CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND
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This is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership to an established police department in a community which borders Washington, D. C. The City of Takoma Park, Maryland, is seeking an experienced Chief of Police to lead the City’s accredited law enforcement agency. The selected individual will take the place of a Chief of Police who has retired. The new Chief of Police will be responsible for developing the strategies and tactics to take the department to a new level of success for the future. The City of Takoma Park is seeking a proven, dedicated, responsive, and experienced individual for its new Chief of Police. The successful candidate will possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice, Public Administration or a related field and ten or more years of progressively responsible experience or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. A related Master’s degree and graduation from the FBI Academy or Southern Police Institute would be a plus. Licenses and certifications required include Certified Police Officer (desirable), weapons proficiency and a valid Maryland driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable period of time. The ideal candidate will be someone with knowledge of modern police management, methodology, and procedures. This person must be knowledgeable in the accreditation process, community-oriented policing, and understand objective achievement with focus on performance measurement and best practices techniques. This is an outstanding opportunity to work in a community known for its active and involved residents. The City has the feeling of a small town, yet is ideally located next to Washington, D.C. The City is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity with residents who pride themselves on their political and civic activism. In 1890, Takoma (meaning "High up...near Heaven") Park, Maryland, was incorporated as a city, the first commuter suburb in Montgomery County. The City boasts the largest historic district in Montgomery County, housing many Victorian and Sears catalog homes. The population of Takoma Park is approximately 18,000. Forty-nine percent of the City’s population is Caucasian; 34 percent is black or African-American; and four percent is Asian. Nearly 14 percent of Takoma Park’s population indicated that they are Hispanic or Latino. Twenty-nine percent of the City’s population was born in another country, with the majority originating from Latin America and Africa. A number of foreign languages are spoken by Takoma Park residents; 32 percent of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Takoma Park has operated under a Council-Manager form of government since 1890. The Charter provides for a City Council made up of six members and a Mayor who is a voting member of the Council. The administration and operational activities of the City are directed by the City Manager and carried out by a professional staff. In addition to law enforcement, the City of Takoma Park offers a full range of other municipal services. The City’s operating and capital budget for FY07 totals approximately $17.7 million. Property tax revenues constitute the single largest source of the City’s operating revenues. The City of Takoma Park has a Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee. The Committee provides input and advice to the City Council and the Police Department about how the City can better meet the ongoing needs and concerns of residents in the area of police services and public safety. The Police Chief is appointed by and reports to the City Manager. The Takoma Park Police Department is fully accredited by CALEA and offers a full range of services including patrol, criminal investigations and dispatching. These services are provided by a staff of 41 sworn officers and a civilian staff of 25 employees (full-time and part-time), which includes dispatchers and crossing guards. Sworn officers below the rank of sergeant are represented by a bargaining unit. Civilian employees are represented by a different bargaining unit. The annual operating budget for the Takoma Park Police Department is $5.0 million. The expected starting salary for the Chief of Police of the City of Takoma Park will be market competitive in a range of $90,000 to $100,000, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected individual. In addition, an automobile will be provided, as well as a competitive fringe benefit program. Reasonable relocation expenses will be provided to the selected candidate. Residence in the City of Takoma Park is preferred, but will not be required of the successful candidate. For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 770-551-0403; mercer@mindspring.com. Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business November 3, 2006, to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 5579B Chamblee Dunwoody Road, #511, Atlanta, GA 30338. Voice: 770-551-0403; Fax: 770-399-9749. E-Mail: mercer@mindspring.com; Website:
www.mercergroupinc.com. The City of Takoma Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority and Female Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.
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