How to become A Chief of Police US

The growing tendency to refer to the Chief of Police as their department’s CEO or General Manager stems from their steadily honed leadership and managerial skills that enhance the public face of law enforcement.

• Police Chief
• Police Commissioner

What do Chiefs of Police do?

A Chief of Police would typically need to:

• Protect people and property and preserve peace through efficient administration, effective public relations, and strategic planning
• Develop and implement new strategies, policies, and procedures to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of all departmental operations
• Monitor the work of patrol sergeants and officers, detectives, dispatchers, clerical personnel, and specialised officers, such as canine handlers and crime scene investigators
• Make sure diverse crimes such as robbery, assault, burglary, identity theft, fraud, and forgery are thoroughly investigated
• Investigate crime scenes, if required; coordinate the activities and investigations of pertinent sergeants and officers
• Conduct regular surveillance to curb gangs and graffiti; put in place effective and responsible anti-terrorism task forces
• Provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid to victims when needed
• Assume responsibility for hiring, firing, evaluating, and disciplining of law enforcement personnel under their charge
• Ensure the training of new law enforcement officers and personnel is in compliance with standard regulations
• Monitor and manage departmental operations and budgets; schedule patrol shifts and respond to emergencies
• Develop beneficial policies and regulations; design and implement crime prevention programmes
• Assist in regular audits and background investigations of all departments to ensure compliance with set standards of integrity, accountability, and excellence
• Provide counsel, support, and advice to all law enforcement personnel; help senior leadership carry out departmental objectives
• Make sure all departmental equipment and vehicles are in working condition; confirm that employees have the requisite tools to discharge their duties
• Participate in meetings with politicians, city councils, boards and other department heads to foster cooperation
• Establish clear lines of communication with diverse groups in the community, so as to address pressing local concerns and prepare them for emergencies
• Set up and monitor citizen volunteer and youth development programs; call for and conduct judicious press conferences, when the situation warrants
• Work closely with the fire, public works, maintenance, and transportation departments in providing emergency services
• Assess investigations to determine if they can be resolved through mediation; collaborate with other law enforcement agencies on high-profile investigations  
• Help sister agencies prepare for state and national accreditation via policy review, development and assessment through authorised agencies
• Prepare, maintain and share essential records and reports, as required
• Undertake patrolling, circulation of public information, and firearms instruction, if serving as the only paid law enforcement officer in a small town
• Supervise thousands of officers and civilian employees; conduct meetings to discuss crime and administrative issues, when employed in a large city

The Chief of Police may be found inside their office within the police department, at crime scenes, or in meetings with politicians, the local community and the press. A typical workday that may encompass everything from administrative duties to public appearances involves interaction with a broad cross-section of the local population.

Your job description may include a standard 40-hour week, but any new Chief of Police will soon realise that adequately discharging their duties requires much more time.

While meetings, luncheons and charity events often happen outside regular business hours, officer-involved shootings, violent crimes, and other such emergencies will need their attention at any time of the day or week.

Each city and state has a preferred way of hiring its next Chief of Police. They may depend on an executive search firm to initiate and complete a portion of the recruitment and screening or look towards their mayor, city manager, or city council to conduct the appointment or election.

Chiefs of Police are generally employed by:

• Police Departments
• City Councils
• Local Government Agencies

Professional associations and organisations, such as the American Correctional Association (ACA), or the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), are crucial for Police Chiefs interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Negatively skewed public opinion shaped by indiscriminate use of social media and taking events out of context
• Popular perception of total accountability for the actions of officers guilty of misconduct and prompt official response to hold the officer accountable
• Attack on personal integrity and honesty which remain the fundamental principles of the profession
• Misalignment between communication and observable behaviour with regard to ethical practices governing finances, perks, favouritism, and discrimination
• Effective management of crucial political constituents, including the media, public officials, and departmental executive team competing to influence official decisions
• Departmental vulnerability due to failure to understand and implement prevention strategies in the face of harassment allegations, votes of no-confidence, and scandals due to officers’ misconduct
• Tendency to stick to traditional leadership styles that do not encourage the transparency and accountability expected by the public
• High possibility of primary and secondary trauma related to crimes and crime investigations
• Struggle to find work-life balance amid the constant demands on time

As a rule, one gets to become Chief of Police towards the middle or end of one’s career; in addition to an impressive resume and education, you must have put in at least twenty years in the service, most of it in upper management positions. 

Although ambitious lieutenants with a strong management background have a fighting chance at getting the role, most applicants may have gained significant experience as a captain or deputy chief, emphasising command-level assignments and budgeting, planning, community-oriented policing, and staffing. 

Successful candidates would also have attended the F.B.I (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Leadership Academy and remained active in the organisation. Much can be learnt under the guidance of current Chiefs of Police by way of tactical leadership and management.

Progressively responsible work experience in state or federal law enforcement as a deputy sheriff or beat patrol officer and an ingrained knowledge of police methods and practices, firearms, and self-defence is an alternate way to rise through the ranks to this much sought-after position.

Corporate executives who lead by example, implement proactive changes and reforms, and enhance employee morale may also be considered for the post, which would benefit from their hard-earned skills and experience.

Most Chiefs of Police have a bachelor’s or associate degree in criminal justice or law enforcement, so they have an in-depth knowledge of pertinent federal laws and regulations, criminal law, criminology, forensics, and ethics. 

Consider enhancing your education by obtaining a master’s degree in public administration or business administration to align with the management and leadership tasks of the position. Recognised courses in analytical and critical thinking will come in handy.

However, becoming a Chief of Police with just a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) is possible. 

High school psychology, political science, and physical education courses can help set you up for success as you prepare for this role. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Certification demonstrates a Chief of Police’s leadership skills and dedication to their career, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Although not mandatory, accredited certification in law enforcement analysis and criminal investigation will help an aspiring Chief of Police stand out amongst their peers, especially if the police department in question is progressive.

There are no nationwide standards for police certification in the United States. However, most states require police officials to acquire relevant credentials by undergoing training in the use of firearms, de-escalation, and crisis intervention in an authorised police academy. 

Although there may not be many occasions to warrant its usefulness, an active Chief of Police may need a valid firearms/gun licence. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience.

An employment background check is usually necessary; it can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Chief of Police is the highest-ranking officer in law enforcement. Performance,  experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive their career progression.

They may move to positions of greater responsibility encompassing a larger geographical area or specialise in a particular area of policing, such as crime investigation and prevention, community policing and relations, or emergency services.

A career in politics to establish and implement the various reforms that could vastly improve the policing situation in the US would be the perfect segue for a retired Chief of Police who remains dedicated to preserving law and order and has the requisite oratorial and networking skills.

Candidates with a bachelor's degree in criminal law and a master’s degree in public/business administration in combination with leadership, public speaking, and management skills have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Chief of Police build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. In addition, CPD helps with the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences.

Upon appointment as Chief of Police, you will receive further training on budget management, strategic command, and operational leadership. The training will help your career soar when combined with excellent networking skills.

Stay abreast of the current trends and developments in law enforcement, attend training sessions and workshops, read trade journals and newsletters, and network with other Chiefs of Police.

The rise of technologies has brought an increase in cyberattacks and cybercrime.  Police Departments have had to adjust accordingly, and the Chief of Police must ensure their team is ready to defend the community from these invisible threats. Staying on top of developing technologies will make you a good candidate for promotions.

Cybercrime - Current Threats and Defences

The impending wave of cyberattacks that threatens the public and police alike can be repulsed effectively by a tech-savvy Chief of Police who remains constantly updated on the latest trends in the world of hackers and cybercriminals.

Skills for Success

To lead and manage their department towards the prompt and skilful accomplishment of set goals, a competent Chief of Police must have effective communication and mentoring skills to complement excellent analytical thinking and decision-making abilities.

Physical Fitness

While most of their prescribed duties can be done in a conference room or behind a desk, there are still occasions when a dedicated Chief of Police has to chase suspects, apprehend criminals, and be involved in physical altercations. They must keep up their physical fitness to face unforeseen events.

New Waves of Policing

The increasing levels of police violence in many states demand new styles of policing. This trend includes creating stronger bonds between the community and the police departments to breach the gap violent incidents have created.

The increasing use of social media and data-gathering algorithms makes it easier for the police to track organised crime in collaboration with the community and make their neighbourhoods safer. 

Chief of Police vs Police Commissioner

While the Chief of Police and Police Commissioner serve similar functions in the police department, the differences between these positions come down to the geographical area under their jurisdiction.

The Chief of Police is the highest-ranking officer in departments policing smaller geographical regions. However, they assist a Police Commissioner or a Board of Commissioners in running the department efficiently in large metropolitan areas.

A police department in Flint, Michigan, staged a fake wedding between two undercover cops. They invited dozens of suspects to the sting wedding, making over 30 arrests.

The role may feel too weighty to play, the commitment to the department and community too challenging, the toll it takes on one’s personal life seems not worth it.
Yet, dedicated Chiefs of Police who understand generational differences, cultural diversity, collaborative decision-making, and transparency of actions will succeed at their work and in achieving sustainable job satisfaction.

“As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice.”

- Extract from the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics