Deadline: August 11, 2025
Department: Ferguson Township Police Department (FTPD)
Job Type: Full-time, Non-union
FLSA Status: Salaried/Exempt
Pay Grade: 33
Supervisory Responsibility: Sworn Law Enforcement Personnel, Administrative FTPD Staff
Reports To: Township Manager
Remote Work: Not available
JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Township Manager, the Chief of Police is responsible for the prevention of crime and protection of life and property in accordance with Township ordinances, state and federal law. The Chief is responsible for establishing and maintaining a competent and proactive department that is responsive to the needs of the community.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: The duties described below are indicative of what the Chief of Police may be asked to perform. Other duties may be assigned.
Management/Supervision
- Plan, organize, and direct activities of the FTPD, making decisions on assignments, delegation, prioritization of work, and deadlines.
- Ensure the appropriate federal, state and local laws that pertain to police officers and authority are followed.
- Analyze the level of crime that exists within the Township, the extent to which law enforcement activity is necessary to meet the crime level, and recommend a prevention plan to the Township Manager. Integrate within the plan a series of activities to enforce Township ordinances, county, state and federal laws, and effectively address police communications, traffic safety and control, animal control, and the guarding of school crossings.
- Oversee the development and implementation of a practices and procedures manual that addresses matters of departmental operation. Establish training sessions to ensure that practices and procedures are implemented and followed with consistency.
- Develop projects and procedures to maintain and enhance departmental performance and effectiveness.
- Oversee the scheduling of personnel and allocation of manpower to meet service demands effectively and on a timely basis.
- Develop and maintain liaisons with other authorities and cooperate with them in prevention and enforcement activities.
- Coordinate activities with other units of government as needed.
- Research, identify, plan, and implement continuous improvements within the FTPD.
- Supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; recommend and execute commendations and/or disciplinary actions as necessary.
- Execute performance evaluations and reviews within the department.
- Make recommendations to the Township Manager regarding hiring, firing, discipline, training, promotion, commendation, resource management, personnel, and policies that are followed by personnel.
- Assign work, add, or remove duties, distribute work, approve vacation/sick time, and maintain staff personnel records in coordination with the Human Resources Division of Administration.
- Establish performance indicators and ensure adequate training that will lead to competency and professional growth of subordinates.
- Evaluate performance, recommend corrective action plans and any appropriate continuing education and training needed.
- Manage a departmental training program; ensure that such training occurs and is recorded in personnel records.
- Assist, as needed, in union contract negotiations and administration of the contract.
- Work to maintain positive employee relations.
Public Relations
- Attend civic meetings and public gatherings upon request to explain the functions of the department, to maintain favorable public relations, and to foster community involvement.
- Closely coordinate with the Township Manager on matters of interest to news media.
- Become involved in police issues that invite public interest in support of fostering a positive image of police authority and police responsibility.
- Respond to citizen complaints; conduct internal or general investigations as needed and in the best interest of the public and department toward satisfactory conclusion.
- Identify community problems and needs and establish departmental goals and objectives in support of continuous improvement.
- Develop a community relations program that recognizes and anticipates the need of the Township, which is inhabited by diversified cultural groups.
Financial
- Prepare a budget to meet the approved goals of the FTPD. Identify operating requirements, maintenance costs, training and equipment costs, personnel costs, and project future needs during the budget cycle, making recommendations when appropriate.
- Identify goals and timetables and recommend funding resources.
- Ensure departmental expenditures are controlled and remain within approved budgetary limits.
Administration
- Review daily reports, investigative reports and summaries, duty rosters, and similar documents. Ensure that procedural standards are met.
- Prepare monthly and annual reports on the activity of the FTPD for each specified period of time.
- Organize the Police Department in accordance with the Administrative Code.
- Prepare reports, studies, and analyses as directed.
- Oversee department-issued equipment and ensure accurate records are maintained for all items assigned to personnel. Ensure the retrieval of department-issued equipment upon separation of personnel employment.
- Serve on various police and public safety related committees.
Policy and Compliance Oversight
- Remain up-to-date on court rulings, liability issues, and new developments in the field of criminal justice.
- Review, develop, and implement policies and procedures related to the day-to-day operations of the department and its ability to meet routine and emergency community needs.
- Identify any policy issues and establish guidelines.
- Make recommendations on the proper procedures for professional standards.
- Ensure compliance by employees with federal, state, and local laws, and Township and FTPD policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire or for the continuation of employment.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible police experience in a department equal or larger in size.
- Minimum of five (5) years of police command, supervisory or administrative experience.
- Certified under PA Municipal Police Officers Education & Training Commission (MPOETC).
- Police Academy (approximately 880 hours) or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
- Possess or be able to obtain JNET (Justice Network) Criminal History certification.
- Completion of advanced supervision & management courses.
- Valid PA Driver’s License.
- Computer proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
- Certifications in firearms, CPR & first aid.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement principles, police practices, jurisdictional issues, and legal procedures.
- In-depth understanding of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code, Crimes Code, and local ordinances.
- Familiarity with community policing strategies and public safety best practices.
- Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, grant funding, and resource allocation within a law enforcement environment.
- Understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and effective personnel management.
- Awareness of risk management, civil rights, and liability concerns relevant to policing.
- Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies applicable to modern law enforcement operations.
- Proven leadership, decision-making, and team-building skills to motivate and manage departmental personnel.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, report writing, and media interaction.
- Effective strategic planning, policy development, and organizational management capabilities.
- Analytical skills to interpret crime trends, staffing data, and performance metrics for evidence-based decision-making.
- Proficiency in conflict resolution, grievance handling, and employee relations.
- Technological proficiency with law enforcement databases, records management systems, data analysis tools, and general office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
- Ability to develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, and operational policies.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate ethical conduct, and ensure compliance with all laws and internal procedures.
- Ability to supervise, evaluate, and discipline personnel in accordance with established policies and contractual agreements.
- Ability to plan and manage programs, establish priorities, and assign staff responsibilities.
- Ability to manage complex investigations and respond effectively in emergency situations.
- Ability to analyze and apply financial data, including preparing and monitoring departmental budgets.
- Ability to interpret statistical data and crime reports to guide operational planning and continuous improvement.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, community members, media, and intergovernmental partners.
- Ability to lead by example and perform uniformed patrol duties when required for operational needs.
- Ability to resolve problems, exercise sound judgment, and remain composed under pressure.
- Ability to pass an extensive background investigation and maintain a clean criminal record.
PHYSICAL STANDARDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical standards and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the function of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Physical Standards
- Ability to remain in a stationary position or move about for extended periods, including during meetings, community events, or critical incidents.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and respond quickly in emergency situations.
- Ability to perform occasional physically demanding tasks such as short-distance movement, ascending stairs, or assuming various body positions (e.g., kneeling or crouching) as situations require.
- Ability to handle standard law enforcement tools and equipment with necessary coordination and dexterity.
- Ability to safely lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to observe situations, review written materials, and communicate effectively in person through various communication devices.
- Must meet job-related physical and medical standards as established by state law or applicable certification requirements.
Work Environment: The work environment may include some or all of the following.
- Work is primarily performed in an office setting within the municipal police department, with frequent interaction in community, governmental, and public meeting environments.
- Regular use of computers, phones, standard office equipment, and law enforcement communication tools.
- Outdoor work may be necessary during emergency responses, community events, or field operations and could involve varying weather conditions.
- The role may involve exposure to emotionally charged or high-stress situations, including critical incidents, personnel issues, or public safety matters.
- Work schedule may include evening or weekend hours to attend meetings, respond to emergencies, or oversee departmental operations.
- Frequent interaction with elected officials, legal counsel, law enforcement partner agencies, the general public, and members of the media.
- Occasional travel within the region or state may be required for training, conferences, or interagency coordination.
- The Chief must be accessible outside of standard working hours to respond to urgent or emergency incidents, including nights, weekends, and holidays.