Job Title

Chief of Police

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Student Engagement & Success

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Chief of Police in the University Police Department. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

The Chief of Police provides strategic leadership and direction for Tarleton State University’s law enforcement and public safety operations. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure campus environment by developing, implementing, and promoting effective public safety initiatives, emergency response protocols, and crime‑prevention programs. The Chief oversees all functions of the University Police Department, including the Parking Office, and leads departmental staff in delivering professional, community‑focused policing services. This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

This is a full‑time, on‑site role located on Tarleton State University’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas, with standard work hours of Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., or as work requirements indicate.

 

Responsibilities:

40% Administrative

Oversees all aspects of departmental operations pertaining to police and parking service delivery to the campus community.

Maintains appropriate records regarding all aspects of the department, police, security, safety and health environment, employment and discipline.

Coordinates the safety and security aspects of university-sponsored and hosted events and activities, and assigns university police officers to various events.

Maintain a cooperative working relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to achieve departmental objectives.

Responsible for the planning and supervision of special event security needs and traffic direction.

Maintain oversight of patrol implemented resources (weapons, vehicles, equipment) and ensure inventory and working order.

Supervises the investigation of all internal discipline actions within the department to ensure compliance with University rules, policies and procedures.

Establish and maintain a close working relationship with the Office of Dean of Students as a means to holistically address student safety issues on campus.

Prepares annual budget requests and maintains fiscal oversight of departmental accounts in order to achieve departmental/divisional goals and objectives.

Develops appropriate Police protocol for rapid response to ensure campus safety and security and works closely with the University Crisis Management Team.

Develops, approves and maintains department policy and procedure.

Takes appropriate steps to identify and eliminate hazards and potential opportunities for crime.

Establishes and grows the University Police Department to support external campuses.

25% Supervision

Responsible for the supervision of both sworn personnel and professional staff (police and parking), administrative support staff, and undergraduate student employees as related to assigned responsibilities; coordinate staff selection, training and staff development.

Ensures consistent enforcement of all applicable Federal, State and local laws, as well as University rules and regulations.

Supervises and participates in the investigation of complaints, including parking, disturbances, and criminal incidents.

Supervises the overtime detail work of officers working on events, and coordinates with outside agencies on security detail of on-campus events.

Assigns, supervises, and trains division supervisors.

Provides appropriate response or assistance to a 24-hour patrol operation.

Provides liaison and orientation support services for new employees and students.

15% Assessment and Evaluation

Responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating departmental goals, policies, organizational structure, and program effectiveness to enhance the campus environment for students.

Conducts annual performance evaluations of employees within the department, and oversees recruitment, selection, promotion, and termination of employees within the department.

Maintain and assess crime statistics for departmental and federal reporting purposes, including, but not limited to the Uniform Crime Report and Clery Act Stays abreast of effective practices and industry standards to ensure that an efficient, professional service is delivered to the community.

10% Professional Development

Participate in appropriate professional development activities related to the effective completion of professional responsibilities Ensures University Police Department employees are properly trained and display professional conduct and behavior.

10% Other

Coordinate and implement special projects in support of department, division and university initiatives.

Represent the Division of Student Engagement and Success at University functions when appropriate; represent the Division of Student Engagement and Success and the University at off-campus events and functions when appropriate; serve on university committees as appropriate; perform other delegated duties as assigned.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success or Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Campus Life.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required Education & Experience:

Bachelors degree in Criminal Science, Psychology, or Law Enforcement or equivalent combination of education and experience

Seven years of related experience as a Certified Peace Officer including at least five years of law enforcement management experience at the rank of Lieutenant or at least five years of related experience in law enforcement at an institution of higher education.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Knowledge of information required by State and Federal governments.

Knowledge of employee background checks, principles, and practices of public administration and modern management methods.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Strong public speaking, leadership, and management skills.

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.

Ability to gather, correlate, and analyze information and devise solutions to administrative problems.

Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to work in a high stress environment.

Required Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:

Intermediate, Advanced, or Master Peace Officer Certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

Certified in Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS) and CPR.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) training certification.

Law Enforcement Leadership training, weapons, radar, and baton certifications.

Valid drivers license.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is commensurate and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

Completed online application

Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.