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Position:

Police Chief

Department / Agency:

City of Clarkston

Closing Date:

March 22, 2026

Coordinator:

Dr. Dwight L. Baker, DBA, DEIB, PSHRA-SCP, sHRBP Director of Human Resources & Risk Management dbaker@cityofclarkston.com

submit resume to:

For additional details about this opportunity, including supplemental resources, please visit the City of Clarkston Job Opportunities page: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfClarkstonGA/EmploymentApplication

Phone:

678-956-6950

Address:

736 Park North Boulevard, Suite 120 Clarkston, GA 30021

Description:

City of Clarkston Police Chief Packet 2026

The Police Chief Role

The Police Chief is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to the City Manager. The Chief provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and ethical leadership for the Clarkston Police Department.

Responsibilities include:

  • Oversee administrative functions while providing leadership for patrol operations,
    criminal investigations, community engagement, and training initiatives.
  •  Establishing departmental policies, implementing best practices, and ensuring
    compliance with laws and standards.
  • Inspiring, mentoring, and developing officers and civilian staff at all levels.
  • Serving as a visible, accessible leader in the community, actively engaging with
    residents, businesses, and regional law enforcement agencies.

The Police Chief must be a forward-thinking, adaptable leader who embraces technology, data-driven strategies, and innovative policing methods. With Clarkston experiencing significant growth, the Chief will be central to expanding services, enhancing trust, and anticipating public safety needs.

Opportunities for the Next Chief

  • Strengthen trust and communication in a multicultural, multilingual community.
  • Modernize operations with technology, analytics, and evidence-based strategies.
  • Develop future leaders within the Department through succession planning and training.
  • Expand community partnerships, emphasizing youth engagement and crime prevention.

Challenges Ahead

  • Managing recruitment, retention, and officer wellness.
  • Addressing complex public safety needs in a rapidly growing, diverse city.
  • Balancing proactive policing with community expectations and accountability.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary will be determined based on education, experience, and training in
    accordance with the City’s salary schedule.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Medical premium is employee-paid
    (single coverage)
  • City-Paid Life Insurance ($6,000 general employees; $10,000 department
    heads)
  • GMA Retirement Plan (100% employer-paid; full vesting after 5 years)
    Nationwide 457 Retirement Plan (employee-funded)
  •  14 Paid Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays (prorated)
  • Sick and Vacation Leave (accrual based on years of service)

The Ideal Candidate

  • Be an approachable leader who connects with a diverse workforce and community.
  • Demonstrate integrity, humility, and sound judgment, particularly in high-pressure situations.
  • Communicate exceptionally well, both within the Department and with the public.
  • Value officer development, succession planning, and employee wellness.
  • Exhibit cultural competency and genuine enthusiasm for community engagement.
  • Possess the ability to assess challenges quickly and make difficult decisions with fairness and confidence.
  • Bring a balance of professionalism, compassion, and even a good sense of humor to the role.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Criminology, Criminal Justice, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience, including at least 5 years in a command/supervisory position.
  • Completion of an advanced law enforcement leadership program is strongly preferred.
  • Valid Georgia driver’s license required by time of hire.
  • Certification as a Peace Officer through Georgia P.O.S.T. (or eligibility to obtain).

Application and SelectionProcess

For additional details about this opportunity, including supplemental resources, please visit the City of Clarkston Job Opportunities page:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfClarkstonGA/EmploymentApplication

Applicants must submit the following required documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Certifications
  • Professional References

The application deadline is Sunday, March 22, 2026

Please refrain from contacting elected officials regarding this recruitment. All inquiries should be directed to:
Dr. Dwight L. Baker, DBA, DEIB, PSHRA-SCP, sHRBP
Director of Human Resources & Risk Management
dbaker@cityofclarkston.com

678-956-6950

The City of Clarkston offers a unique opportunity for a dynamic, community-minded leader to guide the Police Department into its next chapter of excellence in public safety.