The Job of Police Chief in the State of Illinois

A comprehensive analysis of the job of Police Chief in the State of Illinois was performed to better understand the types of tasks incumbents in this position perform and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform those tasks. The analysis was undertaken to gain a better overall understanding of this job in Illinois and to serve as a springboard for discussions pertaining to a voluntary statewide certification program. As envisioned by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, individuals seeking to become a police chief in Illinois could gain certification by meeting certain criteria. The program, which would be available to applicants on a voluntary basis, would be useful for ensuring that only qualified applicants are selected as police chiefs. In line with results from a prior job analysis study, significant statistical and practical differences were found in the types of tasks performed as a function of police department size. Differences were also found for other demographic variables as a function of department size. Major findings and a summary of the demographic composition of the sample are presented. Possible uses of the resulting data are suggested in the context of a voluntary certification process for police chief candidates.