Chief of Park Police

Duties: Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Parks & Environmental Services, the Chief of Park Police is responsible for:

• Directing and supervising all personnel and activities of the Peoria Park District Police Department and Recreational Security staff in accordance with all applicable laws and ordinances of the Park District, city, county, and state.
• Developing and maintaining excellent working relationships between Park Police and other departments of the park district, city, county, school district, and state, as well as the State Attorney’s office.
• Coordinating and tracking training for all Park Police officers to meet standards set forth by the Illinois Training and Standards Board and the Peoria Park District.
• Supervision of Manager of Recreation Security.
• Establishing and overseeing the scheduling of officers to patrol Peoria Park District properties and to support PPD special events and rentals.
• Conducting yearly job performance evaluations of all direct reports.
• Completing and approving time records as required for payroll and tracking Police services.  Keeping the Peoria Park Police Standard Operating Procedures current.
• Preparing and reporting required crime statistics to the Illinois State Police and other authorized agencies.
• In conjunction with the Human Resources Division, investigating all citizen complaints ensures that Park Police operations are conducted with integrity and in a professional law enforcement manner.
• Providing safety-related training as requested to Park District staff outside of the Park Police.
• Maintaining all records relating to park security and safety, including crime and ordinance reporting and related video.
• Implementing Park District policy, rules, and regulations for employees and patrons.
• Collaborating with other public agencies in developing cooperative law enforcement programs.
• Creating and presenting monthly Police activity reports to the Park Board.
• Attending and contributing to the Peoria Park District Board and committee meetings as required.
• Assisting in the preparation of the annual Park District Police operating and budgets.
• Making the final selection of all employees in the Park Police Department in concurrence with the Executive Director of Parks and Recreation.
• As needed, engaging in patrol functions that may include working rotating shifts, foot patrol and physically checking doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
• Overseeing and regulating activity and usage agreements related to the Peoria Park District shooting range.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supporting all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Performing all other related duties assigned.

Essential Functions: Must be in excellent physical and mental health with the ability to pass rigid periodic physical examinations.  The work requires periodic physical exertion in handling supplies, equipment, and materials relative to the services rendered.  Prolonged standing, bending, and stooping, and ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: A minimum of five years of work experience and three years of Police supervisory experience that supports a full understanding and proficiency in law enforcement and community policing tenets.

Certification:

• Certification as a Police Officer by the Illinois Local Government Law Enforcement Officers Training & Standard Board.
• Completion of First Line Police Supervisory course recognized by the Illinois Law Enforcement Officers Training & Standards Board.
• Certification and experience as a Field Training Officer through the Illinois Local Government Law Enforcement Officers Training & Standard Board.
• CPR/AED and first aid certified (free certification available at Peoria Park District upon hiring).

Knowledge and Ability:

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of law enforcement administration and community relations.
• Thorough knowledge of all safety laws and ordinances as they pertain to the Park District and the laws of the city, county, state of Illinois, and federal government.
• Understanding of Park District goals, objectives, programs, and standards of maintenance.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Driver’s License.
• A sound philosophy of law enforcement in a recreational setting with a focus on community policing.
• Creative administrative ability to develop new programs.
• Desire and ability to work closely and cooperate with other local governmental units.
• Personal: Must demonstrate integrity, reliability, initiative, tact and resourcefulness.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.