Chief of Police

CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

Summary overview:

The Chief of Police is a sworn law enforcement executive officer and the Law Enforcement Department Manager. The Chief of Police is responsible for the overall management and administration of the law enforcement department (Columbia River Inter-Tribal Police Department / CRITPD) mission, staff, and operations and serves on the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) executive management team. He/she is responsible for maintaining the highest standards possible in a law enforcement organization.

Responsibilities

• Directs, manages, and supervises all functions and personnel of the Law Enforcement Department (CRITPD).
• Serves as an advisor and enforcement liaison to the Commission, its Law Enforcement Committee, and the Executive Director, keeping them informed of enforcement activities, concerns, and responsibilities.
• Meets regularly with the law enforcement and judicial administrators of CRITFC’s member tribes to coordinate efforts among the tribes and CRITPD on all aspects of enforcement responsibilities.
• Responsible for communication and coordination with the tribal constituency, tribal programs, and tribal policy makers to assure enforcement activities are consistent with tribal objectives and policies.
• Maintain existing jurisdictional authorities and obtain additional authorities to protect the treaty rights of the tribes and tribal citizens exercising those rights, and to perform the full mission of the CRITPD.
• Responsible for compliance in all aspects of personnel activities and procedures; including but not limited to hiring, evaluations, promotions, terminations, investigations of misconduct, grievances, and training, by maintaining a working knowledge of CRITFC policies and procedures and the CRITPD Operations Policy Manual.
• Responsible for development, implementation, and maintenance of up-to-date law enforcement policies, procedures, and standards. Including crime reduction and community problem solving strategies.
• Responsible for the coordination and communication with other departments within CRITFC and with outside agencies, including tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, courts, and attorneys by attending meetings, providing reports, and general correspondence.
• Have direct involvement in regional enforcement issues and develop professional relationships to promote inter-agency coordination and communications.
• Coordinate responses within Incident Command and Unified Command structures during times of declared emergencies, natural disasters, and environmental catastrophes which impact tribal interests, assets, or communities.
• Responsible for the development and administration of the budget for the law enforcement department by preparing budgets, writing grant proposals, and meeting the requirements for compliance with all enforcement contracts.
• Responsible for managing CRITFC property inventory, capital equipment purchasing or replacement, purchasing of contemporary police equipment, and managing emerging needs for information technology equipment and services. Responsible for “external” release of information by being the primary signatory for all official documents (not requiring the Executive Director’s signature), by preparing all required contract reports, and by working with the CRITFC Public Information Office in gathering and disseminating enforcement information to the public.
• Maintain mandatory training in law enforcement administration, leadership, and management that meet all DPSST qualifications required for the maintenance of an active Executive certification.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of full-time criminal justice related experience, preferably in tribal police services, and four years in a full-time criminal justice executive, mid management, or supervisory position within the last 5 years. Possess, or within two years of hire, achieve an Executive police certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST). The introductory period will be one year if a DPSST Executive police certification is already active; or two years if a DPSST Executive police certification is not active at the time of hire.
  • The DPSST administrative rules can be viewed at: http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_200/OAR_259/259_008.html
  • The DPSST certification qualifications can be viewed at: http://www.oregon.gov/DPSST/SC/CertChart.shtml.
• Have knowledge of tribal laws, customs, and traditions, particularly those of the four Columbia River Treaty Tribes and ability to maintain a rapport with official tribal organizations and tribal leaders. Have knowledge of federal Indian country law, tribal police authority under Oregon state law, and limitations on tribal police authority under Washington state law.
• Ability to prepare and present comprehensive written reports on enforcement goals, objectives, and practices.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in very complex situations with minimal supervision or direction.
• Ability to perform the general job responsibilities of the Captain or Sergeants (immediate subordinates).
• Ability to perform patrol, law enforcement, and investigation duties as needed.
• Ability to maintain the physical standards required of subordinates and present a professional image to the public and other law enforcement agencies.
• Ability and willingness to attend additional training to maintain certifications and advancement in professional development.

The following additional qualifications are desirable;

• Bachelor or higher degree in criminal justice, public administration, business, organizational leadership, or similar discipline.
• Knowledge of federal policymaking and appropriations processes related to law enforcement.
• Working knowledge of tribal, state, and federal fishing statutes, criminal statutes, administrative rules and regulations, and pertinent case law applicable to the Columbia River Basin and the CRITFC consortium tribes.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job occasionally requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• No more than one major violation or two minor violations.

Native Hiring Preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.