The City of Black Hawk, CO is seeking applications for Chief of Police. Be the leader who protects Black Hawk’s future. Build your legacy where Colorado’s historic roots power a vibrant resort destination —and where public safety fuels both trust and growth. To view full job posting go to: www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions.
The Police Chief serves as the highest-ranking officer of the Black Hawk Police Department and a key member of the City’s Executive Management Team. Reporting to the City Manager, the Chief provides strategic direction and operational leadership for all law enforcement services.
The Chief oversees enforcement of municipal, state, and federal laws to protect persons, safeguard property, and preserve the peace. The position calls for strong executive presence, disciplined judgment, and strategic leadership to direct a modern law enforcement agency in a high-visibility, tourism-driven setting. The Chief represents the Department before City Council, community stakeholders, and regional partners, ensuring accountability, professionalism, and collaboration.
About Black Hawk:
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just 20 miles west of Golden, Black Hawk is Colorado’s premier historic gaming destination. The City spans more than 3 square miles, including 300 acres of protected open space and a 600+ acre annexation planned for future resort development. With just 127 residents (2020 Census), Black Hawk welcomes more than 20,000 daily visitors to its 15 casinos, ranking as the 12th largest commercial casino market in the nation according to the American Gaming Association. This nationally prominent destination concentrates extraordinary visitor volume, economic activity, and public safety responsibility within a compact footprint. The City employs 107 full-time team members and operates with a 2026 budget of $38.8 million.
About the Black Hawk Police Department:
Operating with a $7.6 million budget and a team of 41 sworn and civilian professionals, the Department delivers comprehensive public safety services—including patrol, investigations, evidence, records, communications, and oversight of the Black Hawk Municipal Court—to a jurisdiction that welcomes over a million visitors annually. Municipal Court is held monthly in the Robert A. Clark Emergency Operations Center, reinforcing coordinated public safety and judicial operations. Accredited through the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police Professional Standards (CACPPS), the Department demonstrates a commitment to best practices and accountability. Sworn officers average 7.6 years of service, reflecting organizational stability and a strong culture of retention. Housed in the historic former Black Hawk School building, the
Department recently completed a $1.5 million facility renovation, including modernization of operational spaces and a state-of-the-art Communications Center to enhance coordination, resiliency, and 24/7 emergency response.
The Chief leads all personnel and ensures the Department:
• Upholds the highest professional standards.
• Delivers responsive, community-focused policing.
• Supports a safe tourism and business environment.
• Maintains readiness for emergency and critical incidents; and
• Works effectively with local, state, and federal partners.
With strong support from City leadership, the Department is positioned to deliver exceptional public safety services in a dynamic mountain setting.
Strategic Leadership & Community Alignment:
The Police Chief will embrace and uphold the City of Black Hawk’s governance philosophy, which values limited government, fiscal responsibility, and a pro-business environment.
Annual Salary Range: $200,103 – $280,143 DOQ/E
Benefit Information:
• 10% employee cost share for medical premium
• 100% City-paid dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Guaranteed 8% retirement match, up to 12% based on employee election
• Begin accruing more than seven weeks of combined PTO and Sick leave from date of hire, with accrual increasing based on tenure.
hire, with accrual increasing based on
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Executive command presence and the ability to inspire confidence at all levels of the organization.
Political acumen and effectiveness within a municipal governance structure.
The capacity to provide clear, objective policy guidance to the City Manager and City Council.
A strong ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing sworn and civilian personnel.
Commitment to professional standards, officer development, and organizational accountability.
Proven fiscal stewardship and experience managing complex public safety budgets.
Calm, decisive leadership during critical incidents and high-stress situations.
The ability to balance proactive enforcement with meaningful community partnerships.
Strategic awareness of Black Hawk’s tourism and gaming-driven environment.
Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills, including comfort serving as the Department’s on-camera spokesperson.
Fair, consistent, and principled leadership.
Unquestioned integrity, sound judgment, and ethical decision-making.
Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (Master’s preferred)
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience
• Five (5) years of command-level experience
• Completion of FBI National Academy or similar executive leadership training
• Colorado POST certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year
• Valid Colorado driver’s license with a safe driving record
Black Hawk, CO 80422
Estados Unidos
Application Process- KRW Associates LLC, is assisting the City of Black Hawk, Colorado with this recruitment. To be considered for this opportunity, go to www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions, and submit application materials through the website portal.
Deadline: Sunday, April 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
• Cover letter describing your leadership philosophy and vision for policing in Black Hawk
• Résumé highlighting your progressive leadership experience
• Contact information for six (6) professional references
Selected candidates will participate in a panel interview with City leadership and key police professionals.
The City of Black Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.