It’s quiet and business-like on the lower level of the Auburn Police Station, as officers and detectives go through the paces of a methodical midmorning shift.

Temporarily away from the streets, members of the force carry out their behind-the-scenes duties, undramatic tasks removed from the public eye but no less essential police work.

Police Chief Jim Kelly understands all of this. A patrol officer at heart, he learned about being a cop from the ground up. It took commitment, long hours, hard work and the realization that good police work came from effective teamwork.

Kelly continues to lean on those basic principles today, now 34 years into a career he lives, loves and appreciates.

“You’re only as successful as your staff allows you to be,” Kelly said

between calls at his tidy office in the bowels of the department. “And we’ve accomplished a lot in the community … it’s not just about me.

“I’m proud of the work the men and women do here every day.”

Under Kelly’s careful watch, the Auburn Police Department has grown significantly – along with the city – in size and stature.

Much is different today, from tactics to technology, and Kelly has been a big part of the wave.

And now, Kelly, the constant face behind the force, is about to embark on change, enticed by an opportunity to lead and build something new elsewhere.

Auburn’s top cop since 1999 officially retires Thursday. A day later, he will become deputy director of the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) Multijurisdictional Misdemeanor Jail in Des Moines, set to open a year from now.

Auburn joined six other neighboring cities to build, own and operate a $58 million, 822-bed misdemeanant jail to serve their collective needs.

Kelly, 55, is eager to get started. He will help oversee operations of a facility that will employ approximately 150 employees, a majority of whom will be corrections officers, followed by medical staff and administrative personnel.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of such a significant project,” said Kelly, well respected by his colleagues for his leadership, hands-on approach and consensus building. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build something from the ground up and will serve as a national model on how communities can work together to save money and serve the greatest good.”

Kelly wanted to be part of an enterprising model. His familiarity with how other valley cities and county and regional agencies operate will help launch the new jail.

Burnout or politics, Kelly insists, had nothing to do with his career change. In fact, it was a difficult decision, given the many people and close friends he works with in Auburn.

“Auburn has been good to me,” Kelly said.

His family intends to maintain a home here.

“There was no defining moment,” he said of his decision to join the state-of-the-art SCORE jail in July. “I became interested upon working with other agencies to efficiently address jail space.

“It doesn’t happen very often in one’s lifetime to get the opportunity to build and establish the culture and attitude of a facility and how it’s going to be operated in the region.”

Showing the way

Kelly will leave his mark on Auburn. He brought many welcomed changes to the department in form and function, with a steady hand and skillful influence.

In his tenure as chief, Kelly maintained high standards, resulting in the department’s continued National Accreditation and recognition as one of the top professional agencies in the state.

The department stayed true to the challenge of protecting and serving a growing city, its shifting demographics and many needs. Staffing, 60 strong back in 1979 when Kelly joined the force, is now 130½, 100 of whom are commissioned officers.

Kelly was able to bring people together and maintain confidence in a staff affected by cyclical budget cuts. He was able to reach out to neighborhoods, promote community programs and execute outreach efforts.

“Jim rebuilt bridges with all City departments, improved morale and built – from the officers up – pride and respect back into the department,” said Bob Karnofski, assistant chief of police.

“Even though we are a mid-sized agency and very active, Jim has retained a feeling of family with all the employees,” Karnofski added. “The department is a good place to work and is truly a caring place to work, thanks to Jim and his leadership approach. He has been a thoughtful and introspective resource to the greater law enforcement community, and his impact will be missed.”

Bob Lee, assistant chief of police who will succeed Kelly, says the chief led with integrity. Kelly is a positive mentor, a loyal friend.

“Chief Kelly has instilled a high degree of professionalism, dedication and accountability in the department,” Lee said. “Jim’s leadership has provided us with a strong foundation from which we will continue to provide a high level of service to our citizens, while ensuring their continued trust in us.”

Fair, firm leader

As one of Auburn’s longest-serving police chiefs, Kelly has proven to be a fair and firm leader, fellow officers say.

“I have worked for three separate law enforcement agencies in this state, and I cannot think of a better one than here,” said Officer Leslie Jordan. “The officers, the administration and, of course, the chief are the reasons I remain.

“Chief Kelly has been a fixture here for over 30 years, one of dependability and kindness. He has treated me and my family very well,” Jordan said. “Although I wish him well in his endeavors, it will be impossible to replace him.”

Kelly won’t miss the 3 a.m. phone calls, but will miss the work as a whole and the many people. Police work is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle, he says, and one that will be hard to shake.

As Kelly works from his office, an earpiece keeps him connected to dispatch and the officers working in the field. He seldom, if at all, discards it.

It’s all part of staying in tune and performing a difficult job.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever turn it off,” he said of being an instinctive cop and intuitive commander. “In time … I will learn how to turn it off.”