A NATIONAL SEARCH IS UNDERWAY
Chief of Police
FOR THE cITY OF sIOUX CITY, IOWA
The Opportunity
The City of Sioux City, Iowa, is conducting a national search for an experienced, forward thinking, and community-oriented law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police.
About Sioux City
Located along the Missouri River at the crossroads of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, Sioux City is Iowa’s fourth-largest city and serves as the regional hub for commerce, healthcare, education, entertainment, and recreation within the tri-state area.
Recognized nationally for its strong economy and exceptional quality of life, Sioux City is home to approximately 85,000 residents and more than 145,000 residents throughout the metropolitan region.
The community offers outstanding neighborhoods, excellent educational opportunities, a vibrant arts and cultural environment, and extensive recreational amenities.
Government Structure
Sioux City operates under the Council Manager form of government, with the Chief of Police reporting directly to the City Manager as a key member of the City’s executive leadership team.
The Department
The Sioux City Police Department is a nationally accredited CALEA agency comprised of 132 sworn officers and 27 civilian personnel with an annual operating budget exceeding $29 million.
The Department maintains a longstanding commitment to community policing, collaborative partnerships, technological innovation, and professional excellence.
SCPD continues to advance strategic initiatives focused on improving police services, strengthening organizational resources, and enhancing operational effectiveness throughout the organization.
The Ideal Candidate
The City seeks a visible, ethical, and collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and demonstrated success in community engagement and organizational leadership.
The ideal candidate will possess significant command-level law enforcement experience, a participative management style, and the ability to effectively lead within a complex and evolving environment.
Experience in community-oriented policing, recruitment and retention strategies, emerging technologies, and modern policing practices is highly desirable.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience Requirements
☐ Command-level law enforcement experience at lieutenant rank or above
☐ Minimum 5 years command staff experience
☐ Experience serving a community of 50,000+ population
Education Requirements
☐ Bachelor’s degree
in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or related field required
☐ Master’s degree preferred
☐ Advanced executive law enforcement training preferred
(FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, etc.)
Leadership Qualifications
☐ Community policing leadership experience
☐ Strong communication and organizational leadership skills
☐ Experience with modern policing strategies and technology
☐ Ethical, collaborative, and community-focused leadership style
Compensation & Benefits
The City offers a competitive executive compensation package with a salary up to $203,430
depending upon qualifications and experience, along with an attractive benefits package and relocation assistance.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a City application, cover letter, resume, and five professional references.
To download an application, please visit the
Please submit your information by
June 22, 2026.
The City of Sioux City is an
equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information
Civic Leadership Search Partners
(629) 234-4070
www.civicleadershipsearchpartners.com
Kenton Buckner, Chief of Police (Retired)
Founder and President
[email protected]
Craig Stone, Chief of Police (Retired)
Senior Consultant
[email protected]
Have additional questions?