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Chief Police Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reserve Police Officer

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$45.52 - $55.33/hr

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Baldwin Park Police Department consists of 70 sworn personnel , including the Police Chief, Police Captain, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Police Officers, as well as 36 ...

KISD Chief of Police

San Jacinto, CA · On-site

$95 - $150/hr

Chief of Police Exemption Status / Test: Exempt / Executive Reports to: Superintendent Dept. / School: Police Department / District Primary Purpose Direct and manage District Police Department.

Police Captain

South Pasadena, CA · On-site

$161K - $216K/yr

In the absence of the Chief of Police, the Captain assumes Departmental command by acting as Chief of Police. The Captain assists in establishing objectives for and maintaining general charge of ...

Police Cadet

La Verne, CA · On-site

$17.23 - $19.95/hr

Police Department Opening Date: 08/12/2026 Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description ... Chief's interview * Background investigation and criminal-history review * Medical examination and ...

Police Cadet

La Verne, CA

$17.23 - $19.95/hr

La Verne Police Department Recruitment Timeline Application Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026 ... Application review Physical Agility Test Written exercise or examination Oral panel interview Chief ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chief Police information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$122.8K

$197.9K

How much do chief police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief police in California is $122,780.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,800.00 and $144,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief police?

A Chief Police, often referred to as Chief of Police, is the highest-ranking officer in a police department. They are responsible for overseeing all police operations, managing department personnel, developing policies, and ensuring public safety within their jurisdiction. Chiefs of Police often work closely with city officials and community leaders to address crime, allocate resources, and implement law enforcement strategies. Their leadership is key to maintaining order and fostering trust between the police force and the community.

What does a police chief do?

A police chief oversees the police department they serve. As a police chief, your responsibilities and duties include testing, training, and evaluating officers, assigning promotions, delegating casework, and conducting administrative duties. You also assess the overall success of your department in keeping the community safe and make necessary changes to maximize efficiency. You function as a tactical leader, people manager, and public liaison for the department. You must have several years experience in the field conducting patrols and investigations to gain the skills needed for this role.

What are some of the main challenges a chief police faces in managing a modern police department?

As a Chief Police, you will encounter the challenge of balancing operational demands with administrative responsibilities, such as budget management and policy development. Keeping up with evolving laws, technology, and community expectations requires ongoing training and adaptability. Additionally, fostering a positive department culture and maintaining public trust while ensuring officer wellness are key challenges. Collaboration with local government, other agencies, and the public is frequent and essential for effective leadership.

What is the difference between Chief Police vs Police Captain?

AspectChief PolicePolice Captain
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement training, leadership experienceHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees entire police department, strategic planningManages police precincts or units, supervises officers
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal or state police departmentsMunicipal police departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership role, department oversightMid-level management, precinct supervision

The main difference between a Chief Police and a Police Captain is that the Chief Police holds the top leadership position overseeing the entire police department, focusing on strategic planning and policy. The Police Captain manages specific precincts or units within the department, supervising officers and implementing policies. Both roles require law enforcement experience and leadership skills, but the Chief Police has broader responsibilities and authority.

What job categories do people searching Chief Police jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Police jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Chief Police jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chief Police job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Police job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,780 per year, or $59 per hour.

Reserve Police Officer

Baldwin Park, CA • On-site

City of Baldwin Park
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees

$45.52 - $55.33/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY RESERVE POLICE OFFICER HOURLY RATE: $45.52 - $55.33 THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL ONE (1) PART-TIME VACANCY IN THE BALDWIN PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Baldwin Park Police Department consists of 70 sworn personnel, including the Police Chief, Police Captain, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Police Officers, as well as 36 professional staff members. THE POSITION Under general supervision, the Reserve Police Officer assists the Patrol, Administration, and Investigations Divisions in enforcing laws, preventing crime, and protecting life and property

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Perform the duties of a Police Officer on field patrol, such as protect life and property, and other related duties authorized by their P.O.S.T designated reserve level. Perform special details, including emergency occurrences, parade duty, seasonal events, concerts, and sporting events. Operate police vehicles, including radio and emergency equipment, tools, and weapons assigned to the vehicle

Transport prisoners to other facilities or courthouses. Prepare handwritten and computer-generated police crime and activity reports suitable for legal proceedings and public review. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Must be able to maintain qualification for handgun, rifle, and bean-bag shotgun as required by department regulations.

Knowledge of basic principles of law. Ability to operate firearms and other modern police equipment. Ability to properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with Federal, State, and Local policies, laws, regulations, and procedures particularly with reference to apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, evidence and records maintenance, and traffic control.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES: Must possess current California P.O.S.T. LEVEL I or II Reserve Officer Certificate. Certificate must be attached to application at time of filing

Must have a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record. One (1) year of experience working with the public. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Must possess the ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Position requires prolonged sitting and regular standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents.

Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Applications must be submitted online.

Employment application and supplemental questions must be completed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a city application. Applicants must be specific in describing their qualifications for this position.

Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. If you submit multiple applications, only the most recent application will be considered.

Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the job announcement. Applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements and needs of the city, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Copies of the required certifications must be submitted with the application.

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure continuing in the recruitment process. The selection process may include a written examination, a panel interview and other testing processes designated to predict successful job performance. It is the applicant's responsibility to notify Human Resources of any changes to their contact information.

THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Baldwin Park is committed to promoting equal employment opportunity to all without regard to political affiliation or opinion, age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, marital status, disability, medical condition, gender, pregnancy, or pregnancy related condition. Please note: If you require an accommodation during the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract for employment.

Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The City of Baldwin Park is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted.

LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires all new hire employees to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States within three (3) business days beginning with the first day of work. The City is legally prohibited from employing anyone who cannot provide such verification or documentation. PROVISIONS The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Baldwin Park utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization. City of Baldwin Park (626) 960-4011.