THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Arroyo Grande offers an exciting career opportunity to a collaborative, progressive, and transparent law enforcement leader who is looking to make a lasting impact in a supportive community and dynamic organization. The Arroyo Grande Police Department enjoys a trust-based relationship with its residents, and the internal organizational culture is widely viewed as healthy. Arroyo Grande is seeking a Chief of Police that will position the organization for success through continual improvement, innovation, relationship building, and dedication to staff development.

ABOUT ARROYO GRANDE

Arroyo Grande, incorporated in 1911, is located on the California Central Coast midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Located in San Luis Obispo County, the City is 5.45 square miles with a population of over 18,000 residents. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean, beautiful foothills, lakes, and world-class wineries, the City boasts fine homes, excellent schools, and a thriving agricultural and tourism-based economy.

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Arroyo Grande Police Department is responsible for maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities. The Police Department is led by the Chief of Police and is supported by two Commanders who oversee two bureaus, Support Services and Patrol Services. Support Services consists of investigations, neighborhood services, records, property and evidence, regional SWAT, and a School Resource Officer. Patrol Services consists of patrol operations, traffic, and the Explorer Post. The Police Department has a current fiscal year budget of $6.7 million which supports 31 full time employees, 28 of which are sworn peace officers.

THE POSITION

The Chief of Police is appointed by and reports directly to the City Manager. As the general manager and chief administrative officer of the Police Department, the Chief plans, organizes, directs, manages, and oversees activities and operations including law enforcement, crime prevention, investigation, patrol, communication/dispatch, records management and traffic regulation programs to ensure the most effective and responsive use of financial, capital and human resources in the provision of police services to the public. Some of the essential functions of the Chief of Police include managing the development and implementation of Police Department goals, objectives, strategic and long-range planning; establishing appropriate service and staffing levels and allocating resources accordingly; reviewing and analyzing crime statistics and new developments in law enforcement and legislation; overseeing and participating in the development and administration of the Police Department budget; and serving as the City’s Assistant Director of Emergency Services during emergency and/or disaster situations.

The ideal candidate will be a personable, approachable leader who is highly visible inside the department and community; have demonstrated experience in technology enhancements and fostering a culture of innovation; have a commitment to succession planning by mentoring, developing, and recognizing future leaders within the department; have a collaborative style and commitment to working with City leadership, external partners, and allied agencies; and possess a transparent and communicative nature that instills trust both inside and outside the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice, police science, public administration or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

• Experience: Ten (10) years of law enforcement experience as a sworn Police Officer or in a similarly qualified position. The ten (10) years shall include two (2) years in a permanent management or command-level position.

• Training: Successful completion of advanced command/management training such as the California POST Command College, FBI National Academy, the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Southern Police Institute, the PERF Senior Management Institute for Police, or the California Police Chief’s Association’s Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker are highly desirable.

• Licensure: Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain a valid California driver’s license and possession of, or eligible to possess, a valid California POST Management certificate or the equivalent from the training commission in another state recognized by California POST.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The City of Arroyo Grande will offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package to its next Chief of Police, which considers the candidate’s qualifications and track record of career success. The salary range for the position of Chief of Police is $188,464 to $229,079 annually*. Placement in the range will be dependent on the successful candidate’s experience and work history. Additional benefits include retirement provided by CalPers. Classic members receive 3% @ 50 or 3% @ 55 (depending on prior job history with a Public Retirement Agency). PEPRA members receive 2.7% @ 57. The City of Arroyo Grande participates in Social Security.

* If approved by the City Council on June 10th, the salary noted will take effect on July 4, 2025.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below no later than Monday, June 30, 2025.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100