Announces a Recruitment For

CHIEF OF POLICE For THE CITY OF SPARTA, WISCONSIN

GovHR USA is pleased to announce the recruitment and selection process for the City of Sparta’s next Chief of Police. This brochure provides background information on the City of Sparta, the municipal organization and the qualifications and experience the City is seeking in the next Chief of Police. Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their résumé and cover letter along with contact information for five work- related ref-erences by October 01, 2014 to www.GovHRusa.com/current-positions/recruitment. Additional information about the City of Sparta can be found on the City’s website: www.spartawisconsin.org. Please contact Lee McCann at lmccann@GovHRusa.com or call 847-380-3240 with any questions about this recruitment.

Lee McCann, Vice President

GovHR USA/Voorhees Associates 650 Dundee Road, Suite 270 Northbrook, IL 60062 TEL: 847-380-3240 FAX: 866-401-3100 Formal applications should be submitted to: www.govhrusa.com/current-positions/recruitment

City of Sparta, Wisconsin

PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The City of Sparta, Wisconsin, resident population of 9,600 seeks experienced police professionals as candi-dates to lead the Sparta Police Department. Located in west central Wisconsin, less than 30 miles east of La Crosse, Sparta is the county seat of Monroe County. It is also the home of Fort McCoy, the largest military facil-ity in the state. Sparta is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with numerous rivers and streams for canoeing, trout fishing, hunting and hiking. A fast-growing community with a strong commercial base, the City boasts a year-round hockey rink and a new 4.5 million dollar aquatic center. Known as the Bicycling Capital of America, Sparta has an historic downtown area, a City-owned 18 hole golf course, and a growing manufacturing district. The Sparta Police Department has a complement of 19 sworn police officers consisting of a Chief, Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants, and 13 Officers. The department also employs 2 non-sworn Administrative Assistants and has 2 vol-unteer police chaplains. The Police Officers are repre-sented by the Sparta Professional Police Association. The Sergeants are represented by Sparta Supervisory Officers Association. The department is involved in a variety of programs including the Monroe County Combined Tactical Unit, the West Central Metropolitan Enforcement Group, School Resource Officer and Bicycle Patrol Unit. Candidates must be committed to training, professional development and community engagement. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field; a master’s degree is a plus. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in a law enforcement leader-ship position with municipal experience strongly preferred. Graduation from a senior command/leadership program such as the FBI National Academy, the Northwestern Uni-versity School of Police Staff and Command or similar programs is highly desirable. Significant police experience at the Command Level, Lieutenant or higher, may be sub-stituted for academic degrees. Candidates must possess well-developed interpersonal and public presentation skills and utmost integrity. The Chief of Police is appointed by the Sparta Police Commis-sion. The starting annual salary is $75,000-$80,000 DOQ. The City of Sparta is an Equal Opportunity Em-ployer. Submit résumé, cover letter and contact information for 5 professional references by October 01, 2014 to Lee McCann at: www.govhrusa.com/current-positions/recruitment. Electronic submissions are required.

Telephone inquiries: GovHR USA (847) 380-3240.

COMMUNITY BACKGROUND

The County Seat of Monroe County Wisconsin, Sparta is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of western Wiscon-sin. Once known for the healing powers of the local artesian springs, Sparta is now most recognized as the junc-tion of the Elroy-Sparta and La Cross River bike trails. The first inhabitants of the area were Sauk and Fox Indians. These Native Americans were using the nearby forested oak for hunting when French explorers arrived in the late 1600s. In 1685-1686 explorer Nicholas Perrot journeyed up the Mississippi River and established a fur trading post near Sparta. His expedition brought the

Chief of Police

Sauk and Fox Indians along with other neighboring tribes into the French orbit. Together the Indians and the French scoured the region for its fur-bearing animals, most likely including the La Crosse River Valley where Sparta is today. The first permanent Anglo settlers to make land claims in Sparta were the Petit family in 1849-1850. The small settlement received its name from “Grandma” Petit. It is believed that she was well-read and chose the name Sparta because she thought that the pioneers who came to their new settlement were as brave and suffered as many hardships with fortitude as did the ancient Spartans of Greece. By the 1860s Sparta, population 1300, boasted much progress from its early pioneer days. Several stage coach lines passed through the village, improving its trade ties to northern Wisconsin. The village of Sparta had several comfortable hotels and taverns for the weary traveler. During the Civil War, 150 men from Sparta formed army companies for the war effort. After the war, with a little boosterism, Sparta hosted numerous tourists who visited to partake in the artesian water. Incorporated as a city in 1883, by 1900 Sparta’s population had grown to 3,555. By the time of World War II it was almost 6,000. Men from Sparta served in both World Wars. Several of them did not come home. Today, Sparta’s claim as the “Bicycling Capital of America” is based upon the first rail bed in Wisconsin to be converted to bike trails be-tween Sparta and Elroy. Sparta is also recognized for its proximity to Fort McCoy, the largest military base in Wisconsin. Hunting and fishing opportunities abound in the area as does award winning golf at River Run Sparta Golf Course. Sparta is home to many unique shops in the historic downtown district and well recognized manu-facturers such as: Century Foods International, Northern Engraving Corporation, Sparta Brush Company, Mathews Archery, the largest bow manufacturer in the world, and numerous other establishments in the City’s business parks.

SPARTA CITY GOVERNMENT Sparta is governed by nine elected officials consisting of a Mayor and eight Ward Alderman. The professional staff includes two City Administrators. One City Administrator also serves as Director of Community Develop-ment, the other as Finance Director. A five-member Police Commission is charged with the authority to hire, fire and discipline police officers, including the Chief of Police. Several boards, committees, and commissions exist within city government to provide management and direction for various functions. They include: Park Board, Housing Authority, Library Board, Public Safety Committee, Block Grant Commission, Finance/Personnel Com-mittee, Board of Public Works, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Ap-peals and Board of Review. SPARTA QUICK FACTS

Population 9,600 Miles of Streets 51.5 Interstate Highway I-90 Acres of parks 260 (plus a city-owned 18 hole golf course) 2014 General Fund Budget $5,562,623

City of Sparta, Wisconsin

SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Sparta Police Department is staffed by nineteen sworn personnel and two non-sworn administrative assis-tants. The sworn staff consists of 13 Officers, 4 Sergeants, a Lieutenant and the Chief of Police. Two officers are assigned as Detectives, while another is a School Resource Officer. The Department’s 2014 operating budget is $1,911,000. Two volunteer Chaplains also help meet some of the needs of the Sparta Police Department and the community. During 2013, three members of the Sparta Police Department were awarded the Medal of Valor. Another individual received the Award of Merit, while five others were recipients of Letters of Recognition. Mem-bers of the department are involved in a variety of community events such as: public presentations, Breakfast at Morrow Memorial Home, Trick or Treat Street, SACS Dunk Tank, Shop with a Hero and the Sparta Citizens Po-lice Academy. Dispatching for the agency is provided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Officers are repre-sented by the Sparta Professional Police Association. Sergeants are represented by the Sparta Supervisory Offi-cers Association. SPARTA PD QUICK FACTS

2013 Calls for Service 19,867 2013 Traffic Crashes 287 2013 OWI Arrests 91 2013 Custodial Arrests 1,412

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES STATEMENTS

OUR MISSION

The Mission of the Sparta Police Department is to enhance public safety through crime prevention, education, and enforcement of the law while working in partnership with the community to preserve the quality of life for Sparta residents.

OUR VISION Preserving quality of life through innovation and excellence in policing.

OUR VALUES Courage-To face one’s fears in the face of adversity and do what is required to protect others.

Pride-In work and family, we are accountable to each other and the Community.

Excellence-Strive for perfection knowing that “good enough” really isn’t.

Chief of Police

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

A Blue Ribbon Committee to study the Sparta Police headquarters has hired a firm to assess the department’s space needs. The next Chief of Police will be intimately involved in the planning and design of a facility over the next 5 to 7 years. All Wisconsin municipalities have been affected by the economic downturn and reductions in revenue sharing from the State of Wisconsin. It is possible that there will be additional levy limitations imposed on Wisconsin cit-ies. The next Chief of Police can expect to work cooperatively with elected and appointed officials to address this concern and also to identify ways to most efficiently deliver City services. Sparta is growing quickly and will soon have a population in excess of 10,000 residents. That changes the city’s stature under Wisconsin law and places additional burdens upon the Sparta Police Department. Like many other communities, Sparta has witnessed a significant increase in the use of heroin. Therefore, the next Chief of Police must have experience dealing with drug abuse issues. The City of Sparta and the Sparta Police De-partment enjoy an excellent relationship with nearby Fort McCoy. It is important that the next Chief continue this positive relationship. The Sparta Police Department has a history of collaboration with neighboring law enforce-ment agencies. It is critical that the next Chief of Police embrace the collaborative spirit and look for ways to enhance these partnerships and develop new ones. The next Chief of Police will lead a department of talented, well-trained employees suitable for additional professional development. Experience in managing an effective development and training program is very desirable. The previous Chief served over 10 years in that capacity. He has left “big shoes to fill.” The next Chief of Police must reach out to the community, including the business community, and be both visible and approachable. The Chief of Police must be able to portray an adaptable leadership style that reflects flexibility and participatory management when appropriate and strength when needed.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

The Chief of Police of Sparta is a highly visible position in the community, requiring well-developed leadership abilities and management skills. Consensus building and problem solving skills are essential as is the desire to work in a community and team-oriented environment. He or she must be a highly motivated, self-starting and confident individual with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

City of Sparta, Wisconsin

The following factors of education and experience, management style and professional traits have been identified by the City of Sparta as ideal attributes of the next Chief of Police in order to function effectively in the position.

Education and Experience (Not in order of importance) Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Possession of a master’s degree and gradua-tion from an advanced police command/leadership (e.g. the FBI National Academy, School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University or the Southern Police Institute or similar police leadership education) are highly desirable. Significant police experience at the Command Level, Lieutenant or higher, may be substituted for academic degrees. The next Chief of Police should have a minimum of five years of experience in a law enforcement leadership position with municipal experience strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate successful experience in progressively responsible supervisory, administrative and managerial assignments in law enforcement.

Applicants should have demonstrated experience working cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies and re-gional task forces in order to effectively utilize the depart-ment’s resources. The next Chief of Police must have successful personnel man-agement and employee relations skills, with a record of dealing fairly with all employees collectively and individually; be knowl-edgeable of collective bargaining issues and labor contract administration. Experience with police facility design and utilization is desirable. Applicants should have the ability and experience to review organizational structure, staffing and personnel assignments and make changes when appropriate to ensure departmental capability to carry out its mission and responsibilities in an ex-emplary manner. Successful candidates must have demonstrated well-developed interpersonal and public presentation skills. He or she should have experience in personally preparing accurate written reports, emails, and similar communications. Applicants should have experience in the utilization of infor-mation technology as it relates to modern law enforcement agencies.

The next Chief of Police must be capable of directing the preparation and presentation of the Sparta Police De-partment budget. Experience in addressing internal organizational and personnel issues present in most law enforcement agen-cies as well as a demonstrated ability in addressing these matters in a positive, professional and impartial man-ner is required. Applicants should have experience resolving citizen inquiries, suggestions and complaints.

Chief of Police

Management Style/Personal Traits (Not in order of importance) The next Chief of Police must have strong leadership skills, knowledge and abilities; motivating and interacting with police staff, co-workers, municipal officials, and other public and private agencies, residential and commer-cial segments of the community. Successful candidates will be committed to training and employee development, understanding the need to provide risk management through enhancement of the staff’s skills, knowledge and abilities. They will possess well-developed leadership skills that demonstrate the ability to make difficult, timely, and sometimes unpopular decisions as well as the desire and ability to listen to, support and implement employees’ suggestions and ideas when appropriate. It is necessary that applicants have experience in leading and motivating by example, encouraging high stan-dards of honesty, integrity, performance and productivity among the department’s staff. The Chief of Police must even-handed, fair, impartial and consistent in dealing with all employees and members of the public. The Chief of Police must be a team player, working with all aspects of city government to enhance the quality of life in Sparta. He or she must be self-confident and secure in presenting pro-fessional recommendations and opinions to the City Administrators, Elected Offi-cials, and the Police Commission in a straightforward, diplomatic manner, while capable of and committed to carrying out City policy decisions in a prompt, effec-tive and impartial manner. The Chief must be an anticipatory manager, one who actively seeks solutions to problems before they become more serious. Applicants should be committed to main-taining high visibility with the staff and the community by getting out of the Chief’s office and interacting with individuals in their work places and in the field. The Chief of Police will be a person who is active in the community as a visible City Official, personally taking part in civic and community activities and events. He or she will be very approachable and demonstrate an appropriate sense of humor.

City of Sparta, Wisconsin

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