Job Description
Description After 34 years of dedicated service to the Arcadia community, Chief Roy Nakamura will retire this year. As a result, the City of Arcadia is searching for the new Police Chief to join our team of collaborative leaders. In Arcadia, we believe that innovation, compassion, and action create a more effective way to serve our community. We believe our value lies in what we give, and that our employees are our greatest asset. If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to apply, especially if you are committed to building a strong, unified team and fostering meaningful collaboration across all levels of the department. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate is committed to fostering a strong team-based culture where partnership with staff at all levels is essential. The successful candidate will be an effective leader who can inspire and bring people together around shared goals, exercise sound judgement, hold strong community focus, and build partnerships within the organization and throughout the community. The ideal candidate will also embrace innovative technologies and modern policing strategies to enhance operational effectiveness, improve public safety, and proactively reduce crime. The Chief will also demonstrate a commitment to The Arcadia Way: Helpful Trustworthy Highly Responsive Better Together Progressing Every Day ABOUT THE POSITION Making a positive difference is a guiding principle that shapes the Police Department’s decisions. The belief that every member of the Police Department has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of the organization. The Police Chief will lead a team of forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. The Department’s diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie. The position of Police Chief provides full management oversight of all Police Department operations, including patrol, traffic, investigations, internal affairs, K-9, communications, and support services. Through these services, our 70 sworn and 28 civilian staff share a commitment to enhance the quality of life for our residents. The position also serves the City Manager and City Council, prepares and presents staff reports, and other necessary correspondence. If you are seeking an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through service and excellence, we invite you to join our team. ABOUT ARCADIA Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located 13 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro A Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the best City in California in which to raise kids and has been recognized as a premiere business friendly City in Los Angeles County. WHAT WE OFFER CalPERS retirement plan Monthly benefit contribution: Employee Only: $866 Employee +1: $1,550 Family: $2,150 $300/month Deferred Compensation match through Empower City paid Vision Plan for employee and family City paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Expected salary increases of: 5% effective 07/01/2026 Tuition reimbursement/advancement Up to 80 hours of additional Management Leave RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND IMPORTANT DATES Application Submission Deadline: Application filing period will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2026 Qualifications Appraisal Interview : Week of June 29, 2026 (Tentative) Secondary Panel Interview : Week of July 27, 2026 (Tentative) Executive Team Interview : Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Selection Interview : Week of August 31, 2026 (Tentative) Examples of Duties DEFINITION Under general administrative direction, to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Police Department including patrol, traffic, investigations, internal affairs, K-9, communications, and support services; to coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory,