Description
Town of Berryville
Job Description
Job Title: Police Chief
Department: Police
Reports To: Town Manager
FLSA: Exempt
Prepared By: KRD
Prepared Date: 7/25/2025
Approved By: KRD
Approved Date: 8/13/25
SUMMARY
This department head position supervises the police department and directs all law enforcement activities of the Town. Position plans and directs the activities of the police department, supervises all departmental personnel, continually coordinates operations with area and state law enforcement agencies, and performs related tasks as required.
Work is performed under the direction of the Town Manager.
Individual in this position shall meet the minimum qualifications for a law enforcement officer enumerated in Virginia Code § 15.2-1705.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned by the Town Manager.
- Advises Town Manager and Town Council on law enforcement items and keeps the Town Manager and Town Council apprised of significant law enforcement matters.
- Sets an example for other members of the department by abiding by all policies and rules, accepting job responsibilities, and by avoiding all acts which might be construed as compromising one’s integrity.
- To assure a good image with the public, inspects the appearance of the patrol officers and also inspects and maintains all police equipment in good working order.
- Stays abreast of all department functions in order to direct the activities of subordinates to attain the objectives and goals of the police department.
- Supervises employees of the Police Department in the enforcement of State and local traffic, civil, and criminal laws; establishes work schedules and makes duty assignments.
- Is required to maintain a department issued communication device at all times and is subject to call out twenty-four hours a day. Responds to the locations of incidents requiring a supervisor’s presence as directed in department general orders.
- Performs responsible and technical work in the administration of laws and develops and implements police policies and regulations.
- Administers and directs the activities of the Police Department within approved budgetary limits and town purchasing and procurement requirements.
- Reviews officer reports; prepares appropriate operational and administrative reports to higher authority.
- Applies for law enforcement related grants as approved by the Town Manager or Town Council and administers grants received.
- Stays abreast of current events and issues in law enforcement including officer safety, leadership, and liability concerns.
- Attends meetings of civic clubs, churches, schools, and other community organizations to explain the activities and functions of the police department in order to establish favorable public relations.
- Organizes, maintains, and safeguards departmental files.
- Prepares annual budget and departmental CIP requests.
- Attends Town Council meetings, which are held after regular working hours.
- Performs all duties of a patrol officer.
- Addresses citizen complaints and concerns in a courteous and professional manner.
- Coordinates special projects as assigned by Town Manager.
- Prepares monthly reports concerning department activities for submission to the Town Council.
- Routinely reviews department general orders and, as directed, the Town Code.
- Serves as a member of staff to the Public Safety Committee of Town Council.
- Serves as the public information officer (PIO) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) compliance officer for the department.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Directly supervises employees of the Police Department.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include: interviewing potential hires; training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; and rewarding and disciplining employees in accordance with the organization’s policies and the directives of the Town Manager.
- Maintains confidentiality of information and restricts the use of such information to work duties.
- Receives and objectively analyzes and responds to personnel or citizen complaints, suggestions, or comments while preserving the department image, integrity, and effectiveness.
- Coordinates community programs and motivates personnel to be actively involved in the community.
- Evaluates and directs the work of subordinates performing varied operations connected with police activities.
- Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other town employees, other law enforcement agencies, state and federal agencies, civic leaders, and the general public.
- Exemplifies department core values, leads by example, and motivates others.
- Prepares and executes performance evaluations as required.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Individual in this position shall meet the minimum qualifications for a law enforcement officer enumerated in Virginia Code § 15.2-1705.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED), with a minimum of eight (8) years law enforcement experience; at least three (3) of those years must be served as a first line supervisor.
Person in this position must hold certification as a Virginia law enforcement officer. Lateral transfers from agencies outside of Virginia may be considered for this position; however, new hire shall obtain a Virginia certification within one (1) year of appointment.
Experience with a variety of computer programs is required (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite®). An applicant must complete training as a field training officer or general instructor. Completion of approved leadership and first line supervisor programs are also required. Applicants must have any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
The ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, legal documents, or governmental regulations. The ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. The ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of elected officials, managers, and the general public.
This position requires position to be fluent in the English language, both spoken and written.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. The ability to compute and rate ratios and percentages and to draw and interpret graphs.
REASONING ABILITY
The ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to: moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but can be very loud.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING
Position is subject to testing as provided under the Town of Berryville Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy. Position is deemed to be critical to the safety and security of employees and citizens.
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING
The nature of this position requires examination and review of criminal history, credit history, driving record, physical examination, and psychological screening.
Review and testing for applicants for this position shall meet the minimum requirements for evaluation of a candidate for a law enforcement officer position, enumerated in Virginia Code § 15.2-1705.
This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.
The Town of Berryville reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, comprehensive resume, and completed Town of Berryville Application for Employment to:
Cindy Poulin, Director of Finance / Treasurer
Town of Berryville
101 Chalmers Court, Suite A
Berryville, VA 22611
