THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Victoria, Texas offers a stellar career opportunity to collaborative law enforcement leaders as it seeks to identify its next Chief of Police. Under the skillful leadership of its previous Chief, the Victoria Police Department has evolved into a modern, progressive public safety organization with a keen focus on community service and crime management through a lens of procedural justice.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Victoria Police Department (VPD) prides itself in providing high-level professional services to its community by embracing 21st Century policing principles.  VPD staff are committed to serving the community through core values of Integrity, Professionalism, Pride in Service, and Respect.  Strong community support for the Victoria Police Department exists due to the demonstrated commitment of the staff to be trustworthy and transparent in their delivery of service.  The stated mission of the VPD is, “To reduce crime and the fear of crime through outstanding police services in partnership with the community.”

VPD delivers service to the community through 167 full-time employees and a FY 2022-2023 budget of $17 million.  The Police Department has three divisions (Patrol, Investigations, Support Services and Budgetary Oversight) that are each led by captains. Executive leadership is provided by the Chief of Police and two Deputy Chiefs.

Highlights achieved by the Victoria Police Department during FY 2022 include receiving the Texas Police Chief’s Association Best Practices recognition for the 4th consecutive year and significantly increased community engagement events.

VPD reduced violent Part I Crimes during FY 2022, compared to 2021 statistics, by nearly 24% and decreased property crime by almost 16%, with an overall crime reduction of nearly 17%. The Police Department implemented a data-driven approach to identify two areas accounting for nearly 50% of the crime in Victoria.  Utilizing the data acquired, VPD decreased crime in these identified areas by over 30%.  The Department is proud of its crime reduction efforts and is on a path to continue this outstanding work under the leadership of its next Chief of Police.

THE POSITION

Appointed by the City Manager, the Chief of Police leads the Police Department and its staff in the delivery of public safety services to those who live, work, and visit Victoria. The next Chief will be a visible leader in the community and in the Police Department.  Some of the essential functions of the Chief of Police include leading the Police Department in creating and maintaining trust-based community connections with a commitment to effectively serve all of Victoria’s diverse community; planning, directing, and coordinating the activities and operations of the department; and participating as an active, engaged member of the City Executive Team and as a community leader.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of collaboration and dedication to community connection, have a high level of visibility and presence in the Department and community, and be a fair and consistent leader who will continue to nurture an organizational culture which features mutual trust, teamwork, and accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is qualifying. The most attractive candidates will possess the following:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, police administration, public administration, business administration or a related field. Graduation from the F.B.I. National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police, Southern Police Institute or a similar professional leadership program is highly desirable.

Experience: At least ten (10) years in municipal law enforcement, with a minimum of the last five (5) years of experience in a senior command-level position.

Certification: Must have Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) intermediate certification or equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain TCOLE intermediate certification.

Additional preferences: Experience as a Chief of Police, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, or a command level officer in a community of similar size and complexity to Victoria is a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for the Chief of Police is $125,000 - $150,000, with placement in the range dependent on qualifications. In addition, an excellent executive benefit package is provided which includes retirement provided through TMRS. Employees contribute 6% of salary, with a city match of 2 to 1 upon retirement. Employees vest with 5 years of service and are eligible to retire with 20 years of service at any age, or with 5 years of service at age 60. In addition, the city provides a cafeteria plan that includes a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options for employees and dependents, a voluntary deferred compensation plan, personal time off at the rate of 18 hours per month, 15 observed holidays, a city vehicle for professional use, technology allowance and relocation assistance.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover below no later than Friday, February 17th, 2023.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Chief Bryan Noblett (ret.) or Chief Greg Nelson (ret.) at (916) 550-4100.

This recruitment incorporates existing rules and regulations that govern public sector recruitments in the State of Texas. In accordance with public disclosure/open record laws, information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public upon request by interested parties.

The City of Victoria is an Equal Opportunity Employer.