Chief Police Jobs: What Do You Do?

Answer 1

In the position of the top officer of law enforcement within a town, city or a similar municipality, the chief of police must lead the police force. The primary responsibility this chief has, who is also known as the police chief, is to protect public property as well as the public. To do this, a chief of police will oversee the officers who make up the force of that municipality, setting the mission and overall direction of the goals for the police department.

Depending on the Demographics and size of the serving area, the duties of the chief of police will vary greatly. One responsibility that is usually prominent is managing the budget and departmental operations. In large cities, they may need to oversee thousands of civilian employees and officers with a large budget, whereas the small town police chief could be the only paid officer, meaning the hands-on duties are primary. Usually, they will spend their day in meetings discussing concerns and crime issues.

Under the umbrella of being the chief of police also includes disciplining, hiring and firing officers, as well as establishing and overseeing youth development and volunteer programs, such as police explorers and the neighborhood watch. Additionally, the chief of police must ensure all equipment and police cruisers are in working order, as well as form a plan to combat terrorism, graffiti and gang activity.

Becoming a chief of police usually occurs by being appointed by the city council, city manager, the mayor or similar city officials. Other times, they may be elected, depending on the locale of the area. Due to this appointment, it is expected of them to attend city management and city council meetings to discuss any issues that may occur within their departments.

Depending on the location of the police force within the United States, other titles that could be used to refer to the chief of police include the police commissioner, the constable, the chief constable and the sheriff. In the case of a sheriff, while they both imply being the head of the police force, they differ in the fact that the police chief will usually be appointed while the people elect the sheriff.