Independence, MO – Police Chief

About the Position

Are you a visionary, service-oriented law enforcement executive who can lead a full-service police department, build community trust, strengthen organizational culture, and guide strategic public safety initiatives? If so, apply to be the City of Independence’s next Police Chief! We’re looking for an exceptional servant leader who is:
• Experienced leading a large municipal police department
• Skilled in organizational leadership, budgeting, and community engagement
• Committed to accountability, integrity, innovation, and employee development

Independence, Missouri, is a vibrant, full-service city located just east of Kansas City and is known as the “Queen City of the Trails.” The Independence Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency committed to protecting life and property while fostering strong partnerships with the community. The department consists of approximately 200 sworn officers and 95 civilian employees serving one of Missouri’s largest cities.

Reporting to the City Manager, the new Police Chief will:
• Provide strategic leadership for all Police Department operations
• Build trust with employees, elected officials, and the community
• Oversee departmental budgeting, policy development, and resource management
• Advance accountability, transparency, and organizational excellence
• Strengthen community policing initiatives while addressing emerging public safety challenges

Required qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Administration, or a related field
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience
• Minimum five (5) years in a supervisory position above first-line supervisor level, or in an executive leadership position
• Missouri POST certification or ability to obtain certification within one year
• Valid driver’s license
• Completion of advanced executive law enforcement leadership training (FBI National Academy, PERF SMIP, FBI LEEDA Trilogy, or equivalent)

Preferred qualifications include:
• Experience leading a similarly sized municipal police department
• Collective bargaining experience
• Budget development and capital planning experience
• Experience implementing organizational change and community policing initiatives

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information on this position, contact:
Price Robinson, Senior Vice President, Executive Recruitment
[email protected] | 432-413-5061