Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Welcome to the City of Clarinda, Iowa
Located in the rolling hills of southwest Iowa, Clarinda is a welcoming community that combines small-town charm with a strong commitment to quality of life, economic opportunity, and community pride. As the county seat of Page County, Clarinda offers residents and visitors an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family while enjoying the benefits of a close-knit community with convenient access to larger metropolitan areas.
Clarinda is strategically located along U.S. Highway 71, providing easy access throughout southwest Iowa and neighboring states. The community is approximately 70 miles southeast of Council Bluffs and Omaha, 85 miles southwest of Des Moines, and just over 100 miles north of Kansas City. This central location allows residents to enjoy the advantages of rural living while remaining within convenient driving distance of healthcare facilities, shopping, and entertainment.
Clarinda is known for its beautiful parks, outdoor recreation, and historic character. The Clarinda City Park serves as a centerpiece for community activities, while nearby Nodaway Valley Park and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail provide opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and enjoying Iowa’s scenic landscape. Residents also enjoy the Clarinda Family Aquatic Center, recreational sports programs, and numerous community events held throughout the year.
The Clarinda Community School District provides quality educational opportunities from preschool through high school and is recognized for its dedicated educators, strong academic programs, and competitive extracurricular activities. Clarinda is also home to a campus of Iowa Western Community College, expanding educational and workforce training opportunities for residents and regional employers.
Clarinda’s economy is built upon a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, and professional services. Local employers provide a variety of career opportunities across both the public and private sectors, contributing to the community’s long-term economic stability.
Healthcare services are anchored by the Clarinda Regional Health Center, which provides comprehensive medical care to residents of Clarinda and the surrounding region. The medical center offers emergency services, specialty clinics, rehabilitation, wellness programs, and outpatient care, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare close to home.
Clarinda is a community where neighbors support one another, businesses invest in the future, and families enjoy an outstanding quality of life. You will find a community dedicated to public service, high quality of life, affordable living, and preserving the values that make southwest Iowa such a special place to live.
Government
The City of Clarinda operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor and City Council are elected at large by the community and serve four-year staggered terms. It is the responsibility of the Council to adopt ordinances, resolutions, and policies.
A City Manager is hired by the Council to run the city’s daily operations. The City Manager functions as the chief administrative officer to execute council policies, manage department heads, and oversee staff.
The Mayor presides over the City Council and all ceremonial events and meetings.
The Chief of Police reports to the City Mayor.
The Department
The Clarinda Police Department is committed to providing community-oriented law enforcement services that protect the lives, property, and quality of life of residents and visitors. The Department emphasizes integrity, accountability, and collaboration while working closely with citizens, businesses, schools, and partner agencies to maintain a safe and welcoming community.
The Department provides 24-hour police services, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, and community policing initiatives. The Department is made up of 10 sworn positions and a civilian support role. The 2026 annual budget is $1.275M. The Department is recognized as an engaged community partner and serves an active role in maintaining the high quality of life that residents enjoy. Through a commitment to professionalism, transparency, and public service, the Department strives to foster an environment where residents feel safe, businesses can prosper, and visitors are welcomed.
Position Overview
The City of Clarinda, Iowa is seeking a forward thinking and experienced law enforcement professional to serve as its next police chief. This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for the overall management and direction of the Clarinda Police Department. The Police Chief will ensure the safety and security of the community by overseeing all aspects of law enforcement operations, implementing department goals and policies, and fostering positive relationships with community members, elected officials and partnering agencies.
Key Responsibilities
Direct and manage all police department operations, including patrol, investigations, crime prevention, end administrative functions.
Develop and implement department goals, policies, and strategic initiatives aligned with community needs and city council direction.
Establish appropriate staffing levels, resource allocation, and performance standards to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.
- Oversee department budgeting, financial planning, and cost control efforts in coordination with city Leadership.
- Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate department personnel; implement disciplinary procedures when necessary.
Serve as a public representative for the police department in matters involving the media, community groups, schools and other stakeholders.
Lead or support investigations into major incidents, including criminal acts, accidents or other public safety concerns.
- Coordinate with other law enforcement and emergency response agencies at the local, state and federal levels.
Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned in the course of public service leadership.
Minimum Qualifications
The City desires a Police Chief with a combination of education and experience that adequately equips him/her to effectively execute the responsibilities of the position, lead department personnel, and contribute to the improvement of the community.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field is preferred. The city may consider a combination of training, education and experience in lieu of a degree. Applicants must have a minimum of ten (10) years of law enforcement experience.
Required Certification
Candidates must possess certification as a peace officer from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and a valid Iowa driver’s license.
Compensation
Salary is negotiable based upon qualifications and experience. The current salary range is The City offers a generous benefits package which includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, Iowa Public Employment Retirement System (IPERS) contributions, group health, vision and dental insurance, and life insurance.
Residency
The successful candidate is required to live within two (2) miles of the city limits. The timeline to establish residency will be determined between the City and successful candidate.
How To Apply
Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to Ron Moser, Lead Police Consultant with McGrath Consulting Group. ron@mcgrathconsulting.com
The deadline for submitting the required application materials is September 18, 2026. Following this date, applications will be screened against criteria outlined. For more information about the position, please contact Ron Moser at ron@mcgrathconsulting.com
Expected Recruitment Timeline
Expected Timeline: Invited applicants will participate in the interview process in Clarinda sometime between October 5-9, 2026. The date will be announced as soon as confirmed.
Selection Process: Following the interview process. Applicants will also be subject to a complete background investigation including their eligibility to provide criminal testimony. A psychological examination and drug testing will be required for the successful candidate upon a conditional job offer from the City of Clarinda.
The City of Clarinda is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Department will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.
