Police Chief - Galesville, WI

Galesville is a welcoming small community where daily life is less hectic than in a larger metropolitan area. Despite its size, Galesville and the surrounding region offer an abundance of recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area features several local parks and the Mississippi River is just seven miles away which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Galesville is also an excellent place for families, with the schools having small class sizes and they are highly accessible.

Galesville is also conveniently located near four universities, with two in Winona, Minnesota, and two in La Crosse, Wisconsin. For those seeking additional shopping, dining, entertainment, and family activities, both cities are only about a 30-minute drive away. The community offers an affordable cost of living, making homeownership an achievable goal for many residents.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Police Chief to lead our law enforcement agency with integrity, strategic vision, and a commitment to community safety. The ideal candidate will oversee all departmental operations, ensure adherence to legal standards, and foster positive relationships within the community. This role demands strong leadership skills, extensive law enforcement experience, and a comprehensive understanding of legal procedures and law enforcement protocols. The Police Chief will serve as the primary authority on policing strategies, personnel management, and community engagement initiatives.

PeopleFirst Leadership Partners is recruiting for this position. Please direct all applications / correspondence to PeopleFirst. Please direct any additional questions to resume@pfleadership.com

No relocation is being provided.

Overview

Chief of Police – Position Description

Position Summary

The position of Chief of Police involves organizational and administrative work in planning and directing the activities and services of the Police Department. The Chief of Police is responsible for the efficient operation of the Police Department in the maintenance of law and order. As such, the Chief of Police must have a thorough knowledge of criminal statutes and local ordinances.

As a professional, the Chief of Police has considerable independence and wide latitude in administering the Department and directing day-to-day operations. The Chief of Police also may serve as a general patrol officer during a portion of the time he/she is on duty. Law enforcement work involves an element of personal danger.

Reporting Relationships. The Chief of Police reports to the Common Council and to the Mayor. Three full time and several part time officers report to the Police Chief.

Description of Duties and Major Responsibilities.

General

Command the police force within the City, establishing Department objectives and planning operations, obeying all lawful written orders of the Mayor and Common Council, according to state law.

Provide for the enforcement of federal and state laws and county and municipal ordinances relating to crimes and traffic.

Develop programs and procedures to prevent crime and to apprehend and prosecute offenders; preserves the public peace.

Organize, assign and exercise general supervision over the work of the Department.

Administrative

Prepare general orders to provide direction for operations; develop, administer and update Department rules, regulations, policies and procedures, train employees in their implementation; monitor internal affairs of the Department.

Review reports, assign officers to follow up on various aspects of the reports, and guides the conduct or progress of cases or investigations.

Establish uniformity in operating procedures of the Department, including a system for response to calls for service.

Personnel

Participate in the recruitment, testing and selection of new recruits and the promotion of Department personnel; participate in personnel negotiations; and administer provisions of applicable City personnel policies.

Monitor performance of Department personnel and participate in employee counseling as necessary, make recommendations to the Common Council concerning discipline, demotions, suspensions and terminations.

Plan for general in-service training and specialized training.

Finance and Records

Prepare Department budget requests, maintain expenditures. within the approved budget, prepare background materials and submit applications for federal or state grants.

Make purchases for the Department and prepare bids and invitations to purchase, as appropriate.

Direct the maintenance of a record system for recording complaints, arrests, traffic violations, convictions and dispositions, and ensure that Department personnel are using the system correctly; check completed reports before forwarding the same outside the Department; serve as custodian of all official police records and reports.

Meetings

Attend meetings of the Common Council, the committee-of-the-whole, and other units of government as required.

Meet periodically with the City Attorney and District Attorney to review pending cases, and confer with those officials on recent court decisions or new laws, and how they will affect the City; meet and confer with other law enforcement agencies concerning mutual efforts, exchange of ideas and problem solving.

Meet individually with citizens and with crime victims and their relatives.

Other Duties and Activities

Oversee the preparation of a monthly and annual report of Department activities, prepare special studies relating to traffic, crimes, staffing levels or related police matters; monitor expenditures under adopted budgets during the year.

Be responsible for all Department vehicles, equipment and other property, and their regular maintenance; provide for the demonstration and operational use of police equipment; establish procedures for ordering and maintaining materials and supplies.

Keep abreast of developments in the field of police science and police administration; attend workshops, schools and conferences relating to skills improvements of police chiefs; participate in some routine patrol activities and investigations.

Keep track of dog impoundment costs and statements from animal shelters used by the City.

Report to the Public Works Department traffic signs that need to be replaced, repaired or erected.

External Relations

General Public Relations, Develop programs relating to areas of public concern and present such programs at public forums; inform the public of security measures to be used during emergencies.

Department Liaison Functions. Serve as Police Department Liaison with schools, the media, community groups and the general public; attend meetings in schools and within the community to explain the activities and services of the Department; establish favorable community relations.

Specific Position Specifications

Job Knowledge, Training and Experience. Must be able to learn and apply principles and practices of police organization, administration and operations. Know and practice techniques and methods as applied to police field patrol, crime prevention, criminal investigation, traffic patrol and safety, and other services or activities utilized in police operations. Must be familiar with rules of procedures and evidence, guidelines for the protection of criminal suspects, federal and state laws, county and municipal ordinances, rules and regulations of the Police Department, police training practices and procedures, personnel practices and procedures, and labor-management relations. Must have extensive responsible experience in a variety of police activities and services, with at least two (2) years’ police supervisory experience, high school diploma or its equivalent, certification as a police officer from the Wisconsin Training and Standards Board, or possess any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Abilities and Skills. Must be able to provide leadership to the Department, and set by example high standards of conduct, integrity and honesty. Command respect of other police personnel. Exercise good judgment, tact and discretion, Prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports. Be able to maintain, analyze and utilize records and reports to improve the operation and efficiency of the Department Establish and maintain effective relationships with the Common Council, its committees, Mayor, municipal employees, civic leaders, businesses and the general public. Communicate effectively, both orally and through written reports.

This position offers an opportunity to lead a dedicated team committed to maintaining safety standards while fostering a positive relationship with the community. We welcome applicants who demonstrate integrity, strategic thinking, resilience under pressure, and a comprehensive understanding of modern policing practices.
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions.

How to Apply

Interested professionals should apply by clicking link below.

Submit a letter of interest, resume and work-related professional references to our Indeed post or resume@pfleadership.com, or send them to PeopleFirst Leadership Partners Inc, 401 MainStreet, Suite 305, La Crosse, WI 54601. Open until position is filled.

City of Galesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer