The City of Moorhead is seeking a Police Chief for this vibrant city of 45,000 located in western Minnesota across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota. As the county seat of Clay County, it is the largest city in northwest Minnesota and part of the growing Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area (pop. 260,000), second in size only to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The City serves a population of 44,861 across 22.2 square miles with a budget of $134 million and a team of 292 FTEs and approximately 300 temporary/seasonal staff.    

THE MOORHEAD POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Moorhead Police Department emphasizes proactive law enforcement, crime prevention practices, community visibility, and fostering partnerships to improve effectiveness. The Department enjoys extensive training opportunities to continually re-invest in personnel and is on the cutting edge of new technology and equipment. As a result of innovative initiatives, MPD enjoys extensive community support from the city council, business community, local schools, civic organizations and the public at large. The Department operates with a 2024 budget of $12.7 million and staffing of 81 FTEs with 62 sworn Peace Officers (increasing to 64 in 2025). In 2023, the Department responded to 32,557 calls for service.  

WHY APPLY

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding position in top level law enforcement in a progressive community with an entrepreneurial department, this may be the opportunity for you. The City of Moorhead, Minnesota is recruiting an enterprising Police Chief to replace the current chief who is retiring after over 30 years with the Department. This professional law enforcement agency is on the cutting edge of law enforcement practices, utilizes advanced technology, values partnerships to help achieve its mission, and enjoys widespread support from City administration, City Council, and the community.   
 

Moorhead leads the area with a strong economic and diverse base of business, industry, commerce, and cultural opportunities supported by a strong workforce. The city has exceptional medical and health care services, a strong retail sector and a wide variety of restaurant and fine dining options. Five higher educational institutions in Moorhead and Fargo, and an excellent K-12 public school system and private schools provide an abundance of academic, arts, athletics, and entertainment opportunities for life-long learning. Many civic, volunteer, cultural, and faith-based organizations enhance the quality of life in this progressive community along with a multitude of recreational opportunities for all ages. 

The city provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, life, flex spending plan, HSA, generous paid time off plans, including ESST and 11 paid holidays,
MN Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) pension, deferred compensation plan, continuing education and more. Visit our benefit page for additional information.

EOE