Position SummaryThe Deputy Police Chief assists the Police Chief in planning, directing, and administering all operations of the Ypsilanti Police Department. This position provides executive-level leadership, oversees departmental divisions as assigned, and serves as the Chief's designee in their absence. The Deputy Police Chief plays a critical role in advancing professional policing practices, strengthening community trust, and ensuring efficient, constitutional, and equitable law enforcement services.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe following duties are representative and not exhaustive:
- Assists the Police Chief in the overall management, strategic planning, and administration of the Police Department.
- Oversees daily operations of assigned divisions, units, and specialized functions.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental policies, procedures, goals, and performance metrics.
- Provides leadership in community-oriented policing, problem-solving initiatives, and collaborative partnerships with residents, businesses, and community organizations.
- Supervises, mentors, and evaluates command and supervisory staff; promotes professional development and succession planning.
- Assists in budget development, fiscal oversight, grant administration, and resource allocation.
- Reviews and addresses internal affairs matters, critical incidents, and use-of-force reviews in accordance with policy and law.
- Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, consent decrees (if applicable), and best practices.
- Represents the Police Department at public meetings, City commissions, intergovernmental committees, and community events.
- Participates in labor relations activities, including contract administration and discipline consistent with collective bargaining agreements.
- Acts as Incident Commander or command-level support during major incidents and emergencies.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and administration.
- Strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and work effectively with diverse communities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to analyze complex issues, manage change, and implement innovative solutions.
- Knowledge of personnel management, budgeting, and municipal governance.
- Proficiency in policy development, risk management, and critical incident response.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including 4 years in a command or senior supervisory role (Lieutenant or above).
- Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification, or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
- Valid Michigan driver's license.
- Ability to pass all required background investigations, medical, psychological, and drug screening requirements.
- Staff in Command Leadership Training Course preferred
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in a municipal police department serving a diverse or university-adjacent community.
- Experience with community-based policing models, reform initiatives, or accreditation processes.
- Training or experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mental health response partnerships.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, and accountability in policing.
Working Conditions- Primarily administrative with frequent field exposure.
- May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies.
- Subject to on-call status and emergency response requirements.
Compensation and BenefitsSalary and benefits are commensurate with qualifications and experience and are established in accordance with City policy
