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Police Chief

City of Elkhorn
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Summary of Job

 

The City of Elkhorn, WI is seeking an experienced law enforcement leader to serve as our next Police Chief. This opportunity arises as our longtime Chief prepares for retirement after more than 36 years of dedicated service. The selected candidate will lead a professional department through a time of transition, building on a strong foundation of public trust and service.

As Police Chief, you will provide vision, leadership, and administrative oversight for all operations of the Elkhorn Police Department including patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, training, and internal affairs. You will ensure continued compliance with Wisconsin statutes and local ordinances, maintain and update departmental policies, oversee budgeting and resource allocation, and support the development and success of department personnel.

The Chief serves as a key representative of the City in collaboration with other governmental agencies, community partners, and the public. This position requires sound judgment in both emergency and non-emergency situations, a commitment to fair and equitable enforcement of the law, and the ability to foster a professional, accountable, and service-oriented organizational culture.

Elkhorn is a close-knit community that values its police department and its role in maintaining public safety. The next Police Chief will be instrumental in continuing strong community relationships while guiding the department into its next chapter. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven leader ready to make a lasting impact.


Ready to Serve?

  • Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
  • Please see the recruitment brochure for the full tentative process.

     

Benefits
The City of Elkhorn is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support you and your family:

  • Medical Insurance: Premium-free for employee-only coverage, with a minimal 1% cost share for family plans
  • Dental Insurance: Premium-free for all employees
  • Vision Insurance: Available as a voluntary benefit
  • Life Insurance: Two policies provided, with options to purchase additional coverage for yourself and your spouse or dependents
  • Retirement Savings: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), a state-managed pension plan, along with access to a 457(b) deferred compensation plan
  • Paid Time Off: Accrued biweekly
  • And more!

     

Compensation

  • Anticipated 2026 salary range: $102,024.00 - $137,321.60
  • Expected hiring range: $102,024.00 - $119,537.60, commensurate with qualifications and experience
     

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 

  • Develops, implements, and enforces departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, ensuring compliance with local ordinances, Wisconsin State Statutes, and federal law.
  • Provides leadership, direction, and administrative oversight of all Police Department personnel and operations.
  • Exercises independent judgment and discretion in the management, operation, and administration of the Department in accordance with applicable laws and City policies.
  • Promotes a positive organizational culture that values integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and service to the community.
  • Oversees recruitment, selection, training, development, evaluation, discipline, promotion, and, when appropriate, termination of department personnel in accordance with Police and Fire Commission policies and labor agreements.
  • Participates in labor negotiations and maintains effective working relationships with employee associations.
  • Promotes training and development programs that strengthen leadership, communication, and technical skills at all levels of the organization.
  • Prepares, monitors, and administers the Department budget, including purchases, payroll, and expense management.
  • Maintains accurate records of complaints, arrests, traffic violations, convictions, and departmental activities.
  • Ensures the Department’s compliance with Wisconsin public records laws, evidence handling standards, and court procedures.
  • Advises and collaborates with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and Police and Fire Commission on departmental matters, strategic planning, and policy development.
  • Directs and coordinates all law enforcement activities, including patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, and emergency response.
  • Ensures proper deployment of personnel and resources during emergency and non-emergency incidents.
  • Responds to serious incidents or major crimes as required, providing command and operational oversight.
  • Reviews and evaluates departmental performance metrics, recommending and implementing improvements as needed.
  • Maintains Department readiness, including equipment, technology, vehicles, and operational procedures.
  • Serves as the primary representative of the Police Department in interactions with community organizations, governmental agencies, other law enforcement entities, and the public.
  • Promotes positive community relations, transparency, and public trust in the Department.
  • Provides guidance and oversight for public information efforts, including media relations and community communications.
  • Ensures the fair and equitable enforcement of laws, ordinances, and departmental policies.
  • Oversees internal investigations, complaint resolution, and enforcement of disciplinary actions in accordance with Department policies and applicable laws.
  • Collaborates with other departments, local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate public safety, emergency response, and mutual aid activities.
  • Monitors trends in policing, technology, and legislation to ensure the Department remains current and effective.


 Other Duties

  • Performs law enforcement duties as circumstances require.
  • Performs other duties and special projects as assigned or directed by the Mayor, City Council, or City Administrator.

 

Qualifications

 

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education & Experience

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, management, or closely related field is strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
  • At least five (5) years of experience in a supervisory, command, or senior leadership role within a law enforcement agency.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered if it provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Required License/Certifications/Training

  • Must possess and maintain law enforcement certification through the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) or be eligible for certification upon appointment.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and be eligible to obtain a Wisconsin driver’s license upon appointment.
  • Completion of advanced leadership or management training (e.g., FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or Wisconsin Command College) is desirable.

Professional Standards

  • A demonstrated commitment to the ethical principles of law enforcement and a history of exemplary conduct and integrity are of the utmost importance for this position.

 Special Requirements

  • Must establish and maintain residency within 15 miles of the Elkhorn city limits within one year of hire. An extension may be granted due to extenuating circumstances, subject to approval by the Common Council.
    • The residency map can be viewed here (green circle indicates the 15-mile boundary): Residency Map

 

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Comprehensive knowledge of modern principles, practices, and techniques of municipal law enforcement administration and operations.
  • Thorough knowledge of municipal budgeting and financial administration.
  • Working knowledge of the principles and practices of collective bargaining and contract administration.
  • Knowledge of Police and Fire Commission regulations, municipal codes, and departmental policies.
  • Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations governing law enforcement activities.
  • Proficiency in interpreting and applying legal terminology, statutes, the Wisconsin Criminal Code, municipal ordinances, and policy manuals.
  • Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
  • Skill in planning, directing, and coordinating the services and programs provided by a law enforcement agency.
  • Skill in preparing and administering the Police Department operating budget.
  • Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, and strategic objectives.
  • Skill in the use of common office software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) and law enforcement records management systems.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data and information from a variety of sources, prepare concise and accurate reports, and develop and assess the impact of alternative courses of action.
  • Ability to prepare and review various documents and reports, such as incident and arrest reports, personnel records, and time sheets, using prescribed formats.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with elected officials, department staff, other law enforcement agencies, business and community leaders, court personnel, attorneys, the general public, and media representatives.
  • Ability to convey and exchange information clearly and professionally, including giving assignments and directives to subordinates and receiving instructions from the Common Council and City Administrator.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, make effective decisions, and maintain composure and professionalism under stressful and potentially hazardous conditions.
  • Ability to foster teamwork, accountability, and integrity within the Department and the community.

Tools & Equipment

  • Frequent use of personal computer, telephone, office copier, fax machine, and common office software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office).
  • Frequent operation of motor vehicles, including police patrol vehicles, under normal and emergency conditions.
  • Occasional use of law enforcement equipment, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, tasers, and non-lethal weapons.
  • Occasional use of emergency medical and first aid equipment as required during incidents.
  • Familiarity with police communication equipment, including radios, mobile data terminals (MDTs), and body-worn cameras.
  • Must wear and utilize personal protective equipment, including ballistic vests, gloves, and other law enforcement safety gear.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Performance of essential functions requires the ability to intermittently sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, and reach.
  • Occasional physical exertion may be required, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 100 pounds, such as equipment or police gear.
  • May be required to climb stairs or ladders, or move over uneven terrain during emergency or field operations.
  • Must have sufficient hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate law enforcement tools, weapons, and communication equipment.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, distance vision, depth perception, ability to discern colors, and the ability to adjust focus for reading reports, computer screens, and observing incidents.
  • Must have the capacity to maintain alertness, composure, and physical stamina during long or irregular shifts, emergency situations, or stressful incidents.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Work is primarily performed in an office environment but also requires presence in the field, including crime scenes, traffic incidents, emergency situations, and community events, as necessary.
  • The employee may occasionally be exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.
  • The role may require exposure to hazardous or potentially dangerous situations, including high-stress incidents, physical confrontations, traffic hazards, fire, chemicals, explosives, or other unsafe environments.
  • Requires adaptability to unpredictable situations and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies while ensuring the safety of personnel and the public.
  • Exposure to loud noises, sirens, and vibrations from emergency equipment is possible.
  • Work may involve prolonged periods of standing, walking, or sitting, and may require irregular or extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.