Chief of Police

Job Description: Chief of Police – City of Olney, Texas

About Olney
Nestled in rural north-central Texas, the City of Olney is a close-knit community located 100 miles west of Fort Worth, 40 miles south of Wichita Falls, 200 miles east of Lubbock, and 90 miles northeast of Abilene. Olney seeks a servant leader with exceptional interpersonal skills and an inclusive management style to serve as its next Chief of Police. The ideal candidate will embody integrity, demonstrate genuine care for others, and have a proven ability to foster strong relationships and a positive organizational culture. With humility and lead-by-example leadership, the Chief will inspire both the Police Department and the Olney community.

Position Overview
Reporting to the Mayor and City Council, and working closely with the City Administrator, the Chief of Police is responsible for the administration, leadership, and oversight of the Police Department. This role encompasses enforcing city ordinances and state laws, managing department operations, and promoting community safety through strategic planning, budget management, and personnel supervision. The Chief will serve as a visible, approachable leader, building trust within the department and throughout the community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Management: Oversee all Police Department functions, including law enforcement, crime prevention, criminal investigations, emergency communications, animal control, and code enforcement.
2. Policy Development: Establish and update departmental rules, procedures, and policies to ensure effective law enforcement and compliance with best practices.
3. Personnel Oversight: Recruit, appoint, and supervise department personnel in accordance with city policies; provide timely and constructive performance evaluations; initiate internal investigations and corrective actions as needed.
4. Budget Administration: Prepare and manage the annual department budget, ensuring efficient use of resources, and submit monthly activity reports to the City Administrator.
5. Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with residents, city officials, and local organizations through public appearances, civic events, and participation in programs like National Night Out.
6. Emergency Response: Respond to major incidents and coordinate the department’s emergency management functions with the Emergency Management Coordinator.
7. Interagency Collaboration: Foster cooperative relationships with regional law enforcement agencies and external organizations to enhance public safety.
8. Accreditation Pursuit: Work toward achieving accreditation through the Texas Police Chiefs Association Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program.
9. Training & Development: Oversee the planning and implementation of police training programs to ensure staff readiness and professional growth.
10. City Council Support: Prepare and present agenda items, attend meetings, and represent the department at public hearings and community forums.
11. Innovation & Trends: Stay informed on advancements in law enforcement practices and implement relevant improvements.
12. Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned by the City Administrator or City Council.

Qualifications

• Certification: Advanced TCOLE certification required; Master certification preferred or must be obtained within one year.
• Bachelors Degree preferred
• Experience: Minimum of five years of supervisory experience in law enforcement.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and police-specific software; general computer literacy required.
• Response Time: Must reside within a distance allowing response to emergencies within 15 minutes.
• Interagency Relations: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with other agencies.
• Leadership Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, humility, and a commitment to servant leadership.

Supervisory Scope
Directly supervises all Police Department personnel, including Communications, Animal Control, and Code Enforcement teams.

Physical & Environmental Conditions
This role involves moderate to heavy physical activity, both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to:

• Combative or uncooperative individuals, hazardous situations, and emergency response scenarios.
• Seasonal weather, chemical/mechanical hazards, and adverse conditions such as dirt, dust, fumes, and noise.
• Physical demands include bending, running, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, and navigating uneven terrain.
• Driving to various sites and working irregular or extended hours, including emergency call-outs.

Interactions
Frequent contact with city staff, residents, state/local officials, and media representatives.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to:

• Email: Mayor Rue Rogers (mayor@cityofolneytx.com) and City Administrator Simon Dwyer (sdwyer@cityofolneytx.com)
• Mail: P.O. Box 546, Olney, TX 76374

The position is open until filled. For inquiries, contact City Hall at 940-276-2011.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

Salary Range $70,000 - $85,000 based upon qualifications and experience.

Benefits shall be in accordance with those outlined in the City of Olney Personnel Policy.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City’s employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or marital status. Discrimination or harassment against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of political or religious opinions or affiliations, membership or non-membership in employee organizations, or because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, or marital status is prohibited.

Please note: This Position Description is not a contract, and shall not be construed to alter an employee’s at-will relationship. The terms and conditions of any employee’s position with the City may be altered by the City Council at any time.