CITY OF LAREDO, TEXAS
This is an outstanding opportunity to become Police Chief of an exceptional organization and live in a very dynamic city that is truly on the move. Laredo, the City under seven flags, has emerged as the principal point of entry into Mexico. As the second fastest growing City in the nation, this border metropolis has greatly benefited from the well-planned, historic “Streets of Laredo,” and its urban core continues to be reinvigorated as commercial areas and neighborhoods make the “Gateway City” their home. The City of Laredo is seeking a highly qualified individual to join them in contributing to the progressive community for the future.
The new Police Chief for the City of Laredo will be required to possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field from a college or university accredited by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. A Master's degree in Law Enforcement, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field is preferred. In addition, the new Chief will be required to possess at least twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in law enforcement, including seven (7) years of senior command (equivalent to the rank of Lieutenant in the Laredo Police Department), administrative, or supervisory responsibility, preferably in a department of comparable size and complexity within a municipality. Further, the successful candidate will be required to possess a valid certification as a law enforcement officer from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) and to possess an Advanced Peace Officer License. A graduate of the FBI National Academy is preferred. The successful candidate is required to possess or obtain a valid State of Texas Driver’s License and he/she must have an acceptable driving record. The successful candidate is also required to undergo a thorough background check and a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
The Police Chief is responsible for planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the Laredo Police Department including field operations, investigations, support services and general administration. This key member of the City of Laredo is appointed by and reports to the City Manager. The Police Chief of the City of Laredo coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies. In terms of essential functions and responsibilities, the Police Chief assumes full responsibility for all Police department services and activities. The City of Laredo Police Chief acts as the official departmental representative to other City departments, the City Manager’s Office, elected officials and outside agencies. Residency within the City of Laredo is expected of the new Chief of Police within a time after appointment specified by the City Manager/City Council.
The City of Laredo is a city with a current population of approximately 231,470 residents and is located on the north bank of the historic Rio Grande River (or Rio Bravo, as it is known in Mexico). Laredo is unique in that it is the only city to operate international bridges between two Mexican states. The city presently maintains five international bridges crossing the Rio Grande into the Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. Laredo is the United States principal port of entry into Mexico, located on the Pan American Highway that stretches from Canada into Central and South America. With 83.44 square miles and its current population base, Laredo is the largest city in the County of Webb and is the county seat of Webb County. The Laredo-Nuevo Laredo metropolitan area contains approximately 589,309 persons.
Laredo is a Home Rule city under Texas state law. Laredo’s municipal government is controlled by a council-manager form of local government. Although the Mayor presides over the City Council and is the head of municipal government, he/she may vote only to break a tie. The City Council is the policy-making body of the city. The Mayor has veto power over City Council actions, but the vote of the Mayor may be overridden by a vote of five (5) Council Members. The current All Funds operating budget is $324.9 million. The City currently has 2557 full-time equivalent employees.
“It is the mission of the Laredo Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in Laredo by establishing a partnership with the community in an effort to preserve life, protect property and enforce the law.” The functions of the Laredo Police Department include General Administration, Field Operations, Investigations and Support Services. The Department is large and complex and provides a particularly crucial service to the citizens of Laredo given Laredo’s location along the U. S./Mexican border. The City of Laredo Police Department has an annual operating budget of $82.8 million and 518 full-time equivalent staff (434 Civil Service/84 Civilians).
The starting salary for the new Chief of Police of Laredo will be market competitive depending upon the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. The expected annual starting salary will be up to $110,000 plus a competitive benefits package will be provided to the successful candidate. Reasonable relocation expenses will be paid by the City of Laredo for the successful candidate.
Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business March 10, 2008, to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 W. Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466-1274. E-mail: mercer@mindspring.com; Website: www.merergroupinc.com. “An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, The City Complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”