Search continues for Madison police chief

City officials are working to find a new police chief. RECORD PHOTOS

MADISON – The search of a Chief of Police for Madison is ongoing.

The City of Madison’s website (www.madisonal.gov) has the listed the opening. To open the description, click “Departments” and “Human Resources.”

The full-time job’s minimal qualifications include 15 years minimum in police experience with an excellent performance record in federal, state or local law enforcement. The candidate must have “considerable progressive supervisory experience in police work and various police functions, with some experience with community-oriented policing.”

Preferably, the candidate will have 10 years of direct supervisory experience.

“This position is appointed by city council for a term coextensive with that of the mayor, conditioned upon good conduct and efficiency. This position may or may not be reappointed for additional terms/periods, with or without cause,” the description states.

The new chief must live (establish residence) in Madison within six months of being hired.

The salary range for Police Chief of Madison Police Department is $85,000 to $115,000 annually.

Madison’s police chief must have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration or related field. A degree or coursework at the master’s level degree will benefit the candidate. Other desirable experience includes supplemental formal training in police administration, planning and methods, management and employment laws.

Among the responsibilities, the chief “serves as chief administrator of the department and the final departmental authority on all matters of policy, operations and discipline. (The chief) plans, staffs, directs, coordinates and manages all department functions and activities.”

“The chief shall continually strive to maintain a high level of morale and performance within the department,” the website states.

The police chief must “maintain positive relations with the citizens of Madison, the city government and all other agencies … and establish personnel policies and procedures, rules and regulations and directives for the administration and operation of the department, consistent with city-wide personnel policies and practices.”

In addition, the chief disciplines personnel in accordance with city ordinances and work rules for breaches of department and city-wide policies and procedures, rules and regulations and directives. The applicant must be skilled at “hiring, training, appraising, counseling, disciplining and separating personnel.”

Larry Muncey, former chief of police, resigned in November 2016 after seven months on administrative leave. During the interim, Major Jim Cooke has been serving as Acting Chief of Police until the new chief is hired.