Description
A national search is underway for a strategic, engaging, and accomplished police executive to serve as Anaheim’s next Chief of Police. With more than 350,000 residents and over 25 million annual visitors, Anaheim is California’s tenth largest city and a global destination anchored by the Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium, Honda Center, and the West Coast’s largest convention center.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned leader with proven expertise in organizational leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will be approachable and dynamic, able to connect across all levels of the department, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and position the organization to meet evolving public safety challenges.
With a 2025–2026 budget of $239 million, the Anaheim Police Department is the largest municipal agency in Orange County, with 430 sworn officers and 191 civilian staff organized into five divisions. Reporting to the City Manager, the Chief of Police is an at-will position and serves as the Department’s executive leader, responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, personnel management, and delivery of effective policing services. The Chief also provides policy guidance to the City Manager and City Council, while representing the City with regional partners, community stakeholders, and the public.
The next Chief must be a visionary leader who can guide a growing department, oversee significant projects such as a new police facility, and ensure readiness for major international events including LA28 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Success will also require building strong partnerships with business and tourism leaders, fostering positive labor and management relations, and addressing complex social challenges such as homelessness and immigration sensitivities with fairness and compassion. Above all, the Chief must embody transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and strengthen community trust while positioning the Department as both a guardian of safety and a partner in Anaheim’s continued success.
Requirements
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. A typical pathway includes at least 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, with a minimum of three years in management and administrative leadership within a law enforcement department. Experience must be supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Advanced executive training, such as the FBI National Executive Institute, FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, or the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police, is highly desirable as is the ability to speak a second language commonly used in Anaheim, including Spanish, Vietnamese, or Chinese
License/Certification Required
Possession of a valid California driver’s license by date of appointment and is a condition of continued employment.
Possession of a P.O.S.T. Management Certificate or the ability to obtain a POST Management Certificate by date of appointment and is a condition of continued employment.
The annual salary range for this position is $222,690 to $367,439. Placement within the range will be based on qualifications. For more information on employee benefits, visit the City’s website: Benefits
Electronic submissions will be accepted at [email protected] until October 5, 2025, and should include a compelling cover letter, a comprehensive resume, and a list of references. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process, which is expected to begin in late October 2025.
Confidential inquiries regarding this career opportunity should be directed to:
Mr. Gary Peterson, Chief of Police (ret.) - President/CEO
Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc.
www.publicsectorsearch.com
6520 Lonetree Blvd., Suite 1040, Rocklin, CA 95765
(916) 789-9990 (office) (916) 622-5323 (mobile)
