Job Description

Posting number: 00343

Department: Police

Job classification: Deputy Police Chief

Posting type: Open

Categories: Law Enforcement, Security

Summary

The Town of East Hartford is seeking an experienced and visionary Deputy Chief of Police to provide strategic leadership and support the mission of the Police Department. Working in partnership with the Chief of Police and designated command staff, the Deputy Chief will help implement public safety initiatives, improve departmental operations, foster organizational excellence, and build strong relationships within the community.

EEO/AA Statement

The Town of East Hartford proudly stands as an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a work environment free from discrimination. We firmly uphold the principles of equality, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is unwavering, and we enthusiastically encourage applicants from all walks of life to join our team.

Examples of duties

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief of Police serves as a key member of the Department's executive leadership team and is responsible for assisting in the planning, administration, and oversight of departmental operations.
• Primary duties include:
• Assists the Chief of Police in developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operational strategies.Develops and recommends work methods, procedures, and operational improvements for approval by the Chief of Police.Participates in the planning, coordination, and evaluation of programs related to crime prevention, crime detection, traffic safety, and community policing initiatives.Directs, organizes, and assigns work across various divisions, units, and ranks within the Department.Oversees personnel management functions, including supervision, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.Reviews and evaluates reports, investigations, and related documentation for accuracy, completeness, and judicial or administrative use.Maintains strict confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive or privileged information.Oversees workforce scheduling and resource allocation to ensure effective staffing and operational coverage.Assists in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the Department's budget and identifies opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.Coordinates and collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and public safety partners.Assists with labor relations activities, including contract administration, collective bargaining preparation, and grievance resolution.Evaluates departmental performance and operational effectiveness through data analysis and performance measures.Prepares statistical, analytical, and narrative reports for the Chief of Police, Town officials, and other stakeholders.Researches, develops, and recommends new policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance public safety and organizational effectiveness.Assumes command responsibilities in the absence of the Chief of Police, when designated.ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONSFacilitates the timely exchange of information throughout the Department through effective oral, written, and electronic communication.Represents the Department at meetings, hearings, community events, and other official proceedings as assigned.Participates in regional, state, and professional law enforcement organizations to support collaboration, innovation, and enhanced public safety services.Develops and delivers presentations to schools, civic groups, community organizations, and residents on topics related to law enforcement, crime prevention, and public safety.Serves as a liaison between the Department and community stakeholders to foster positive relationships and public trust.Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONSPerforms work in both office and field environments, frequently subject to interruptions, competing priorities, and changing conditions.Must be capable of exercising sound judgment and making critical decisions under pressure and within demanding time constraints.Ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.May be required to respond to emergencies and critical incidents outside of normal business hours.Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and other adverse environmental conditions.Must be able to travel over uneven terrain, enter restricted or challenging locations, and inspect incident scenes as necessary.Requires the ability to communicate effectively with employees, public officials, community members, and representatives of other agencies.May be exposed to stressful, emotionally charged, or potentially hazardous situations in the performance of assigned duties.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Police leadership and management policies and practices including legal, technical, organizational aspects as well as sources of current information of the field.

-Effective communication with all levels of a diverse population

-Town, state, federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, administrative orders and case

• Department procedures, labor agreements, federal, State, and local pertinent law enforcement and administrative regulations.
• Federal, State, and municipal criminal law and regulations.
• Police Department work and operations, facilities and equipment, community infrastructure, neighborhoods, institutions, and oversight agencies.

-Connecticut Criminal Justice system

• CT labor relations practices and procedures.

Skill in:

• Strong management skills including leadership/supervisory skills, problem analysis, and decision-making, consensus-building, planning and organizing, interpersonal sensitivity, management control, adaptability/flexibility, stress tolerance, and time management.
• Skills for effectively supervising and coordinating the efforts of subordinates in daily and emergency conditions.

-Work within deadlines to complete projects and assignment, assessing, analyzing, identifying and implementing solutions to complex problems

• Project and program planning and implementation.
• Excellent oral communications skills for working with a diversity of personnel, public officials, and citizens.
• Excellent writing skills for preparing major reports and communications with staff and citizens.
• Demonstrated skill in using various information systems and communications and computer technology applications for police and office systems.
• Fiscal and records management including cost analysis, budget analysis and budget development.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with citizens and stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Conduct self at all times in an ethical, professional and respectful manner.
• Maintain consistent and punctual attendance.
• Ability and willingness to demonstrate the Public Service Competencies of Service Orientation, Results Orientation, and Teamwork and Cooperation, and to model, coach, and develop these competencies in staff.

-Must have the ability to exercise sound judgement on complex personnel issues and to exercise discretion in detailing with confidential information.

• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:
• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine;
• Frequently remain stationary for long periods of time;
• Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others;
• Occasionally move between worksites.

Supplemental information

• The knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required for this position are typically obtained through a combination of education, training, and progressively responsible law enforcement leadership experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Police Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. A master's degree in a related discipline is preferred.A minimum of three (3) years of command-level experience within a municipal, state, or federal law enforcement agency at the rank of Lieutenant or above, or an equivalent combination of leadership experience and responsibilities.Demonstrated knowledge of modern policing principles, criminal investigations, community-oriented policing, organizational leadership, labor relations, budgeting, and public administration.Proven ability to lead and manage personnel, develop strategic initiatives, implement operational improvements, and foster positive relationships with community stakeholders.Strong analytical, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to effectively manage complex and sensitive situations.LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSPossession and maintenance of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.Current certification as a Police Officer in the State of Connecticut in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 7-294d, or the ability to obtain certification as required by law.Must maintain all certifications, qualifications, and training standards required by the Department, the State of Connecticut, and applicable regulatory agencies.Must successfully meet all departmental firearms qualification requirements and possess the physical ability to safely handle and operate assigned firearms and related equipment.Must be capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSAdvanced leadership training through the FBI National Academy, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, Southern Police Institute, or comparable executive law enforcement programs.Experience managing large-scale public safety operations, accreditation initiatives, labor relations, strategic planning, and community engagement programs.Experience overseeing departmental budgets, grants, policy development, and organizational change initiatives.