City of Clayton, Georgia
Position: Chief of Police

The City of Clayton, Georgia, is accepting applications for the position of Chief of Police. This position oversees all operations of the Clayton Police Department and is responsible for ensuring effective law enforcement services, public safety, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage all police department operations and personnel
• Enforce local, state, and federal laws
• Develop policies, procedures, and training programs
• Prepare and manage the department budget
• Work collaboratively with the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and community
• Promote community-oriented policing and professionalism

Minimum Qualifications:

• Extensive law enforcement experience with progressively responsible leadership roles
• Georgia P.O.S.T. certification
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and administration

Preferred Qualifications:

• Command-level experience
• Prior experience as a Police Chief or Assistant Chief

Salary:
Salary base - $62,000  (Final based on qualifications and experience) Excellent insurance and retirement

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should complete an application and submit a resume and cover letter to The City Manager, tcrunkleton@cityofclaytonga.gov, or by mail at:

City Manager

837 Hwy 76 W Ste 101

Clayton, GA 352

Deadline: March 11^th  2026

The City of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Job Description

Title: Chief of Police

Department: Police Department
Reports To: City Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

General Description

The Chief of Police serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Clayton Police Department and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operation of the department. The Chief of Police reports directly to the City Manager and is accountable for ensuring that police services are delivered in a professional, ethical, and community‑focused manner consistent with Georgia law, City ordinances, and adopted policies.

The Chief of Police is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and public service while fostering positive relationships with residents, businesses, elected officials, and partner agencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administration and Leadership

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all functions and operations of the Police Department, including patrol, investigations, administration, training, and community policing activities.
• Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and City policies.
• Provide leadership that promotes accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement among department personnel.
• Serve as a member of the City’s management team and advise the City Manager on public safety matters, staffing needs, and operational issues.

Operations and Public Safety

• Ensure effective law enforcement services, including crime prevention, traffic enforcement, emergency response, and criminal investigations.
• Direct and coordinate responses to major incidents, emergencies, and critical events, including coordination with other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Monitor crime trends and community concerns and implement strategies to address public safety priorities.

Personnel Management

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and discipline sworn and civilian personnel in accordance with City policies and applicable laws.
• Promote a positive work environment that emphasizes teamwork, fairness, employee development, and adherence to ethical standards.
• Ensure compliance with Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements and maintain departmental accreditation and training standards as applicable.

Budget and Fiscal Management

• Prepare and administer the department’s annual budget in coordination with the City Manager.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of City resources, equipment, and facilities.
• Identify grant opportunities and external funding sources related to law enforcement and public safety.

Community and Intergovernmental Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Police Department, representing the City in a professional and courteous manner.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions, county agencies, and state and federal law enforcement partners.

Policy, Planning, and Compliance

• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable laws, court decisions, and best practices in law enforcement.
• Prepare reports, statistics, and presentations for the City Manager, Mayor, and City Council as requested.
• Assist in the development and implementation of City‑wide emergency management and public safety plans.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including significant supervisory and command‑level experience.
• Experience in a municipal police department environment is strongly preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain Georgia POST certification at the appropriate level.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Georgia criminal law, traffic law, and municipal ordinances.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, and the public.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an office and field environment and may require availability outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Position may involve exposure to stressful and potentially hazardous situations.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervision Exercised

The Chief of Police exercises direct and indirect supervision over all sworn and civilian personnel within the Police Department.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The City reserves the right to modify this description at any time to meet operational needs.