Description
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a nationally recognized police organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. The City of Pinole is a beautiful, residential community of 18,628 residents located in Western Contra Costa County on the shores of San Pablo Bay. It is a highly desirable place with affordable housing, top schools, and family-friendly recreational activities. Pinole is a full-service general law city that operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City employs more than 115 full-time equivalent employees with a 2023-24 all-funds budget of more than $47 million, including a general fund of $25.6 million.
With a FY24/25 budget of $13.2 million, the Pinole Police Department (PPD) currently has 49 full-time employees, including 29 sworn officers and 19 non-sworn professional staff. The PPD embraces a proactive approach to community engagement and neighborhood policing. It is nationally recognized for its commitment to employee wellness, and its members enjoy a positive work culture and strong morale. The ideal candidate will embody a unique blend of compassionate leadership, strategic acumen, and community focus. The Chief will be a leader who grasps the nuances of management concepts and applies them effectively to foster a cohesive and motivated organization. They will be a compassionate and empathetic leader and effective communicator with a deep commitment to community engagement, transparency, and trust building.
Requirements
Minimum qualifications are graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in criminology, law enforcement, social or police science, public administration, or related field, and four years of command or supervisory experience in the police service equivalent to the level of Lieutenant, Commander, Captain or above or the equivalent education and experience. A master’s degree and/or completion of an advanced law enforcement leadership program such as California Law Enforcement Command College, FBI National Academy, PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern Police Staff and Command, or a similarly recognized program are preferred. Candidates must satisfy POST employment standards and be eligible for certification to work as a peace officer in California.
The annual salary for this position is up to $260,000, with placement DOQ and experience. Pinole offers excellent benefits, including CalPERS Safety retirement (Classic and PEPRA formulas), deferred compensation match, generous leave accruals, vested retiree medical insurance that accepts prior CalPERS service credit, and much more.
To apply, please submit a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume, and a list of at least five professional references to apply@publicsectorsearch.com. The first review of applications will take place on October 18, 2024. We encourage candidates to apply early for optimal consideration. The selection and appointment will be made by the new City Manager, Kelcey Young, who was recently hired by the City. She has experience in Texas, Oregon, and California and is excited to find a forward thinking, compassionate police chief with whom she can partner to further strengthen Pinole’s Police Department.
Confidential inquiries and questions are encouraged and may be directed to Chief Mark Helms (ret.) at Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. at (209) 639-4077 or mark@publicsectorsearch.com.
