Police Chief

Job Description

Job Description

The Town of Tabor City is seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual to serve as its next Chief of Police.

Reporting directly to the Town Manager, this is a critical leadership role responsible for the management of 8 full-time officers and 1 civilian position and all department operations. The ideal candidate will be a strong, community-oriented leader with a proven track record in law enforcement and a vision for organizational development.

Why Tabor City?

Tabor City is an opportunity for the aspiring law enforcement professional to make a meaningful difference in a community in pursuit of responsible growth that preserves community character while advancing health, safety, and economic opportunity.

About Tabor City

Tabor City, North Carolina prominently sits on US 701 in the southeast corner of the state in Columbus County. The municipality has a population of 3,781, an area of approximately 3.5 square miles, 40 miles of road, and is located within 30 minutes of both Myrtle Beach, SC and Brunswick County, NC. Tabor City is home to Lake Tabor, a privately owned water body created by a publicly owned recreational dam.

Tabor City Police Department

Tabor City Police Department has an annual operating budget of $1,185,090 with 8 full-time officers funded, a Chief of Police, and 1 Civilian position, accounting for 32% of general fund appropriations. Average compensation of sworn officers is $53,141.25.

An effective Police Chief will:

· Emphasize trust, community, and collaboration in policing.

· Oversee operations related to all functions of municipal policing including patrol, investigations, emergency response, and planning.

· Manage the department’s financial and personnel resources through effective budgeting and scheduling.

· Ensure proper compliance with state and federal regulations.

· Be committed to advancing the public interest of Tabor City beyond the scope of public safety.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Psychology, or Related Field Preferred.

· Minimum of 10 Years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement. Minimum of 5 years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

· Will accept an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Ability to acquire a North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Certification within 1 year of hire is required. North Carolina Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate or equivalent preferred.

Other Requirements

Must reside within 40 miles of the Tabor City Corporate Limits. If relocating, must be within Tabor City Corporate Limits or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

Compensation

A typical candidate would start at $70,328. Position is Classified as Services Grade 5 with a compensation range of $59,600 to $82,844 and is commensurate with qualifications.

Benefits

Enrollment in North Carolina State Health Plan, North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System for LEOs, 401k.

Application Procedure:

A complete application will include:

¨Cover Letter

¨Resume

¨Unofficial Transcript

¨References

Please submit completed applications by any of the following methods:

By Mail:

Town of Tabor City

Attn: Josh Ward, Town Manager

PO Box 655

Tabor City, NC 28463

In Person:

Town of Tabor City

Attn: Josh Ward, Town Manager

1108 E 5th Street

Tabor City, NC 28463

By Email: [email protected]

Selection Process and Timeline:

1. Application Deadline – October 22, 2025 by 12:00PM

2. Virtual Interviews – October 28-30, 2025

3. In – Person Interviews – November 3, 2025 from 6PM to 8:30PM.

4. Date of Offer – November 7, 2025

5. Start Date as Assistant Chief of Police – December 8, 2025

6. Appointment as Chief – January 2, 2026