The City of Roanoke Rapids, a close-knit community in rural northeastern North Carolina with a population around 15,000, is seeking an experienced law enforcement executive to lead and help shape the future of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department (RRPD) as their next Police Chief (Chief). The position directs all aspects of the city’s law enforcement program and contributes as a member of the city Leadership team in achieving citywide goals and objectives established by Roanoke Rapids City Council. The Police Chief reports to the City Manager.

In their next Chief, city leaders desire a passionate, community-minded law enforcement executive who is:
• experienced in successfully bridging gaps and building cohesion across stakeholders, community groups, and neighborhoods;
● skilled in budget preparation and management and has demonstrated knowledge of public budgeting processes and experience with the grant application and management process;
● known for their impeccable management skills, someone who intentionally gets to know their staff, naturally motivates, inspires, and empowers staff, and values respect and transparency;
● eager to join a department with high morale valued by its community and united around the following values – Service, Honesty, Innovation, Excellence, Leadership, and Dedication (SHIELD), representing stability, longevity, tradition, and strength.

The next Roanoke Rapids Police Chief is passionate about developing officers, familiar with small-town culture, and has innovative ideas for community policing methods. This Chief will lead a department focused on building and sustaining mutual partnerships with the community and peers, protecting all lives and property – ensuring a safe city, reducing the fear of crime, and enhancing public safety at all levels. The next Chief will effectively maintain order and execute a long-term vision for the department that continues to improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors of the City of Roanoke Rapids.

About the Organization, Department, and Position:
The City of Roanoke Rapids operates under the Council-Manager form of government, with the City Manager reporting to the mayor and five elected officials. The city’s $19.8M FY 24-25 budget supports 155 full-time employees and 48 part-time employees across seven departments.

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department is known for being transparent, balanced, fair, and effective. The department’s team of 42 (38 sworn; 4 non-sworn) full-time and two (both sworn) part-time staff strives to be a progressive premier police department that values community engagement, upholds professionalism, and demonstrates high standards of performance and best policing practices. The department operates various programs to support community safety, education, engagement, and crime prevention. Programs include, but are not limited to, Police Camp, National Night Out, Christmas for Kids, Halifax County Crime Stoppers, and Safety Pup.

Leading the police department with integrity, accountability, and humility, the Chief of Police manages the department’s $4.4M budget and oversees all staff, including four direct reports: the Patrol Captain, Investigations Captain, Professional Standards Captain, and Administrative Support Assistant III. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities overseeing the police department, the next Chief will prioritize the following:
• Evaluate the department needs, current staffing, policing data, and service delivery practices to assess what alignment and changes, if any, are needed to ensure best practices in policing methods. Proactively work towards achieving NC LEA accreditation while also working collaboratively with city leaders and key stakeholders, including community members, to develop the department’s next strategic plan.
• Assess staffing levels, compensation, training, work factors, and benefits; advocate for short- and long-term solutions to improve compensation, recognition, retention, and recruitment and further position the department as a competitive employer.
• Leverage internal talent, closing gaps by engaging employees in training and development and developing succession plans.
• Model a culture of accountability for applying effective law enforcement practices, fostering a sense of security and respect for community members and officers while prioritizing enhancing and developing relationships and promoting unity within the community and with key stakeholders.
• Assess the department’s short- and long-term infrastructure, equipment, and technology needs and advocate for upgrades that support the department and city’s goals and priorities.
The next Chief is a genuine leader with excellent communication skills who remains calm in crisis and demonstrates impeccable decision-making and problem-solving skills. The Chief is always accessible to troops and is a consistent trainer, leader, and mentor.

Required Qualifications:
• A bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice, public administration, or a closely related field of study, along with a minimum of 10 years of progressive law enforcement experience and at least five years of cross-functional and progressively responsible experience in a supervisory role.
• Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission within the first twelve (12) months of employment. Please note that North Carolina law does not recognize nor have a reciprocal relationship with Federal law enforcement certification. Information regarding transfers is outlined below.
• A valid NC driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid NC driver’s license within 60 days of relocating to NC.
Preferred Qualifications:
• A master’s degree.
• Executive law enforcement training (e.g., FBI National Academy, SMIP, FBI LEEDA, Administrative Officers Management Program, etc.).
• An equivalent combination of education, certifications, and years of experience will be considered.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the Chief of Police is $71,547.87 ‐ $104,621.09. The City of Roanoke Rapids offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, twelve (12) paid holidays, longevity pay, participation in the NC Local Governmental Employee's Retirement System, and various supplemental programs, including a 401K retirement plan with a 5% City contribution. There is no residency requirement, but after-hours response (within 30 minutes) to emergencies is required for this position.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the “Chief of Police – City of Roanoke Rapids, NC” position.

Please note the following:
● All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city’s employment application portal or any other external website.
● Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
● Applicants should apply by November 4, 2024.
● The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on December 3-4, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
● Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.

The City of Roanoke Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/ and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."