ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Police Chief Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Krum ISD

KISD Chief of Police

San Jacinto, CA · On-site

$95 - $150/hr

Chief of Police Exemption Status / Test: Exempt / Executive Reports to: Superintendent Dept. / ... * Assist the district with Behavioral Threat Assessment Team. Mental Demands / Physical Demands ...

City of Hollister

Police Officer Trainee

Hollister, CA

$66K - $80K/yr

... Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a one-year probation as a regular ... Police Officer Trainees may be assigned to assist investigators in the handling of criminal cases.

City of Hollister, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Hollister, CA · On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

... Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a one-year probation as a regular ... Police Officer Trainees may be assigned to assist investigators in the handling of criminal cases.

City of San Marino

Police Cadet (Part-Time)

San Marino, CA · On-site

$20.45 - $22.55/hr

... Chief of Police, two Bureau Commanders and a Civilian Administrative Manager. Situated 12 miles ... Attend meetings. Assist with traffic control, assist at DUI checkpoints, at other field activities ...

City of Eureka

Police Recruit

Eureka, CA · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

May assist department personnel in a variety of field and office law enforcement activities as ... In this phase of the testing process, you will be interviewed by the Police Chief. AFTER AN OFFER ...

City of Atwater, CA

Police Clerk II

Atwater, CA · On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

... assist with department budget; may maintain and update inventory of department supplies; may ... to the Police Chief. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; normal manual ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Police Clerk II

Atwater, CA · On-site

... assist with department budget; may maintain and update inventory of department supplies; may ... to the Police Chief. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; normal manual ...

City of Atwater

Police Clerk II

Atwater, CA · On-site

... assist with department budget; may maintain and update inventory of department supplies; may ... support to the Police Chief. Sit for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand ...

City of Atwater, CA

Police Clerk II

Atwater, CA · On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

... assist with department budget; may maintain and update inventory of department supplies; may ... to the Police Chief. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; normal manual ...

City of Atwater

Police Clerk II

Atwater, CA · On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

... assist with department budget; may maintain and update inventory of department supplies; may ... to the Police Chief. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; normal manual ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolice Chief JobsAssistant Police Chief JobsAssistant Police Chief Jobs in California

Assistant Police Chief information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$98.4K

$183.1K

How much do assistant police chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant police chief in California is $98,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $137,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of an assistant police chief?

An Assistant Police Chief supports the Police Chief in managing the operations and administrative functions of a police department. They oversee divisions such as investigations, patrol, and community relations, ensuring that policies and procedures are followed. Assistant Police Chiefs also help develop strategies for crime reduction, supervise senior officers, and act as a liaison between the department and the public. In the absence of the Police Chief, they may assume command of the department.

What are the primary challenges an assistant police chief faces when balancing administrative duties with community engagement?

Assistant Police Chiefs often juggle significant administrative responsibilities—such as overseeing departmental budgets, managing personnel, and implementing policies—while also serving as a visible leader within the community. Striking the right balance can be challenging, as both sides require dedicated time and strategic focus. Successful Assistant Police Chiefs typically develop strong delegation skills, foster open communication with both their teams and community stakeholders, and prioritize initiatives that build public trust. This dual focus helps maintain effective department operations and ensures that community needs are addressed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant police chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Police Chief, you need extensive law enforcement experience, leadership skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management software, crime analysis tools, and advanced training such as FBI National Academy or police executive certifications is often required. Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and communication skills are crucial for effectively leading teams and engaging with the community. These competencies ensure effective department operations, foster public trust, and support strategic crime prevention and response.

What is the difference between Assistant Police Chief vs Police Captain?

AspectAssistant Police ChiefPolice Captain
Required credentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; extensive law enforcement experienceSimilar educational background; significant law enforcement experience often needed
Work environmentSupports police chief, involved in strategic planning, administrative dutiesOversees police precincts or units, manages officers, enforces policies
Employer and industry usageUsed in police departments as a high-level administrative roleCommonly used as a supervisory role overseeing specific divisions

The Assistant Police Chief and Police Captain roles share similar educational and experience requirements, but the Assistant Police Chief focuses more on administrative support and strategic planning, while the Police Captain manages daily operations and personnel within specific units.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Chief jobs in California?

The most popular types of Police Chief jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Police Chief jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Police Chief job openings:

Assistant Police Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Police Chief job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,429 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF (REISSUE)

Torrance, CA • On-site

City of Torrance
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

626th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about City of Torranceexternal

$17K - $22K/mo

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Assistant Police Chief

The City of Torrance invites applications for Assistant Police Chief! The Torrance Police Department mission is to preserve public safety and quality of life within the City of Torrance, to respond effectively to the changing needs of the community, and to promote mutual respect between the Police Department and the people we serve.

The City of Torrance, California, the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County, is a vibrant coastal city situated in the South Bay region of Southern California. With nearly 150,000 residents and a peak daytime population that grows to 250,000 or more, Torrance spans an area of almost 22 square miles, including a picturesque mile of beach. Known for its diverse culture and strong sense of community, the city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, boasting a rich history, an array of parks, excellent schools, and a thriving business sector.

The Torrance Police Department has been proudly serving the community of Torrance for over 100 years. Known for its low crime rates, the City of Torrance consistently ranks among the safest cities in the nation! Joining the Torrance Police Department will give you the opportunity to be part of a progressive, professional law enforcement agency that spans an area of almost 22 square miles and serves more than 147,000 residents. The Torrance Police Department strives to remain at the forefront of policing by providing our officers with the latest in public safety equipment and technology, and by providing our officers with the best law enforcement training available.

The Assistant Police Chief plans, organizes, directs, and manages the day-to-day operations and Police personnel. The Assistant Police Chief assists in the overall planning, organization, direction, and coordination of the Police Department operations and personnel utilizing a strategic planning approach to forecast future service for the protection of life and property, maintenance of peace and order, enforcement of laws, prevention of crime, apprehension and arrest of violators, and maintenance of jail facilities and police records.

The Police Department is seeking a strategic leader who is innovative, proactive, forward-thinking, and a team player who can make tough decisions. The Assistant Police Chief will have a record of success leading a division or bureau in a police agency where they had the opportunity to provide strong leadership, exceptional community service and engagement, innovation in police technology, and strong budgetary management skills. The ideal candidate will be passionate about policing, have an open and collaborative management style with superior communication skills, a strong belief in partnerships beyond policing, and an unwavering commitment to advancing community safety.

The Assistant Police Chief will be an effective manager, focused on best practices for accountability and policy development with the command presence and experience to build a culture of trust, respect, credibility, and confidence within the Department.

Salary Information: $17,120 - $22,689 - $26,093 per month + Benefits (Min) (Ref. Point) (Max) Appointments are typically made between the minimum and reference point depending on qualifications.

The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks!

What City Of Torrance employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply