Description

At the City of Appleton, we welcome employees who love to learn and are forward-thinking. Centrally located in the Fox Cities, we are a steadfast employer committed to providing a flexible work environment and unique benefits. We encourage employees to come as they are and explore growth opportunities that will help them serve our community with impact. Apply today!

The City of Appleton is seeking a Chief of Police. The Chief of Police is a department head position responsible for the complete control, operation and representation of the City's Police Department and its employees. Work involves supervising departmental activities; formulating and enforcing departmental rules of conduct, policies, etc.; coordinating department activities with outside agencies; preparing and justifying operational budgets; making recommendations for hiring, promotions, commendations, and discipline; setting individual and departmental goals and objectives; and publicly representing both the City and the Police Department at all times. Work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor and appropriate commissions/committees.

Qualifications

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Law enforcement, Public Administration or related field is required, with a master’s degree desired and at least eight to nine years broad and extensive municipal police management and administrative experience, or a combination of applicable experience and training.

Salary

A competitive salary will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will also receive an excellent fringe benefit package including: paid time off; health, dental and vision insurance; free employee health clinic and coach; life insurance; short-/long-term disability insurance; accident insurance; on-site fitness center; health and wellness programs; post-employment health plan; deferred compensation; and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). We are proud to share the WRS is among the best funded and best managed public pension systems in the country!

Apply Now!

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete an on-line application at www.appletonwi.gov by no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Resumes without an application will not be considered.

For additional information, please see this brochure. 

City of Appleton Human Resources

100 N. Appleton Street, 6th floor

Appleton, WI 54911

Phone: (920) 832-6458

Email: humanresources@appletonwi.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

Requirements

Requirements of Work
Bachelor's degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Law enforcement, Public Administration or related field is required, with a Master's degree desired and at least eight to nine years broad and extensive municipal police management and administrative experience, or equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of modern principles, practices and methods of police operations & administration.
• Knowledge of labor relations and contract administration.
• Ability and desire to lead by influencing, motivating and enabling individuals to contribute to the success of the department.
• Ability to delegate authority to appropriate staff subordinates monitoring adherence to established police policies, rules and regulations of the Police Department and the City.
• Ability to analyze the effectiveness of the department, and to correlate its development with changing conditions in the City.
• Ability to plan, assign and direct the work of a number of subordinate operating units.
• Ability to plan, assign and direct the operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions.
• Ability to train, direct, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff in a fair and equitable manner; recommending commendations and administering discipline as necessary.
• Ability to analyze police problems and formulate policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Ability to offer budgetary documentation to the City's governmental authorities within the guidelines of the City structure; ability to support and defend the recommended operating budget of the department.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to deal effectively and compassionately with victims, suspects, and family members of each.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate with people at various levels, both within and outside the organization.
• Ability to develop short and long-range strategies for implementing various programs.
• Ability to operate a computer terminal and understand the computer system.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Ability to perform all functions required for classification of Assistant Chief.
• Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.