Chief of Police

CITY OF STAUNTON, ILLINOIS

INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF

CHIEF OF POLICE

 

COMMUNITY BACKGROUND

 

The City of Staunton, incorporated as a village in 1859, is a vibrant community of approximately 5,054 residents (2020 Census) located in Macoupin County in southwestern Illinois. The city is 4.01 square miles with 3.97 square miles as land.  The population density is 1,272 citizens per square mile.  Nestled within the greater St. Louis, Missouri–Illinois Metropolitan Area, Staunton offers residents a strong quality of life, a cost of living below the national average, affordable housing, and a deep-rooted sense of community pride.

The City operates under an Aldermanic-City form of government. The City Council is comprised of eight aldermen elected from four wards, along with a Mayor, City Treasurer, and City Clerk elected at large to four-year terms. The City of Staunton employs approximately 62 total employees across all departments and is committed to delivering responsive, professional, and community-oriented municipal services.

 

THE POSITION

 

The Chief of Police is an essential member of the City's leadership team and is responsible for the overall management, administration, and direction of the Staunton Police Department. The Chief of Police is appointed by and reports directly to the Mayor and City Council.

The Staunton Police Department currently consists of thirteen (13) full-time personnel (including the Chief of Police and dispatchers), ten (10) part-time officers, and six (6) part-time dispatchers. The Department serves and protects a community of approximately 5,000 residents and works in close cooperation with the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office, the Illinois State Police, and other regional and federal law enforcement partners.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

 

Salary: $80,000 - $115,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The City of Staunton offers a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Downstate Public Safety Pension Fund participation
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

 

The following duties are representative of the position but are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Plans, organizes, and directs all programs, activities, and operations of the Staunton Police Department
• Creates and implements a long-term strategic plan to guide department personnel and operations
• Oversees the administration of departmental policies, procedures, and operational reporting
• Reports regularly on departmental initiatives, performance, and results to the Mayor and City Council
• Engages in active community policing practices and fosters positive relationships throughout the City
• Participates in civic organizations, community events, and public and private group activities to promote the functions of the Police Department and establish collaborative partnerships
• Formulates regulations governing the activities of all Police Department employees
• Supervises the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations and coordinates programs of crime prevention and detection
• Advises subordinate officers in complex criminal matters; formulates and prescribes work methods and procedures for the Department; consistently evaluates departmental operations and implements improvements as needed
• Advises and assists officers in non-routine criminal investigations or other complex activities requiring technical or administrative guidance
• Develops a professional, skilled, and diverse departmental staff
• Provides career coaching, growth opportunities, and personal development support for all department personnel; facilitates succession planning
• Authorizes and oversees police training programs; ensures ongoing professional development and certification compliance
• Maintains discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the Department by reviewing allegations of misconduct and designating appropriate disciplinary action
• Handles employee performance and labor relations matters when they arise, including recommendations for termination as applicable
• Develops, administers, and monitors the annual departmental budget; seeks opportunities for cost control and operational efficiency
• Cooperates with Macoupin County, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as officials of other City departments
• Partners with the Mayor, City Council, and other City leadership to advance public safety goals aligned with community needs
• Proactively engages with the community to build trust, break down barriers, and encourage open and ongoing dialogue; actively listens to community concerns
• Oversees dispatch operations and manages the scheduling, performance, and development of full-time and part-time dispatch personnel

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university, with coursework emphasis in criminal justice, public administration, law enforcement, or a closely related field preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive law enforcement experience required
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in a law enforcement supervisory or command capacity required
• Prior experience leading a municipal police department of comparable size preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess, or be able to obtain prior to appointment, Illinois Law Enforcement Officer certification through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB)
• Valid Illinois driver's license required
• Completion of the Illinois Law Enforcement Executive Institute (ILEEI) or comparable advanced law enforcement leadership training preferred; or commitment to complete such training within one (1) year of appointment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong general management, fiscal management, and personnel management skills
• Demonstrated leadership ability with a partnership-oriented, consensus-building approach to governance
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to promote community partnership and engagement
• Demonstrated and genuine commitment to community-oriented policing, transparency, and accountability
• Knowledge of current law enforcement best practices, applicable Illinois statutes, and constitutional policing principles
• Ability to manage and maintain constructive labor/management relations and handle employee relations issues professionally
• Working knowledge of municipal budgeting processes and financial management principles
• Proficiency with law enforcement technology, computer-aided dispatch systems, and records management systems

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work is performed in both an office environment and in the field throughout the City of Staunton. The Chief of Police must be able to respond to emergency situations at any hour and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as circumstances demand. Work may involve traversing outdoor surfaces and exposure to variable weather conditions. Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of a sworn law enforcement officer.

Residency

Residency within the City of Staunton or its immediate surrounding area is strongly encouraged.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

All candidates must submit a complete application packet to:

 

City Clerk's Office City of Staunton Attn: Dennis Stiegemeier 101 W. Pearl Street Staunton, IL 62088 Phone: (618) 635-2233 Email: [email protected]

 

 

The application packet must include:

1. A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant qualifications
2. A current résumé
3. Fully executed City of Staunton application
4. Contact information for five (5) professional references

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026

The City of Staunton reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary. Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

 

The City of Staunton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected classification under applicable law.