Police Chief

Salary: $95,000.00 - $ Annually

Final date to receive applications:
Feb 2, 2026

The City of Ashland is seeking to hire a Police Chief.

The Chief of Police directs the daily operations of the police department and exercises law enforcement powers and responsibilities assigned to police chiefs and sworn officers under state statute and municipal ordinance. Responsibilities include the protection of lives and property, development and implementation of policies and procedures, establishment of department goals and priorities and the implementation of department programs. As the chief operating officer of the police department, the Chief must exercise independent judgment in complex matters that are often complicated by emergency conditions.

The supervision of the Chief of Police exercised by the Mayor of the City is described in Wisconsin Statutes 62.09.13, and the powers of the Police and Fire Commission are specified in Wisconsin Statute 62.13.

The selected candidate will be subject to a psychological evaluation and criminal background check as well as a medical/physical exam by a licensed physician prior to being offered the position.

• Plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the department's operations.
• Establish goals, policies and procedures required to carry out the directives of the Mayor.
• Develop the department's organizational structure, including lines of authority, responsibility and communication.
• Delegate first-line management duties to subordinate officers.
• Develop and administer the department's budget with full responsibility including preparation, presentation, monitoring of expenditures and purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Meet with and make presentations to individuals and groups that include: elected and appointed officials, police and fire commissioners, other police entities, school officials, community clubs, business representatives, and community residents.
• Attend conferences and meetings related to law enforcement.
• Represent the department at a variety of national, state and local meetings upon approval and as the budget allows.
• Participate in community activities.
• Provide in-service and field training for staff and line employees.
• Apply for and administer financial grants.
• Establish and maintain a positive liaison with local courts, prosecutors, correctional agencies, federal, state and local enforcement authorities and the news media.
• Develop or direct the development and periodic review of operational policies and procedures.
• Assure employee compliance with safety practices and procedures required of law enforcement employees.
• Evaluate the performance of department employees.
• Independently or in concert with other employees perform all the duties expected of a sworn police officer when necessary.
• Conduct sensitive investigations into employee conduct.
• Serve as the Public Safety Officer for the City of Ashland and work in conjunction with the Human Resources/Safety Director to provide guidance for City of Ashland employee safety practices and procedures.
• Remain current in the philosophy, strategies and methods of law enforcement.
• Develop or review city policies related to law enforcement as directed by the Mayor.
• Direct the review of the department's long-rang capital improvements plan and budget.
• Assist the Police and Fire Commission in all phases of recruitment, screening, testing, selection, promotion and retention of police officers.
• Ensure the proper management of major police events and the related subsequent review of police employees' actions.
• Supervise other non-police city employees during emergency situations as required.
• Serve as a member of a city board, commission or committee.

• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with multiple agencies and entities for emergency and non-emergency related situations.
• Attends meetings with Police Department staff, the City Management Team, the Police and Fire Commission, elected/appointed officials, state and federal officials, professional organizations and with members of the public.
• Delegates/Participates in the development and delivery of community education programs related to public safety and related topics of community interest.
• Develop and maintain a professional and amicable working relationship with the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in order to increase efficiency of and cooperation during emergency service delivery.
• Review and respond to staff and citizen complaints and grievances in a timely manner.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and certification requirements and the knowledge, skill and/or ability (KSAs) required at the time of hire or for continuation of employment.

• Baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study associated…