Police Executive Research Forum
Chief of Police- Anaheim (CA) Police Department
Police Executive Research Forum, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview A national search is underway for a new Chief of Police for the City of Anaheim. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned leader with advanced leadership skills and a proven record of collaboration. The ideal candidate will be dynamic, approachable, and engage at all levels of the police department, partner with a diverse community, city departments, and other stakeholders to advance public safety and position the department to meet current and future needs.
Considering making an application for this job Check all the details in this job description, and then click on Apply. Location Anaheim, CA The Opportunity The City of Anaheim seeks a Chief of Police who will serve as the executive leader of the Anaheim Police Department, responsible for planning, directing, and managing all law enforcement, crime prevention, and administrative support services. The Chief provides strategic leadership, oversees staffing and resource allocation, and ensures the delivery of high-quality public safety services. The Chief is also the primary advisor to the City Manager and City Council, coordinating with other City departments, outside agencies, and community stakeholders. The role will stay informed of emerging trends in law enforcement to enhance safety, effectiveness, and community confidence. About Anaheim Anaheim sits in Orange County, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. With more than 350,000 residents, Anaheim is a major destination anchored by the Disneyland Resort and other attractions, welcoming more than 25 million visitors annually. The city spans 52 square miles with diverse neighborhoods and extensive amenities, including parks, golf courses, and a robust transportation network (ART, ARTIC) providing access to Disneyland, Metrolink, Amtrak, and beyond. Government Structure Anaheim operates under a council–manager form of government. The City Manager and executive staff oversee day-to-day operations, while a seven-member City Council establishes policy. The City’s budget supports a wide range of municipal services, including the Police Department. Police Department The Anaheim Police Department is the largest municipal police agency in Orange County, with a 2025–2026 budget of about $239 million, and a workforce authorized for 430 sworn officers and 191 civilian employees. The Department operates under the Office of the Chief of Police and comprises five divisions, each managed by a Captain or Civilian Manager who reports to the Deputy Chief. The Patrol Division: frontline response, including Patrol, Air Support, K9, Jail Operations, and Police Service Representatives. The Operations Division: Personnel and Training, Field Training Officer Program, Employee Wellness, Strategic Planning, Crime Analysis, Real-Time Crime Center, Systems Support, Records/EMD, and Traffic Safety. The Community Policing Division: focuses on homelessness, mental health, vice, drug abuse; youth engagement; events security. The Investigations Division: serious investigations (homicide, assaults, robbery, human trafficking, fraud, auto theft, burglary, narcotics); includes Forensics Unit and the Orange County Family Justice Center. The Support Services Division: Records, Property and Evidence, Dispatch; Budget, Finance, Fleet, Facilities; IT coordination for field operations. Vision: In partnership with the community, the department will be innovative, strategic, and collaborative in providing exceptional public safety service. Mission: To maintain a safe community to live, work and play. The Position Under the general administrative direction of the City Manager, the Chief of Police is a sworn-at-will position and serves as the executive leader of the Anaheim Police Department, responsible for planning, directing, and managing all law enforcement, crime prevention, and administrative support services. The Chief provides strategic leadership, oversees staffing and resource allocation, ensures efficient delivery of public safety services, and manages the Department’s budget. The Chief serves as the primary advisor to the City Manager and City Council, preparing reports, presenting policy recommendations, and coordinating with other departments, outside agencies, and community stakeholders. The Chief represents the organization in interactions with elected officials, regional partners, and the media, while addressing sensitive issues and maintaining public trust. The Chief remains informed of emerging trends in law enforcement and applies best practices to enhance safety and community confidence. Opportunities/Challenges Growing Department Resources: The Department has expanded to 430 officers and 119 professional staff; leadership will guide a new police facility and modernization as the city grows. Anaheim anticipates major events (USA Volleyball, LA28, 2026 FIFA World Cup) requiring strong event security, interagency coordination, and community engagement. Tourism & Economic Partnerships: Collaborate with business and tourism leaders to ensure public safety while supporting Anaheim’s economic growth and cultural vitality. Organizational Leadership: Foster positive relationships between sworn, non-sworn, labor groups and management; emphasize open communication, mutual respect, and accountability. Homelessness & Social Pressures: Balance enforcement with outreach and services to address underlying social concerns. Trust-Building: Navigate sensitivities around immigration enforcement; build trust and legitimacy within the community. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will demonstrate steady, principled leadership with fairness, transparency, and a commitment to employees and the community. They will collaborate with the executive team to align law enforcement strategies with city goals, be an visible and engaged leader, and foster an inclusive culture that values both sworn officers and professional staff. The Chief will communicate clearly, exercise sound judgment and emotional intelligence, inspire trust, promote accountability, and cultivate a service-oriented and professional culture. The Chief will support training, development, and growth to meet current and future demands. Qualifications & Compensation Annual salary range: $222,690 to $367,439. Placement within the range based on qualifications. Benefits information is available from the City. Required qualifications include: At least 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, with a minimum of 3 years in management/administrative leadership; a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field; equivalent combination of experience and education is acceptable. Advanced executive training (e.g., FBI National Executive Institute, FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, PERF Senior Management Institute for Police) is highly desirable. Second language ability commonly used in Anaheim (Spanish, Vietnamese, or Chinese) is an asset. License/Certification: California driver’s license; POST Management Certificate or ability to obtain one by date of appointment. Application Process Apply by October 5, 2025. Electronic submissions are accepted at apply@publicsectorsearch.com and should include a comprehensive resume and a list of references. References will not be contacted until mutual interest is established. Public Sector Search & Consulting will conduct screening interviews as applications are received. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process, which is expected to begin in late October 2025. The selected candidate will join the City of Anaheim in January 2026 or a mutually agreeable date thereafter, following the City’s hiring process, including a POST background investigation. Questions: Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. (916) 789-9990; www.publicsectorsearch.com; Gary Peterson (ret.), President/CEO; gary@publicsectorsearch.com; 6520 Lonetree Blvd., Suite 1040, Rocklin, CA 95765. Apply with Confidence Confidential inquiries and questions about this opportunity should be directed to Public Sector Search & Consulting. Website: www.publicsectorsearch.com
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Considering making an application for this job Check all the details in this job description, and then click on Apply. Location Anaheim, CA The Opportunity The City of Anaheim seeks a Chief of Police who will serve as the executive leader of the Anaheim Police Department, responsible for planning, directing, and managing all law enforcement, crime prevention, and administrative support services. The Chief provides strategic leadership, oversees staffing and resource allocation, and ensures the delivery of high-quality public safety services. The Chief is also the primary advisor to the City Manager and City Council, coordinating with other City departments, outside agencies, and community stakeholders. The role will stay informed of emerging trends in law enforcement to enhance safety, effectiveness, and community confidence. About Anaheim Anaheim sits in Orange County, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. With more than 350,000 residents, Anaheim is a major destination anchored by the Disneyland Resort and other attractions, welcoming more than 25 million visitors annually. The city spans 52 square miles with diverse neighborhoods and extensive amenities, including parks, golf courses, and a robust transportation network (ART, ARTIC) providing access to Disneyland, Metrolink, Amtrak, and beyond. Government Structure Anaheim operates under a council–manager form of government. The City Manager and executive staff oversee day-to-day operations, while a seven-member City Council establishes policy. The City’s budget supports a wide range of municipal services, including the Police Department. Police Department The Anaheim Police Department is the largest municipal police agency in Orange County, with a 2025–2026 budget of about $239 million, and a workforce authorized for 430 sworn officers and 191 civilian employees. The Department operates under the Office of the Chief of Police and comprises five divisions, each managed by a Captain or Civilian Manager who reports to the Deputy Chief. The Patrol Division: frontline response, including Patrol, Air Support, K9, Jail Operations, and Police Service Representatives. The Operations Division: Personnel and Training, Field Training Officer Program, Employee Wellness, Strategic Planning, Crime Analysis, Real-Time Crime Center, Systems Support, Records/EMD, and Traffic Safety. The Community Policing Division: focuses on homelessness, mental health, vice, drug abuse; youth engagement; events security. The Investigations Division: serious investigations (homicide, assaults, robbery, human trafficking, fraud, auto theft, burglary, narcotics); includes Forensics Unit and the Orange County Family Justice Center. The Support Services Division: Records, Property and Evidence, Dispatch; Budget, Finance, Fleet, Facilities; IT coordination for field operations. Vision: In partnership with the community, the department will be innovative, strategic, and collaborative in providing exceptional public safety service. Mission: To maintain a safe community to live, work and play. The Position Under the general administrative direction of the City Manager, the Chief of Police is a sworn-at-will position and serves as the executive leader of the Anaheim Police Department, responsible for planning, directing, and managing all law enforcement, crime prevention, and administrative support services. The Chief provides strategic leadership, oversees staffing and resource allocation, ensures efficient delivery of public safety services, and manages the Department’s budget. The Chief serves as the primary advisor to the City Manager and City Council, preparing reports, presenting policy recommendations, and coordinating with other departments, outside agencies, and community stakeholders. The Chief represents the organization in interactions with elected officials, regional partners, and the media, while addressing sensitive issues and maintaining public trust. The Chief remains informed of emerging trends in law enforcement and applies best practices to enhance safety and community confidence. Opportunities/Challenges Growing Department Resources: The Department has expanded to 430 officers and 119 professional staff; leadership will guide a new police facility and modernization as the city grows. Anaheim anticipates major events (USA Volleyball, LA28, 2026 FIFA World Cup) requiring strong event security, interagency coordination, and community engagement. Tourism & Economic Partnerships: Collaborate with business and tourism leaders to ensure public safety while supporting Anaheim’s economic growth and cultural vitality. Organizational Leadership: Foster positive relationships between sworn, non-sworn, labor groups and management; emphasize open communication, mutual respect, and accountability. Homelessness & Social Pressures: Balance enforcement with outreach and services to address underlying social concerns. Trust-Building: Navigate sensitivities around immigration enforcement; build trust and legitimacy within the community. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will demonstrate steady, principled leadership with fairness, transparency, and a commitment to employees and the community. They will collaborate with the executive team to align law enforcement strategies with city goals, be an visible and engaged leader, and foster an inclusive culture that values both sworn officers and professional staff. The Chief will communicate clearly, exercise sound judgment and emotional intelligence, inspire trust, promote accountability, and cultivate a service-oriented and professional culture. The Chief will support training, development, and growth to meet current and future demands. Qualifications & Compensation Annual salary range: $222,690 to $367,439. Placement within the range based on qualifications. Benefits information is available from the City. Required qualifications include: At least 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, with a minimum of 3 years in management/administrative leadership; a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field; equivalent combination of experience and education is acceptable. Advanced executive training (e.g., FBI National Executive Institute, FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, PERF Senior Management Institute for Police) is highly desirable. Second language ability commonly used in Anaheim (Spanish, Vietnamese, or Chinese) is an asset. License/Certification: California driver’s license; POST Management Certificate or ability to obtain one by date of appointment. Application Process Apply by October 5, 2025. Electronic submissions are accepted at apply@publicsectorsearch.com and should include a comprehensive resume and a list of references. References will not be contacted until mutual interest is established. Public Sector Search & Consulting will conduct screening interviews as applications are received. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process, which is expected to begin in late October 2025. The selected candidate will join the City of Anaheim in January 2026 or a mutually agreeable date thereafter, following the City’s hiring process, including a POST background investigation. Questions: Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. (916) 789-9990; www.publicsectorsearch.com; Gary Peterson (ret.), President/CEO; gary@publicsectorsearch.com; 6520 Lonetree Blvd., Suite 1040, Rocklin, CA 95765. Apply with Confidence Confidential inquiries and questions about this opportunity should be directed to Public Sector Search & Consulting. Website: www.publicsectorsearch.com
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