Chief of Police

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Genoa Police Chief Recruitment

The City of Genoa is seeking its next Chief of Police. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity in a growing community. The Mayor and City Council are seeking a proactive forward-thinking leader to plan, direct, manage and oversee activities, projects and operations of the Police Department including law enforcement, crime prevention, and crime suppression programs.

Genoa offers the next Chief an exceptional opportunity to lead a dedicated police department and become an integral part of a community that values public safety, strong relationships, and quality of life.

The Genoa Police Department is comprised of committed professionals who take pride in serving those they protect. The next Chief will build upon that strong foundation while providing the vision, leadership, and collaboration necessary to position the department for continued success. This position requires a Police Chief who conducts themselves in a professional manner and embodies the highest standards of the law enforcement profession.

The ideal candidate will bring character and experience, vision grounded in practicality, and the ability to lead with both decisiveness and humility. They must also demonstrate a high level of problem-solving ability and self-initiative. This position will be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $120,000 - $130,000 DOQ

Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident & Life
• Short term disability, critical illness
• Employer paid health insurance premium
• Professional development opportunities
• Down State Police Pension
• Nationwide 457(b)
• Vacation & compensatory time
• Uniform and take home car provided

 

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or closely related field.
• Completion of an advanced leadership and senior management training program such as the FBI National Academy, Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command, Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course, or PERF Senior Management Institute for Police is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum ten years (10) of progressive law enforcement experience with at least three (3) years of senior command experience at a comparable agency.
• Knowledge of Laws and Policies: Demonstrates a strong understanding of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and law enforcement policies.
• Budget Preparation and Administration: Possesses the ability to prepare, manage, monitor, and administer departmental budgets while ensuring responsible use of public resources.
• Program, Policy, and Personnel Management: Demonstrates the ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate departmental programs and policies, as well as oversee and provide training and professional development for law enforcement personnel.

Requirements:

• Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certification or ability to be certified within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess a valid Class D Illinois driver’s license and an Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card.
• If selected, the candidate must pass an in-depth background check, psychological exam, functional capacity evaluation, medical examination, and drug screen.

 

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a respected and ethical law enforcement leader who can balance effective public safety operations with sound organizational management, employee development, community engagement, and a clear vision for the future of the department.

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following qualities and capabilities:

Leadership and Organizational Management:

• Demonstrates proven leadership in directing police department operations, establishing priorities, setting organizational goals, and developing policies and procedures.
• Possesses the ability to assess organizational needs, identify emerging challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement best practices.
• Skilled in evaluating departmental structure, staffing levels, workload, and service delivery to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make timely, informed decisions in complex and high-pressure situations.

Fiscal, Administrative, and Personnel Management:

• Demonstrates experience developing, administering, and monitoring complex budgets, allocating resources, and making sound financial and administrative decisions.
• Proven ability to recruit, select, train, mentor, motivate, and evaluate personnel.
• Committed to employee development, succession planning, accountability, and maintaining high standards of professional conduct.
• Fosters a positive, respectful, inclusive, and service-oriented departmental culture.

Community Engagement:

• Committed to community-oriented policing, transparency, accessibility, and building public trust.
• A highly visible and engaged leader who establishes and maintains strong relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Effectively addresses citizen concerns, resolves complaints, and navigates sensitive community issues.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain departmental policies, articulate decisions, and engage constructively with the public and media.

Collaboration and Professionalism:

• Builds productive working relationships with elected officials, city leadership, municipal departments, employees, labor representatives, outside agencies, and regional public safety partners.
• Demonstrates the ability to collaborate across organizations, coordinate resources, and advance shared public safety goals.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and handles conflict and sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Leads by example, demonstrates ethical leadership, and maintains a strong commitment to public service and continuous professional improvement.

 

About Genoa

Nestled along the banks of the Kishwaukee River, Genoa, Illinois is approximately 60 miles from Chicago, 30 miles away Rockford, with many metropolitan areas in-between while also enjoying the benefits of being a growing small-town to the approximately 5,600 people that call Genoa home.

Genoa's rich history began with its settling in 1835 by Thomas Madison, a Revolutionary War soldier, and has continued to thread into the lives of today's residents, businesses, and visitors. The community has maintained its strong heritage as it grew from a stop on the historic Chicago to Galena stagecoach to a growing community with commercial and industrial growth and a strong housing base.

Genoa is focused on maintaining a small-town feel while providing jobs, commercial services, and diversified housing. The City's recent downtown revitalization project as well as facade grants have encouraged new and expanding businesses. Genoa is also focused on providing open space for recreation through many miles of trails for biking and walking in addition to recreational river activities for all.

The sense of safety the City provides is solidified by its high-quality police services. The community is ideal for families with many community events, parks, and activities. The City is also welcoming of business through tax incentives and a proactive Chamber of Commerce. Genoa offers the benefits of a long-established City, with planning for the future, in addition to small-town friendliness. Nearby landmarks include the Kishwaukee River and Russell Woods Forest Preserve.

The City of Genoa is governed by a mayor and city council form of government with non-home rule. Election terms for the Mayor and City Clerk are 4-year terms on the same cycle. Aldermen also have 4-year terms with one alderman from each ward up for election every two years. The next election for Mayor is in 2029.

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