Chief of Police

Job description

Sumter Local Government Consulting is pleased to assist the City of Mableton, GA, in recruiting its first-ever Chief of Police. The Chief of Police reports to the Public Safety Director and is a critical member of the city’s executive leadership team. Incorporated in November 2022, the City of Mableton is proud to be the largest city in Cobb County, Georgia, serving a dynamic and growing population of nearly 80,000 residents. Led by Mayor Michael Owens and six dedicated City Council members, Mableton is shaping a bold future rooted in community, culture, innovation, and opportunity. Strategically located just west of downtown Atlanta, Mableton enjoys the advantages of a major metropolitan region while maintaining the character, diversity, and sense of community that residents cherish. The City is ideally situated near Interstates 20 and 285, providing convenient access to Atlanta’s business centers, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and numerous regional destinations. This prime location has made Mableton an increasingly attractive destination for families, businesses, and developers seeking the perfect balance between suburban quality of life and urban accessibility. Mableton is a community rich in history, diversity, and civic pride. The City is one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in Georgia, bringing together residents from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement between residents, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, and local government.

Building a Department from the Ground Up

The Police Chief will lead the planning, development, and implementation of all aspects of the Mableton Police Department. Responsibilities will include developing the department's organizational structure, recommending staffing levels, preparing operational and capital budgets, identifying facility needs, selecting equipment and technology platforms, and establishing the policies, procedures, and systems necessary to support a professional and effective law enforcement organization. The Chief will oversee the acquisition and deployment of critical resources, including patrol vehicles, communications systems, records management systems, body‑worn cameras, mobile technology, evidence management systems, firearms, uniforms, and other equipment necessary to support modern policing operations. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to evaluate emerging technologies and implement innovative solutions that enhance public safety, operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Recruiting and Developing a High‑Performing Team

One of the most important responsibilities of the Police Chief will be building the department's workforce. The Chief will lead recruitment efforts to attract highly qualified, service‑oriented professionals who are committed to excellence, integrity, and community engagement. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to establish hiring standards, develop recruitment strategies, design training programs, and implement professional development initiatives to attract and retain exceptional employees. The Chief will build a leadership team that shares the department's vision and values and fosters an environment in which employees are empowered to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to the organization's success. The City is committed to creating a department that values innovation, continuous learning, employee wellness, and leadership development. The Police Chief will play a critical role in establishing these principles as foundational elements of the department's culture.

Establishing a Culture of Excellence

Perhaps the most significant opportunity associated with this position is the ability to establish the organization's culture from its inception. The City seeks a Police Chief who believes that organizational culture is one of the most important determinants of long‑term success. The successful candidate will foster a culture grounded in integrity, professionalism, accountability, service, respect, and collaboration. Employees should feel valued, empowered, and supported while being held to the highest professional standards. The Chief will be expected to create an environment that encourages innovation, problem‑solving, teamwork, and employee engagement. By establishing clear expectations and investing in personnel development, the Chief will build a department that is recognized as an employer of choice and a model for modern policing.

Building Community Trust and Partnerships

The City of Mableton is committed to developing a police department that is deeply connected to the community it serves. The Police Chief will have the opportunity to establish meaningful partnerships with residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, schools, faith‑based organizations, and community stakeholders. The successful candidate will embrace a collaborative approach to public safety that emphasizes communication, transparency, accessibility, and trust. Community engagement will not be viewed as a program or initiative but rather as a core organizational philosophy woven into every aspect of departmental operations. The Chief will be expected to develop innovative strategies to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community while ensuring that public safety services are responsive to residents' needs and expectations.

A Career‑Defining Leadership Opportunity

Opportunities to create a police department from inception are exceptionally rare. The City of Mableton offers a unique platform for a visionary law enforcement leader to build an organization that reflects contemporary best practices while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future. For an accomplished law enforcement executive seeking a challenge unlike any other, the City of Mableton offers the chance to build something extraordinary.

The position requires the successful candidate to meet the following qualifications:

Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, police administration, criminology, business, or a related field.

Ten (10) years of related work experience in law enforcement with increasing responsibility; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requires a valid Georgia driver’s license or must be obtained by the time of hire.

Requires certification through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) as a Basic Law Enforcement Officer (or the ability to obtain basic law enforcement training certification through Georgia POST within 12 months of hire date).

Must complete the Georgia Chief Executive Training Class (CETC) (New Chiefs' School) provided by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and required by Georgia State Law in the first session offered after being hired, unless the class has already been taken.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful completion of a law enforcement executive development course, such as the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, etc.

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, police science, or a closely related field.

Fifteen (15) years of extensive law enforcement experience serving in a command staff role or higher.

Salary The hiring range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000.

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Worksite address

mableton, GA, 30059, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.