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The City of Wisconsin Rapids is seeking an innovative leader with strong law enforcement and community policing knowledge and experience to lead an extraordinary police department. The individual must possess exceptional management, communication, and leadership skills to lead a team of dedicated individuals who collectively protect a growing and diverse community.
Community of Wisconsin Rapids
This central Wisconsin community is located one and a half hours north of Madison and one hour south of Wausau. With a population of 18,000 residents, and as the county seat of Wood County, the City offers affordable housing, quality schools and medical services, and year-round natural resource recreation. The community offers a variety of retail, dining, recreation, and entertainment venues, including a new outdoor aquatics facility, a Performing Arts Center, and a sports/recreation complex, all of which make the community an appealing place to work and live. Additional information about the community can be found at http://www.wisconsinrapidschamber.com/ and https://www.visitwisrapids.com
Government Structure
The Police Chief is appointed by the Wisconsin Rapids Police and Fire Commission and reports to the Mayor. The Commission does not have optional powers, and so budgetary and operational matters are overseen by the Mayor and City Council.
The Department
The Department covers an area of approximately 15 square miles and is comprised of 37 full-time sworn personnel including the Police Chief and Deputy Chief. In addition, there are 4 civilian personnel. The 2022 department budget is approximately $5 million. In 2021, the Department responded to over 18,000 calls for service.
The Next Police Chief
The City is looking for an individual who can lead the Department, continuing an established community policing model; has a strong knowledge in all facets of police operations; be engaged with and responsive to the City’s budgetary challenges; can establish, implement, and assess long range planning for the Department; fosters strong communication and professional relations between city departments and outside jurisdictions; continues fair employee relations; and fosters a highly communicative and team oriented culture that supports the overall wellness of its employees and promotes career development opportunities.
Requirements of the Position
The Police Chief must possess demonstrated leadership, communication, supervisory, and employee relations skills in a union setting; and have strategic planning, visionary, and budgetary skills. A bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred. Completion of the FBI Academy, Northwestern University Police Staff and Command, Certified Public Management Program, or similar program is preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a management position at the rank of lieutenant or higher. Must be Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board Certified or be able to obtain LESB certification within one (1) year from date of hire due to reciprocity or license transfers as determined by the Department of Justice. The candidate must be in possession of, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License within 6 months of appointment. All offers of employment are contingent upon a drug screen, medical/fitness for duty exam, and background investigation conducted by the City. The successful candidate must reside within thirty (30) miles of the City of Wisconsin Rapids’ city limits within one year of appointment.
Salary and Benefits
Current salary range is $96,441-$117,505 based upon experience and qualifications, with a comprehensive benefits program, including Wisconsin Retirement System eligibility, group health and dental insurance, and vacation and personal time. More information on benefits may be found at https://www.wirapids.org/employee-benefits.html
Application Deadline
October 15, 2022
Application Process
All application materials as identified below must be submitted electronically (no paper copies accepted) and sent via email to the City of Wisconsin Rapids at the following address:
Application Materials
- Completed City of Wisconsin Rapids employment application, which can be found at https://www.wirapids.org/job-opportunities.html
- Cover letter
- Resume
Your submission and application materials must include the following information:
- Achievement of an educational degree(s) and any additional police and/or supervisory education or training programs.
- List of a minimum of five years proven administrative/management experience in a leadership position (list rank and department leadership hierarchy – e.g., second in command).
- Work experience with community policing models.
- Experience establishing relationships and/or partnerships with other city departments other police agencies.
- Budget and administrative experience (indicate your actual role and size of the budget and examples of administrative responsibility).
- Experience in leadership, strategic planning, and employee relations (provide examples).
- List of three (3) personal references and three (3) professional references.
- Other information you deem important for the position of Wisconsin Rapids Police Chief.
- Identify how you learned of this position.
Learn about WI Rapids
Chamber of Commerce
Recruitment Video
Any questions regarding this employment opportunity may be directed to Steve Riffel at sriffel@communitysecuritysolutions.com
The City of Wisconsin Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer
