About Valdosta. students, faculty and community members are learning and connecting.

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2 About Valdosta The City of Valdosta is a unique community, blending its historic past with a dynamic and high growth environment, coupled with a diversity to give it economic viability and strength. In 1860, Valdosta was incorporated as the new county government seat. With a population of 166 people, Valdosta thrived as the county government seat of Lowndes County and the inland capital for Sea Island cotton. The City s first 10 years, it grew 622 percent with a population of 1,999; and, it is now approaching a population of 60,000. Valdosta has seen explosive growth in the last decade. The determination of the little town that moved to the railroad is still evident today in the city that is moving into a prosperous future. Valdosta- Lowndes is a thriving community with an economy balanced for growth, where wages are increasing at a healthy pace, yet costs of living and business remain competitively low. Valdosta s rich architectural traditions are preserved in three historic districts designated by the National Register of Historic Places Downtown, Victorian Fairview, and Patterson Street. In the heart of Valdosta, on the historic campus of Valdosta State, lush palm trees and Spanish Mission architecture make for an inviting environment where students, faculty and community members are learning and connecting. Connections are key to the quality of life in Valdosta-Lowndes, as residents engage not only with the scenic setting, but with the feast of choices this area offers in shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and culture. This is the place to live life to the fullest in a vibrant, non-stop regional center, the cultural, medical, and commercial hub for eleven South Georgia and North Florida counties. The City of Valdosta has a welleducated citizenry with nearly 80% having earned education beyond High School. This is a family-oriented community located in the Valdosta City School District.

3 City of Valdosta Government The City of Valdosta operates under a Council/ Manager form of government. The Valdosta City Council is comprised of a mayor and seven council members. The city is divided into six council and one at-large district. Six of the seven city council members are elected by district vote and serve staggered four-year terms. The At-Large Councilmember is elected by a city wide vote. Two new council members were elected in 2017 and the Mayor was re-elected to his second term. The City Manager has been with the City of Valdosta for 26 years and was appointed to his current position in March of The Police Department supports this vision through the implementation of the strategic goals to provide a healthy and safe living environment. The city has a history of supporting Police Department initiatives that build trust between the Department and the residents it serves. The Department consists of 149 sworn officers whose primary goals include the safety and security for the city s residents, businesses, property and critical infrastructure resources. Valdosta Police Officers respond to more than 82,000 calls for service each year. In 2017, approximately 76,827 case numbers were issued, 12,551 incident reports and 3,657 accident reports. Valdosta relies on the City Manager for all the daily operational functions while the Mayor/Council is charged with setting policy. The Police Chief reports directly to the City Manager and is a member of the Manager s executive leadership team. The City of Valdosta is a service-oriented organization of more than 600 employees with a budget of $97 million. The city aspires to be a healthy, vibrant, safe environment where residents live, work, play and grow in a diverse community that values families and neighbors.

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5 About The Position The Police Chief is responsible for directing the operations of the Valdosta Police Department and the Valdosta/Lowndes Regional Crime Lab. The position is responsible for managing the administrative functions of the department, such as developing policies and procedures, personnel/employment decisions, formulating long-range plans and preparing the departmental budget. Additionally, the Police Chief is responsible for overseeing all matters related to police department activities; planning and implementing comprehensive community policing, law enforcement and public safety programs. Specific duties and responsibilities of the position include: Monitors implementation of department regulations and Plans, organizes and manages Police Department functions; which updates and creates department policies to maintain compliance with Federal, State and local legislation. includes overseeing the Bureau of Patrol Services, Bureau of Investigative Services, and the Bureau of Support Services. The police chief also directs the preparation and administration of the Provides advice to City Manager and City Council regarding annual operating police budget; presents the budget to the City new ordinances, changes needed, or other issues related Manager for approval. to law enforcement or homeland security. Has strong collaboration and relationship-building skills in working with the entire organization and the community. The Police Department focuses on outreach and public engagement in a diverse community setting. This individual should be a visible leader with a genuine interest in actively participating in the community. Meets with individuals, civic groups, businesses, City Council, attorneys, and Court officials to answer questions, responds to complaints and promotes a positive public image. Advises and assists subordinate officers in complex criminal or other investigations. Coordinates with Federal, State and other local law enforcement agencies and representatives when activities or investigations are related to the City of Valdosta Police Department or City of Valdosta. Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the City Manager, City Council and other elected officials, Police employees, outside/other law enforcement officials, citizen groups and the public to exchange information regarding departmental activities and operations.

6 Identified Areas of Focus for the VPD Police Chief Community Relations and Trust Relationship building with community leaders Field policing in at-risk neighborhoods 21 st Century Policing Emphasizing best practices related to community policing Effective use of communication tools related to social media Valuing professional accreditation standards School Policing Evaluate current safety school initiatives related to the proper use of School Resource Officers Special attention should be given to the newly opened high school Officer Recruitment and Retention The department has had good success with officer recruitment, but struggles with retaining a full workforce. Retention of a strongly skilled workforce will be a major focus for this position. Homelessness in the area poses unique challenges, particularly in the area of the I-75 interchange. Some of these challenges are related to panhandling that is not related to homelessness. Development of strong relationships with community leaders in mental health and other community support groups will be critical. Identifying ways for the department to support these populations, while minimizing the panhandling and transient challenges will be a focus. Officer/Department Morale has been a concern in recent years. This position will focus on creating and enhancing a culture of trust, where all officers feel respected and treated fairly in the areas of work assignments, professional development opportunities, grievances and complaints, and resolution of staff issues. Leadership Demographic Makeup It is important that the leadership team be reflective of the demographic of both the larger department, as well as the community at large. While progress has been made in this area, this position will need to continue the focus of diversity.

7 The Ideal Candidate The City of Valdosta seeks a strong and ethical Police Chief who is a dedicated team player and can quickly gain the confidence of the community. The Chief must possess the ability to build community trust through the development of partnerships and use of proven community-oriented policing techniques. As a key member of the City Manager s Leadership Team, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to embrace change and help guide the community through important challenges. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Police Administration or similar degree; Master s Degree preferred; with five years of experience in upper level police management; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Certified by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards Training (P.O.S.T.) or be able to obtain certification during the first six months after appointment. Must possess a valid driver's license. Graduate of the FBI Academy; or the Southern Police Institute s Administrative Officers Program or Command Officer Development Program highly desired; comparable specialized police leadership and management training in ethics and integrity, emergency management, cultural and generational diversity, problem solving and community policing will be considered. Experience in providing upper level leadership in a police department that is comparable in size and complexity to the City of Valdosta Police Department is highly desired. Significant leadership role in a department that has been accredited by CALEA or state accreditation agency for at least two consecutive accreditation periods is highly desired; experience in securing substantial federal resources is desired.

8 Compensation/Benefits Salary for this position DOQ of the selected candidate is expected to be in the range of $95,000 - $115,000 with a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental and life insurance coverage, Long Term Disability (LTD), retirement (pension) plan, optional Deferred Compensation (457b) Retirement Plan, paid-time-off, eight and one-half (8.5) days of paid holidays each calendar year, Employee Assistance Program and prescription drug card program. The City of Valdosta offers a worksite clinic free of charge to its employees. As part of our robust benefit package employees can utilize the clinic for wellness checkups, immunizations, free medical RX prescription s and much more. Relocation expenses are negotiable. How to Apply Interested candidates must submit by a cover letter, resume, at least five job related references and salary history not later than 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2019 to: Lisa Ward, Vice President, The Mercer Group, Inc., at lisaward912@gmail.com. Any questions please call Interviews are expected to be conducted the week of February 26, The City of Valdosta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. All applications are evaluated based on individual merit. Information must be complete so all applications may be given equitable consideration. The Mercer Group-Ga. Alan Reddish, Senior Vice President 107 Indigo Lane Athens, Georgia