Position Overview

The City of Bathurst is currently searching for their next Chief of Police to be responsible for the administration and operational activities of the Bathurst Police Force. The Chief of Police will exemplify the Mission, Strategic Goals, and Strategic Direction of the Bathurst Police Force. As a key leader in public safety and law enforcement, the Chief of Police will prevent crime, protect life and property, and maintain law and order within the community. The successful candidate will provide exemplary leadership in the development, implementation, and enforcement of the Police Force’s operating philosophy, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to public safety and community engagement, coordinate policing activities with other departments and agencies, and deliver highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Civic Authority in accordance with NB Policing Standards, the Police Act, and all applicable regulations.

The Chief of Police will report directly to the Civic Authority, receive administrative direction, and exercise direct supervision over both sworn and civilian personnel. The Chief will develop the department’s annual operating and capital budgets, and will play a crucial role in creating a positive working environment, fostering trust and respect among all stakeholders, and championing a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement where teamwork is valued for transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, monitor and review the Force’s administrative and operational issues, priorities and progress.
• Confer with citizens and civic officials on law enforcement issues and assist in the development of innovative municipal law enforcement policies; develop and implement Force goals and objectives; develop, recommend and administer Force policies and procedures.
• Lead, direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Force's work plan; Strategic 5‑year plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Assure yearly Quality Assurance reviews are completed and submitted to DPS.
• Review organizational design and structure and implement change where efficiencies can be realized.
• Plan and oversee the supervision of the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations and programs of crime prevention and detection.
• Provide police training programs in keeping with the Force 5‑year strategic plan.
• Supervise the development and administration of the Police Force budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement midyear adjustments.
• Ensure the appropriate selection, training and evaluation of personnel.
• Provide staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Ensure the safekeeping and maintain inventory of exhibits, evidence, records and other related property.
• Coordinate law enforcement activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; cooperate with Federal, Provincial and Municipal officers in the apprehension and detention of wanted persons and with other agencies where activities of the Police Force are involved.
• Conduct internal investigations when appropriate and provide corrective action as required; handle all aspects of police discipline and professional development as per NB Police Act.
• Provide staff assistance to the Civic Authority; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees such as City, provincial and national police conferences and meetings with other public officials.
• Attend civic, professional, service and community group meetings at schools, churches and other places of public gathering; explain and promote the activities and functions of the Police Force; establish and maintain proactive public relations by representing the Bathurst Police Force in municipal, provincial and federal jurisdictions.
• Ensure compliance by all members of the Force with the NB Policing Standards, Police Act and Regulations.
• Assess and monitor program evaluations, audits and other measurable reports and ensure the implementation of any necessary recommendation leading to corrective measures, alternatives or enhancements such as Quality Assurance.
• Ensure relevant supervisory response to operational issues and problems is addressed through application of management principles.
• Perform related duties as generally directed by the Civic Authority.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The next Police Chief will have increasingly responsible supervisory experience in police work including three years of administrative responsibility. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science, public administration or a related field and/or equivalent training will be considered an asset in addition to a minimum of twelve years related experience.

Knowledge Areas

• Contemporary principles, practices and techniques of police administration, organization and operation.
• Contemporary and complex principles and practices of police science.
• Technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, records management, care and custody of persons and property and environmental protection.
• The NB Policing Standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated and the use of police records and their application to police administration.
• Types and uses of firearms, communication and automotive equipment and other contemporary police equipment.
• Functions of Federal, Provincial and Municipal jurisdictions and authorities as they relate to police work.
• Pertinent Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Principles, philosophy and practices of community based policing.
• Geography and boundaries of the Bathurst Police Force area of jurisdiction.

Core Competencies

• Lead, plan, prioritize and direct the work of the Police Force personnel.
• Develop and administer sound force policies.
• Develop proper training and instructional procedures for employees and maintain a high level of discipline and morale.
• Oversee and/or prepare and administer the Police Force budget.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Interpret and apply Federal, Provincial and Municipal policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Work with other law enforcement leaders in addressing community problems in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. EOC Coordinator for the City of Bathurst.
• Initiate and implement procedural changes.
• Prepare and deliver effective oral presentations relating to the activities of the Police Force.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work.
• Foster partnerships and teamwork (internal and external) that lead to continuous problem solving and decision-making.

The principles of equal opportunity employment will be upheld throughout this process. KBRS will also provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professionals named within this advertisement.

Note: The above mentioned qualifications are not intended to restrict interested members of the Bathurst Police Force from applying for this position; members possessing five years of service may apply provided they demonstrate equivalent education and experience.