The City of Fort Bragg, California is a vibrant coastal community straddling Highway 1 in scenic Mendocino County. Surrounded by majestic redwood forests and beautiful beaches, Fort Bragg offers small town living with abundant amenities and recreational opportunities. Its rich history of fishing, logging and lumber processing has shaped the community’s rustic seaside ambiance and character. Located approximately 165 miles north of San Francisco and 120 miles from Santa Rosa, the City is a small community of 2.7 square miles with a population of approximately 7,000.

The Fort Bragg Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency comprised of 18 sworn peace officer positions (two frozen) and 8 professional staff. The Police Department is led by a Police Chief who is supported by one Captain, one Commander, and four sergeants. The Commander manages the Patrol Operations Division, which includes the School Resource Officer. The Captain manages the Special Operations Division, which includes Professional Standards, Task Force, and the Social Services unit known as the Care Response Unit. The Care Response Unit is comprised of four Social Services Liaisons and two grant analysts. Their mission is to reduce police interactions with those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders. This highly successful program has received statewide recognition and is being replicated by other agencies. The Department’s 2025/2026 adopted budget is $6,434,310 and comprises 48% of the City’s General Fund budget.

The ideal Police Chief is a dynamic and approachable leader, dedicated to building strong relationships within both the department and the broader community. They will be a visible, inspirational presence in the city, demonstrating a deep commitment to customer service while fostering collaboration across all levels of the organization. As a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, the Chief must be committed to creating a culture of transparency, trust, and respect, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. The ideal candidate will actively engage with both staff and community members, cultivating an environment that prioritizes diversity, integrity, and service.

A hands-on, accessible leader, the Police Chief will provide mentorship, guidance, and support to staff at all levels—especially in high-pressure situations or critical investigations. They must understand the unique dynamics of leading a smaller department and the importance of professional development, creating opportunities for growth within the force. The Chief must be an empathetic, caring, and trustworthy individual who is politically astute yet neutral, capable of navigating complex situations with professionalism. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking and deeply attuned to the evolving challenges and opportunities within modern policing, balancing community needs with effective, innovative law enforcement strategies.

Salary $166,124-$201,905 Annually

View the Chief of Police Brochure here. To apply for this exciting career opportunity, please send a compelling cover letter and your detailed resume electronically to: apply@bobhallandassociates.com by November 7, 2025. Should you have any questions regarding this position or the recruitment process, please contact Joe Gorton at (707) 628-6846.