Description
Medford’s next Police Chief will join a high-performing organization committed to effective, community-centered public safety. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Police Chief plans, directs, and oversees all operations of the Police Department and is accountable for delivering responsive law enforcement services informed by city growth, crime patterns, staffing levels, community demographics, and evolving legal and political factors.
The Police Chief provides strategic leadership for department operations, including short- and long-range planning, program development and evaluation, and continuous improvement. The Chief directs the City’s law enforcement and crime prevention programs; oversees police records and the deployment of personnel and equipment; and ensures department practices remain aligned with changing laws, regulations, and technology.
As a highly visible leader and spokesperson, the Police Chief represents the department with City leadership, elected officials, partner agencies, the media, and the community. The Chief builds and maintains strong relationships with public safety partners and key stakeholders to support coordinated service delivery and strengthen community trust.
Key priorities and major initiatives
- Advance strategic direction and drive continuous improvement
- Maintain major-incident readiness and effective command response
- Strengthen workforce readiness and build leadership depth
- Use data to align service delivery with community needs and operational demand
- Modernize operations and ensure compliance with evolving requirements
- Strengthen standards, accountability, and performance expectations
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Requirements
Required Education and Experience:
- Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience as a sworn police officer, with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a police supervisor.
- Bachelor’s degree in criminology, law enforcement, public administration, business administration or other specific area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for two (2) years of work experience.
- Master’s degree in criminology, law enforcement, public administration, or another specific area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for four (4) years of experience.
Required Certifications:
- Management certification by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or state equivalent.
- Ability to obtain the Executive certification by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within one year of appointment.
