Deputy Police Chief en Garner Police Department

About the Garner Police Department

The Garner Police Department is an innovative law enforcement agency that has been nationally accredited for 30 years through CALEA with 82 sworn police officers and 14 professional and civilian staff (including full-time, part-time, and supplemental staff). The department is divided into three major workgroups—Office of the Chief of Police, Patrol Bureau, and Support Services Bureau (encompassing the Criminal Investigations and Community Services Divisions).

In 2024, the Town of Garner conducted a community-wide survey that found that the overwhelming majority of residents are satisfied with the Police Department’s effectiveness at preventing crime and the relationships the department has developed with the community. For a closer look at the Town of Garner’s public safety profile and the Garner Police Department’s efforts in the areas of community policing and departmental training, please visit the Garner Police Department website.

The Garner Police Department is seeking a Deputy Police Chief to serve a rapidly growing community and police department.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Police Chief with departmental management; assist with decisions in unusual situations as circumstances permit; act as Police Chief in his absence.
• Manage daily departmental operations; coach command staff on personnel and other problem-solving; observe field performance and provide feedback; consult with Police Attorney and Human Resources as needed; review records and reports; investigate citizen concerns about department policy and performance.
• Plan, organize, schedule, and direct departmental staff; participate in hiring and promotional processes; provide coaching and counseling to subordinate supervisors on personnel matters, and public interactions; ensure proper motivation, communications, training, teamwork, mentoring, conflict resolution, performance excellence, and staff readiness.
• Research, draft, develop support for, and recommend new and revised departmental policies and procedures.
• Lead the overall budget development and administration for the department; perform and/or coordinate grant development and administration; oversee the purchase of a wide variety of equipment, supplies, weapons, and ammunition; coordinate the maintenance and repair of facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
• Participate in major criminal investigations, strategic tactical applications, and other law enforcement activities of the department; perform, oversee, or evaluate the results of internal investigations and make recommendations to the Police Chief.
• Represent the Police Department and the Police Chief at community events, Town functions, and with local, state, regional, and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• have obtained a Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in criminal justice, criminology, or a similar field.
• have at least twelve (12) years of experience as a sworn law enforcement officer
• have at least seven (7) years of responsible police supervisor experience at the rank of sergeant or higher
• have completed at least one long-term management school such as FBI National Academy, Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP), Police Executive Research Forum Management Institute, Southern Police Institute, or a substantially similar program
• have earned the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (or equivalent certification)
• possess a valid driver's license

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• have obtained a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or a similar field
• have at least one (1) year of experience in an executive command-level role

Additional Information

To ensure consideration, employment applications must be received by October 26, 2025.

Select applicants will be invited to participate in a multi-faceted assessment center.  

An external candidate who is issued a conditional offer will be required to qualify with a Garner Police-issued handgun, submit to a background investigation, CVSA (truth verification) exam, drug screening, medical exam, psychological exam, and an interview with the Police Chief.  If the selected candidate is a current member of the Garner Police Department, this process will be modified.

Equal Opportunity Employer

About the Town of Garner (pop. 43,000+)

Located in a region consistently ranked among America’s best places to live, work and raise a family, Garner is a vibrant community that offers something for everyone. Garner is known for its hometown character, historic downtown area, quality schools, and quiet neighborhoods—and all just a few minutes from downtown Raleigh.  

From athletics and special events to the arts and outdoors, Garner offers activities for people of all ages and walks of life. The Independence Day Celebration, which includes fireworks and a performance by the North Carolina Symphony, draws a crowd of 10,000 or more. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department offers other signature events throughout the year and operates the Garner Performing Arts Center and Garner Senior Center. This article in Our State magazine offers a look into Garner’s history and a glimpse into what Garner offers today.