Description

What we’re looking for

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) invites an exceptional and visionary law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Campus Police. This is a rare leadership opportunity for a deeply committed public safety expert who is passionate about protecting, serving, and uplifting a vibrant learning community.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader with the integrity, strategic insight, and professional discipline required to guide a high-performing campus police department. This individual will bring a strong foundation in community-oriented policing, a demonstrated history of developing cohesive teams, and the confidence and character needed to inspire excellence across all levels of the organization.

As the Chief of Campus Police, the selected candidate will oversee all professional and administrative functions of the FSDB Campus Police Department. This includes providing strategic direction; ensuring operational effectiveness; overseeing emergency and non-emergency response activities; and maintaining robust safety protocols in accordance with policy, rule, statute, and nationally recognized best practices. The role operates with significant autonomy and requires sound independent judgment, while receiving administrative guidance from the Administrator of Business Services.

Success in this position hinges on the ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with the Administrator of Business Services, the President’s Advisory Team, the Board of Trustees, staff across campus, and partners within state and municipal agencies. The Chief must be an exceptional communicator and collaborator, capable of serving as both a trusted advisor and a steadfast guardian of campus safety.

The candidate must possess a valid State of Florida Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Compliance issued by the Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Training or be eligible to obtain certification within the first six (6) months of employment.

FSDB seeks a leader who is both operationally skilled and mission-driven, someone who will champion a culture of safety, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and guide the department with purpose, accountability, and unwavering commitment to the students and staff we serve.

 
How you will make an impact
This Business Services leadership position plans and directs the operation of the Campus Police Department, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The Chief of Campus Police maintains an operation which supports and enhances the mission of FSDB, thereby striving to mitigate and prevent physical harm, property loss, and disruptive activity. The duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of fiscal and human resources through a commitment to effective communication, quality standards, and compliance with policies, rules, and laws.

Supervises staff members and directs all operations in the department.  Provides for initial training and ongoing in-service training for Department staff, which meets FSDB's current and future needs.  Maintains regular contact with staff members for the coordination of law enforcement activities.  Establishes and maintains a 24-hour shift work schedule for the department team, providing for approved leave and training opportunities. Responsible for the security and integrity of all law enforcement and security issues affecting the FSDB community. This includes oversight of safe schools responsibilities, as coordinated by the School Safety Specialist, per federal/state statutes, Office of Safe Schools mandates, and established best practices. Develops, plans, organizes, administers, and evaluates policies, procedures, and directives to ensure departmental objectives are met. Provides leadership and direction to employees through the development of positions descriptions and the utilization of performance evaluations. Advertises, interviews, and selects applicants for positions within the department. Directs and coordinates staff work assignments to ensure continuing operations. Supervises the maintenance, preventative maintenance (including routine care, repair, and renovations), and upgrades of the electronic gates, card access, cameras, and electronic key system. This includes the procurement and management of associated contracts.
Reviews and approves all department police incident reports, investigative reports, internal/external correspondence; responds to correspondence and attends various meetings at FSDB and in the criminal justice community. Oversees all FSDB criminal investigations. Enforces applicable Florida Statutes, and the rules, regulations and policies established by FSDB. Assists FSDB in the interpretation of law as it relates to law enforcement and other aspects of the criminal justice system, which may impact FSDB. Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of information pertaining to individuals as required by FSDB policy and the law.
Directs, conducts, prepares, and reviews reports related to the operational activities of the Department. Advises on all security and campus police matters and keeps the Administrator of Business Services informed. Maintains effective communication with campus-wide departments, students, and parents, as necessary. Serves as a public safety liaison with internal and external agencies and departments. Coordinates efforts with staff and students to provide efficient and effective security operations, crime prevention, personal safety, and general awareness programs. Serves as a key team member of the Incident Command Team.
Through coordination with FSDB Administration, and in accordance with legislative mandates imposed on law enforcement agencies, develops policies and procedures for all aspects of department activities, including parking and traffic.
Responsible for the development, maintenance, and disposition of department budgets and expenditures.
Other functions as assigned by the Administrator of Business Services.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic management skills;
Knowledge of basic people skills;
Knowledge of Constitutional and State of Florida Statutes;
Ability to assimilate data and present data in a concise way to be used as management tools;
Ability to meet deadlines under pressure;
Skill in coordinating data from a variety of sources into presentation form;
Knowledge of administrative practices and principles;
Ability to utilize problem solving techniques;
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
Ability to work independently;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
Knowledge of community oriented policing;
Ability to motivate members of own department;
Skill in monitoring campus activities for recognizing possible threats or concerns in campus safety;
Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, regulations and techniques;
Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System;
Knowledge of law enforcement principles and techniques;
Ability to collect and maintain security of sensitive/confidential departmental investigation information;
Ability to attain sign language proficiency level in accordance with FSDB O.P.P.1.24.
Ability to complete training and administer skills acquired during CPR.

Requirements

Qualifications
        Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university;
 

        Five years’ experience in law enforcement;
 

        Three years of supervisory experience;
 

Possess a valid State of Florida Law Enforcement Certificate of Compliance issued by the Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Training or be eligible to obtain certification within the first six (6) months of employment;