POLICE CHIEF
CLASS NUMBER: 01110
EEO CATEGORY: Officials/Administrators
Mgt.

GRADE:
FLSA:

DP03
Top-Level

JOB OBJECTIVE
Serves as the administrator in planning, directing, and managing the law enforcement program
and activities of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, to ensure the highest possible
degree of protective service, law enforcement, and crime prevention for citizens of Davidson
County. Performs related duties as required.
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Directs administration, planning, and organization of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Oversees the annual budget preparation and administration of the budget.
Evaluates services of the department to determine level of service and problem areas
where resources may be better utilized.
Establishes long- and short-range goals and objectives for the department that include
continuously improving, innovating and implementing evidence-based public safety
strategies.
Develops and regularly reviews rules, regulations, policies, and procedures by which to
govern operations of the Police Department.
Analyzes operational and service demands and develops plans and strategies for meeting
those needs.
Confers with citizens and city officials on law enforcement problems and engages with
community members to enhance partnerships, promote trust, and engage in
collaborative problem-solving.
Makes decisions relative to emergency conditions not governed by established policies
and regulations.
Prepares or directs the preparation of administrative, routine and special reports.
Prepares and transmits communications, instructions, and policies to subordinates.
Oversees disciplinary hearings and enforces discipline when necessary.
Maintains control over the appointment, stationing, promotion and transfer of all
members of the department.
Oversees professional development and training of all members of the department.
Has the ability to travel and attend meetings at various times and locations as required.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Directly supervises the Police Deputy Chiefs and exercises indirect supervisory responsibility
over all employees in the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

 Receives general direction from the Mayor, who sets overall goals for the Metropolitan
Government and the role the Police Department plays in meeting those goals. Employee
exercises discretion and judgment and has a high level of personal accountability.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of
such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted,
heated, and ventilated.
Employee works primarily in an office setting under generally favorable working conditions.
There may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, etc. No special physical
demands are required to perform the work.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years of experience in
Law Enforcement, including three (3) years of upper-level management experience in Law
Enforcement.
*********
No Substitution
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of police administration and of accepted
procedures of police science.
Thorough knowledge of managerial and administrative principles and practices.
Thorough knowledge of budget preparation and personnel administration.
Thorough knowledge of criminal law and of the limitations for Police Officers.
Thorough knowledge of 21st century policing pillars and evidence-based practices.
Working knowledge of proper effective methods in deploying police officers in accordance with
anticipated and actual emergencies.
Working knowledge of community policing and engagement strategies.
Working knowledge of investigative techniques used in law enforcement.
Working knowledge of 21st century training such as procedural justice/legitimacy, bias and
cultural responsiveness and/or crisis-intervention training.
Skill in oral and written communications.
Skill in public relations.
Skill in enhancing community engagement and increasing levels of trust.
Skill in promoting employee health, well-being, and job satisfaction.
Ability to review the operating effectiveness of the department and to institute necessary
improvements.
Ability to analyze law enforcement problems and adopt effective courses of action.
Ability to analyze and interpret statistical information.
Ability to supervise, develop and train employees.
Ability to build trust, particularly with communities that typically have high rates of investigative
and enforcement involvement.

 Ability to instruct and advise personnel on pertinent phases of law enforcement, police
procedures, and/or departmental policies.
Ability to evaluate written and oral reports and to make recommendations for improving police
services.
Ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups and
with other government departments and agencies.
LICENSES REQUIRED
P.O.S.T. Commission Certification.
The selected candidate will also be required to successfully complete all Tennessee, Basic Law
Enforcement Training requirements within 6 months of hire date.
Date Approved:
Date Effective:
Date Revised:

06/24/80
07/01/80
07/14/20