Chief of Police - Recruitment Services Provided by Ralph Andersen & Associates - Ralph Andersen & Associates

invites your interest in the position of

        Chief of Police

Recruitment Services Provided by Ralph Andersen & Associates

Career Capstone Opportunity

World-renowned Palm Springs seeks a progressive, dynamic, and proven public safety executive to lead its Police
Department. A comprehensive national search effort is now underway to seek highly qualified candidates to
lead with honor and integrity.
Considered one of the most inclusive communities in the nation, the successful candidate will have the
opportunity to engage with Palm Springs’ varied neighborhoods, businesses, and community groups as well
as affinity groups. This inspiring leader will ensure a culture of fair and principled policing that meets the needs
of this iconic community.
Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                                                                    Page 2

The Community

Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs
is known for its crystal-blue skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape,
and starry nights. Palm Springs’ rich history and gorgeous weather make it
an ideal place to live and a preferred destination of travelers from all over
the world. The City maintains the charm of a small town while offering the
amenities of an urban center.

Palm Springs lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley approximately
107 miles east of Los Angeles within the ecological area known as the
Colorado Desert. Although the permanent population is approximately
50,000, the City has more than 5 million visitors annually. The City of Palm
Springs is known for valuing the diversity of its people and neighborhoods,
celebrating a population that includes active senior and LGBTQ+
communities.

Residents of Palm Springs have access to shopping, galleries, restaurants,
parks, recreational facilities, hiking trails, bike routes, a water park, and
horseback riding as well as the scenic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mt.
San Jacinto. As the City enjoys 350 days of sunshine per year, Palm Springs’
community has year-round enjoyment of the outdoors. Palm Springs is
host to many parades, festivals, and the famed Palm Springs International
Film Festival. Residents of Palm Springs find this to be an ideal community
to call home.

Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                                      Page 3

Governing Structure / City Leadership

Palm Springs is a charter city operating under the City Manager/Council form of government.

Mr. Justin Clifton, City Manager, was newly appointed in April 2021. As City Manager, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the
City which provides a full array of municipal services. The total adopted budget for FY2021/22 is $293,792,315 and the General Fund
is $127,515,373 with 517 full time employees.

The Palm Springs team is working hard to establish a world class culture modeled on high-performing organization practices. To that
end, Mr. Clifton deploys a team-first approach focused on strong performance, employee empowerment, development, and mutual
support. The successful candidate can expect the trust and freedom to make operational decisions without micromanagement,
with the collaboration and support needed to solve complex problems. Important values of the team’s leaders include:
♦ Integrity
♦ Openness
♦ Respect
♦ Transparency
♦ Trust

Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                                                                                  Page 4

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Chief of Police
oversees the activities and operations of the Palm Springs Police
Department (PSPD) including law enforcement, crime prevention,
and crime suppression programs. This position also coordinates
assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies.
Importantly, the Chief provides highly responsible and complex
administrative support to the City Manager and elected officials,
often in a public setting. The Chief also addresses media inquiries
and will work closely with the City Manager on communication
strategies that continue to build on trust and demonstrate
openness and transparency.

This position has responsibility and oversees a staff of 159 (100
sworn / 59 non-sworn) with a budget of $35,621,102 for FY21/22.

      Mission of the Palm Springs Police
      Department – The men and women of the
      Palm Springs Police Department, empowered
      by and in partnership with the community, are
      dedicated to providing professional, ethical, and
      courteous service to all.

Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                            Page 5

Opportunities and Challenges

The next Chief of Police will be presented with opportunities and challenges to lead including:
♦ Enhancing and promoting the Department’s image as a highly responsive, community focused, and customer service-oriented
  police department committed to serving the diverse areas and citizenry of Palm Springs.
♦ Developing a close working relationship with the businesses and hospitality industry is essential for this position. The City relies
  very heavily upon tourism and visitors, as a result, providing a safe and secure environment year-round is essential for both the
  City and the community served.
♦ Providing the Palm Springs community with increased safety while also leaning into contemporary policing practices to
  move beyond traditional law enforcement services. Top candidates will not view the two as exclusive, but rather will work to
  collaboratively achieve new and effective ways of working with the community to increase public safety.
♦ Leading, mentoring, and investing in the professional development of the Department. On-going training, record-keeping, and
  data analysis for post-incident events continues to be needed.
♦ Addressing organizational issues including succession planning, retention, and overall staffing needs of the Department. Expanding
  recruiting efforts for the Department as a wave of retirements within the ranks approach and periodic voluntary departures to
  other municipalities continue. PSPD must be well positioned going forward to attract and hire excellent officers that are reflective
  of the community and commit to serve the Department long-term. Building a pipeline to hire locally should be an added priority.
♦ Embracing and thriving in a progressive, educated, and engaged community. The relatively small size of Palm Springs has
  afforded this community with a high level of access to community leaders and the expectations are high; however, its permanent
  population belies the complexity of the City, with swelling short- and long-term visitors and tourism. The Chief of Police will be
  the role model for accessibility, empathy, and awareness of the high regard for quality-of-life issues valued by its citizens.
♦ Providing strong effective management to PSPD in a manner that anticipates and prepares for ongoing tourism and major
  events. Whether it is major concerts and festivals, a natural disaster, or a social event, Palm Springs needs a fully prepared police
  department in terms of accountability, data collection, effective use of and release of video technology (i.e., body worn cameras),
  and rigorous training.
♦ Further expansion of various grant funding for an array of programs including hiring additional officers, data collection, enhanced
  equipment, youth, and intervention programs.
Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                                                                                      Page 6

The Ideal Candidate

The selected candidate for the next Chief of Police will promote and embrace a collaborative and inclusive approach to issues
and management of the Police Department. Additionally, the Chief will be able to connect to people from all backgrounds and
be known as a bridge builder respectful of all people and cultures; help others see and understand other perspectives; and bring
people together behind common goals and solutions.

This top candidate will build a spirit of teamwork and common purpose while advancing the Department toward higher use of
evidence-based policing, data-driven decision-making, and innovative practices.

Additionally, the new Chief will be a highly ethical, collaborative, and dynamic professional who is seen as being a:

Balanced Leader: The Chief of Police must continually balance a variety of viewpoints and interests in the community, within the
City organization, and within the Police Department. The Chief needs to have empathy, stamina, and finesse to navigate successfully
both internally and externally.

Strong Communicator: A strong leader with strong communication skills who is also compassionate, empathetic, highly collaborative,
and transparent. The Chief will also encourage openness and accountability.

Selfless Leader: Palm Springs seeks a selfless leader who is genuine and has a global view that promotes the best interests of the
City of Palm Springs and the community at-large. The ideal candidate will rely on teamwork and collaboration within the Department,
within the community, and within the broader City organization.

Effective Leader: An effective Chief of Police must have a lens for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Chief’s decisions and, ultimately
the actions of PSPD, affect people differently. The Chief should be attuned to the immense diversity within the City’s boundaries
and have a keen understanding of how policing affects people, organizations, and businesses.

Progressive Leader: The Chief of Police should be a leader in the field of progressive policing and must actively engage the
community in dialogue regarding social justice issues and police reform.

Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                                                                                         Page 7

Experience & Education

Qualifying experience and education guidelines include:

Experience: Six (6) years of broad and extensive supervisory experience in municipal police work, including at least three (3) years of
management and administrative responsibility, typically achieved at the Command Level. While California experience is highly regarded,
out-of-state applicants are strongly encouraged to submit credentials for consideration. Experience working with labor unions is vital
due to collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, a proven track record of community engagement and working with a diverse
community and active stakeholder groups are highly valued and desired.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminology, police science, public administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is
highly desired.

Executive Level Training: FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), and/or Command College are preferred.
Possession of or ability to obtain California POST Executive Certificate.

                                                    www.palmspringsca.gov                                                        Page 8
Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police

The Compensation

Salary: Annual compensation is $ 181,644 to $ 243,756; plus additional 5% for a Master’s Degree.

Retirement: Classic Members – 3% @ 55; New Members – 2.7% @ 57.

Healthcare: The City provides a flexible-benefit dollar amount to be used on plans and services that best fit the employee’s needs;
a range of healthcare options are available for medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Annual Leave: Accrual begins at 16 hours per month; increase after 5 years of service.

Holiday Leave: 11 days per calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday.

Life Insurance: City paid life insurance at $50,000.

Work life: An Employee Assistance Program and a range of additional programs are also available.

Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                                                                                  Page 9

Application and Selection Process

This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly       the community’s values. This collective summary of information
throughout the various stages of the process. References will        will be used by the City Manager along with other assessment
not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.         tools such as mock-presentation, media response, and/or on-
During the final stages of the selection process, all panel          site writing exercise.
members will sign a confidentiality agreement to further
ensure the utmost in confidentiality.                                Timing for a final decision and selection is anticipated during late
                                                                     August or early September. An offer, contingent on successfully
Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply imme-                    completing processes required by California POST, will follow. A
diately to Ralph Andersen & Associates by sending a                  public announcement and media release of the final selection
compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to                  will be made when appropriate. The new Chief of Police will join
apply@ralphandersen.com. Resumes are currently under                 the City of Palm Springs upon a mutually agreed upon date.
review.
                                                                     Confidential inquiries and questions regarding this career oppor-
Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to         tunity should be directed to: Ms. Heather Renschler via email at
participate in the confidential selection process; specific          heather@ralphandersen.com or via phone at 916-630-4900. If
date(s) to be determined. The City Manager will have multiple        desired, a pre-set date/time for an introductory call can be sched-
panels (Community, Departmental, Professional Panel etc.) to         uled by sending an email to scheduling@ralphandersen.com.
further evaluate candidates and provide independent feedback
in the areas of career experience, education, and overall fit with

    The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and encourages all persons to file
    applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry,
    age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability,
    medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

Palm Springs, California | Chief of Police                                                                                      Page 10