Job Title: Commissioner
Department/Agency: Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$65,000 - $85,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
Your Resume - Attach your updated resume in either a txt, Word document, or PDF format. Confirm the subject line includes the position you are applying for: Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the senior executive responsible for overseeing law enforcement and emergency management functions in American Samoa. The Commissioner ensures the territory’s public safety by managing law enforcement operations, enforcing laws, and coordinating emergency management responses. This role requires a leader with extensive experience in public safety management, crisis resolution, strategic planning, and community engagement. Note that fire services, previously managed by DPS, are now under a separate agency following restructuring.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Oversight:
Lead the operations of the Police Division and Emergency Management functions, ensuring all areas contribute effectively to the overall mission of public safety in American Samoa.
Oversee the development and implementation of public safety strategies that align with governmental priorities, federal regulations, and community needs.
Provide direction to the department, including the creation and execution of policies, programs, and services that support public safety and emergency preparedness.
Represent DPS in discussions with the Governor’s Office, federal agencies, and community leaders to foster collaboration and coordinate efforts on public safety issues.
Policy Development and Enforcement:
Develop and implement policies and procedures across all divisions within DPS, ensuring they meet operational goals and legal standards.
Enforce compliance with all American Samoa laws and regulations regarding law enforcement, emergency management, and public safety.
Regularly review and update policies to address emerging challenges, such as crime trends, natural disasters, and public health concerns, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness.
Public Safety Resource Management:
Oversee the management of the Department’s budget and resource allocation, ensuring personnel, equipment, and technology are allocated efficiently to meet operational and emergency management needs.
Ensure the adequate staffing of all divisions and develop resource allocation strategies that support the effectiveness of each unit within the department.
Monitor and evaluate performance across all functions of the DPS, ensuring that goals are met in a cost-effective manner and maintaining the highest standards of service.
Community Engagement and Public Relations:
Develop and maintain positive relationships with local communities, businesses, government agencies, and the public to build trust and foster community involvement in public safety initiatives.
Serve as the primary spokesperson for DPS in public hearings, community meetings, and media engagements, communicating the department’s priorities, goals, and accomplishments.
Lead public education efforts, promoting crime prevention, safety, and emergency preparedness through community outreach programs, training, and public service announcements.
Emergency Management and Crisis Response:
Lead the development and execution of emergency response plans, ensuring readiness for natural disasters, health crises, and large-scale emergencies.
Coordinate emergency response efforts, deploying resources and managing logistics during crises, ensuring that DPS personnel are well-prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.
Ensure DPS is prepared to handle large-scale emergencies and disasters by regularly conducting drills, training, and exercises with relevant agencies.
Law Enforcement:
Oversee the Police Division to ensure effective law enforcement, crime prevention, and community policing efforts are carried out in alignment with community safety goals.
Ensure the management of the division focuses on reducing crime, maintaining order, and improving public safety through proactive policing, investigation, and enforcement.
Collaborate with federal and local law enforcement agencies to address issues related to national security, criminal investigations, and other public safety concerns.
Regulatory Enforcement and Inspections:
Enforce safety regulations across various sectors, including vehicle inspections and emergency preparedness measures.
Oversee inspections and regulatory compliance to ensure that public safety standards are met in commercial, residential, and public infrastructure.
Ensure that regulatory frameworks are updated as necessary to reflect best practices and evolving safety concerns.
Staff Development and Training:
Develop and implement continuous training programs to ensure DPS personnel are skilled in law enforcement, emergency management, and crisis response practices.
Foster leadership development and ensure that future leaders are prepared to take on greater responsibilities within the department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of public safety laws, regulations, and best practices in law enforcement and emergency management.
Strong understanding of disaster response, crisis management, and resource allocation strategies within public safety contexts.
Familiarity with American Samoa’s unique public safety challenges, including its geographical, socio-economic, and cultural factors.
In-depth understanding of federal, territorial, and local regulations governing law enforcement, emergency management, and safety.
Strong leadership and management abilities, with the capacity to lead multiple divisions and manage complex public safety operations.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including the community, government officials, and other agencies.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Proven ability to manage conflict and resolve challenges within the community or department in a constructive, efficient manner.
Ability to prioritize and make decisions quickly during crises, ensuring timely and coordinated responses.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple agencies, ensuring effective coordination of public safety operations and resources.
Capacity to innovate and adapt strategies to meet changing public safety needs, particularly in the context of natural disasters, technological advancements, or evolving criminal trends.
Strong ability to lead by example, maintaining a high standard of professional ethics and public service.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education:
A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field.
A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of experience in public safety, law enforcement, or emergency management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or executive role.
Proven experience in managing large teams, complex operations, and various public safety functions.
Experience in policy development, strategic planning, and resource management within public safety and emergency management sectors.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
Comments