invites your interest in the position of police chief · visiting the town receive extremely high...
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Paradise Valley, ArizonaInvites your interest in the position of
Police Chief
Well known as one of the most affluent, aesthetically pleasing communities
in Arizona, Paradise Valley lies in the heart of metropolitan Phoenix nestled
between Phoenix and Scottsdale and encompasses 15 square mile. Due to
the natural beauty of the desert and the surrounding hillsides and
mountains, the Town provides residents and visitors with the sense that
Paradise Valley is a very special place to be.
In 1889, the Rio Verde Canal Company sent two surveyors to what is now
the Town of Paradise Valley. They were so taken by the beauty and
tranquility of the desert landscape, they named the area “Paradise Valley.”
In the 1950’s, fearing that their quiet desert living would be swallowed up by
neighboring cities, the Citizen Committee for Incorporation organized and
the Town was incorporated in May 1961. At that time, the residents wanted
an efficient and interactive government that would preserve the unique
lifestyle and environment of this wonderful place they called "paradise.”
Today, and throughout the Town’s 53-year history, residents are very
involved and committed to the original vision: preserving and maintaining
quiet surroundings, open space and valuing limited government.
Arizona Business Journal consistently ranks Paradise Valley as the
wealthiest community in the state. It also leads in the percentage of
residents with advanced levels of education (36% of adults have a master’s
degree or higher). Most of the Town’s homes are on lots of one acre or
more and the median home value is over $2 million. Despite the Town’s
relatively small area (15 square miles) and population (12,820) compared
to other cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Paradise Valley is home to
eight resorts, making it one of Arizona’s premier tourist destinations.
Limited commercial enterprise is permitted in town as long as it is
compatible with the residential lifestyle. In addition to the resorts, this
includes several places of worship, public and private schools, medical
offices and three golf courses. The combination of its temperate climate,
central location, and unlimited recreational, cultural and shopping
opportunities nearby makes Paradise Valley an ideal place to live, play and
visit.
The Town of Paradise Valley has a Council-Manager form of government.
The Town Council consists of the Mayor and six Council members. The
Council members are elected to serve four year staggered terms and the
Mayor is elected every two years. Since incorporation in 1961, Town
government has relied on resident volunteers, including the Mayor, all
Council Members, the Presiding Judge, Associate Judges, Judges Pro
Tem, and Hearing Officers. The Council appoints the Town Manager, the
Town Attorney, the Municipal Judges, and members of all committees,
commissions and boards.
The Town budget of $33.6 million includes an operating budget of $18
million and reflects increased resources allocated to public safety, tourism
promotion and new technology. The capital improvement budget is $4.6
million. Town revenues come primarily from Sales Tax (34%), State Shared
Revenues (22%), Bed Tax (18%), Charges for Services (18%) and
Franchise Fees (8%). The Town also relies on its neighboring cities for
some essential services. It has intergovernmental agreements with the
City of Phoenix for fire service and the City of Scottsdale for wastewater
management. Those residents who are not covered by Scottsdale for
wastewater management are either septic, or on the City of Phoenix sewer
system. Other utilities, such as gas, electric, refuse collection and
recycling, are provided by private companies residents.
The Town Manager is responsible for the management of the Town and
oversees all departments (Community Development, Public
Works/Engineering, Finance, and Police) except the Town Attorney and the
Municipal Court. The Town currently has 86 authorized positions. The
Police Chief reports directly to the Town Manager.
The Town of Paradise Valley’s Police Department (PVPD) prides itself on
being a full-service law enforcement agency driven by a strong community
oriented policing philosophy. The citizens of Paradise Valley and those
visiting the Town receive extremely high quality police services. The
Department has 33 sworn officers and 8 civilians. In addition, 31 citizen
volunteers also support the Department. The operating budget is $6.8
million dollars. The Town Council has invested over $2 million this fiscal
year in new cutting-edge police technology. Crime in Paradise Valley is at
an all-time low with a 33% crime rate reduction over the last six years.
The Police Chief has overall responsibility and is accountable for the entire
Department. Patrol, investigation and administrative functions are
assigned to and overseen by the chief's command staff. Included in these
functions are technology, 9-1-1 Operations, Property and Evidence, Crime
Prevention and the General Investigations Bureau. Also included are
administrative functions such as records management, fiscal management,
planning, and facilities management.
Patrol is responsible for all police patrol and traffic enforcement functions
and is comprised of four patrol squads. The four squads of the Patrol
Division are comprised of 4 officers, one corporal and one sergeant. The
patrol squads provide around-the-clock coverage of the Town, working 12
hours shifts. The patrol officers are often the citizens first contact with the
Department; therefore positive community engagement, citizen safety and
effective traffic enforcement are high priorities for the Department and the
citizens of the Town.
The General Investigations Bureau (GIB) is responsible for the follow-up
investigation of felony and misdemeanor criminal activity. GIB is comprised
of a Detective Sergeant, Detective Corporal and three Detectives who are
responsible for reviewing all incoming cases and making decisions on
follow-up investigations.
Paradise Valley was the first police department in the nation to institute a
traffic safety program using speed measuring devices coupled with still
photography and computers to enforce speed and red light running laws.
Since the program was instituted in 1987, traffic collisions have been
reduced about 45%.
Based upon citizen concerns and the impact of prior reductions to the
Department, the Mayor’s Task Force on Public Safety (2013) was formed.
The Task Force included three of the Town’s elected officials as well as
almost fifty Town residents. The focus of the Task Force was primarily on
how the Department is able to meet community expectations. In its final
document, the Mayor’s Task Force on Public Safety produced a report with
six key recommendations:
• Improve crime prevention and community outreach staffing
• Increase patrol staffing, officer visibility and problem solving
• Implement effective crime prevention strategies
• Develop a rolling Five-Year Strategic Plan
• Establish community outreach practices and policies
• Update and implement up-to-date core technologies
The Department recognized the value and importance of each
recommendation and has worked to implement them as quickly as
possible. The Department is still working to implement some elements for
each recommendation; however, many have already been implemented or
are close to being fully implemented.
The Town of Paradise Valley Police Chief holds a highly visible position
within the community and requires candidates to be well versed in
community oriented policing. The ideal candidate will have progressed
through the ranks of a municipal police department and have considerable
experience in a senior command role. The new Chief will have a supportive
and motivating leadership style that engenders team building and fosters
cooperative relationships between all divisions throughout the department
and with Town leadership, Town Council and the community.
Education and ExperienceThe new Chief should possess five or more years’ senior command
experience; Chief, Assistant Chief or Deputy Chief in a municipal law
enforcement agency desired. Extensive background in police
administration and management should be coupled with broad technical
and operational experiences found in a modern metropolitan or suburban
community.
Education and Experience (continued)
A Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement Administration, Public
Administration, Criminal Justice, or similar field is required. A Master’s
degree and completion of advanced management training from
recognized programs such as the FBI National Academy or the
equivalent is strongly preferred. The ability to obtain Arizona POST
certification is required.
Professional and Personal Characteristics
• A progressive leader who understands modern law enforcement,
values technology and is statistically astute
• Practices accountability and instills empowerment, pride and
confidence in staff
• Accessible, visible, engaging and genuinely cares about department
members
• Approachable, open minded and flexible
• Listens well, seeks honest feedback and observes before making
changes
• An implementer with real time follow through
• Engenders trust and credibility; “Actions match words”
• Outgoing effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Capable of overseeing multiple projects and effectively translating
direction clearly and concisely when delegating to others
• A mentor who values professional development
• Skilled at building understanding between elected officials, Town
Manager and department staff
• Believes and instills philosophy of community policing and superior
customer service
• Engaged in department initiatives, but not a micromanager
The starting salary will be dependent upon experience and qualifications.
The salary range for Police Chief is $110,500 to $168,394. The Town
offers an attractive benefit package including: membership in the Public
Safety Personnel Retirement System; Deferred Compensation Plan;
health, dental, life and disability insurance for employee and family; Town
contributions to Health Savings Account; supplemental life and
short-term disability insurance; competitive leave benefits; 10 paid holidays
and two personal days. For a complete list of benefits visit:
www.paradisevalleyaz.gov/170/Employment-Information
The final filing date for this position is Monday, February
23, 2015. To be considered, please submit a resume, cover letter,
current and past salary history. Finalists for the position will be
required to submit six work-related references. Resume should
reflect years and months of positions held, as well as size of staff
and budgets you have managed. Forward your materials to:
The Town of
Jinnett Hancock
Human Resources Manager
6401 E. Lincoln Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Phone: 480-348-3520
Fax: 480-348-3616
Website: www.paradisevalleyaz.gov
Resumes will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this
brochure. Candidates deemed to have the most relevant qualifications will
be invited to an initial interview. The most qualified candidates, as
determined by the Town, will be invited to interview as finalists. An
appointment is expected to be made in April/May, 2015.