Police Chief

Ketchum, ID

Full Time

Senior Executive

The Police Chief plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the operations, personnel, and programs of the City of Ketchum Police Department. This position provides leadership and oversight for law enforcement services, crime prevention, emergency response, community engagement, and departmental operations in support of the City’s mission and priorities.

As a member of the City’s executive leadership team, the Police Chief works closely with elected officials, staff, community organizations, regional partners, businesses, and residents to maintain public safety and strengthen community trust in a highly visible resort-community environment.

Essential Functions

Direct and manage Police Department operations, personnel, programs, and activities
Establish departmental goals, policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives
Oversee patrol operations, investigations, crime prevention, emergency response, and community policing efforts
Develop strategies addressing public safety concerns, traffic safety, special events, seasonal population impacts, and emerging crime trends
Maintain relationships with residents, businesses, visitors, and community stakeholders
Coordinate public safety efforts with local, regional, state, and federal agencies
Advise City leadership on public safety matters, operations, and policy recommendations
Prepare and administer department budgets and identify grant funding opportunities
Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, employee development, and succession planning
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and law enforcement best practices
Manage critical incidents, emergency operations, and sensitive personnel matters
Encourage innovation, technology use, and modern policing strategies
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge of modern law enforcement administration, criminal justice, emergency management, budgeting, personnel management, and community-oriented policing
Strong leadership, organizational management, and communication skills
Ability to analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure situations
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, agencies, employees, and the public
Ability to manage budgets, projects, and operational priorities effectively

Experience and Training

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, law enforcement, or related field required
Master’s degree preferred
Ten to fifteen (10–15) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including supervisory and command-level experience in a municipal law enforcement agency
Experience in community-oriented policing, emergency management, and organizational leadership preferred

Licenses and Requirements

Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Idaho POST Advanced and Management certifications preferred or ability to obtain
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation
Position is designated safety sensitive and may require drug and alcohol testing
Must be available to respond to emergencies and critical incidents outside normal working hours

Working Conditions

Work is performed in office and outdoor environments and may include exposure to adverse weather, stressful situations, hazardous conditions, and potentially dangerous incidents. Physical requirements include operating vehicles and equipment, responding to emergencies, and occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The City of Ketchum is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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1. Are you a veteran or family member who qualifies for and are claiming preference pursuant to Idaho Code §65-503 or its successor?*

2. Have you previously claimed Veteran's Preference with the City of Ketchum?

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE (Reference Idaho Code, Title 65, Chapter 5)

In accordance with Idaho Code, Title 65, Chapter 5, Employer will afford a preference to employment of veterans. If claiming veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214 to this application.

The term “active duty” means full-time duty in the Armed Forces, but NOT active duty for training.

Part 1. Preference Eligible Veterans:
*I have a service-connected disability of 10% or more.
*I am the spouse of an eligible disabled veteran, who has a service-connected disability.
*I am the widow or widower of an eligible veteran and have remained unmarried.
*I do not meet any of the selections above, but I served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States for a period of more than one-hundred eighty (180) days and was honorably discharged.

Part 2. Documentation and Signature:

By uploading a copy of my DD214, I certify that all statements on this form are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that should an investigation disclose inaccurate or misleading answers, my application may be rejected and my name removed from consideration for employment with employer.

IF APPLICABLE, I have attached a copy of my DD214. Veteran’s preference will not be considered without this document.

DISCLAIMER and SIGNATURE

I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and that intentional misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for the rejection of my application and that if hired, I may be released from employment. I understand that the City may require me to successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol test and a background check as a condition of employment and that continued employment may be based on the successful completion of similar tests.

I authorize the City to contact any individuals, companies, or organizations listed in my application, resume, or otherwise identified during the hiring process to verify my employment history, qualifications, and other relevant information. I consent to the release of such information by the individuals, companies, or organizations contacted by the City, and I release them from any and all liability for providing this information in good faith. I further release the City, its employees, and representatives from any liability or claims arising from their efforts to verify the information I have provided and from the use of any information obtained during the reference-checking process.

I understand that this authorization is a necessary step in the hiring process and does not guarantee employment. My electronic signature below indicates agreement with the following statements:

By typing my name in the following box and clicking submit button, I certify the above statements to be true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that this information can be used for the purpose of processing my employment application and information.

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer*

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Police Chief

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