Big Rapids Department of Public Safety - Chief of Police
City Of Big Rapids
Posted on May 23, 2026
Big Rapids Department of Public Safety - Chief of Police
Under the general direction of the City Manager, plans, develops, and directs a complete program of public safety to protect the lives and property of the public and to preserve peace in the City. Acts as spokesperson for the City regarding police issues. Interacts with State, County, Township, and University officials to ensure a cooperative, comprehensive, and coordinated approach to public safety services.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties that the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
1. Plans, organizes, and directs all aspects of departmental operations, including personnel, budgeting, general administration, and capital needs assessment. Develops, recommends, and implements departmental policies and procedures, internal controls, and departmental goals and objectives in accordance with departmental needs, City directives, and legal requirements.
2. With City Manager approval, recruits and hires departmental employees through Human Resources coordination. Assigns work, supervises personnel, evaluates performance, and oversees training and professional development. Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures.
3. Develops and administers the annual departmental operating and capital budgets. Ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time. Approves purchases and prepares departmental financial summaries as required. Obtains and administers grants.
4. Directs departmental operations through a defined command structure. Manages and coordinates all public safety services, including general law enforcement, criminal investigation, and school liaison service, traffic control, parking enforcement, and emergency medical services and management.
5. Develops long-term plans to improve departmental operations, law enforcement, crime prevention efforts, and works alongside the fire chief in emergency programming. Evaluates pending legislation and statutes and responds to changing regulations and technology regarding law enforcement through review of technical materials and professional education
6. Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of reports pertaining to finances, operations, activities, and other issues for submission to the City administration or other agencies.
7. Advises and assists City administration and policy makers regarding law enforcement, building, traffic, crime, and emergency issues. Acts as spokesperson for the department, receives and answers inquiries and complaints from the public, other agencies, and the media. Deliver presentations to civilian and professional audiences regarding police problems and studies.
8. Participates in the negotiation and ongoing application of employee labor contracts.
9. Coordinates departmental activities with other agencies, including Federal, State, County, and other local law enforcement departments.
10. Serves on community boards and commissions related to public safety, as appropriate. Meets with community groups to address public safety concerns.
11. Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
12. Represents the City at governmental and civic events and actively participates in social events of the community.
13. Maintains membership in Big Rapids' civic organizations to promote outreach and public relations.
14. Serves as a member of the Safety Committee.
15. Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
Requirements include the following:
• A bachelor's Degree is preferred in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field.
Additional police training and experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Ten years of experience as a police officer, including prior command-level experience.
• The City, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certifications.
• A Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of modern police science to implement effective City law enforcement operations.
• Thorough knowledge of scientific methods of crime detection and prevention, skill in communication, and patrol equipment used in police work to protect the community and train and evaluate subordinates.
• Thorough knowledge of personnel management techniques to plan, coordinate, assign, and supervise the work of department staff.
• Knowledge of the federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and local ordinances regulating police and fire activities.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City.
• Skill in coordinating, assigning, and supervising the work of a large staff.
• Reasonable knowledge of basic accounting and record-keeping procedures to prepare the departmental budgets and reports for the City Commission.
• Ability to make effective oral and written presentations.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, and the ability to master software programs utilized by the Police Division.
• Ability to maintain discipline and respect of subordinates, to lead and command the Police Division effectively, and direct staff and equipment under emergency police conditions.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with the public officials, the public, and other City employees.
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete the application below.
Click here to view the employment packet for this position
Click here to apply.
Click here to view the employment packet for this position
Click here to apply.
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