CHIEF OF POLICE

CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

This is an exciting opportunity to live and work in a dynamic community. Jacksonville’s abundant natural resources, healthy environment, military presence, and vibrant economy, make it a great place to live, work, and visit.

Jacksonville, named after President Andrew Jackson, is the commercial hub of Onslow County. It is also the home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River.

Approximately 66,000 people live in Jacksonville. The minority population is over 20 percent, mainly African-American, with a growing Hispanic population.

Jacksonville promotes the active involvement of its citizens in the resolution of public issues and problem-solving. In 1992, Jacksonville was named an All-America City by the National Civic League as a direct result of this citizen involvement in the governance of the community.

Jacksonville was once a quiet farming community. It has now grown into a business, retail, medical, banking, and cultural center for Onslow County.

Jacksonville offers its residents and visitors historical sites, military memorials, beaches, waterfront parks, shopping centers, and fine dining. There are festivals and cultural events scheduled throughout the year, with something for everyone in the family – music, food, and art.

There are many public and private schools for children to attend. There is also a local community college and several universities and colleges within one hundred miles from Jacksonville.

The median household income for the year 2000 was $32,544. Average housing prices for that year were in the high $80s. Housing is still reasonably priced and many choices are available.

Jacksonville offers a diverse combination of people and old fashioned southern hospitality.

The City of Jacksonville was incorporated in 1891 and the City Charter was passed in June 1967. The City operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of a Mayor and six Council members; two Council members and the Mayor are elected at-large and four Council members are elected by district for two-year terms. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves at its pleasure.

The City provides a full-range of municipal services including fire and police, sanitation, recreation, planning and zoning, community development, engineering, water and sewer, along with general administrative services.

The 2004-2005 budget for Jacksonville is $56,824,256. The City employs 441 people.

The Jacksonville Police Department is a professional organization and a traditional law enforcement agency that operates effectively in a military community. The Department has great relations with the Marine Corps. Many officers in the Department are ex-military, along with a high number of civilians.

The Jacksonville Police Department offers several community programs for crime prevention and awareness.

A $7 million budget is administered by the Police Department. There are 125 employees in this department.

The Chief of Police is appointed by and reports to the City Manager. The Chief performs most work with a high degree of autonomy and discretion. Policy and procedures guide some tasks. The majority of tasks are left to the discretion of the Chief of Police.

1. The Chief of Police is responsible for setting rules and regulations for the Police Department. The Chief also sets procedural guidelines for accomplishing tasks associated with the pursuit of the Department’s mission, goals, and objectives.

2. The Chief is responsible for all personnel and equipment assigned to the Police Department.

3. Budget planning for each division of the Department is the direct responsibility of the Chief through Deputy Chief assigned to each division of the Department.

4. The Chief performs duties of a police officer as described in the general task analysis for police officers as designed by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. These duties include, but are not limited to, arresting persons suspected of criminal activity; operating a police vehicle; observing persons suspected of criminal activity and developing probable cause for arrest, search and seizure; collecting evidence of criminal activity; developing informants; interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects; preparing cases and presenting them for court; writing reports; and responding to calls for service.

5. The Chief supervises the overall operation of the Police Department, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, and budgeting.

6. The Chief also:

                Performs public information functions.

                Makes selections, promotions, and assignments of personnel.

                Insures cooperation is maintained between divisions.

                Performs budget functions.

                Conducts investigations of complaints against personnel.

                Maintains liaison with other agencies of the criminal justice system.

                Reports to and advises the City Manager on matters regarding the  operating of the Police Department.

                Serves on appropriate boards and committees.

The City of Jacksonville is seeking an experienced professional with a strong knowledge and background in team management, organization and modern policing techniques. The successful candidate must be someone above reproach who will make a significant commitment to the City of Jacksonville.

The City of Jacksonville also desires its new Chief of Police to be an individual:

1. Who has come up through the ranks and one who understands what it is like to be a police officer on the streets and to work holidays and shifts,

2. Who will be visible in the community and participate in community functions,

3. Who is approachable, gets along with others, is visible and who has an open-door policy,

4. Who is a strong disciplinarian,

5. Who is a strong team player. The City makes decisions as a Management Team and solves problems as a team,

6. Who can review the organization, its approaches and determine how to gain efficiencies,

7. Who is a strong leader who treats people fairly and can effectively delegate authority,

8. Who is an effective communicator, has organizational experience and is highly motivated,

9. Who has or can develop a strong liaison with the military,

10. Who has good computer skills.

To be eligible for appointment to the position of Chief of Police, the candidate must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field, a Master’s degree is preferred. This person must also have at least five years command experience, be a graduate of an extensive police administrative school, e.g. the FBI National Academy or Southern Police Institute, possess expertise in innovative and progressive management techniques, have skills in public relations, leadership, planning, budgeting, and purchasing, and possess good verbal and written communication skills.

The starting salary for the new Chief of Police for the City of Jacksonville is expected to be in the range of $75,000 to $80,000, plus an automobile allowance. A competitive fringe benefits package will also be provided.

Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business July 23, 2004, to: