Description
Located just 30 miles north of Atlanta in the scenic foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Woodstock, Georgia, has grown from a sleepy railroad town into one of the state’s most dynamic and desirable communities. Established in 1897, Woodstock was originally a hub for agriculture and industry along the Louisville and Nashville (L&N) railroad line. Today, it is recognized as a thriving, modern city that blends historic charm with progressive development and an exceptional quality of life.
The Chief of Police for the City of Woodstock, Georgia, serves as a key member of the city’s executive leadership team and is entrusted with the critical responsibility of leading a progressive and highly respected law enforcement agency. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Chief of Police provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and ethical leadership to the Woodstock Police Department (WPD), ensuring that the department fulfills its mission to serve and protect the community with professionalism, integrity, and transparency.
The Chief is responsible for the overall management and administration of the department, which includes overseeing patrol operations, criminal investigations, support services, training, community outreach, and crime prevention initiatives. This role requires a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who understands the complexities of modern policing and is committed to building and maintaining trust within a diverse and rapidly growing population.
Woodstock’s Police Department enjoys a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. The Chief of Police must continue to uphold and enhance this reputation by fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and community engagement. The Chief plays a leading role in shaping departmental policies and procedures, implementing best practices, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and promoting a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
The Chief must be an effective communicator and bridge-builder, both internally and externally. Within the department, the Chief is expected to inspire, mentor, and develop sworn and civilian personnel at all levels—emphasizing training, wellness, career development, and leadership succession. Externally, the Chief must serve as a visible and accessible figure in the community, actively participating in civic events, listening to residents' concerns, collaborating with businesses and stakeholders, and strengthening relationships with regional law enforcement agencies and community partners.
As Woodstock continues to experience significant residential and commercial growth, the Chief of Police will play a critical role in anticipating and responding to the public safety needs of a changing city. This includes preparing for the expansion of services, leveraging technology and data to improve operations and crime prevention, and ensuring that the department evolves alongside the community it serves.
The Chief is also responsible for developing and managing the department’s annual budget, aligning resources with the city’s strategic goals, and ensuring fiscal accountability. As a department head, the Chief works closely with the City Manager and other city departments to coordinate efforts that enhance public safety, improve quality of life, and support the city’s long-term vision.
In Woodstock’s Council-Manager form of government, the Chief operates with a high degree of autonomy under the leadership of the City Manager but is also expected to keep the Mayor and Council informed on matters of public safety and community well-being. The role requires political acumen, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead with courage, humility, and integrity.
Ultimately, the Chief of Police for the City of Woodstock must embody the values of service, accountability, and community partnership—serving not only as the top law enforcement officer but as a trusted guardian of the city’s safety, a champion for the department’s personnel, and a key contributor to Woodstock’s continued success and vibrancy.
For more information, including the recruitment brochure, job description, and link to the city website, please visit the Chief of Police recruitment page:
https://sumterlocalgovconsulting.com/recruitments/police-chief-city-of-woodstock-ga/
The hiring range for this position is from $140,000 - $150,000.
Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, police administration, criminology, business, or a related field.
Ten (10) years of related work experience in law enforcement with increasing responsibility; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
A Master's degree and successful completion of a law enforcement executive development course, such as the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, etc., are preferred.
Requires a valid Georgia driver’s license or must be obtained by the time of hire.
Requires certification through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) as a Basic Law Enforcement Officer (or the ability to obtain basic law enforcement training certification through Georgia POST within 12 months of hire date).
