This Position is for a Police Chief with a municipality in Tunica, MS.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Tunica (Town) have initiated the formal process to hire a full-time Chief of Police. The Town will receive applications through 5:00 p.m. on June 10, 2024 (the deadline).

Any application received after the deadline will not be considered. In addition to the application, applicants are authorized and encouraged to provide any other information they feel is relevant or would be helpful for the Board in making a decision. The following job description will apply, and the candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria indicated hereafter.

General Purpose: The Chief of Police will perform a variety of complex administrative, supervisory, and professional public safety assistance work in planning, coordinating, and directing the activities of the Police Department. The Town of Tunica has slightly over 1000 citizens based on the 2020 census. The Police Department has eight full-time employees. The Town of Tunica is located on US Highway 61 and has significant traffic through the Town via this federal highway. The Town of Tunica also experiences additional traffic and issues as a result of Tunica County having six casinos.

Supervision Received: The Chief of Police will work under the general guidance and direction of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen based upon directives issued at formal meetings of the same. The Chief of Police works under the daily supervision and direction of the Mayor.

Supervision Exercised: The Chief of Police will exercise supervision over all Police Department staff directly or through subordinate supervisors.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

General: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed hereinbelow are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Chief of Police: Acts as the statutorily designated chief law enforcement officer of the Town of Tunica. Plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates overall Police Department operations. Develops policies and procedures for the Police Department as a whole, in order to implement directives from the Mayor and Board of Aldermen and to comply with State law regarding the operation of a municipal police department. Plans and implements a law enforcement program for the Town of Tunica in order to better carry out the policies and goals of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen; reviews Police Department performance and effectiveness, formulates programs and policies to alleviate deficiencies. Supervises all members of the Police Department. Ultimately responsible for directing and managing manpower and equipment to maximize the use of Tunica Police Department resources in most effectively combating crime and protecting persons and property in the best manner possible and protecting other property and preventing or controlling criminal activities in the Town of Tunica. Coordinates the information gathered and work accomplished by various officers; may assign or approve assignment of officers to special assignments as the needs arise for their specific skills. Assures that personnel are assigned to shifts or working units which provide optimum effectiveness in terms of current situations and circumstances governing deployment. Supervises the operation and maintenance of the Police Department facilities and equipment. Supervises and coordinates with the Mayor and Town Clerk the preparation and presentation of the annual budget for the Police Department; directs the implementation of the Police Department's budget; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replaced equipment; plans for and recruits or supervises recruitment of qualified personnel to carry out the Police Department's mission. Directs he development and maintenance of systems, records and legal documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control, and documentation of Police Department operations. Coordinates and oversees training and development of Police Department personnel. Records and submits time records for Police Department personnel. Attends all regular meetings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Reviews purchases and bill payment for the Police Department. Investigates and resolves grievances and maintains Police Department discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel. Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen regarding the Police Department's activities and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate and requested by the Mayor. Meets with elected and/or appointed officials, other law enforcement officials, community and business representatives and the public on all aspects of the Police Department's activities. Attends conferences and meetings as approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen to keep abreast of current trends in the field; represents the Tunica Police Department in a variety of local, county, state, and other meetings. Cooperates with county, state, and federal law enforcement officers as appropriate where activities of the Police Department are involved. Evaluates evidence, witnesses, and suspects in criminal cases to correlate all aspects and to assess for trends, similarities, or for associations with other cases. Ensures that laws and ordinances affecting public health and safety and Town of Tunica codes and ordinances (as appropriate) are enforced, and that public peace and safety are maintained.

Peripheral Duties: May direct investigations of major crime scenes. Performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed. Analyzes and recommends improvements to personnel, equipment and facilities as needed. Coordinates regarding individual tactical matters such as manpower and/or equipment to be used for particular operations or the detailed plans needed for enhanced service delivery; develops new approaches to investigate problems. Maintains contact with all police personnel and the Mayor to coordinate Departmental activities, provides mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about Departmental activities. Maintains contact with general public and Town officials in the performance of Police Department activities. Conducts periodic performance evaluation and planning sessions for assigned personnel; counsels assigned personnel on job performance and disciplinary matters. Carries out duties in conformance with federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances. Prepares a variety of reports and records. Reviews, evaluates and develops programs, policies, and procedures for various Departmental operations. Supervises training, assignment, and development of Police Department employees; assists training officers in overall training plan for Department. Coordinates activities with supervisors or other Town departments; exchanges information with other agencies, including the Tunica County Sheriff's Department and obtains advice from the Town Attorney and Town Clerk regarding policies and procedures. Schedules and conducts meetings as needed. Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities. Maintains liaison with community groups and local businesses.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in police science, criminal justice, law enforcement, public adm