Position Closes February 20 2026
If you are a law enforcement executive who identifies with and is energized by joining an internationally accredited police department that valuesFaith Pride and Dedication then theCity of Fayetteville NC Police Departmentinvites you to apply to serve as its nextAssistant Chief of Police (ACOP).TheACOPis responsible forimplementing programs giving orders and direction while ensuring compliance accountability and excellence among departmental personnel.
The nextACOPhas a track record of leading departments and divisions through seasons of changes bridging connections through differences and building morale and unity among staff. As the demographics of the City change thus creating new community issues and the City expands its footprint and adds additional territory thisACOPwill ensure adequate patrol coverage in response to the impact of these changes while also ensuring that personnel are trained equipped and prepared to respond to these impending changes and issues.
Known as a highly effective mentor and coach the ideal law enforcement professional has knowledge of HR regulations and practices with demonstrable experience building and nurturing a culture of continuous development. The Chief seeks a confident competent and charismatic leader someone who will motivate and inspire the department actively listen to and respond to personnel concerns and embrace opportunities to engage with the diverse community members of Fayetteville. The ACOPdemonstrates passion for the mission of the department toimprove quality of life by creating a safe and secure environment for the community members through FAITH in service PRIDE in commitment and DEDICATION to excellence.
The nextACOPwill join in the departments commitment to always act with integrity to reduce crime create partnerships and build trust while treating everyone with respect compassion and fairness.The nextACOPtakes initiative exercising independence in decision making and problem solving yet is keenly aware to utilize resources and involve others in the process when appropriate.In times of crisis theACOPremains calm and diligentcommunicating thoroughly and professionally to educate the community on the departments approach and responses to crisis and prioritizes transparent communication internally with staff.
About the Community:
Few places in America have played such a formative role in our countrys most defining moments asFayetteville from its original settlement in 1739 by Scottish immigrants from the highlands of Scotland arriving via the Cape Fear River through the deployment of troops to Afghanistan and Iraq today. It is here the very seeds of American freedom democracy and patriotism were planted and continue to grow.
The City of Fayetteville with a population of more than 208000 community members is the 6thlargest city and 5thlargest metropolitan area in North Carolina. Recognized for innovation leadership and excellence and a two-time All-America City award winner the City of Fayetteville isAmericas Can Do City. Fayetteville offers the amenities of a sizable city includinghistoric sites seven museums three colleges and universities multiple entertainment venues a historic downtown and award-winning recreation amenities.
Fayetteville is the county seat for Cumberland County (pop. 326328) and is one of nine municipalities within the county. Fayetteville is the proud home of Fort Bragg one of the largest military installations in the world and headquarters for U.S. Army Forces Command XVIII Airborne Corps 82nd Airborne Division U.S. Army Reserve Command and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. With an active-duty population of over 51000 troops the strong military presence offers significant economic development potential and growth.
Demographically the community members of Fayetteville are 43% white 43% African American 13% Hispanic/Latino 7% two or more races and less than 1% Native Hawaiian Native American Asian or other of 2020 the median household income in Fayetteville was $46321.
Located in North Carolinas Sandhills region residents enjoy a pleasant climate with distinct seasons. Fayetteville and the surrounding counties include scenic rivers lakes and other recreation areas as well as world-renowned golf courses that host major tournaments. Fayetteville is two hours from the North Carolina coast and four hours from the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There are three colleges and universities in Fayetteville.Fayetteville State Universityis a historically black university (HBCU) and a part of the University of North Carolina System offering more than 60 programs of study at the baccalaureate masters and doctoral levels.Methodist Universityis a private university that was established by the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Methodist University offers bachelors degrees in more than 80 fields of study and six graduate degrees.Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC)is a member of the North Carolina Community College System offering more than 250 programs of study leading to the award of associate degree certificate or diploma.
One of Fayettevilles greatest assets is its thriving downtown area and the vibrant arts and cultural community. Fromtheatersto museums for adults and children there is something available downtown for everyone. The Airborne and Special Operations Museum honors the Citys unique connection to our service members. A variety of festivals and special events are held throughout the year in downtown and across the City. A revitalized downtown area complete with retail shops and dining establishments is bringing forth additional growth spurred by the $40 million baseball stadium serving as home to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers an Astros affiliate and Class-A Advance baseball team. Surrounding the stadium is the revitalized historic Prince Charles offering 59 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments. Investment and expansion opportunities will continue to rise as Fayetteville experiences growth. Learn more about the opportunities in Fayettevillehereand get a taste of what a weekend is like in Fayetteville by watching thisshort video.
About the Organization Department and Position:
The City of Fayetteville operates under a council-manager form of government. The City has more than 1600 full-time and 300 part-time seasonal employees working across 19 departments with an annual operatingbudgetof more than $249M across all funds.
The Citys core values of RESPECT (Responsibility Ethics Stewardship Professionalism Entrepreneurial Spirit Commitment and Teamwork) are the basis for actions and decisions. They are the compass for accomplishing the Citys mission vision and objectives. The city has dedicated resources to transparency and accountability for meeting City goals and objectives through the Office of Strategic Performance Analytics and a strategic planning process that engages the community proactively. The most current annual 2022 Strategic Plan (COF should have the most recent strategic plan) can be foundhere.
The City prides itself on community engagement and offers multiple ways for the community to become involved and stay informed from26 Advisory Boards and Commissionsto state-of-the-art communication tools such as the cable and streaming FayTV government access channel social media podcasts and community surveys.The city earns numerous awards and recognitions at both the department level and nationally for its efforts. Explore more about the City of Fayettevillehere.
The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD)is internationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. The department was first accredited in 1989 and is now a full-service law enforcement agency with more than 600 sworn and civilian employees.
Reporting to the newly appointedChief of Policewho has over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at the federal municipal and state levels theACOPsupports the Chief in the management of the departments $70M budget and a team of 495 sworn and 261 professional staff employees including 911 Communications.The FPD is currently organized into three primary components: Office of the Chief Field Operations Bureau and the Specialized Services Bureau. The Field Operations Bureau is comprised of Patrol Operations which is divided into three (3) districts: Campbellton Central and Cross Creek and Investigations. The Specialized Services Bureau is comprised of(now assigned to the Chiefs Staff Unit) & Grant Management Communications Records Management Technical Services Fleet Management Traffic Support Community Resource Division and Training and Recruitment.
The departmentsstrategic planreflects the departments mission values principles goals and strategies to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Fayetteville. Outdated and we are working directly with the newly formed Office of Community Safety.
The next ACOPmust understand the areas of the FPD and will support the Chiefin implementing the departments vision toserve as a premier law enforcement agency that is invested in the growth and safety of the community through innovation and a balanced approach to Law Enforcement. Demonstrating impeccable communication and interpersonal skills the next ACOPwill strengthen the departments relationship with the City Council building connection and allegiance while remaining committed to advocating for the department and its personnel.
Key Position Priorities:
Qualifications:
The City of Fayetteville seeks a law enforcement leader with any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be to have at least 5 years of cross-functional and progressively responsible leadership experience including administrative and command work at rank of Captain or higher; Equivalent to a BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science law enforcement administration criminal justice or related field. Executive law enforcement training (e.g. FBI National Academy SMIB FBI LEEDA Administrative Officers Management Program etc.) is preferred.Evidence of collaboration across public safety disciplines isrequired.Possession of an appropriate valid NC drivers license and ability to maintain insurability isrequiredor the ability to obtain a valid NC drivers license within 60 days of relocating to NC.
The Successful Candidate is:
Salary and Benefits: The anticipated hiring range is $110000-$143500. Salary will be determined based on experience and credentials. The City of Fayetteville offers a comprehensivebenefits package including the outstanding NC Local Government Retirement system with vesting after 5 years. There is a residency requirement to live within the city limits of Fayetteville or move within city boundaries within 12 months of appointment to this position.
To apply please visit click on the Assistant Chief of Police City of Fayetteville NCtitle. To learn more about the selection process visit select Client Openings and scroll down to Important Information for Applicants. All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal NOT the City Employment Application portal nor any other external website; it is not sufficient to send only a resume. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. Applicants must apply by February 20 2026. Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation on March 19-20 2026.Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.All inquiriesshould be emailed to.The City of Fayetteville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The recruitment and selection process are being managed by Developmental Associates LLC.
Required Experience:
Chief