Fort Pierce Police Department
Fort Pierce, Florida
Chief of Police
With a diverse population of 41,590, Fort Pierce is a historic community located on the eastern seaboard within the “Treasure Coast” of Florida. The city, often called the Sunrise City, is a waterfront community with direct access from Interstate 95 and US Highway 1. Its diverse neighborhoods encompass approximately 29 square miles, including 2.3 miles of public beach, a historic waterfront downtown, a quaint fishing village, and the popular Sunrise Theatre for the Performing Arts. Downtown attractions include shopping, dining, entertainment, and a city marina. Fort Pierce is known for its outstanding boating and fishing. Fort Pierce is home to Indian River State College, which has earned national recognition for excellence and affordability with over 100 programs offered. Lawnwood Regional Medical Center hosts the region’s only Level II trauma center. The city is located within a two-hour drive of other world-class Florida locations, including Orlando, Miami, and Palm Beach.
The Fort Pierce Police Department has 157 employees (121 authorized sworn) and a budget of $12.5 million. It is a full-service police agency accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. The department is currently divided into two bureaus, the Community Policing Bureau (patrol) and the Support Services Bureau (investigations and administration). The department is committed to several community programs designed to support youth and reduce violence including the Roundtable of St. Lucie County and the Restoring the Village initiative. The Fort Pierce Police Department was the recipient of a recent $200,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to combat gang violence in the city’s socio-economically challenged communities.
Fort Pierce is the home of the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex at the Indian River State College. It is a 50-acre complex that has gained national attention as one of the most comprehensive, technologically advanced training facilities in the nation. The department works closely with several other professional law enforcement agencies, including the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Police Chief, who is responsible to the City Manager, must possess:
- Demonstrated competencies in effective leadership and building strong relationships within the community and the agency, and the ability to inspire confidence as a representative of the police department and the city.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a demonstrated capacity to be visible within the department and in the community.
- A passionate commitment to community policing and problem-solving policing (experience in successfully implementing violence reduction strategies and comprehensive gang initiatives); and using current strategies, systems, and technologies to optimize the delivery of police services to the community.
- Exceptional organizational and management skills, including the ability to develop and maintain a strong leadership team.
- A proven commitment to diversity, both within the department, through staff development, and within the community, by improving citizen outreach efforts at all levels of the department.
- Extensive experience in the many aspects of policing a diverse urban community.
- A track record of successfully implementing and maintaining professional standards that result in departmental efficiency, integrity, and public confidence.
- Experience in identifying and successfully implementing new programs, policies, and procedures.
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of law enforcement experience, including responsible administrative and leadership assignments. In addition, completion of a nationally recognized advanced law enforcement administration course is required. This could include PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute AOC, or Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command.
Salary Range: Up to $124,091 per year, plus a competitive fringe benefits package.
The Chief is selected by the City Manager with consent of the five-member City Commission. Qualified candidates should apply by February 6, 2015 with cover letter, resumé and a list of five professional references. Candidates who are selected for interviews will be subject to public disclosure.
Apply by email to: fortpiercechief@policeforum.
For more information about the city and police department, please refer to the websites below:
https://www.behance.net/
www.fppd.org
Fort Pierce is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and encourages women and minorities to apply. Veteran’s preference will be awarded under applicable Florida Statute. Form DD214 must be provided at the time of applying for a covered position in order to claim Veterans’ Preference. The City of Fort Pierce is a drug-free workplace pursuant to applicable Florida Statutes.
