Chief of Police

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR 

Capital Metro is Central Texas’ regional public transportation provider, based in Austin, Texas – the fastest growing metropolitan city in the country! Since 1985, we’ve been connecting people, jobs and communities by providing high-quality and sustainable transportation choices. As Austin continues to grow, and our service expands, CapMetro is responding by implementing an enhanced safety and security model that includes standing up our own police department! CapMetro is seeking a community-oriented and collaborative Chief of Police with a can-do attitude to oversee the department and implement its community policing model by engaging with the community and riders we serve. If you are an approachable change agent, with the ability to further develop, and maintain positive, trusting relationships with the community and customers we serve…CapMetro’s Chief of Police may be the career move for you!

The Chief of Police is responsible for the protection of all CapMetro facilities, assets, personnel, and customers throughout the service area, including rail stations, bus stops, park and rides, administrative offices, and operating facilities. The Chief of Police ensures that the vision, mission, and principles of the Police Department are met. The Chief of Police is responsible for the development, management, and administration of systems necessary to safeguard assets of the Authority and ensure the security of the riding public; develops and maintains positive public relations for CapMetro's law enforcement activities; and reports to and advises the Executive Vice President, Systemwide Accessibility & Chief Safety Officer on matters relevant to the development of police requirements in support of the regional transportation system.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, public safety, or a related field.
• Fifteen (15) years of applied law enforcement/public safety experience, including ten (10) years of senior command responsibility (Lieutenant or above), or equivalent combination of education and experience. In lieu of degree, year-for-year of directly related experience may be substituted. 
• Experience in security programs in a transit environment is desired.
• Preference given to candidates with a master’s degree, FBI National Academy graduate.
• Direct, senior command-level leadership responsibility experience in strategy, deployment and execution of law enforcement initiatives and campaigns.
• Extensive experience working within a state certified or nationally accredited or recognized police department/agency.
• Executive management level responsibility with extensive experience in working closely with senior leadership executives of a non-sworn capacity.

Other Requirements:

• Must have demonstrated experience in the management of homeland security, community outreach, budgeting, and crime prevention, and working knowledge of grants management.
• Must be certified or meet the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement requirements for certification and licensure.  Advanced certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education required.
• Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certification – Transportation Safety Institute is desired.
• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. In addition, must never have been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years from the date of the court order (TAC Rule 217.1).       
• Must possess a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver License or be able to obtain it within 30 days of residency. 
• Cannot be prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle or possessing firearms or ammunition.
• Must meet requirements of Peace Officer of Texas Certificate issued by the State of Texas within 120 days or the first available exam date or academy.
• Must establish residency within the CapMetro service area, 90 days following the offer of employment with CapMetro.
• Must work in a safe manner and constant degree of alertness.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated ability to engage with community stakeholders on public safety matters and concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well, both written and orally. 
• Must possess exceptional problem-solving abilities. 
• Must have a working knowledge of National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
• Demonstrate leadership qualities in highly stressful situations; make decisions quickly and decisively, often with limited information.
• Excellent organization abilities, analytical skills and communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience. 
• Must be able to maintain good work attendance and flexibility in work schedule which may include nights, weekends, special events and inclement weather events.
• Must support and comply with CapMetro’s EEO Program and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program.
• Ability to respond rapidly and effectively in emergencies. Serves as the primary provider of information directly to the Executive Vice President of Systemwide Accessibility & Chief Safety Officer during emergency and high-threat related conditions. 
• Ability to understand and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate a fiduciary obligation to the department and the organization, in handling materials and information of a confidential nature.
• Adept at public speaking in open forums and developing community outreach initiatives with the ability to listen and respond with empathy.
• Must meet the medical and psychological requirements for peace officer licensing by TCOLE.

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION

This position has been identified as a “Security Sensitive” position. CapMetro will conduct annual background checks on incumbents in this position.  A position is “Security Sensitive” if the incumbent handles currency, has access to sensitive computerized databases, has access to master keys, or works in an area of the CapMetro that has been designated as a security-sensitive area. 

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION 

This position is identified as a FTA safety-sensitive position. An employee in this position is required to participate in the Employer’s testing program for prohibited substances.  Participation in this program is a condition of employment with CapMetro.  A safety-sensitive employee is randomly tested for prohibited drug use or alcohol misuse while the employee is performing safety-sensitive functions; just before the employee is to perform safety sensitive functions; or just after the employee has ceased performing such functions. 

 Mobility Status:

As a Stationed position, the incumbent is expected to be assigned an individual workspace. Expected to work in the office 4 days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. 

• Plan, direct, and coordinate the overall activities of the Police Department; develop a department work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; and review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Transit Police Department activities to ensure high standards for ethics and adherence to law enforcement protocol and principles; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; and identify opportunities for improvement and direct the implementation of changes.
• Manage the development and implementation of Transit Police Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; establish appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocate resources accordingly.
• Plan, develop, and oversee implementation of long- and short-range strategies and programs for the Department to support the Authority's goals, objectives, and strategic plan. This includes a five-year plan for the Department and a yearly work program.
• Develop and submit for approval operating and capital budgets for the Department and manage within the approved budget.
• Maintain Department operations to remain compliant with state and federal regulatory requirements, to include transit related standards set forth by federal safety and security related administrations.
• Ensure coordination and cooperation between the Transit Police Department and all other CapMetro work units.
• As requested, Represent the Authority on Department matters with federal agencies, state agencies, local groups and organizations, professional associations, and other similar groups.
• Make recommendations and presentations to the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and the Public Safety Advisory Committee, as required. 
• Oversee technical studies for procurement of police equipment, machinery, and devices.
• Responsible for making all reports and submitting all documents required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and other regulatory agencies.
• Occasionally perform patrol duties by answering calls for service; investigating criminal offenses and traffic accidents; conducting internal investigations and investigating citizen complaints; engaging in routine criminal law enforcement and crime prevention duties; making arrests; and assisting area law enforcement and health and safety agencies as needed.
• Assist in the negotiation of mutual aid and other interlocal agreements and overseeing their implementation, determining needs of the Department and addressing common issues affecting the Department, other CapMetro departments, other jurisdictions, and the public.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Manage Department personnel by planning, scheduling, delegating, and overseeing employee work assignments, authorizing, coordinating, and scheduling work with vendors and consultants, conducting personnel actions, including, hiring, and interviewing, and overseeing hiring, training, work assignments, and performance evaluations. Select, motivate, and evaluate Department staff; provide or coordinate training opportunities and work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement and administer disciplinary and termination procedures.