Employment Details

Chief of Police (Full-Time Position)

[Please fill out the Employment Application found in the link/attachment download below]

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The Town of Luray is seeking a motivated and experienced individual to serve as Chief of Police. This position serves as the head of the police department and the emergency services coordinator; and is responsible for the leadership, administration, and overall operation of the department. The Chief of Police works closely with the Town Manager, Mayor, and Town Council to ensure the effective delivery of public safety services to the community.

Starting annual salary for the position is $80,000 – $85,000 DOQ, with full benefits. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and intends to select the candidate that best meets the needs of the Town and the needs of position offered. The position is 100% on-site presence – no remote work.

Benefits include membership in the Virginia Retirement System, and state Anthem Health Insurance, with medical, pharmacy, vision, and dental included. Life and health insurance benefits are valued at approximately $30,000 annually. The Town offers a competitive compensation package including paid leave and paid holidays.

The Chief of Police is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating law enforcement operations; developing departmental policies and procedures; supervising and evaluating personnel; managing departmental budgets; overseeing training and professional development; maintaining accreditation standards where applicable; and fostering positive relationships with community members, businesses, and other public safety partners. Community engagement is an essential element of this position.

The preferred candidate will have excellent leadership and communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with the community, elected officials, and town staff. The ideal candidate will be actively employed in law enforcement in a certified capacity and have an extensive (15+ years) law enforcement career with progressive experience and rank. Candidates need to have significant supervisory law enforcement experience at the rank of Lieutenant or higher with at least five (5) years of service in that rank.  Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in administration, personnel management, budgeting, inter-agency coordination, traffic and event management, and departmental operations. The preferred candidate will live in the Town of Luray or within Page County.  

Knowledge of the Town of Luray, its citizens, organizations, community needs, and the surrounding Page County area is strongly preferred. Candidates must also possess knowledge of modern-day law enforcement practices, community policing strategies, criminal law, and departmental administration.

Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Please submit a Town police department employment application, resume, and references to the Town Manager via email at bchrisman@townofluray.com or deliver a copy to the Town Office at 45 East Main Street, Luray, VA 22835.  

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JOB DESCRIPTION - Chief of Police

FSLA: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Performs complex administrative work in planning and directing all activities of the Police Department.

Work normally consists of reviewing previous days incident reports, establishing policies and goals for implementation. Work is performed under the direction of the Town Manager. This position serves as the Emergency Services Coordinator for the Town of Luray.

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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position.

Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Plans, programs, directs, and evaluates the operation of the Police Department

• Researches, develops, and implements the policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives

• Develops and manages the annual operating budget

• Consults with Commonwealth Attorney's Office for legal guidance on significant internal and external issues

• Provides counseling and guidance to Officers on various tactical, operational, administrative and personnel matters

• Ensures the Department maintains a state of readiness for response to all critical incidents and that proper training and exercises occur

• Coordinate and recommends hiring and promotion of Officers to the Town Manager

• Coordinates and collaborates daily with Department Heads, the Town Manager, and Assistant Town Manager on organizational, operational, and strategic initiatives

• Handles media appearances/press releases as needed

• Works collaboratively with other laws enforcement agencies, government agencies, private businesses, and the greater community in an effort to solve community problems

• Ensures Department policies, procedures, and directives are current, compliant with applicable laws, and reflect best practices

• Attends Town Council Meetings

• Makes arrests and testifies in court; prepares reports

• Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs

• Participates in after-hours emergency response operations as required

• Promotes positive community engagement through outreach and partnerships

• Performs related tasks as required

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of leadership and supervisory techniques

• Thorough knowledge of geography of the Town and surrounding County

• Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Luray Police Department

• Ability to delegate and assign duties to fulfill mission of the Department

• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public and staff

• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instruction and to prepare clear reports

• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable response with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances

• Ski II in the use of firearms and the operation of an automobile

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers

• Ability to assign, instruct, review and supervise the work of subordinate Officers

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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED; must be at least 21 years of age prior to completion of the training academy. A minimum of fifteen years of law enforcement experience. College-level coursework or prior work experience in law enforcement, corrections or armed services preferred. Successful applicants must pass a written and a physical agility test; possess or be eligible for a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia; be a U.S. citizen; have no conviction of felonies and/or habitual misdemeanors; and pass an extensive background investigation which can include a polygraph, psychological, medical and drug screening. Must also successfully complete appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this level of position.

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WORKING CONDITIONS

Tasks require the regular and at times sustained performance of physically demanding work typically including walking, running, climbing, kneeling, and manipulating heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds.

Tasks include the ability to physically subdue and restrain an individual. Tasks routinely require the ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors, sounds, odor depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Task routinely occur outdoors with exposure to adverse environmental conditions including dirt, dust, pollen, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, noise extremes, machinery, confined spaces, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, insects and animals, water hazard, and rude/irate citizens. Tasks are scheduled on varying work schedules

to include nights and holidays. Tasks include exposure to stressful and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Wears the required uniform and safety equipment.

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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and maintenance of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is required. Must carry a firearm and qualify annually through skill assessment. Ability to complete required training prescribed by the Luray Police Department and the Commonwealth of Virginia within twelve (12) months of hire. Maintain required certification as prescribed by the Luray Police Department and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.

Complete and maintain Emergency Operations/Emergency Response training through VDEM annually.