Deputy Chief of Police

Join the City of Medicine Hat as a Deputy Police Chief - Medicine Hat Police Service

As the Deputy Chief of Police, reporting to the Chief of Police, you will be working alongside the Chief and the Executive Team to develop and deliver on the strategy in support of the overall vision, mission, and values. You will oversee the Operational Services and the Investigative and Support Services divisions encompassing both sworn officers, professional staff, and community peace officers.

You are a forward-thinking leader that is looking for continuous improvement and transformation for the betterment of the Service and community. You understand the value in fostering partnerships with stakeholders and community organizations, recognizing the impact of collaboration in influencing positive change. You are an experienced leader who has managed human, financial, and capital assets and who understands balancing the day-to-day operations with the goals and priorities of the community.

You have a thorough understanding of the challenges facing modern policing, a strong business acumen, and the ability to implement creative but practical solutions to the challenges of a growing community. You utilize innovative thinking to reduce crime and improve public safety, and you bring emotional intelligence into a workplace that prioritizes wellness and inclusivity. Your extensive experience in policing leadership and operations, along with the experience of being a sworn police officer, will inspire the next generation of leaders.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Chief of Police and Executive Team in setting organizational vision, goals, and strategic priorities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and initiatives to achieve organizational objectives.
• Provide leadership in the absence of the Chief of Police and act as a liaison with external stakeholders.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee the daily operations of assigned divisions or units within the organization.
• Ensure effective deployment of personnel and resources to optimize service delivery and public safety outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance through data analysis and performance metrics.

Community Engagement:

• Foster positive relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and local organizations.
• Represent the organization at community events, public meetings, and media interactions.
• Promote community-oriented policing strategies to enhance public trust and collaboration.

Resource Management:

• Manage human, financial, and technological resources effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and administer departmental budgets, grants, and funding allocations.
• Oversee the maintenance and procurement of equipment and technology necessary for operations.

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Ensure organizational policies and procedures comply with legal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Recommend revisions or updates to policies based on emerging trends, best practices, and community feedback.
• Uphold ethical standards and promote a culture of integrity and accountability within the organization.

Leadership and Development:

• Mentor and develop personnel, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the organization and the community.
• Lead by example, demonstrating commitment to the organization's mission, values, and code of conduct.

First Year - Measures of Success

• Develop processes reliant on data and analysis to support frontline operations in the effective deployment of resources.
• Gain an understanding of the organizational culture and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate the overall structure, efficiency and effectiveness of the areas of responsibility and set performance metrics and goals for Divisional Inspectors.
• Develop relationships with community stakeholders and identify opportunities for partnerships.

THE INDIVIDUAL

Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the strategic objectives of the service and in supporting its success, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Education

• A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• A master's degree in a relevant field such as public administration, criminology, or business administration would be considered an asset.
• Must be a sworn officer or can be re-sworn as an officer.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive law enforcement experience, with significant experience at the Inspector level or above within a Canadian police service.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in overseeing complex operations, strategic planning, and resource management within a law enforcement agency.
• Proven track record of fostering positive relationships with diverse communities, stakeholders, and government agencies to promote community safety and well-being.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures in accordance with legal standards, best practices, and community needs.
• Ability to make effective decisions under pressure, manage crisis situations, and adapt strategies to changing circumstances while upholding ethical standards and organizational values.
• Track record of leading innovative initiatives and strategic programs to address emerging challenges in law enforcement and community safety.
• Experience in mentoring and developing personnel, promoting a culture of continuous learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and the broader community.

Competencies and Knowledge

Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate others, lead by example, and effectively manage teams and resources within a law enforcement agency.

Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop and implement long-term goals and strategies that align with the organization's mission and adapt to evolving community needs and challenges.

Ethical Decision Making: Skill in making sound, ethical decisions under pressure, considering diverse perspectives, and upholding legal standards and organizational policies.

Community Engagement: Proficiency in building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse communities, stakeholders, and government agencies to enhance public trust and collaboration.

Crisis Management: Capability to manage cri.