Chief of Police

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Comanche Nation Law Enforcement - Lawton, OKPosition Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Bachelor's DegreeSalary Range: $45.35 - $52.32 HourlyJob Shift: M-F/8-5OPENING DATE:  June 25, 2026

CLOSING DATE:  July 9, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief of Police serves as the executive leader of the Comanche Nation Law Enforcement Department and is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, strategic planning, fiscal management, personnel administration, and operational effectiveness of all law enforcement services.  The Chief provides professional leadership to ensure the protection of life and property, preservation of peace, enforcement of Tribal, Federal and applicable State laws, and delivery of responsive public safety services throughout the jurisdiction of the Comanche Nation. 

The Chief develops long-range strategic initiatives, establishes departmental priorities, manages personnel and financial resources, oversees grant administration, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and promotes organizational excellence through accountability, transparency, professionalism, and community engagement.

The Chief serves as the principal law enforcement advisor to the Tribal Administrator and provides recommendations to the Tribal Administrator regarding public safety, emergency preparedness, departmental operations, and law enforcement policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Executive Leadership

Provides executive leadership and direction for all Law Enforcement Department operations. 
Establishes departmental goals, objectives, strategic initiatives, and measurable performance standards.
Develops long-range operational and strategic plans that align with the Comanche Nation’s mission and priorities. 
Promotes ethical leadership, professionalism, accountability, and continuous organizational improvement.
Develops succession plans and leadership development opportunities for supervisory personnel.
Represents the Comanche Nation at Tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement meetings, conferences, and public events.
Serves as the senior executive responsible for maintaining public trust and confidence in the Law Enforcement Department.

2. Administration

Directs and oversees all administrative and operational functions of the department.
Develops, implements, reviews, and updates departmental policies, procedures, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures.
Ensures compliance with Tribal laws, Federal laws, Bureau of Indian Affairs standards, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy, grant requirements, and applicable Oklahoma statutes.
Establishes departmental performance measures and evaluates organizational effectiveness.
Prepares and presents monthly, quarterly, and annual operational reports to the Tribal Administrator and Comanche Nation Business Committee for General Council.
Maintains accurate records, crime statistics, personnel documentation, and operational reports.

3. Fiscal Management

Develops, administers, and monitors the department’s annual operating budget.
Oversees fleet management, equipment replacement schedules, technology improvements, and capital planning.
Reviews and approves departmental expenditures, procurement requests, travel, and purchasing activities.
Identifies, secures, and administers federal, state, and Tribal grants.
Ensures fiscal accountability and compliance with all grant and budget requirements.
Participates in annual budget planning and long-range financial forecasting.

4. Personnel Management

Recruits, hires, trains, mentors, evaluates, disciplines, promotes, and recommends termination of department personnel in accordance with Tribal personnel policies.     
Establishes staffing plans and ensures adequate personnel coverage.
Conducts annual performance evaluations and employee development planning.
Approves work schedules, overtime, leave requests and timesheets.
Promotes employee wellness, professional development, leadership training, and succession planning.
Maintains a professional, respectful, and accountable workplace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

5. Operational Management

Oversees Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Dispatch, Evidence Management, Administrative Services, and specialized law enforcement functions.
Reviews major criminal investigations, critical incidents, and use-of-force reports.
Ensures proper evidence collection, preservation, storage and chain of custody. 
Coordinates emergency operations and mutual aid with Tribal, municipal, county, state, and federal agencies. 
Maintains departmental readiness for emergency response, di