CITY OF EUSTIS, FLORIDA

Transcription

1 CITY OF EUSTIS, FLORIDA Police Chief Recruitment HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit an electronic application including: a cover letter, resume, and at least 10 professional references as soon as possible. Please visit the City of Eustis Website at for more information.

2 INTRODUCTION TO THE CITY The City of Eustis is located in Lake County, Florida, about 25 miles northwest of Orlando. The City has a population of 19,000+ and is located on beautiful Lake Eustis within easy driving distance of Orlando, as well as the Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches, the Ocala National Forest and the Florida Space Coast. The City has a diverse economy with businesses and industries in agricultural technology, food products, graphics, forest products, manufacturing and regional transportation. It is a welcoming atmosphere for entrepreneurship, small business, light manufacturing, and a sustainable technology. Eustis has great attractions for visitors and residents including extensive outdoor activities. The Downtown Waterfront Entertainment District offers unique shopping, dining and live entertainment venues. Eustis Live! provides a family-friendly community social event promoting downtown businesses and showcases the Historic Downtown. Other highlights include the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, Eustis Historical Museum (Clifford House) and the performing artistry of the Bay Street Players at the Historic State Theatre. The City s George Washington Birthday Festival and Parade, also known as GeorgeFest, is the Nation s second oldest commemoration of the Nation s first President. It is also the longest running festival of any kind in the State of Florida. A variety of excellent public and private schools and a City public library, which celebrated its Centennial anniversary, are indicative of the value placed on education. Nearby, Lake Sumter State College, Lake Technical College, and the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Stetson University, St. Leo College, Nova Southeastern University, and Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University provide paths for continuing education.

3 GOVERNANCE The City utilizes a Commission/Manager form of government. Five (5) Commission members are elected to staggered four (4) year terms. Each year, the Commission chooses a new Mayor from the existing group of Commissioners. The current estimated population is over 19,000 with the expectation that there will be growth to about 22,000 by The City provides a full range of services including Public Safety (Building, Fire and Police), Finance (Financial Services, Payroll, Purchasing, Utility Billing and Information Technology), Public Works (Engineering, Streets, Stormwater, Garage, Cemetery and Building Maintenance), Human Resources, Library, Parks and Recreation, Development Services (Planning, Building and Code Enforcement), and other General Government Services. There are a total of 212 full-time and 47 part-time employees. THE POSITION The Police Chief reports to the City Manager and is responsible for directing all law enforcement activities within the City of Eustis. He/she implements and directs departmental goals and objectives, formulates departmental policies and coordinates all administrative aspects of the department. The Police Chief is also a key member of the City s senior management team and is expected to add to the strategic leadership and best practices of the organization. It is the Chief s responsibility to resolve highly sensitive matters and public concerns. The Police Chief serves as a technical resource and advises the Commission and City Manager on law enforcement matters. He/she develops and oversees the Department s annual budget, and controls and monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and cost consciousness. The Police Chief is expected to forge effective professional relationships with other public safety officials and cultivate positive community relations by interacting with citizens, civic and

4 community groups. The Chief must demonstrate fairness and consistency with employees, and inspire loyalty and dedication within the Department. The Police Chief also serves as the City s Emergency Management Director and is responsible for maintaining a current Emergency Management Plan that ensures quick and organized response to emergency events. THE DEPARTMENT The Eustis Police Department provides professional, efficient and effective law enforcement services within the City of Eustis. There are a total of 54 full time departmental employees including 42 sworn officers who maintain a high level of crime deterrence utilizing highly visible, pro-active patrols and special operations. The FY 14/15 budget for the Police Department is $4,774,415. Through a community policing philosophy, the department provides people and community oriented law enforcement services, with excellent community involvement and support. Highly specialized programs and patrols, such as a Traffic Enforcement Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, SWAT, Communications and K-9, enhance the level of services provided to the community. Special programs provided by the department include Neighborhood Watch and Alzheimer s Wanderers. Additionally, the department provides 911 cell phones to victims of domestic violence. Crime avoidance and prevention seminars are given throughout the year to businesses, civic groups and other organizations. Police Department tours, K-9 demonstrations, and other informative presentations are conducted for all elementary schools, as well as to various youth organizations.

5 THE MISSION The Eustis Police Department Mission Statement reads as follows: The Eustis Police Department is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in providing professional, courteous, fair and equitable law enforcement services. Our men and women strive to enable a safe and secure community environment that will be a source of pride for future generations; to ensure crime prevention through our presence and community education; to protect the rights of citizens and visitors from those who wish to compromise those rights; and to continually grow with and lead the community into bright tomorrows. ISSUES AND PRIORITIES In addition to the day-to-day responsibilities of running the Department, the incoming Police Chief will be expected to address the following issues and priorities during the early stages of his/her employment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Department s structure, resources, crime and service demands; evaluate data, training, policies and performance standards/practices and develop a plan for needed changes and/or improvements. Make a visible, concerted effort to meet and establish a rapport with all key stakeholders within the City and the community, including the City Commission, City Manager, department heads and staff, citizenry and others. Continue to foster a proactive mindset to law enforcement and an environment of communityoriented, problem-solving policing. Implement a communications strategy that will engender trust and credibility among all stakeholders. Actively engage stakeholders in defining community-oriented policing and clarify roles and expectations for police and the public. Proactively work to deter crime by proposing and implementing meaningful and effective prevention and intervention strategies.

6 Advance the Department s relationship within the African American community and within the city s teen/young adult populations. Emphasize and develop a culture of diversity within the department and establish a recruiting program that is proactive in the recruitment of officers who reflect the gender, race and ethnicity of the surrounding community. Work effectively with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and continue to foster a positive rapport and relationship during the collective bargaining process. Uphold consistent performance expectations for departmental employees across all ranks, holding individuals accountable and providing praise, constructive feedback and discipline in a consistent manner. Address departmental turnover and look for creative ways to maintain adequate staffing, improve morale and foster internal growth within the department. Develop productive relationships with other law enforcement agencies in the area. Establish positive working relationships with all City Departments. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate must be a proven and exceptional leader who has current/previous experience in a law enforcement agency with a strong, community oriented emphasis. The Police Chief must be a personable and approachable individual who can forge and strengthen ties with citizens and existing neighborhood groups. He/she must demonstrate a genuine respect for a diverse community and be highly visible and personally active within the community. Impeccable personal character and integrity coupled with common sense and sound judgment, even during highly stressful times, is a must.

7 The Police Chief must be capable of balancing a multitude of priorities and demands and exhibit an energetic, proactive and results-oriented management style. Applicants for this position must have executive or mid-level experience with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement policies, practices and procedures. Having a fresh perspective toward police operations, including tactical operations and emerging technologies to maximize efficiency and effectiveness and a personal orientation toward action and accepting responsibility will be important. The Police Chief must possess outstanding communication, listening and negotiation skills. He/she must be an exceptional presenter, whether to the Commission, pension board, employee groups, outside agencies or other stakeholders within the City. He/she must provide consistent communication and outreach within the community and schools and promote citizen awareness and involvement in crime prevention. The Police Chief must be able to create a positive work environment that is supportive of employees, providing for employee growth through mentoring and professional development. He /she must be able to hold subordinates accountable and impose discipline when appropriate. Although an open and accessible management style is desired, the Police Chief must be able to preserve the respect and integrity of his/her position by exhibiting the utmost professionalism in his/her interactions with departmental employees, recognizing when and what matters should be strictly reserved for the chain of command. QUALIFYING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE This position requires a Bachelor s Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Criminal Justice or related field; supplemented by at least 10 years progressively responsible experience in law enforcement to include at least 5 years experience in a management position. Master s Degree in Public Administration or related field is preferred. Applicants must possess or be able to obtain active Florida Law Enforcement Certification. Valid Florida Driver s License with an acceptable driving record will be required.

8 COMPENSATION The salary range for this position is $72,326 - $108,540, depending on qualifications. The City has a competitive benefits plan, including health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as paid leave and other benefits. The Police Chief may choose to participate in the Police Defined Benefit Pension Plan or the ICMA 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. An ICMA 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is also available to interested employees. Detailed information on the City s benefits is provided on the Human Resources page of the City s website at TO APPLY Applicants may apply by using the City s on-line Application Builder at The City asks that a cover letter, resume, at least 10 professional references and a 10 year salary history be attached to the electronic application. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. A supplemental questionnaire may be requested and preliminary telephone interviews may be conducted before on-site interviews. Final candidates are subject to a thorough background check including criminal history, credit and driver s license check. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of an employment physical and drug testing. Under Florida law, all applications materials are public record and subject to public scrutiny. The recruitment is considered open until filled; however candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, with the first review of applications to begin by the end of February IMPORTANT INFORMATION The City of Eustis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from minorities and females. The City does not discriminate in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, age, national origin, citizenship, genetic information or any other factor protected by law. The City provides Veteran s Preference per FS and encourages qualified service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of service members and veterans to apply for employment. The City encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation to the extent provided by law.