Chief of Police

Litchfield Chief of Police Recruitment

The City of Litchfield is seeking a dynamic and experienced law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a respected department in a community that values integrity, innovation, and collaboration in public safety.

The ideal candidate has progressive leadership experience at the rank of sergeant or higher at a comparably sized or larger organization, with senior command experience and formal management training strongly preferred. The city is looking for a strategic, people-focused, ethical leader who embraces modern policing principles and evidence-based best practices, who is dedicated to developing personnel through mentorship, training, and succession planning.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: Starting salary range is $95,000-$120,000, to be determined based on experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Competitive paid time off (vacation, personal, sick leave)
• Police Pension (if eligible)
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• HealthiestYou telehealth service for employee and their household
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities
• Take-home car if residing in the 62056 zip code
• Uniform allowance

Qualifications

Experience and Education:

Qualified candidates will have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five (5) years in a supervisory capacity at the rank of sergeant or higher in a department of comparable or greater size. Senior management or command experience within a municipal law enforcement agency is strongly preferred.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.

Completion of advanced leadership or executive training, such as the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, or the PERF Senior Management Institute for Police, is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must hold certification from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB), or be able to obtain certification within six (6) months of appointment.
• Must reside within forty (40) miles of the intersection of State Street and Union Avenue within six (6) months of hire. Residency within the City’s corporate limits is preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The City of Litchfield is seeking a forward-thinking and proven law enforcement professional with exceptional leadership skills to serve as its next Chief of Police. The successful candidate will possess extensive law enforcement experience with progressively responsible service at the rank of sergeant or higher; senior command experience and formal management training are strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a record of effective leadership and a commitment to modern policing practices, including the use of technology, community engagement, data-driven crime reduction, and collaborative problem solving. They will be a bridge builder - a leader who values teamwork and fosters strong internal and external partnerships for the advancement of both the department and the community, while honoring the City’s history and small-town culture.

As the public face of the department, the Chief of Police will play an integral role on the City’s leadership team. Experience working effectively with other law enforcement agencies, municipal departments, non-profit organizations, and the business community to address shared challenges is essential.

The Chief must be a person of integrity and high moral character, capable of balancing the interests of both internal and external stakeholders while maintaining a steadfast commitment to public safety. The ideal candidate will be authentic, transparent, approachable, and highly visible—both within the department and throughout the community. This is a 24/7 leadership role requiring strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.

Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of current and emerging issues in law enforcement, as well as best practices in the field. Experience in emergency management, incident command, budgeting, personnel management, collective bargaining, and conflict resolution is highly desirable.

The City seeks a visionary leader who can plan strategically, implement innovative and evidence-based approaches, and effectively guide a multi-generational workforce. A commitment to developing personnel through training, mentoring, career pathing, and succession planning is essential.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by 10 a.m. on December 10, 2025, by emailing all of the following to [email protected]: resume, cover letter, and contact information for five (5) professional references.

Please include the following subject line: Chief of Police Recruitment - City of Litchfield

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is assisting with this search.

Questions regarding this opportunity should be directed to the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police by emailing [email protected] or calling 217-523-3765.