Chief of Police (2026-2027)

Chief of Police

Exempt

Director of School Safety/Superintendent

RISD PD/School Safety

Primary Purpose

Follow and enforce security regulations and procedures to protect students, staff, and property. In coordination with the Director of School Safety, oversee an adequately staffed, trained, and equipped force of certified police officers. Ensure enforcement of all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and coordinate with outside law enforcement agencies.

Education/Certification

High School Diploma/GED

Texas Peace Office license issued by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

Successful completion of training required by Texas Education Code (TEC) 96.641 and Texas Occupation Code 1701.2633 ***

Clear and valid Texas driver's license

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Advanced knowledge of overall operations of a police department
• Advanced knowledge of criminal investigations, police report writing, and criminal law
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Training and ability to subdue offenders, including use of firearms and handcuffs
• Bondable as required by TEC 37.081(h)
• Strong public relations, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience

• 5 years of experience as a fully commissioned police officer
• Law enforcement experience in a supervisory or command capacity preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Law Enforcement

• Patrol assigned campus(es) and routes walking or driving within district jurisdiction.
• Respond to all calls from campuses and district concerning crisis situations, accidents, and reports of crime.
• Investigate criminal offenses occurring within district's jurisdiction and support other agencies conducting investigations.
• Collect and preserve evidence for criminal investigations including witness statements and physical evidence.
• Arrest perpetrators, file appropriate charges, and ensure placement in jail or juvenile detention centers for law violations as necessary.
• Write effective legal incident reports.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Work cooperatively with other police agencies to share information and provide other assistance.
• Work cooperatively with school marshals.
• Ensure enforcement of all laws and ordinances within the scope of board policy and the jurisdiction of district.
• Oversee investigation of criminal activities occurring within the district's jurisdiction and support other agencies conducting investigations.
• Serve as district liaison to state and local law enforcement agencies and juvenile authorities and represent the district on assigned committees and task forces.

Safety

• Help provide traffic control at athletic events, school closings or openings, or at any other time.
• Provide protection to or escort district personnel as needed.
• Operate all equipment including firearms according to established safety procedures.
• May serve on district or campus behavioral threat assessment and safe and supportive schools team.
• Use sound judgment and effectively communicate with and elicit information from emotionally distraught students, staff, parents, and citizens.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the superintendent and/or Director of School Safety.

Administration (along with the Director of School Safety)

• Maintain property room for storage of weapons and contraband confiscated on district property.
• Compile and administer department budget based on documented needs and ensure operations are cost-effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and documents required, including affidavits for arrest, incident reports, and activity reports.
• Direct the daily operations of the district police department to ensure effective law enforcement.
• Coordinate enforcement activities with outside law enforcement agencies, other department directors, and campus principals and work cooperatively to develop and implement preventative security programs, gang management plans, and other safety programs.
• Investigate and make recommendations on all complaints and accusations made against the district police officers or staff.

Personnel Management (along with the Director of School Safety)

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make sound recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of police officers, security guards, and department staff.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: District vehicle, firearms, handcuffs, security equipment, two-way radio, alarm system and other security equipment, fire extinguisher, and standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing

Motion: Strenuous walking and climbing; frequent keyboarding/mouse, prolonged driving

Lifting: Moderate lifting and carrying (1544 pounds)

Environment: Work inside and outside, exposure to noise, frequent districtwide travel

Other: Specific hearing and visual requirements; may be subject to adverse and hazardous working conditions including violent and armed confrontations; ability to control sudden violent or extreme physical acts of others and exhibit rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; prolonged hours; on call 24 hours a day.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.