Located at the foot of Mount Rainier and along the shores of Commencement Bay in Washington State, Tacoma is recognized as a livable and progressive international city. The city that incorporated in 1884 has grown from its historical roots as a bustling port that exported goods around the world to a center for international exports, the arts and healthy, affordable living.

The City of Tacoma is seeking an experienced, transformational leader to serve as its next Police Chief for the Tacoma Police Department (TPD). The individual in this role will be expected to promote a robust culture of inclusivity and service orientation among TPD’s commissioned and civilian staff; develop strong, trusting, and collaborative relationships within the Tacoma community. The new Police Chief will be expected to have a command presence inside and outside of the organization and be able to lead by example. He or she should also be very approachable and responsive, especially in the community. The ideal candidate will be an engaged Chief that is comfortable dealing with controversial matters in the public. Transformative leaders that look for ways to divert certain calls away from Police officers to non-law enforcement entities are encouraged to apply.

Candidates should possess an equivalent combination to a Bachelor’s degree in police or social sciences, criminal justice, public administration, business administration, organizational leadership or another area closely aligned with the duties of the position and eight (8) years increasingly responsible police service experience in a qualified federal, state, or local agency. At least two (2) of the eight years must include command-level experience.

The current salary range for the Police Chief position is $196,643.20 to $252,116.80 per year. The City of Tacoma offers an attractive benefits package which includes retirement, medical, dental, vision, and generous personal time off policies. Relocation assistance may also be available for a successful out-of-area candidate.