Fergus Falls
The ideal candidate for the Fergus Falls Police Chief position should be capable of building trust and legitimacy, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the community. The ideal candidate will serve as a key, collaborative member of the City’s management team working seamlessly with other public safety agencies, departments, and the school system. He or she will remain attuned to community needs and those of the City Council, and be a highly visible, approachable, and participating member of the Fergus Falls community. The Chief will need to employ an open-door policy that supports officers professionally and personally.
The Fergus Falls Police Department is authorized for 24 sworn officer positions in administration, patrol, investigations, school resource officer, and drug task force support with an operating budget of approximately $5M. The department employs five full-time and one part-time support staff members. The Fergus Falls Police Department provides community-oriented policing with a fully staffed, cohesive team that enjoys a high degree of camaraderie in the Department’s balance of mid-career, long- tenured, and new officers and the civilian staff.
The Department is highly regarded, respected and supported by the community. Officers build and maintain the public trust through their participation in the life of the community through attendance of festivals and sporting events, school and family activities, and volunteerism during off duty hours. Facilities and equipment are up to date, and the Department is well resourced. The Fergus Falls Police Department is highly functioning, operationally sound, and works seamlessly with partner agencies, City Departments, the City Council, and community stakeholders.
The new Chief will have the support of City leadership, officers, civilian staff and the community in his or her efforts to establish trust and credibility. There are opportunities to enhance community engagement, implement innovative approaches in Community Balancing the community’s expectations for service delivery and policing approaches, along with mindfulness of financial constraints in a generally conservative community will enhance the new Chief’s opportunity for success. With 14,000 residents, Fergus Falls is small enough to feel like home, but we have enough amenities to never want to leave.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The City of Fergus Falls is offering an expected salary range starting at $135,500 to $162,600 depending on qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will also receive a competitive Executive Benefit package which includes comprehensive healthcare for single and dependent coverage. Retirement plan options are available for a defined contribution 457(b) plan.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter, resume, a list of five job related references (with email and phone numbers), as well as salary history to jeffhale@localgovhrs.com no later than June 7, 2025.
Confidential inquiries may be directed to:
Jeff Hale, Mercer Group Associates
706-371-6126
To apply for this job email your details to jeffhale@localgovhrs.com