CHIEF OF POLICE

The City of Visalia is seeking a highly qualified and experienced law enforcement professional to serve as Chief of Police. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Visalia Police Department and work collaboratively with the community, City leadership, and department personnel. For more information on this opportunity, please click here . THE VISALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT The Visalia Police Department has proudly served our community since 1923. Today, we are a full-service law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting the safety and well-being of more than 148,000 residents across 37 square miles. Our team includes 257 full-time employees, with 169 sworn officers committed to making Visalia a safe, thriving place to live. Join a department that’s investing in the future of public safety. Visalia’s new Civic Center will bring together modern, purpose-built facilities including a new Public Safety Building, dedicated police processing and evidence/storage spaces, expanded training areas, enhanced emergency operations capabilities and plans for a Real Time Information Center. Together with the already-operational Visalia Emergency Communications Center, these upgrades create a more connected, efficient, and technology-driven environment for police and fire services. The Visalia Police Department is committed to proactive policing, embracing new technologies, and strengthening partnerships with our community to address crime and enhance quality of life. We are honored to serve Visalia through professional police services and by building positive, trusted relationships with those we protect. THE DIVISIONS The Administrative Division Consists of the Records Unit and the Professional Standards Bureau which oversees records management, court and subpoena services, personnel, hiring, policy, and training. The Operations Division Consists of the Patrol Bureau and the Communications Unit. The Operations Division provides patrol, traffic, commercial, and vital communication and coordination support for the Department. In 2024, the Department fielded 129,325 police calls for service. In 2025, the Department fielded 126,208 police calls for service. The Patrol Bureau operates out of two District Substations, one in each policing district. The Communications Unit operates out of the newly constructed Visalia Emergency Communications Center at the heart of our new Civic Center. Consists of the Patrol Bureau and the Communications Unit. The Operations Support Division Consists of the Investigations Bureau and the Special Enforcement Bureau. It provides crime analysis, crime lab, digital evidence, property and evidence, youth services, property crime, violent crime, gang and narcotics enforcement for the Department, including two joint task forces with the California Highway Patrol and California Department of Justice. THE POSITION T he City of Visalia is seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking law enforcement professional who values the Department’s history and strong foundation while bringing fresh perspective, innovation, and vision to its continued success. This is an opportunity to lead a respected Police Department, build upon established strengths, and help shape the future of public safety and service in a growing and diverse community. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate for this executive, at-will leadership position will be a seasoned law enforcement professional committed to serving the community with integrity, vision, and purpose. This individual will be energized by the opportunity to lead a modern Police Department, enhance public safety, and foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and trust. A strategic and forward-thinking leader, the successful candidate will embrace innovation in policing and encourage continuous improvement. They will be visible, approachable, and highly communicative, with the ability to inspire confidence, strengthen organizational performance, and thoughtfully guide the Department as it continues to evolve. The new Chief will establish strong working relationships with City Management, City Council, command staff, employees, community members, and partner agencies, while ensuring Department priorities support the City’s mission, values, and long-term vision. They will bring sound judgment, political awareness, and composure to sensitive personnel matters, internal investigations, discipline, critical incidents, and other high-pressure situations. Strong executive and administrative skills, including responsible stewardship of the Department’s budget and resources, strategic planning, personnel management, and organizational development, will complement their leadership. Above all, the successful Chief will be a trusted, ethical, and collaborative partner who builds on what has made the Department successful, brings people together around a shared vision, and thoughtfully positions the organization for its future. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Five years (5) of increasingly responsible professional and administrative experience in all major phases of law enforcement, including at least three years (3) in a responsible middle management capacity. Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, criminology, police science or other related field, a Master’s Degree is preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record. Possession of a Management and/or Executive Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or ability to satisfy California POST requirements by time of appointment. Completion of advanced trai