The city of Poplar Bluff hopes to find a new chief of police by the end of September, with the long-time current chief retiring after more than two decades.
Chief Danny Whiteley is set to retire Sept. 9.
The position of chief has been filled by Whiteley for over 22 years now, so bringing in a new chief will take considerable time and effort, said Matt Winters, city manager.
An interim chief will be named to handle responsibilities until the position is filled with a qualified full-time candidate, said Winters.
“We are working on getting a hiring committee to review and select who to interview,” said Winters.
A salary range has not been set for this position, but a survey is currently being conducted through the Missouri Municipal League, which organizes data and information for such situations as this, he said.
“We are hoping to fill the position before the end of September,” said Winters.
Applications are being accepted for the position until Sept. 2.
The new chief will oversee 45 commissioned officers and an annual budget of approximately $5 million per year.
There are several requirements to be considered for the position, including be a Butler County resident. A high school education or GED equivalent is also required but a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, eight years of experience working in law enforcement, six years of leadership experience, as well as POST certification, according to advertisements for the position.
POST certification is a licensure and certification requirement for those seeking to go into the field of law enforcement.
The ideal candidate would possess a comprehensive knowledge of not only the practices and principles of police administration but also the rules and regulations, city officials say in advertisements.
The chief of police is responsible for day-to-day operations and the long-term goals of the police department.
To be in the position to lead the department, one must also have the ability to motivate and encourage, as well as the ability to communicate clear goals for the department, according to city officials.
Knowledge of police records and how they are utilized in police administration is also a requirement.
The position of chief is responsible for the development and implementation of a department budget, which would include equipment, resources and staffing levels.
The chief also prepares and delegates a variety of reports, which are sent to the city manager.
It is preferred applications be submitted online at www.PoplarBluff-MO.gov. Applications can also be submitted at City Hall, 501 Main Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. The deadline for applications to be received is 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2.