knowledge of modern police administration, operations, organizational management, budgeting, personnel administration, and labor relations. • Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, departmental policies, collective bargaining agreements, and police records practices. • Ability to analyze complex problems, make sound independent decisions, resolve conflict, and remain calm during emergencies. • Ability to lead, motivate, evaluate, and develop employees with varied backgrounds and experience. • Ability to prepare and explain budgets, fiscal requests, policies, and analytical reports. • Strong listening, interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills. • Ability to establish productive relationships with City officials, employees, professional organizations, the news media, and the public. • Ability to learn and apply knowledge of Clinton’s geography, demographics, and public safety needs. • Proficiency with firearms, police vehicles, radios, computers, and other equipment necessary to perform the position’s duties. • Commitment to respectful service, fair treatment, community participation, and professional accountability.
Miscellaneous Information
The Chief must be available for emergencies, critical incidents, evening meetings, community events, and other responsibilities outside regular business hours. The successful candidate must perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, and comply with applicable City residency requirements.