Chief of Police (West Allis, WI)

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Chief of Police is responsible for the management, planning and direction of the complete law enforcement program for the Wisconsin State Fair Park (WSFP). This senior-level management position reports to the WSFP Executive Director/CEO and oversees the Safety Division, made up of the Police Department, Public Safety Department, Risk Management, Fire Marshal, and First Aid Providers. The Chief of Police plays an active role in establishing operational priorities and coordinating resources to ensure public safety during the annual Wisconsin State Fair, which draws approximately one million patrons, as well as numerous other events held on the fairgrounds throughout the year.

The Chief of Police has command over Limited Term Employment (LTE) Police Officers and the department of Public Safety. The incumbent generates, reviews, and revises department rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives for the Police Department. In addition, the Chief of Police serves as a liaison between the department, law enforcement agencies, local municipalities, and the public. The Chief of Police is also responsible for financial management of the Police and Public Safety departments which include establishing and managing both departments’ budget.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-Time, permanent position in the unclassified service of the State of Wisconsin.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications in alignment with the State of Wisconsin’s Compensation Plan for new hires, promotions, and transfers. As an unclassified position, this position best aligns to the pay range 81-01 for salary purposes. Includes comprehensive fringe benefits package, including pension, health insurance, and paid time off.

WHO CAN APPLY
This position is open to all qualified candidates who meet the outlined criteria.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Responsible for program oversight and implementation of the Safety Division

• Plan, evaluate, coordinate, and provide overall direction for various programs and activities of the WSFP Police and Public Safety Departments
• Develop, review, and revise administrative rules, policies and procedures, and issue directives governing operation of WSFP Police and Public Safety Departments
• Manage all aspects of the financial operation of the departments, including budget development and administration using creative strategies and efficiencies to meet or exceed budget goals and objectives
• Monitor the purchasing process so that all expenditures meet both departments budget objectives and follow state purchasing guidelines and agency directives
• Coordinate and direct allocation of police department resources to accomplish operational goals and objectives
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, local municipalities, other state agencies, and WSFP managers and employees
• Administer department activities consistent with State Fair Park’s mission and objectives
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and the WSFP Administrative Code
• Participate in cooperation with other agency departments in development and implementation of emergency management plans and procedures

• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures
• Identify opportunities for improvements and review with the CEO
• Present findings to appropriate staff/management as necessary on process or procedure recommendations and seek necessary approvals
• Implement recommended and approved improvements
• Prepare and present regular staff reports and other related correspondence
• Conduct a variety of industry operational studies; recommend modifications to security and safety programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate

• Recruit, interview, recommend for hire and train year-round LTE and seasonal LTE staff
• Direct the day-to-day activities of the Deputy Director of Public Safety, Deputy Chiefs of Police and indirectly oversee the LTE staff of the department
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and organizational development through proper training and hiring techniques to ensure public safety of WSFP, its programming and its events
• Ensure efficient, yet appropriate, staffing for events and day-to-day operations in accordance with event work orders and Event Managers, making the best use of resources, budget, and skillset
• Develop and set employee performance standards consistent with departmental and agency goals, mission, and departmental core competencies; develop and implement performance evaluation process for LTE staff
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff to help them achieve both their own goals and the department’s
• In consultation with WSFP Human Resources, oversee promotions, disciplines and/or terminations of subordinate staff
• In consultation with WSFP Human Resources, effectively respond to and oversee suspected or reported work rule violations by employees in a professional and timely manner
• Develop, implement, provide, and evaluate necessary training that focuses on professional communications, community service and improved public relations
• Develop work procedures, processes, scheduling, and priorities based on thorough analysis, research, and knowledge

• Attend staff and departmental meetings while informing subordinate staff on important information
• Manage revenue control operations during the annual WI State Fair
• Attend fair industry related events as requested
• All other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's Degree in police science, criminal justice, public administration, psychology, sociology, or other related field required, or the equivalent combination of education and experience; a relevant master’s degree or higher, preferred
• Completion of an advanced police leadership training, such as the FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police, or the Northwestern University School of Police or similar, preferred
• Must meet all the standards and policies set forth in Wisconsin law, by the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB), and by department policy pertaining to the recruitment and selection of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers
• Law Enforcement certification with State of Wisconsin Training and Standards Bureau which must be maintained throughout the duration of the position
• Ten or more years of full-time law enforcement experience as a sworn officer, of which at least five years is in a full-time law enforcement command capacity
• United States citizenship
• Extensive knowledge of Public Safety Operations, functions, procedures, and equipment
• Proficiency in use and operation of firearms, and ability to meet both state and departmental standards for qualification
• Ability to operate police vehicles safely and proficiently
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in crowd management and control techniques
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, statutes, administrative rules and regulations as they relate to public safety
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective supervision to include planning, prioritizing, organizing, and delegating work and ability to effectively apply said principles and techniques
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively apply basic principles used in employee counseling, performance evaluation, resolving complaints, handling grievances, administering discipline, etc.
• Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations and statutes that apply in personnel management such as FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, ADA and EEOC
• Effective leadership skills to include empowering staff and leading by example
• Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with managers, supervisors, employees, and the public
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, staff, other agencies, and external contacts
• Knowledge of and skill in using computers, including law enforcement-based programs and Microsoft software and ability to adapt to changes in technology
• Skill in technology used in day-to-day operations: computers, printers, telephone, two-way radios, siren and emergency lights, surveillance equipment and security cameras
• Ability to determine budgetary needs and establish a budget for review and approval; ability to manage established budget

• Standing, walking, running, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and climbing
• Reaching, feeling, talking, hearing, and orienting oneself to direction and danger by the use of senses
• Handle, grasp and operate radio controls, weapons, and specified equipment
• Safe operation of motor vehicle under normal and adverse condition at varying speed
• Far and near vision without correction or corrected using glasses or contact lens; color vision, peripheral vision, and day and night vision sufficient to meet medical standards established by the medical testing facility
• Hearing without correction or corrected sufficiently acute to meet medical standards established by the medical testing facility under both normal and adverse circumstances
• Freedom from any medical, emotional, or mental condition which adversely affects the performance of duties as a law enforcement officer in the essential functions of employment
• Outside and inside work environment
• Exposure to various temperature changes
• Exposure to wet and or humid conditions
• Periodic exposure to loud noises from sirens, weapons, etc.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, burns, explosives, heights, physical injury, firearms, fast-moving vehicles, and possible bloodborne exposure
• Exposure to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, gases, noxious odors, dust, and poor ventilation

SPECIAL NOTES
Candidate is required to work all 11 days of the annual Wisconsin State Fair and all 3 days of Harvest Fair. Working extended shifts that may span 12 hours or more during an emergency or during the annual Wisconsin State Fair.

Prior to appointment to this position, the candidate will be subject to a comprehensive Police criminal background check, drug screening, medical examination and psychological screening if not previously completed with a surrounding State of Wisconsin law enforcement agency. 

TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter below.  Application materials must be received by Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The most qualified applicants will be invited to interview.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Wisconsin State Fair Park is a year-round entertainment venue designed to host events, meetings and more throughout the four seasons. Home to the Exposition Center, Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center, the Milwaukee Mile Speedway, Wisconsin Products Pavilion and many other facilities, hundreds of events are held at the Fair Park each year. Perhaps the most notable and certainly the signature event, the Wisconsin State Fair, welcomes an average of one million Fairgoers over 11 summer days. Visit www.wistatefair.com for more information.

Wisconsin State Fair Park’s central location within the largest metro area in Wisconsin makes it a desirable place to work, live and play. As a world-class city, Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee Area are full of opportunities galore for living, working and playing. Visit www.discovermilwaukee.com for more information.

Wisconsin State Fair Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Department: Police
This is a management position
This is a permanent full-time position