Description
POSITION: CHIEF OF POLICE
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The Chief of Police serves as the administrative head of the Police Department and reports directly to the Mayor, or the Borough Manager if so delegated. The Chief provides strategic leadership and overall direction for all police operations, programs, and personnel in accordance with the Borough’s Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The Chief of Police promotes public safety through fair, effective, and community-focused law enforcement.
The appointment of the Chief of Police shall comply with the Borough’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, including the requirement that any appointee to the position may be nominated by Council to a non-competitive examination.
The Chief of Police plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Police Department, including law enforcement, crime prevention, and crime suppression programs, and coordinating assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for the managerial position of Chief of Police. Incumbents may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
1. Assume full management responsibility for all department services and activities, including law enforcement, crime prevention, and community engagement programs; develop and administer policies and procedures in alignment with Borough objectives.
2. Initiate and develop Borough policies for all Police Department services and activities; update and revise Borugh policies pertaining to all Police Department services, activities and programs based on observed department operational needs, changes in best law enforcement practices, and changes in laws and regulations pertaining to Police Department operations.
3. Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area.
4. Establish, within Borough policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
5. Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Police Department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
6. Direct the process for the hiring of Police Department staff, including conducting background checks of candidates for police officer positions; ensure compliance with all applicable provisions of the Borough’s Civil Service Rules and Regulations, including the MPOETC and Act 57 separation record and background investigation requirements; provide recommendations for hiring consistent with Borough civil service regulations and human resources policy.
7. Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
8. Use independent judgment to represent the Police Department and maintain a positive working relationship with other departments, elected officials, media, and outside agencies.
9. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law enforcement.
10. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
11. Prepare plans and establish procedures for meeting and coping with any emergency condition. Coordinate Police activity with other emergency services such as the Fox Chapel Volunteer Fire Department and Foxwall EMS.
12. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training and career development; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
13. Discipline staff, including taking action for the termination of police officer employment when appropriate, consistent with Article VIII of the Borough’s Civil Service Rules and Regulations, the collective bargaining agreement, and human resources policy.
14. Develop the Police Department budget; consult with appropriate Borough personnel to assist with the development of the Police Department budget when necessary; administer the Police Department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
15. Authorize budgeted expenditures that do not require public bidding; recommend to Borough Council budgeted expenditures that require public bidding; and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
16. Participate on various boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
17. Develop and conduct problem-solving and identification training exercises; respond to questions and inquiries.
18. Explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
19. Serve as a resource for law enforcement personnel, Borough staff, and other organizations; coordinate information, resources, and work teams necessary to support a positive, productive, and harmonious work environment.
20. Assist with patrol duties as needed. Please see the Fox Chapel Borough Officer’s Duties for a full list.
21. Perform related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or to be learned within a short period of time to perform the assigned duties successfully.
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement program
Principles and practices of program development and administration
Modern principles, practices, and techniques of police administration, organization, and operation
Methods and techniques of investigation, identification, and collection of evidence
Law enforcement theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs
Principles and practices of crime prevention, suppression, and law enforcement
Principles and practices of the organization, administration, and personnel management
Methods and techniques of public relations
Management skills to analyze programs, policies, and operational needs
Use of firearms and other modern police equipment
Recent court decisions and how they affect department operations
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations
Ability to:
Manage and direct a comprehensive law enforcement program
Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures
Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments
Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs
Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower-level staff
Delegate authority and responsibility
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques
Perform criminal investigations involving complex and sensitive situations
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets
Discharge firearms in a safe and effective manner
Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability of making sounds decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities
Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
Experience Guidelines:
Experience:
At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five (5) years in a supervisory or command role. Experience in municipal policing and community engagement preferred.
License or Certificate:
Act 120 certification required. Executive-level law enforcement training (e.g., FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, or equivalent) highly desirable.
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and fostering an inclusive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions for this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment:
Environment: Standard office setting and field environment, which may include exposure to stressful or emergency situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Physical: Sufficient physical ability to perform heavy or moderate lifting; walking, sitting, or standing for prolonged periods; discharging firearms; reacting quickly to emergencies; operating motorized vehicles.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Requirements
Fox Chapel Borough – Chief of Police
Fox Chapel Borough, a premier community in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is seeking an experienced, ethical, and community-focused professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This position offers an exceptional leadership opportunity in one of the region’s most desirable residential communities, known for its commitment to safety, education, and quality of life.
About Fox Chapel Borough
Fox Chapel is a picturesque community of approximately 5,000 residents located along the Allegheny River, just north of Pittsburgh. The Borough values public service, environmental stewardship, and collaborative governance. Residents enjoy beautiful parks, extensive trails, and vibrant civic engagement that make Fox Chapel one of western Pennsylvania’s most sought-after places to live and work.
The Fox Chapel Police Department is a professional and accredited municipal law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting life and property, preventing crime, and fostering community partnerships that enhance safety and trust. The Department includes 10 patrol officers, one of whom serves as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Shadyside Academy, and 2 Sergeants. The Department’s current Chief has retired, creating an opportunity for a new leader to guide this well-respected agency.
Position Overview
The Chief of Police serves as the administrative and operational head of the Police Department, reporting directly to the Mayor or Borough Manager. The Chief is responsible for strategic leadership, management of departmental personnel, and coordination of all police services, programs, and operations in accordance with Borough Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing and overseeing all law enforcement operations, crime prevention, and community engagement initiatives.
Developing and implementing departmental goals, policies, and budgets.
Leading recruitment, training, and evaluation of department personnel.
Ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including MPOETC and Act 57 requirements.
Promoting a culture of ethical leadership, accountability, and public trust.
Collaborating with Borough departments, emergency services, and community organizations to maintain public safety and quality of life.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Act 120 certification required.
At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five (5) years in a supervisory or command role.
Completion of advanced executive-level law enforcement training (e.g., FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, or equivalent) highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience in community policing, strategic planning, and departmental administration.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Borough of Fox Chapel offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for the Chief of Police, including a salary up to $150,000, commensurate with experience. The position includes a take-home vehicle, cell phone reimbursement, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for the Chief and eligible dependents.
The Borough supports ongoing professional development through training and conference participation. Additional benefits include unlimited sick leave and eligibility for up to two (2) years of pension buyback for prior qualifying service after vesting.
Application Process
Fox Chapel Borough is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates should submit the following materials by 2:00 PM on November 14, 2025. First round interviews will occur December 2-5, 2025, Second round interviews are expected to take place December 15-19 with appointment expected at either the January or February Council meeting. Dates are subject to change.
Applicants should submit the following in PDF format:
A cover letter describing interest and relevant qualifications
A resume
Three professional references
Please email application materials to Jason@DaileyOperationConsulting.com.
