Chief Police Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The City of Littleton has a unique opportunity for an experienced and collaborative law enforcement leader to serve as aDivision Chiefof the Littleton Police Department. This position is one of two Division Chiefs serving as the department's second-in-command level, providing leadership, direction, and supervision for a department of88 sworn and 35 non-sworn personnel organized intoPatrol, Investigations, and Support Servicesdivisions. The Littleton Police Department is a CALEA-accredited law enforcement agencydistinguished by its highly trained officers, dedicated professional staff, and commitment to excellence in public safety. Visit Littleton Police Department to learn more about this accomplished agency.

The City of Littleton

The City of Littleton (pop. 45,000) is a vibrant, family-friendly community just south of Denver and minutes from the Rocky Mountains and Colorado's renowned ski country. Consistently recognized among America's Best Small Cities, Littleton offers a lively historic downtown, diverse shopping and dining, cultural attractions, and year-round community events.

With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, Littleton provides an outstanding quality of life with 1,400+ acres of parks and open space and 200 miles of trails for walking, running, and biking. The community is also home to highly regarded Littleton Public Schools, excellent private schools, Arapahoe Community College, and convenient light rail access to Downtown Denver and the surrounding region.

The City of Littleton is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. Learn more at VisitLittleton.org.

About the Position

This Division Chief will have primary responsibility for thePatrol Division, overseeing daily operations, personnel, programs, resources, and the division budget. The position also supports department-wide operations and may be called upon to lead or assist with Investigations and Support Services.

In the absence of the Chief of Police, the Division Chief may serve as the city's senior law enforcement official and is expected to exercise sound independent judgment during public safety emergencies and other critical incidents. The position represents the department with city leadership, other agencies, community organizations, and the public.

This is more than an opportunity to oversee a division. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of a respected police department and the community it serves. For the right leader, the Division Chief role offers the chance to further build on an accomplished organization, develop the next generation of police leadership, strengthen community partnerships, and help define excellent, modern policing and public safety for the City of Littleton.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Patrol operations, including patrol shifts, Traffic, SWAT, Proactive Team, School Resource Officers, Animal Control, and Traffic Enforcement.

• Manage division personnel, scheduling, performance, training, development, discipline and resources.

• Prepare, monitor, and manage the Patrol Division budget and expenditures.

• Develop and implement operational plans, policies, procedures, and emergency preparedness initiatives.

• Respond to major incidents, SWAT call-outs, serious officer injuries, and significant public safety events.

• Monitor crime patterns and trends and develop strategies to address emerging community concerns.

• Build strong, trusted relationships with officers, city staff, community members, partner agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Support department programs, special events, community policing initiatives, and presentations to City Council.

• Serve as Acting Chief of Police or provide leadership for other divisions when needed.

• Promote professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and high-quality service throughout the department.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an approachable, emotionally intelligent, and collaborative leader with strong knowledge of modern policing, includingpatrol, investigations, support services, CALEA accreditation, personnel management, discipline policies and best practice, and budget administration.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills

• Strong judgment, integrity, honesty, and accountability

• Tact, diplomacy, and a professional demeanor

• Experience managing personnel, budgets, and complex operations

• The ability to build and maintain trusted community relationships

• A collaborative, service-oriented leadership style

• The ability to remain composed and decisive during critical incidents

• A sense of humor and the interpersonal skills necessary to lead effectively

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in any academic field (master's degree preferred). Division Chiefs are also strongly encouraged to attain a graduate degree or to demonstrate ongoing graduate degree coursework, including attendance in advanced law enforcement training programs such as the FBI National Academy, Southwestern Police Institute's Command Officer Development Course, and similar nationally recognized training programs.

• Ten (10) years continuous service as a police officer, having served a minimum of two years at a command-level rank at least equivalent to that of a Littleton Police Department Commander; and

• Requires completion and certification in a Police Officer's Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) course and certification as a Police Officer in Colorado.

• Must have a valid driver's license.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hiring Range: $184,900 - $194,700

The City of Littleton offers excellent benefits, including generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance; and a dedicated, convenient clinic for employees and dependents enrolled in the medical plan. Members of the police department participate in a pension plan, death and disability benefit plan, and have access to a deferred compensation plan. For more details, refer to the 2026 Benefit Guide.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.

In addition to your application, please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references. Reference contact information should include name, title, organization, email address, and phone number.

The anticipated hiring process will include application review, screening interviews, panel interviews, background investigation, offer, pre-employment drug screen and physical. The expected duration of the hiring process is 8 to 12 weeks. Applicants who enter the process but are not selected for employment are eligible to apply for future openings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Littleton is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer andintends to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants regardless of age 40 and over, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, military status, or any other status protected by applicable law, and to hire and retain the best-qualified individuals without regard to any of these factors. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on a protected class.

The City of Littleton will consider reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment. Applicants and employees can request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 303-795-3857 or emailinghr@littletongov.org.

Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace

The City of Littleton is committed to the health and safety of all its employees. To ensure a safe and productive work environment the city prohibits the use, sale, dispensation, manufacture, distribution or possession of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia on any city premises or worksites. No employee shall report to work or be at work with alcohol or with any detectable amount of prohibited drugs in the employee's system. A detectable amount refers to the standards generally used in workplace drug & alcohol testing. This prohibition specifically includes marijuana, and decriminalized psychedelics whether used for medical purposes or obtained legally under state law.