Police Chief

Position Summary:

The Chief of Police serves as the executive head of the Lawrence Township Police Department, responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and operation of the department. This includes ensuring the delivery of professional law enforcement services, maintaining public safety, and fostering positive community relationships. The Chief is expected to lead by example and actively participate in both administrative and patrol functions.

Department Overview:
The Lawrence Township Police Department is a 10-officer agency serving a vibrant and active community. The department includes a K-9 program and plays a key role in supporting large-scale events such as the annual Country Fest, as well as ensuring safety along the heavily traveled State Route 21 corridor. The township is also home to portions of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, adding a unique recreational and community policing component.

This position offers a rare opportunity for a hands-on Chief of Police to lead from the front, balancing administrative leadership with active involvement in daily operations and patrol as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: – Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to all department personnel.
– Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
– Oversee daily operations, including patrol, investigations, and administrative functions.
– Respond to calls for service and perform patrol duties as necessary.
– Prepare and manage the department budget and oversee fiscal operations.
– Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
– Serve as liaison between the police department, township trustees, and the community.
– Promote community-oriented policing and maintain public trust.
– Oversee hiring, training, discipline, and evaluation of personnel.

– Manage departmental records, reporting, and accreditation efforts if applicable.
– Coordinate mutual aid and interagency cooperation with surrounding jurisdictions.

Minimum Qualifications: – High school diploma or GED (associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field preferred).
– Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience.
– Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory or command-level experience.
– Current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) certification.
– Valid Ohio driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: – Bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field.
– Advanced law enforcement training such as FBI National Academy, CLEE, or equivalent.
– Experience in a small to mid-sized law enforcement agency.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: – Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
– Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
– Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and legal standards.
– Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively under pressure.
– High ethical standards and integrity.

Working Conditions: – Work includes both office and field environments.
– Subject to call-outs, irregular hours, and emergency response.
– Must be able to perform the physical duties required of a sworn law enforcement officer.

Compensation and Benefits: (TBD)

– The 2026 salary for Police Chief is $99,238. In 2027 there will be a 3% raise (following the FOP contract for the officers) for a total of $102,215.
– Benefits as established by Lawrence Township policy.

Application Process:

The selection process will be assisted by consultants from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). For selected candidates, the process will include an Assessment Center on June 6, 2026. Those selected as finalists after the Assessment Center can expect interviews with the Township Trustees.

Applicants must submit the documents below to Mallory Murphy, OACP Advisory Services Program Director, by email only to [email protected]

1. A cover letter that addresses the reasons for your interest in the position, focusing on the areas of team building, leadership, management, budgeting, communications, and community relations.

2. A resumé including detailed information relative to the qualifications and requirements specified above.

3. If not in the resumé, a listing of past law enforcement supervisory positions and the time in those positions, and a detailed list of advanced law enforcement supervisory trainings attended. (Such as, PELC, STEP, CLEE, FBI NAA)

4. Three letters of reference from individuals familiar with the applicant’s prior police work experience.

5. A copy of your OPOTA certificate, a copy of your college degree, and a copy of an organizational chart from your present or past employer that best demonstrates your qualifications for this position.

All application materials must be received at the OACP office no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026. Please add a “read receipt” to your email to confirm it has been received. Under Ohio public records law, the identities of applicants and application materials cannot be considered. If an applicant has questions about the position, contact Interim Chief Larry Dordea at 330-352-9292.

Pay: From $99,238.00 per year

Work Location: In person