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Public Safety Deputy Director
The Public Safety Deputy Director serves as a senior executive leader within the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, responsible for assisting the Director in managing and coordinating statewide public safety operations. This role involves strategic oversight of multiple divisions-such as emergency management, law enforcement, fire services, forensic science, and homeland security-to ensure efficient, effective, and lawful delivery of public safety services.
Class Code:
SPS05C
Job Grade:
SPC06
Special Job Requirements:
Typical Functions:
Provide executive leadership and guidance to department staff, division heads, and operational teams to align with the agency’s strategic goals and public safety mission. Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director, with full authority over department functions. Lead the development and implementation of statewide public safety programs, policies, and initiatives. Supervise and evaluate key personnel and departmental performance metrics. Assist in developing and administering public safety preparedness and response strategies for natural disasters, criminal threats, civil unrest, and major incidents. Support interagency collaboration with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies to improve public safety coordination. Develop public safety risk assessments and response protocols. Ensure departmental activities are compliant with state and federal regulations, legal standards, and best practices. Monitor program and budgetary compliance across multiple units. Participate in emergency operations and incident command roles during major events. Represent the department in emergency briefings, press conferences, and legislative sessions as needed. Coordinate after-action reviews and ensure implementation of corrective actions. Serve as a departmental representative to stakeholders, legislative bodies, and public forums. Foster transparent and responsive communication with the public and partner agencies.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Strategic thinking with the ability to lead large, complex organizations through change. Proven executive leadership with a focus on performance management and accountability. Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage diverse audiences, including elected officials, public safety personnel, and the general public. High degree of personal integrity, professional ethics, and sound judgment under pressure. Ability to balance operational needs with legal and political considerations. Skilled in assessing complex problems, identifying trends, and implementing evidence-based solutions. Financial and data literacy to inform resource allocation and performance reporting.
Minimum Qualifications:
At least six years of experience in law enforcement, emergency services, homeland security, or related public safety roles, including four years in a leadership capacity.
Required Certificates:
May require candidate to be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Exempt:
E