Description
JOB SUMMARY
***First review of applications will take place on Monday, November 24th at 8:00am PST. Please note that the City reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing how your education, experience, training and qualifications make you an ideal candidate for the position. ***
Under the direction of the Police Chief, embrace vision of community-based policing and instill it in others; facilitate the development and implementation of a community-based police organization, with recognition of restraints and limitations; manage and lead a major division of police service operations; lead and supervise the activities of police captains and officers and other assigned staff; assure the enforcement of State, County and municipal laws; plan and develop methods and procedures to assure department goals and objectives are met. Serve as Acting Police Chief in the Chief’s absence.
The Assistant Police Chief will assist in the overall direction of the department’s internal operations; directs assigned activities, while assuring the effective protection of lives, property and constitutional rights through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Also to help formulate, develop, implement and evaluate department policies goals and objectives. The Assistant Police Chief will help inspire a sense of confidence and security in the citizens of Lakewood through professionalism, citizen involvement, and creative approaches to public safety.
The City of Lakewood participates in the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF). The proposed 2026 salary range for this position is $13,924 - $17,663/mo.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Perform all duties in accordance with the City of Lakewood’s Operating Principles.
Work and act as a team player with the Chief of Police and in all interactions with other city employees. Always provide a high level of customer service; project and maintain a positive image on behalf of the City of Lakewood with those contacted in the course of work.
Develop and implement the goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Police Department; research policies and procedures related to department; identify resource needs; develop and implement policies and procedures; ensure policies and procedures are adhered to.
Participate in recommending the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures; recommend employee terminations; ensure personnel program is implemented equitably and consistently.
Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the department’s work plan; forecast department’s requirements; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; review with Police Chief; implement improvements.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Participate in the development and administration of the department budget; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.
Coordinate police department activities with those of other city departments, outside law enforcement agencies, and other organizations; provide staff assistance to the Police Chief; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Direct and participate in the research of alternative approaches to law enforcement including community policing, coordinate implementation of Community Policing across multiple commands within the Department.
Participate in labor negotiations; advise City negotiation team regarding effects of negotiation demands; help clarify issues or concerns brought by the labor negotiators; ensure contract is complied with.
Advise or facilitate the recruitment, hire, and promotion of Department personnel; assist Human Resources in identifying how and where to recruit target groups; assist in the interviewing of the finalists for job openings and make recommendations; support the City’s equal employment efforts; participate in the development of entry level and promotional examinations; ensure exams are valid; develop promotion recommendations.
Assist in the development and implementation of long-range training for the Police Dept; assist Police Chief to develop overall vision; work with staff to develop goals and objectives; implement program; act as a resource to training staff as needed.
Managing the Department’s personnel program, including discipline, vacations, sick leave, work conditions, grievance resolution and complaints, and distribution of personnel within various shifts and divisions; coordinating the Department’s personnel program with the overall department personnel program.
Coordinate the Department’s safety program; coordinate with Risk Manager; implement policies and procedures.
Act as Department liaison for all matters related to tort claims and lawsuits brought against the department and its personnel, work with Risk Manager and legal staff.
Conduct internal investigations as directed by the Police Chief; research and gather all necessary information; develop recommendations; present findings to Police Chief.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; make presentations to organizations and civic groups; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of police science.
Serve as a resource to the City’s collective bargaining teams to advise on labor relations activities and operational impacts to draft proposals. May serve on the City’s negotiation team.
Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.
Act as Police Chief as required when Police Chief is absent and perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Criminal Justice, Social Science, Public Administration or a related field coupled with a minimum of 10 years of experience, or an equivalent combination to a Bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned areas and 10 years of experience with increasingly-responsible and varied administrative experience in a police department which provides a full range of police services.
A minimum of ten years’ qualified, increasingly responsible, full-time commissioned law enforcement work experience including at least five years supervisory experience. Prior police command experience preferred.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Washington State Police Academy training/certification and Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center supervisory certification through middle management level or state approved equivalent; out-of-state candidates must successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Center Equivalency Academy within six months of employment. Valid Washington driver's license within 30 days of hire-date. Satisfactory results of stringent personal background investigation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Modern principles, practices and methods of municipal police department administration, organization and operations.
Technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, care and custody of persons and property, and environmental protection.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, performance evaluation, and personnel management.
Community policing philosophy and techniques.
City ordinances, Civil Service regulations, and related federal and state laws and WAC rules.
Powers and limitations of peace officers.
Behavior of criminals and underlying causes of criminality.
Definitions and terminology of major crimes.
Current trends in law enforcement and recent court cases affecting police work.
Equipment and information technology related to more efficient police services.
Oral and written communication skills.
Public speaking techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
ABILITY TO:
Strong oral and written communication skills; especially with police department personnel, public officials, law enforcement agents, and citizen groups and organizations. Plan, organize, direct and evaluate varied activities related to police services and operations.
Enforce federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances and codes.
Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Analyze complex police situations accurately and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
Effectively assign and direct police personnel to accomplish department goals and objectives.
Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Efficiently and effectively allocate employees, expenditures, and equipment.
Negotiate and administer contracts with outside vendors and service providers.
Prepare a variety of technical and administrative reports, correspondence and other materials.
Supervise, assign, train and evaluate personnel.
Positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.
Physical ability to perform essential job functions.
Ability to read, interpret and apply budget management and be fiscally responsive for normal operations.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed in a typical office environment, with most of the time spent sitting, standing or walking, and stooping/kneeling. Position may require work outside and using body, ear and eye protection. The incumbent may respond to complex police situations or emergencies and is therefore subject to any of the hazards encountered by police patrol officers. Position also requires attendance at evening City and community meetings.
Requirements
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Washington State Police Academy training/certification and Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center supervisory certification through middle management level or state approved equivalent; out-of-state candidates must successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Center Equivalency Academy within six months of employment. Valid Washington driver's license within 30 days of hire-date. Satisfactory results of stringent personal background investigation.
