Chief of Police – Town of Duck

Position Closes November 30, 2026

Lead a Turn-Key Police Department in a Unique and Engaged Coastal Community

The picturesque and charming Town of Duck, North Carolina, seeks a seasoned, strategic, and community-focused law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police.

This leadership opportunity calls for a collaborative and forward-thinking professional who will build upon the department’s strong foundation of excellence, its high-performing team, and the trust and credibility already established within the community. The ideal candidate will provide a clear vision for the future while fostering a culture of teamwork, transparent communication, sound judgment, and accountability. A commitment to public service, effective law enforcement, and maintaining strong community relationships will be essential to sustaining the department’s success and guiding its continued growth.

About the Community

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, Duck is a small coastal town known for its beaches, locally owned shops and restaurants, and welcoming walkable village atmosphere. Since incorporating in 2002, the Town has worked to preserve the character that makes it unique. The sound side boardwalk and 11-acre Town Park give residents and visitors places to gather, enjoy the outdoors, and take in the beauty of the coast.

With approximately 740 year-round residents, Duck’s population swells to an estimated 20,000 or more during the summer as vacationers and seasonal homeowners arrive to enjoy the area. The busy season brings a boost to local businesses and plenty of activity, along with the added responsibility of keeping the community welcoming and safe for residents and visitors alike.

Located in northern Dare County, Duck is part of the larger Outer Banks region, known for its maritime history, outdoor recreation, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Neighboring communities, including Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills, offer additional shopping, dining, and services, while Manteo has a historic downtown and waterfront. Fishing, boating, kayaking, and exploring nature trails and Cape Hatteras National Seashore are just some of the ways to enjoy the area's natural beauty.

Duck also offers a variety of community events throughout the year. Annual traditions include a Fourth of July parade and community celebration, a free fall Jazz Festival at Town Park, guided nature walks along the soundside boardwalk, and the Duck Yuletide Celebration, featuring holiday music, family activities, a tree lighting, and Santa’s arrival. These events reflect the Town’s welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.

With its coastal charm, strong sense of community, and seasonal influx of visitors, the Town offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for a public safety leader to serve both year-round residents and a vibrant summer population.

About the Organization, Department and Position

The Town of Duck operates under the council-manager form of government, with a five-member Town Council serving as the legislative and policy-making body and the Town Manager overseeing daily municipal operations. With a FY-2026-27 budget of $13.7 million. The Town’s internal culture is grounded in its SOAR values—Service, Ownership, Accountability, and Respect—which reflect a shared commitment to integrity, collaboration, personal responsibility, and continuous improvement in service to the community and in support of one another.

The Chief of Police reports directly to the Town Manager and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Police Department. For FY 2026–27, the department has a budget of $2.8 million, which the Chief is responsible for developing and managing, including providing police-related input for the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan. The Chief directly supervises two lieutenants—the Patrol Lieutenant and Administrative Lieutenant—and shares supervision of an administrative staff member.

The Chief oversees patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and related law enforcement activities. The position includes strategic planning, establishing short- and long-term departmental goals and objectives, developing and administering operating and capital budgets, overseeing personnel and resources, and establishing departmental policies, procedures, and standards of performance.

The Chief also advises the Town Manager and Town Council on law enforcement issues, works with other law enforcement agencies on crime prevention and investigative activities, and collaborates in preparing the Town and department for emergency conditions, storm mitigation, and recovery.

Key Position Priorities

The incoming Chief of Police will have the opportunity to build on the Police Department’s strengths, support its dedicated personnel, and help shape the future of public safety in Duck. Key priorities over the next one to three years include:

• Establish Departmental Vision and Direction: Set clear goals and performance standards that build on the department’s strong foundation and support effective policing, professional excellence, and continued growth.
• Support Recruitment, Retention, and Professional Development: Promote competitive compensation and benefits, career development, and meaningful training opportunities to attract and retain officers committed to serving Duck’s distinctive coastal community.
• Advance the Public Safety Facility Project: Work with Town leadership and other partners to move the new public safety facility project forward, helping provide the space and resources needed to support department personnel and effective public safety services.
• Strengthen Community-Oriented Policing: Build on the department’s successful approach to threading the needle between maintaining public safety and taking a measured, understanding approach to the many visitors, renters, and seasonal residents officers serve.
• Build on a Strong Depar