Full-time Administrative: Chief of Police

Full-time Administrative: Chief of Police

Founded in 1967, the College now serves more than 6,500 students annually (AY 2024-25) and provides a continuum of education, from offering college credit courses for high school students to preparing students for the workforce upon completion of certificates, associate degrees or transfer to a four-year institution. Additionally, the college is home to the Holden Partnership Programs where partner, four-year institutions offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. An extraordinary transformation to both the college’s physical campus and its culture of student success is currently underway.

The Chief of Police is responsible for managing police, communications, and related services for the Campus Police Department. This position directs, plans, oversees, and evaluates programs to ensure the protection of life and property, detection and investigation of crimes, the enforcement of laws, rules, regulations, and College ordinances; and manages operations in a manner to ensure a high level of professionalism and promote good public relations. All duties are performed under the general supervision of the Vice President for Administrative Services & College Treasurer.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Non-inclusive)

Departmental

• Administer all operations of the Campus Police Department including planning, budgeting, organizing, training, staffing, directing, and evaluating personnel.
• Serve as chief law enforcement officer of the Lake County Community College Police District.
• Supervise department record and file system operations, coordinate work assignments of all staff, and evaluate performance of all employees assigned to the department.
• Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversees recruitment and supervision of staff.
• Develop and implement employee training programs designed to educate College employees regarding safety and security topics and issues of a job-related nature; coordinate the training of College police personnel and maintain records of such training. Meet with employees regarding professional growth and development.
• May be responsible for covering open shifts due to call-offs, vacations, or staff shortage.

Investigative

• Coordinate criminal and internal investigations conducted by the Campus Police Department; supervise administration of evidence collection and property control systems.
• Investigate facts and causes of accidents occurring on College grounds or involving College property; prepare recommendations to eliminate safety hazards.
• Work closely with College administrators and county prosecutor as necessary or required by law relative to questions of law, probable cause, and status and direction of investigations and/or court cases.

Compliance

• Work in conjunction with the College's legal, facilities, and risk management to recommend, implement and enforce institutional policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal higher education laws, guidelines and codes related to environmental and occupational health and safety, including but not limited to Drug-Free Schools and Colleges Act, and OSHA, EPA, and ADA regulations.
• Serve as the College's Campus Safety (Clery) Act Compliance Officer.
• Enforce applicable provisions of the Federal Campus Safety Act of 1990 and 1992 as amended.
• Develop, implement, and administer a campus disaster preparedness and employee safety program; initiate the College-wide snow closing and weather emergency plan.
• Continually update, train, review departmental policy and procedures in accordance with Lexipol standards; initiate changes to College criminal and traffic codes.

Crime Prevention

• Survey and approve the installation and/or modification of alarms, locks, keys, fire safety equipment, security cameras, locking hardware, and traffic control/safety signs throughout the College campus.
• Coordinate College safety, crime prevention, and security data; supervise preparation of statistical reports for College administrators as well as local, state, and federal agencies.
• Review and approve contingency plans for all special events, which may involve crowd control, parking, police protection, etc., pursuant to College policy and applicable law.
• Develop and implement community-based crime prevention and policing concepts on campus including, but not limited to, internships, workshops, crime prevention, community events, etc.

Community Relations

• Establish and maintain effective liaison with other department heads, public officials, public safety agencies, law enforcement agencies, security organizations, civic groups, etc., through active participation in professional groups and associations and through attendance at and participation in law enforcement organizational activities; participate in law enforcement/community organizations relating to public safety.
• Serve on national, state, regional, and institutional law enforcement committees as the College's law enforcement representative.
• Serve on the Lakeland CARE (Consultation, Assessment, Referral, Education) Team.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience/Training

Required: Associate degree in a related field, current certification as an Ohio peace officer from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council, certification as a police chief, valid Ohio driver's license, and ten years of law enforcement experience.

Preferred: FBI National Academy, Police Executive Leadership College (PELC), Supervisor Training and Education (STEP) or similar executive leadership program. Bachelor’s degree or higher in criminal justice or public administration; five years supervisory responsibilities at the corporal rank or higher; campus police experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of law enforcement and/or security; safety and fire prevention; staff training and development; federal, state, and local law enforcement regulations; budget development; interview and performance evaluation techniques.
• Skill in dealing tactfully with local governmental agencies; developing effective interpersonal relationships; developing policies and procedures.
• Ability to define and resolve problems; collect data concerning investigations; establish facts and draw logical conclusions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This is a 12-month, full-time position. The annual salary is at grade 7 of the administrative and supervisory/professional salary schedule. See Compensation for Administrators. The anticipated hiring range is $74,903 - $95,502 depending on qualifications and experience.
• Certification in key skill areas (police/safety) must be maintained through attendance at workshops and seminars.
• Ability to be Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) certified and serve as the LEADS Criminal Justice Agency Administrator working with the department's LEADS Terminal Agency Coordinator.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Apply for this position through the college’s Human Resources website. Please be prepared to do the following:
• Complete all questions in the application (*please read the note below)
• Attach a current resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for this position.
• Application review will begin immediately, to assure full consideration, please apply by January 23, 2026.

*To avoid difficulties when submitting your application, be sure your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) is updated to the latest version and allow yourself sufficient time to complete the application since you WILL NOT be able to save a partially completed application and work on it later.

Lakeland Community College is an equal access and equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to a policy of equal opportunity in its employment practices. The College does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, disability, age, ancestry, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you have a disability that requires special accommodation to participate in the application/interview process, contact the Human Resources Office at 440-525-7575.

Please review Lakeland’s Mission, Vision, Purpose and Statement of Commitment.