Agency
Cottonwood Police Department
Location
Cottonwood
Salary
40-60k DOE
Description
The City of Cottonwood is currently accepting applications for the position of Chief of Police.
Located in north central Idaho on the scenic Camas Prairie, Cottonwood is a close-knit, rural community of approximately 950 residents. With U.S. Highway 95 providing convenient access while preserving the town's peaceful pace, Cottonwood offers a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.
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About Our Community
Cottonwood is more than just a place—it’s a way of life. Our town is built on strong values, neighborly support, and deep community involvement. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are just discovering Cottonwood, you'll find a place where people know each other by name and take pride in their community.
We enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with a surprising number of local amenities, including:
• Two grocery stores
• A convenience store
• Local restaurants, coffee shops, and a brewery
• A lumber yard, drug store, tire and auto repair shops
• Boutique and niche retail businesses
• A photography studio and other service providers
The main industries in the area are agriculture and construction, but Cottonwood also benefits from several major employers, including:
• St. Mary’s Hospital (located in-town)
• North Idaho Correctional Institution (just outside the city)
• Regional Bureau of Land Management Office (adjacent to the city)
Cottonwood School District serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade, offering quality education with strong extracurricular programs. The district boasts multiple state championships in sports, modern gymnasiums, and a state-of-the-art track and field facility.
The town is family-friendly, with seasonal community events, volunteer fire and EMS departments, and an engaged network of civic organizations and faith-based groups. Residents often participate in events like parades, holiday festivals, sports tournaments, and benefit dinners—strengthening the bonds that make Cottonwood truly special.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is a haven of natural beauty and recreational opportunity. Within a short drive, you’ll find:
• Salmon River – ideal for rafting, fishing, and scenic picnics
• Craig Mountain & Hells Canyon – hiking, hunting, and breathtaking views
• Vast access to State and Federal lands for outdoor exploration
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About the Department
The Cottonwood Police Department is small but vital. We currently employ:
• 1 Full-time Chief of Police
• 1 Part-time Officer
• Several dedicated community volunteers
We maintain strong working relationships with the Idaho County Sheriff’s Department and Idaho State Police, allowing us to deliver responsive, thorough service to our citizens. Our low call volume allows for proactive policing, full investigations, and meaningful community engagement. The Chief has the opportunity to be active in the schools, fire department, and emergency preparedness planning.
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What We Offer
• Veterans Preference
• Idaho State PERSI Retirement
• Health Insurance
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
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Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a community-minded leader who takes pride in public service and brings a proactive, compassionate approach to law enforcement. The ideal candidate is:
• A self-starter with strong personal ethics
• Committed to building relationships with residents and youth
• Willing to take on a wide range of responsibilities, from patrol to emergency planning
• Comfortable collaborating with local agencies, schools, and service groups
• Ready to be a visible, trusted figure in the community
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Be a Leader. Be a Neighbor. Be the Difference.
If you’re ready to serve in a place where your work is appreciated and your community knows your name, Cottonwood could be the perfect fit.
Contact
Chief Terry S. Cochran, Cottonwood Police Department.
208-962-3231
cottonwoodpd.idaho@gmail.com