(pop. 53,160) The City of Sarasota is recruiting for a police chief. This position reports to the city manager and is responsible for comprehensive planning, direction, and control of police operations and procedures for the City of Sarasota, enforcing the laws and ordinances of the city with firmness, tact and impartiality. The Sarasota Police Department is a progressive, professional department with a budgeted sworn force of 176 officers and 53 support personnel. The department is accredited by the State of Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in law enforcement or a related field and have at least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in police operations with a minimum of three years at a managerial level with a city or locale of at least comparable size and complexity; or the equivalent in education, training and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Candidate must embrace the principals of community-oriented policing. Specialized training or graduation from the FBI Academy, Southern Police Institute, Federal Drug Enforcement Agency or similar graduate law enforcement education experience is desirable. Must possess Florida State Law Enforcement certification or have the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment. A valid State of Florida driver’s license is required upon employment. Salary is dependent on qualifications. Apply online at www.sarasotagov.com. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2010. EEO/AA/ADA/Veterans’ Preference Employer.