Community Profile
The City of South Daytona is a community of nearly 13,000 residents located on the picturesque banks of the Halifax River in East Volusia County. The community is predominately residential with a small-town ambience and waterway access that epitomizes relaxed Florida living. Located near the I-4 and I-95 interchange, big city amenities are just a short drive away. Incorporated on June 18, 1951, the City encompasses four square miles, bordered on the south by Port Orange and Daytona Beach to the north. With affordable waterfront living and a Florida boating lifestyle, South Daytona offers a variety of housing options. Quiet, well-maintained residential neighborhoods include single family homes, upscale waterfront homes on the Halifax River, unique canal homes with direct boat access to the Intracoastal Waterway, a luxury waterfront condominium and multi-family apartment complexes.
South Daytona Police Department
The South Daytona Police Department is a State Accredited Agency with 27 sworn and four civilian employees responsible for public safety, including patrol operations, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, school resource services and crime prevention all built upon a foundation of community policing through citizen engagement. The emergency dispatch communications and records management systems are contracted through a County-wide Communications Center operated by the Sheriff’s Office. The Police Department has an annual operating budget of approximately $4.5 million.
The Department’s Citizens Patrol is an active volunteer group that serves as additional support by patrolling the City and reporting any unusual activity. The Citizens Alert Council has served as the local Neighborhood Watch program for the past 35 years. Its members support the City’s first responders with their assistance at numerous community events.
Department Mission Statement
The Department mission is to promote and maintain an atmosphere of safety and security within our community through highly skilled employees who are dedicated to the protection of constitutional guarantees, the maintenance of order, and the safeguarding of life and property. The South Daytona Police Department will foster a partnership with the community to aid in the reduction of crime and improve the overall quality of life.
Position Profile
The Police Chief directs and manages all activities of the Police Department. This work involves highly specialized and detailed technical law enforcement and management activities in addition to performing the general and skilled duties of an administrator in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. As a Department Head, the Chief is responsible for developing and administrating the comprehensive program of the Police Department, congruent with the City Vision, under the general guidance of the City Manager. The Department is currently under the direction of the Deputy Chief who is not a candidate for the position.
Desired Qualities and Attributes
The City seeks a leader that embraces diversity and is engaged with all elements of the community. This individual must be an open-minded, strategic and innovative thinker with both short and long-range goals and have the ability to clearly articulate expectations, guidelines, methods and parameters. The successful applicant will be able to foster a strong rapport and trust within the Police Department and between the Department and the community. The candidate will have an unquestionable reputation of ethical conduct and will be comfortable working in an environment where residents and businesses have high expectations for the delivery of police services. In addition to expertise in all facets of law enforcement, crime prevention and emergency management, the selected candidate will have excellent leadership and administrative skills, outstanding communication and presentation skills, and the ability to solve problems while embracing and facilitating the principles and practices of community policing. Candidates must demonstrate a background of professionalism and integrity, striving for the highest ideals of public service and personal conduct. The successful candidate will also have strong intergovernmental relations skills with the ability to work with other city departments and law enforcement agencies in the region.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including at least five years at the administrative and supervisory level in a State or nationally accredited law enforcement agency. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice or a related field, supplemented by formal training in law enforcement and public or police administration is required, as is certification by the State of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission within six months of hire. Graduation from a nationally recognized executive development command-training program, such as FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, or other related professional law enforcement program is preferred. The candidate must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license or be eligible to obtain one after appointment. Applicant must be nicotine free.
Compensation & Benefits
The City of South Daytona offers a competitive salary and benefits. The established salary range for this position is $91,255 – $124,200. The starting salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected. The City also provides an excellent employee benefit program, including health, dental, vision and life insurance and paid time off as well as participation in the Florida Retirement System.
Residency Requirement
It is preferred (not required) that the Chief of Police live within the city limits of South Daytona.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested and qualified candidates may apply through the following URL no later than 4:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, June 2, 2025.
https://southdaytona.applicantstack.com/x/openings
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Trudy O’Dell, Human Resources Director at trudy.odell@southdaytona.org or (386)322-3069.
Resumes are subject to the provisions of Florida Records Statutes. The City of South Daytona is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of South Daytona does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, political ideas, or disability in employment or in the provision of services.