Position Details
The Village of Waterman, Illinois (population 1,600) is seeking an experienced working Certified Illinois Law Enforcement Officer to join our team and lead our police department.
Waterman is a growing rural community located in southeastern DeKalb County. It has been incorporated for more than 140 years and has developed many family traditions. Waterman is a beautiful, historic, and family-oriented village that supports its police department.
The village desires a forward-thinking leader with a demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing.
Position Overview:
- The village is seeking candidates with strong communication, public presentation, leadership skills, and a reputation for being open-minded.
- Candidates need to be respectful of different viewpoints, collaborative, forward thinking with a record of visibility and community participation.
- Experience with community/problem-solving policing and successful partnerships with law-enforcement and other governmental agencies are highly desired.
- The ideal candidate must be capable of gaining the trust and respect of community members, village employees, and elected officials.
- The candidate must also have a record of responsible fiscal management and will be expected to update the department policy manual and procedures as needed.
- This position will include patrol duties and handling calls for service.
- Leadership experience in an accredited police agency is desirable.
The Successful Candidates Will:
- Have a strong emphasis on community engagement and enforcement of laws and ordinances.
- Manage proactively, anticipate issues and trends, and participate in community dialogue while being a strategic thinker and an exceptional communicator.
- Make themselves approachable and accessible to Waterman residents and the businesses.
- Possess the ability to effectively interact and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and partnership with all members of the Police Department, other village staff, village board and community members.
- Entrust that department members are consistently seeking and finding ways to affirmatively promote, preserve, and deliver a feeling of safety and security while providing service and problem resolution for all persons.
- Ensure that the Village of Waterman continues to be a safe place to live, work, and visit, and be committed to operating the department with high standards of efficiency and effectiveness.
- Be adept at combining a hands-on management style with authentic leadership, and an ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.
- Ensure best practices in the policies, procedures, and practices of the Waterman Police Department.
- Manage resources carefully and plan future growth in the Village of Waterman.
Qualifications:
Candidates should also have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as outlined below:
- 7 years of service in law enforcement, including three years of supervisory and/or administrative service experience in a full-time, paid police department.
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent is required, criminal justice or a related field ideal.
- A combination of advanced specialized education, such as the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University's School of Police Staff & Command, or other similar law enforcement executive education with extensive supervisory experience, may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
- Certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board or eligibility for such certification.
During his term of office, the Chief of Police shall reside within thirty (30) miles of the Village of Waterman. Any relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
This position reports directly to the Village Manager.
The appointment of the new police chief will be made by the Village Mayor with approval of the Board of Trustees.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and 5 professional references by July 22, 2024 to:
Amy Nykaza, Village Manager
amynykaza@villageofwaterman.com
