Police Major at City of Dayton

Responsibilities

Police Major is a multi-incumbent position that commands and administers a division, unit, or work group within the Police Department, providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight. Plans, directs, and evaluates division operations, and coordinates services with other internal units, city departments, outside agencies, and media outlets. Directly supervises Lieutenants, Sergeants, and professional support staff by establishing goals and priorities, providing guidance, resolving operational issues, and conducting audits and control processes to support continuous improvement. Provides command‑level direction during major incidents or extraordinary situations. Must possess thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local criminal laws and modern police leadership practices.

The Major is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability of all personnel. Ensures strict compliance with standards of conduct and confidentiality requirements, and is responsible for safeguarding sensitive, restricted, and protected information, and holds subordinate supervisors and staff accountable for doing the same. Promptly addresses any breaches, unauthorized disclosures, or failures to comply with policy obligations.

Interprets policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws; oversees disciplinary procedures and administrative review processes and initiates corrective or disciplinary action as appropriate. Manages staffing and resources to meet operational demands and maintain appropriate personnel balance. Participates in preparing the annual budget, including supporting justification, and maintaining oversight of expenditures.

Incumbents in the position of Police Major serve as a principal representative of the Police Department by collaborating with City leadership, public officials, community organizations, other agencies, and the media. Develops and sustains strategic community partnerships and public safety initiatives that strengthen public trust, enhance collaboration, and address real and perceived concerns related to crime and law enforcement. Must maintain a thorough knowledge of community relations, public and school safety, crime prevention, conflict mediation, recruitment, and media relations.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s Degree from an accredited college AND five (5) years of experience in a supervisory/management role with a law enforcement agency.

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of supervisory/management experience.
• 15 years of law enforcement experience progressing through supervisory/management positions with a minimum of five (5) years of law enforcement experience at the rank of Lieutenant or equivalent level position.
• Completion of the Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE), Ohio Public Safety Leadership Academy, FBI National Academy, Police Executive Research Forums – Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), or equivalent training program may be substituted for two (2) years of lieutenant or equivalent level experience.

Degree must be from a college or university that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education through the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities or equivalent region.

Certifications

Must obtain OPOTA certification within 12 months of appointment and maintain thereafter as a term and condition of continued employment.

License Requirements

Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain thereafter as a term and condition of continued employment.

Special Requirements

If the incumbent does not have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college, one must be obtained within 60 months of appointment as a term and condition of continued employment.

Police-related courses such as PELC or equivalent, CLEE, the FBI National Academy, and numerous other advanced law enforcement management training courses are preferred.

Notes

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, comprehensive resume, and references.

Applications must specifically address each of the minimum qualifications, directly showing how each is met.

Background Check

A background investigation and evidence of Employment Authorization and Identity is required prior to employment. All candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including current city employees seeking transfer, promotion, demotion, etc.

Medical Examination & Drug and Nicotine Testing

Final appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a job-related medical examination including drug screen. Applicants offered employment with the City will be required to pass a nicotine screening. Newly hired employees must remain tobacco and nicotine free as a condition of continued employment. The Tobacco and Nicotine Free Hiring Policy does not apply to current City employees.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

M/F/H