Job Description:

Chief of Police - City of Spartanburg, SC

Description

About the Organization, Department, and Position:

The City of Spartanburg operates under the Council-Manager form of government and is governed by a mayor and a six-member City Council representing districts throughout the city. With an adopted FY 2025–2026 budget of approximately $56 million and more than 400 employees, the City continues to position itself as one of South Carolina’s most dynamic and rapidly growing communities. Guided by the collaborative vision reflected in its “Many Voices, One Vision” comprehensive planning initiative, Spartanburg emphasizes community engagement, neighborhood investment, inclusive growth, and responsive local government. City leadership has helped drive significant reinvestment in downtown Spartanburg, neighborhood revitalization efforts, economic development, and public infrastructure while maintaining a strong focus on quality of life and long-term community sustainability. View the full job posting via the link below for detailed information on the community of Spartanburg.

The Spartanburg Police Department is a CALEA-accredited law enforcement agency committed to “Serving a Safe & Vibrant City” through professional, responsive, and community-oriented policing. Serving one of South Carolina’s most dynamic communities, the department emphasizes strong partnerships with residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to enhance quality of life and maintain public trust. Organized across multiple divisions—including patrol, criminal investigations, and traffic enforcement—the department provides police services throughout four primary patrol districts. The department’s mission, vision, and values emphasize integrity, accountability, respect, partnerships, and employee development while fostering strong, trust-based relationships throughout the community. 

The next Chief will lead the department from a purpose-built headquarters facility opened in 2023 adjacent to the downtown core. The approximately 40,000-square-foot building was designed around the operational needs of a modern police agency. Housed within the facility, the department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) serves as the technology and intelligence backbone of the department's operations, functioning on a cloud-based platform designed to aggregate live and recorded data into a single operational interface. Integrating public and privately opted-in cameras, license-plate reader data, and officer and vehicle locations, the RTCC enables coordinated responses across agencies in real time. The department's broader technology portfolio includes body-worn and in-car cameras and a drone program, and the City has committed to continued expansion of technology-centered capabilities. Among the department’s goals for 2026 are enhancing community safety, strengthening public trust, and improving organizational effectiveness. Strategic priorities include expanding community engagement and transparency efforts, improving downtown safety and economic vitality, addressing youth violence through prevention and intervention initiatives, and leveraging technology through the continued expansion of the RTCC.

Reporting to the City Manager, the Police Chief oversees a budget of over $16 million and leads an executive command staff that includes a Deputy Chief of Police, three Majors, and two Captain. Spartanburg’s police department features 117 sworn (authorized 128) and 19 non-sworn employees, and 4 part-time non-sworn school crossing guards. Spartanburg’s Chief will passionately lead the department with vision and intention, ensuring employees feel supported, valued, and aligned around a shared vision for the organization.

The next Chief will work collaboratively with City leadership, businesses, schools, service providers, and community partners to address emerging public safety challenges across the city including youth violence and gang activity, homelessness, mental health-related calls for service, and increasing downtown activity. The Chief will lead the department in maintaining strong police visibility and community relationships throughout the City of Spartanburg. It will also be essential for the next Chief to expand the department’s use of technology, training, and operational resources to improve efficiency, officer safety, and long-term departmental effectiveness.

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for the position is $115,481.60 (min) - $141,564.80 (mid) - $167,648.00(max). Starting salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. The City of Spartanburg provides a robust benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, short-term disability, life insurance, and access to a free onsite health clinic. Please note residency within the City of Spartanburg is expected within a negotiated timeframe.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Chief of Police – City of Spartanburg, SC title.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by June 27, 2026.
• Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation interviews on July 30-31, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct inquiries to [email protected]

 

The City of Spartanburg, SC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC, manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."