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Lake Forest, IL (Population 19,367) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as their next Chief of Police. The City desires a forward-thinking leader with a demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing. The next Chief must have a track record of implementing modern policies strategies and a stellar reputation for being open-minded, respectful of different viewpoints, collaborative, and forward thinking. This search seeks to attract a candidate who can lead the members of the LFPD into the future by leveraging their existing strengths to prioritize transparency, decision making informed by data and research, and a deep commitment to community partnerships. The Chief of Police plays an instrumental role in the quality of life for residents in and around the City of Lake Forest with emphasis on community engagement and enforcement of the laws and ordinances. The incumbent recently retired with 30 years of police service, the last eight years as Chief of Police.
A beautiful, historic, and family-oriented community, Lake Forest is located 30 miles north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. Lake Forest is known for its stunning landscape, excellent schools, strong commitment to financial stewardship, and being a community that supports its police officers. The City covers over 16.8 square miles and offers 800 acres of open space. It is home to the training facility of the Chicago Bears.
The Lake Forest Police Department strives to provide the highest quality professional police services in partnership with the community. Department members are entrusted to consistently seek and find ways to affirmatively promote, preserve, and deliver a feeling of safety and security while providing service and problem resolution for all persons within the City of Lake Forest. The department consists of 40 sworn officers, including the Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, four Commanders, and three Sergeants. Additionally, the department has one Social Worker, one Administrative Assistant, one Management Analyst, four Records Specialists, six part-time Community Service Officers, and three Crossing Guards. Police officers are organized into one bargaining unit represented by the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP). The City and MAP are set to approve a new four-year contract.
A beautiful, historic, and family-oriented community, Lake Forest is located 30 miles north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. Lake Forest is known for its stunning landscape, excellent schools, strong commitment to financial stewardship, and being a community that supports its police officers. The City covers over 16.8 square miles and offers 800 acres of open space. It is home to the training facility of the Chicago Bears.
The Lake Forest Police Department strives to provide the highest quality professional police services in partnership with the community. Department members are entrusted to consistently seek and find ways to affirmatively promote, preserve, and deliver a feeling of safety and security while providing service and problem resolution for all persons within the City of Lake Forest. The department consists of 40 sworn officers, including the Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, four Commanders, and three Sergeants. Additionally, the department has one Social Worker, one Administrative Assistant, one Management Analyst, four Records Specialists, six part-time Community Service Officers, and three Crossing Guards. Police officers are organized into one bargaining unit represented by the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP). The City and MAP are set to approve a new four-year contract.
As the City of Lake Forest continues to grow and evolve, the City recognizes the importance of providing the Police Department with state-of-the-art facilities to support their critical mission of serving and protecting the community. The next Chief of Police will have the unique opportunity to lead the planning, design, and construction of a brand – new police station. The next Chief of Police will lead this exciting initiative from concept to completion, working closely with City leaders, architects, and community stakeholders to bring a vision for a modern and efficient police station to life.
Appointment for the Chief of Police is governed by City Code. The City Manager recommends candidates for the Chief of Police to the Mayor, who, with the City Councils’ advice and consent, has the authority to appoint the Chief of Police.
The successful candidates will:
- Possess outstanding communication skills.
- Utilize and demonstrate a collaborative approach to leadership.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to the professional growth and development of personnel.
- Be adept at combining adaptive management style with authentic leadership, and an ability to work with a variety of stakeholders both within the organization and beyond the walls of the police department.
- Be a strategic thinker.
- Effectively manage a significant capital improvement project with the future design and development of a new police facility.
- Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and partnership with police personnel and other department heads and staff members.
- Manage proactively, anticipate issues and trends, and participate in community dialogue.
- Make themselves approachable and accessible to residents and business leaders.
- Embrace and implement innovative police practices and technologies.
- Demonstrate sound financial acumen and a clear understanding of resources.
Candidates should also have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as outlined below:
- 15 years of service in law enforcement, including five years of supervisory and/or administrative service experience in a full-time, paid police department.
- A bachelor’s degree is required, public administration, business, finance, or criminal justice ideal; a master’s degree is preferred.
- Leadership training such as the F.B.I. National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute For Police, or similar programs is required.
- Certification by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board or eligibility for such certification.
The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $195,000. Appointments within the range will be made depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. A generous benefit and retirement package is also offered by the city, details which are available at the City of Lake Forest website. Residency is not required.
Candidates should apply by June 14, 2024, with resume cover letter and contact information for five work-related references to the attention of Marc Hornstein, and Jon Fehlman at GovHR USA/MGT. Tel: 847-380-3240 x 178 or x 142. The Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates should apply by June 14, 2024, with resume cover letter and contact information for five work-related references to the attention of Marc Hornstein, and Jon Fehlman at GovHR USA/MGT. Tel: 847-380-3240 x 178 or x 142. The Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Deadline: June 14, 2024
Posted: 2024-06-07
