The Village of Bourbonnais is seeking a highly experienced and community-oriented law enforcement professional to serve as Chief of Police.
This position is responsible for the leadership, management and overall operation of the police department, which consists of 28 full-time police officers, including one K9 officer, three detectives, six sergeants and five administrative staff members, comprised of a Deputy Chief, Patrol Commander and two Records Clerks. The department consists of four ERT (SWAT) members, two ILEAS members, one KAMEG officer (drug interdiction), one student resource officer, three range officers, two taser instructors and 12 crime scene technician trained officers. All eligible patrol officers are Crisis Intervention Team trained.
The Chief of Police will oversee law enforcement services for a population of 18,164 residents in northeast Illinois, ensuring public safety, crime prevention, and community engagement. The Chief of Police works under the supervision of the Village Administrator, Mayor and Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Administration:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for all Police Department operations; to include patrol activities, traffic control, investigations and all peripheral areas of police work.
- Develop and implement department policies, procedures and programs in alignment with best law enforcement practices and community needs.
- Oversee personnel management, including recruitment, training, performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
- Prepare and manage the department's budget and recommendations for Board consideration and approval, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient use of resources.
- Prepares or directs the preparation, maintenance and submittal of all required records and reports relative to department operations and activities, ensuring the inclusion of requisite documentation; reviews reports relating to patrol and investigative activities for the purposes of crime analysis and long-range planning.
- Attends all meetings of the Board of Trustees, responds to Board inquiries, undertakes special studies or projects at the request of the Board, and represents the interests and needs of the department before the Board.
- Collaborate with the Deputy Chief and Patrol Commander to maintain operational effectiveness and personnel readiness.
Public Safety & Community Engagement:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with residents, business owners, community organizations, local government officials and allied law enforcement agencies.
- Foster a culture of community policing, emphasizing transparency, accountability and public trust.
- Address crime trends and develop crime prevention strategies tailored to the needs of the community.
- Reviews and apprises staff of pertinent legislation affecting department operations.
- Oversee emergency response planning and coordination with local, state and federal agencies.
- Represents the department at meetings and speaking engagements, with the news media and in personal contacts with officials and the general public; performs varied public relations functions for the promotion of effective and congenial relations with the community at large; responds to public inquiries and complaints.
Law Enforcement Operations:
- Direct the enforcement of state laws and municipal ordinances.
- Ensure proper investigation of criminal activity and compliance with legal and ethical standards, including serving as liaison with the court system and the State's Attorney and maintains communication with those offices to ensure proper preparation and processing of criminal complaints.
- Maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics, communication and integrity within the department.
- Oversee department training programs to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Provide oversight for specialized units, including the K-9 officer.
- Supervises the maintenance of evidence and property in storage ensuring its proper disposition per court order, department policy and applicable law.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive law enforcement experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or command-level position.
- Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) certification or ability to obtain certification within a reasonable timeframe.
- Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of modern policing strategies, technology and community-oriented policing principles.
- Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, community stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.
- Experience in budget management and department administration.
- Demonstrated computer literacy with standard software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, basic spreadsheet applications, e-mail and internet usage) required.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and applications.
- Experience with Freedom of Information Act requirements and processes. Ability to obtain FOIA Officer certification.
- Thorough knowledge of applicable Illinois laws, ordinances, regulations and law 6 enforcement best practices.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Illinois driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience managing a department of similar size and complexity.
- Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership training (e.g., FBI National Academy, Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police).
Work Environment:
This role typically operates in a professional office environment; however, some travel and field work will be required. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnights may be expected. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration. It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties. The noise level in the environment varies.
Residency within the Village's corporate limits within 90 days after assuming his/her duties, is required.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and professional references to:
HR@villageofbourbonnais.com
OR
Village of Bourbonnais
Attn: Human Resources
600 Main Street NW
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Resumes will be accepted until April 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM, or until filled.
The Village of Bourbonnais is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
