Description

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is assisting the City of Cedar Rapids in its search for the next Chief of Police of the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

How to apply: Interested candidates should submit their letter of interest and resume to CedarRapidsChief@theIACP.org.

Deadline to apply: October 15, 2023

THE OPPORTUNITY

Cedar Rapids Police Department Chief of Police Recruitment Brochure

The role of the Chief of Police for the Cedar Rapids Police Department presents an invigorating opportunity to drive change and lead the agency in a careful and strategic direction. The Chief of Police will embrace the tasks of progressing from established improvements and reforms, promoting a more diverse workforce, improving community involvement with residents, giving priority to the safety and well-being of officers, and cultivating an environment of assurance and reliance within the Department.

The Chief of Police serves under the direction of the City Manager, providing leadership, management, and oversight of the Police Department's overall operations and activities.

The next Chief of Police will be charged with charting the path forward to address the following

• Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with the community presents an opportunity for the Cedar Rapids Police Department to gain trust and cooperation from residents. Initiatives such as community policing can help officers connect with citizens, address their concerns, and collaborate on crime prevention efforts.
• Technology Advancements: Embracing modern technology, including body-worn cameras, advanced data analytics, and predictive policing software, can enhance law enforcement capabilities. This can lead to more effective crime prevention and better resource allocation. 
• Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity within the police force can improve cultural competency and help officers better serve a diverse population. It can also enhance community trust, reduce bias, and create a police force which better reflects our community's diversity.
• Training and Education: Ongoing training and professional development opportunities can empower officers to handle complex situations with skill and sensitivity. This includes de-escalation training, crisis intervention, and mental health awareness programs.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Partnering with other law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, and community groups can help address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse, through a comprehensive approach.
• Accountability and Transparency: Promoting transparency in police operations, including clear policies on the use of force and a robust system for civilian oversight, can foster trust and credibility with the community.

A successful candidate will demonstrate the following key attributes or experience:

• Proactively prioritize and promote a culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the Department, including recruitment, promotions and assignments, inspiring others to embrace these values.
• Balance city budgets, policies, and local/state laws while maintaining Department morale and accomplishing the city's vision and mission. Collaborate with peer Department leaders in a team-oriented approach.
• Co-lead traffic-safety and -enforcement efforts, in partnership with transportation agencies, including initiatives like speed cameras, traffic calming, and fine collections.
• Collaborate with partner agencies to address homelessness, reduce injuries, and ensure sanitary conditions. Experience with guiding individuals in crisis to housing resources and out of unauthorized dwelling sites is essential.
• Collaborate with community mental health organizations and experts to develop and implement proactive strategies and training programs aimed at enhancing the mental health awareness and well-being of residents, while ensuring the resilience and readiness of Police Department personnel to effectively respond to mental health crises in the community.
• Work closely with other City leaders to create safe spaces and implement effective crime prevention and community policing strategies in open areas and city facilities.
• Interact with a citizen/civilian review panel and support its initiatives to enhance public trust in law enforcement.
• Utilize experience and knowledge of national and state accreditation processes to ensure the Department maintains its accredited status.
• Oversee financial and human resource functions.
• Lead strategic planning processes, develop strategic objectives, track metrics, and build partnerships with other agencies to enhance city operations while achieving Departmental goals.
• Procure and implement robust information technology systems, including records management systems and data dashboards, to enhance transparency and accountability to the community.
• Support citywide cybersecurity efforts in collaboration with the City leadership team.
• Be a strong advocate for critical decisions and maintain positive communication and working relationships with employee labor groups and City leaders, including healthy conflict resolution.
• Foster positive working relationships with Fire Department leadership, coordinate co-training efforts and ensure seamless collaboration during various service calls.
• Represent City and/or County interests at legislative meetings, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of legislative processes, and work closely with City legislative staff.
• Knowledge and experience in incident command structures and national incident management concepts to effectively manage the Police Department and work with the City leadership team during emergency hazards and emergency-preparedness events.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field.
• Seven to nine years of leadership experience (at minimum equivalent to the responsibility of a CRPD lieutenant) in similar sized law enforcement agency.

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Iowa Driver's or Chauffer's license upon appointment.
• Iowa Police Officer certification within 120 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.  
• Demonstration of ongoing professional development, such as graduation from a nationally recognized police management or leadership program.  
• Prior experience with CALEA accreditation.  
• Prior experience working with a citizen review panel.  
• Prior experience with a civil service commission.  

Residency Requirement  

• Must be a resident of the City of Cedar Rapids within 6 months.