City of Chaska Police Chief

The City of Chaska is seeking an experienced, strong leader for the

Police Department

The Community:

Chaska is located on the Minnesota River in the

southwestern metro within Carver County. Chaska

has been noted as one of the “Best Places to Live

in America” according to Money Magazine. The

natural beauty of Chaska and the surrounding area,

with 31 parks, 70+ miles of trails, lakes and

streams, provide recreational opportunities for eve-

ryone.

Chaska is a unique blend of traditional and action,

combining pride in traditions with ambitious plan-

ning for the future. As a city on the edge of the met-

ro area, Chaska features access to big-city ad-

vantages and a small-town sense of community.

Chaska was officially incorporated as a village in

1871. The downtown area, which was originally the

entire town, contains many 19th century buildings

and areas of historic significance. These areas are

reflective of the the commercial and industrial past.

One of the most significant downtown historic sites

is City Square Park, which cradles three burial

mounds representing the area’s prehistory. Today it

is a community gathering spot in the heart of down-

town and home to a variety of activities and events

surrounding its vintage gazebo.

Having a downtown rich in character and history

supports and nurtures Chaska’s friendly small town

experience, a place that values its past, present

and future. Downtown Chaska is the location of nu-

merous popular events year round, from January’s

ice fishing contest to December’s Hometown Holi-

day. Some others include the Taste of Chaska, Me-

morial Day Parade, two farmers markets all season

long, Octoberfest, River City Days, Fire and Ice

Festival and Homecoming Parade. An active city

government, dedicated to quality of life and eco-

nomic development, has sustained a community of

strength and character with high-quality industrial

parks and well-controlled but progressive growth.

Chaska High School is ranked 20th in the State of

Minnesota. The City has several other schools lo-

cated around the neighborhoods as well.

An expanding and wide-variety of housing makes

the City an attractive place to live for all age groups

and family sizes.

The Organization:

The City of Chaska is known as an exceptional

community. This is not an accident. The community

has grown and developed through patience, com-

mitment to quality, visioning, and thoughtful plan-

ning. The City leadership recognizes the success

has been the result of a dedicated team.

Staff often refer to their relationship as a close-knit

“family” that support each other. City Hall is relaxed

when it comes to formalities, focusing on team and

results. The team approach is applied with all differ-

ent project launches including parks, infrastructure,

redevelopment, housing and economic develop-

ment.

At the 2019 leadership retreat, the Mayor, Coun-

cil, City Manager and Department Directors looked

ahead to 2025. Strategic directions and vision

statements were established for the community and

workplace. These top priorities are listed below as

strategic directions (titles) with vision statements

below those.

Driving Community Engagement

In 2025 Chaska is a welcoming, respectful,

engaging and inclusive community.

Reinvesting in Core Assets

In 2025 Chaska is an environmentally con-

scious City, has quality City services; and

quality City facilities.

Implementing Established Plan for Growth

In 2025 Chaska has a vibrant downtown and

SW Chaska is actively developing.

Celebrating Diversity

In 2025 Chaska is a welcoming, respectful,

engaging and inclusive community.

Chaska Police Department Today

The Chaska PD had the same Chief for 20 years and is

currently being headed on an interim basis by the assis-

tant Chief. The City and Department personnel are

hopeful for a leader who will set a clear vision, provide

role clarity, and emphasize a unified team and profes-

sional accountability.

As the City has grown, the staffing of the department

has fallen behind. Yet, the Department has an excellent

reputation with the community, due in large part to the

dedication of the investigations and support teams and

the most visible part of the force, the patrol division. The

department wants to expand upon its commitment to

excellence with the new Chief.

Chaska PD Strives to be the Best

To be the Highest Performing Police Department

team possible, the personnel continually strive toward

the VISION as follows:

• Chaska PD has highly trained, progressive and

professional Officers and department personnel

who are community focused

• Chaska has employees who take responsibility

and expect fair and balanced accountability

• Chaska has a PD department that is well

equipped to do the job and fulfill the mission

• The Chaska PD has open and honest communi-

cation throughout the department

• Chaska PD has proper staffing to meet the needs

of the growing community in a safe manner

• Chaska has strong and trusting leadership from

the Chief and City that demonstrates support for

police

• Chaska PD has a strong, supportive, inclusive,

respectful team

6-12-month priorities for Police

Chief

• Set and communicate expecta-tions

• Set forth to enhance the positive culture

• Get to know and understand each person on the department

• Create a culture of open, honest, clear and frequent communication

• Evaluate the department’s strengths and weaknesses; ca-pacity and mission

• Get to know the community and ask - what do citizens want?

• Wait on significant changes until fully informed and comfortable with department

• Plan for ride-a-longs and take a patrol shift at times

The Position: Police Chief

The Chief of Police is responsible for policy development, control, supervision and program implementa-

tion for the Department and is accountable for the quality and effective delivery of public safety services

for the City of Chaska.

Primary Responsibilities:

Participates with the City Administrator and other City department heads in planning goals,

objectives and budgets for the operation and functioning of the Department, meeting the

needs and requirements of the City

Oversees the planning, staffing, organization and functioning of the Department to insure law

enforcement and public services are provided efficiently and equitably

Establishes and implements departmental goals, long range plans, objectives, operating poli-

cies, directives, regulations and procedures, identifying accountabilities, delegation of author-

ity and span of control. Evaluates on a proactive basis the functions and services performed,

their effectiveness, and initiates review and revision of policies and procedures as warranted

Provides leadership of employees within the department, including direction to supervisory

staff within the scope of City employment rules and standards, pertinent labor agreement and

safety program. Has overall responsibility for employment decisions including hiring, discipli-

nary action, performance review and termination

Compiles data, makes recommendations and administers the department’s annual budget, 5

year financial forecast, 10 year Capital Improvement program. Monitors purchasing of sup-

plies, materials, and vehicle and equipment fleet for timeliness and cost efficiency

Assumes command at scenes of emergencies, serious crimes and accidents. Make final de-

cisions as to course of action and protection of citizens, property and police personnel. Oper-

ates as both a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration, advis-

ing and assisting personnel, and performing complex tasks during life-threatening emergen-

cies

Supervises and conducts complete and accurate investigations, and prepares necessary re-

ports

Uses approved firearms, other hand and technical police equipment in the performance of

duties in accordance with Federal, State, City and Department policies and procedures.

Keeps abreast of the latest equipment available and ensures officers are properly trained

Plans, implements, and maintains effective customer and public relations programs. Serves

as primary representative of the Department with civic organizations, public interest groups,

elected representatives, schools and places of worship, by attending and actively participat-

ing in meetings related to public safety and law enforcement. Ensures that any complaints

against the Department or its personnel are proactively and effectively addressed

Performs all other related duties as expected or assigned

Personal/Professional Qualities: The City of Chaska is seeking an experienced, strong leader who

is best described as follows:

• A respected professional who will take on the role of COP when appropriate

• Someone who comes to work with high energy, believing in the work and the team

• A strong leader who challenges the department to be the best and advocates for needs

• A decisive leader who is fair-minded, and guided by doing the right thing

• A humble leader who seeks the wisdom of the team

• Someone who will be involved with the department and community in a consistent, heartfelt way

• A direct, open, and transparent communicator who is accessible to all

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement, Police Admin-

istration, Criminal Justice or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Current licensure (or ability to obtain) by the Minnesota

Board of Peace Officer Standards (POST)

Ten years of progressively responsible experience in law

enforcement and crime prevention with five years of ad-

ministrative and supervisory experience

Other required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of

modern police administration and methodology

Demonstrated knowledge of state statutes and codes,

federal guidelines and protocols, and local ordinances

related to law enforcement

Extensive knowledge of the standards by which the quali-

ty of police services are evaluated and the use and

maintenance of police records

Critical thinking skills and the ability to make experienced

judgements based on extensive previous experience

Demonstrated public speaking skills and ability to deal

effectively with the public and media

Proven ability to coach, mentor and train direct reports

Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain responsive

community relations

Chaska Community Information

Website: www.chaskamn.com

Population: `27,000

School District 112 @ www.district112.org

Announcement : Police Chief

Starting Salary Range: $101,000—$126,000

The City of Chaska, frequently named one of the “Best Places to Live in America!” (Money Magazine—

numerous issues) is located on the Minnesota River in the southwestern metro area in Carver County.

The City is seeking a respected professional to be the next Chief of Police. The new Chief will be a strong

leader with high energy, who challenges the department to be the best and advocates for the Depart-

ment’s needs. They will also have the desire to share the load by taking on the role of COP when appro-

priate. The Department further seeks a decisive person who is fair-minded, guided by doing the right

thing, believes in the work, with the humility to seek the wisdom of the team. The person sought will be

involved with the department and community in a consistent, heartfelt way. They will be a leader who is a

direct, open, and transparent communicator and accessible to all.

Qualifications Include:

Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement, Police Administration, Criminal Justice or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Current licensure by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards (POST)

Ten years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement and crime prevention with five

years of administrative and supervisory experience

Apply via Chaska website by January 31, 2020 at chaskamn.com, employment opportunities, current

openings—Please indicate if you are veteran. If you have questions about the City or the position, please

contact Richard Fursman (651)338.2533 or richard.fursman@hue.life. POSITION PROFILE Available at

www.hue.life and Chaska Website.

Process at a glance:

• Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2020

• Apply via Chaska website:

chaskamn.com, employment opportu-

nities, current openings

• Questions to Richard Fursman (651)

338.2533 or richard.fursman@hue.life

• 1st Round Interviews: Week of Feb 10

• Final Interviews: Week of Feb 17

• Select Candidate: Feb 24

• Background. Psych Eval will follow

candidate selection

• Approximate Start: April 1, 2020