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Chief Police Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

NV · On-site

$26.51 - $85/hr

About the Position This recruitment is limited to retired sworn police officers who are currently ... the Chief. Officers will be placed at Step 7 ($80,428) of the wage schedule and are eligible for ...

Chief Police information

See Nevada salary details

$33.6K

$126.7K

$204.2K

How much do chief police jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief police in Nevada is $126,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $148,700.00 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 are popular job titles related to Chief Police jobs in Nevada?

For Chief Police jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Nevada are hiring for Chief Police jobs?

Cities in Nevada with the most Chief Police job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Police job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,687 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer

City of North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas, NV • On-site

$28.86 - $48.66/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


City Of North Las Vegas rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

TO APPLY: www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com
Modified Entry Police Officer – Entry No Academy
 
Exciting Announcement! - We are offering up to $40,000 in HIRING BONUSES!
 
These include bonuses for Lateral Officers, Veterans, a Relocation Bonus, and an Employee Referral Bonus*. (*All subject to requirements and at the discretion of the hiring agency.)
 
 
For more information please click on these documents:
 
Police Officer Incentive Flyer
 
Lateral Bonus Information
 
Serve your community. Make a difference. Grow your career.  MEANINGFUL WORK awaits you here at the City of North Las Vegas. We serve one of the largest culturally diverse cities in the nation and our community continues to grow! If you value Accountability, Communication, and Teamwork then you are just the person we are looking for!
 
A Police Officer is an essential member of our team, we invite you to apply and help contribute to CNLV’S growing success! Please thoroughly review the information and selection process outlined below this announcement.
 
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
  • Submit a Complete Application – For your application to be considered, you MUST fully complete an online application by providing sufficient information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications, attach any documents as necessary, and answer ALL questions. Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this announcement and click “SUBMIT” at the end of your application.
  • Shift work required - This position supports an operation that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You must be able to work any shift (days, swings, or graveyard), and any day of the week, to including weekends, holidays, and overtime. Currently, the schedule consists of 10-hour shifts and are divided into two squads with days off being Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, or Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • Must successfully complete training program - Laterals will not have to complete a full academy, but are required to complete an advanced academy. Advanced academy consists of learning the departments policy and procedure, defensive tactics, firearms training, preparation for the POST Certification (if not an in-state lateral), along with other training. Field training is broken down into four phases throughout 18 weeks. *Failure to successfully complete the eighteen (18) month probationary requirements will result in immediate termination. 
  • Pay Considerations – The starting hourly pay for this position is $28.86 (step 1). The selected candidate for this position starting salary is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. An increase in starting pay may be evaluated by years of service and approved by the Chief. Existing employees will receive increases as outlined by their bargaining agreement.                                                                                                                      
  
THE ROLE
This LATERAL POLICE OFFICER position is designed for officers that are CURRENTLY employed with another agency AND have a Category I Nevada POST Certificate OR are currently employed as a Police Officer in one of the states listed on the Nevada P.O.S.T. website. To view these states, please visit: https://post.nv.gov/Training/Reciprocity/
 
A copy of the applicant’s current and valid Peace Officer Certification certificate MUST be scanned and attached to the on-line application.
 
Under direct supervision of chain of command, this position is responsible for the performance of professional police work in preserving and protecting public peace and safety, protecting life and preventing crime through proper enforcement of the law.
 
The full job description can be found here: Police Officer Job Description


Check out some of our benefits here: CNLV Benefits Flyer

Qualifications - External

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED at time of filing.
  • U.S. citizen.  
  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
Other Conditions of Employment

  • Minimum of two (2) years of current, continuous uninterrupted service with a law enforcement agency in the performance of duties directly related to Category I Nevada POST standards at time of application.
  • Applicant shall possess a valid Category I (Police Officer) Nevada Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificate or valid equivalent Peace Officer Certificate from one of the above listed states. A copy of the applicant’s current and valid Nevada POST Category I certificate or equivalent MUST be attached to the online application
  • Character above reproach pursuant to NRS 289.555 and NAC289.110. 
  • No person will be eligible for employment as a Police Officer who has been convicted of any crime for which the applicant is required to register and/or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence including use/attempted use of physical force.
  • All personnel must reside in the greater Las Vegas Metropolitan area, such as North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, or the City of Las Vegas, unless authorized by the Chief of Police. 
  • Valid Nevada Class C driver’s license at time of hire with satisfactory driving record.
Licenses and Certifications
  • Must possess a valid and current state driver's license at time of application. Must possess a valid and current NV state driver's license at time of hire and maintain satisfactory motor vehicle record for duration of employment.
Out of state applicant’s additional requirements: 
  • MUST pass a Nevada POST approved Physical Agility Test after hire.
  • MUST pass an 80 hour on-line Reciprocity certification training program after hire.
  • MUST pass Nevada POST written state certification examination after hire.
  • Peace Officer Certification MUST be current and no prior suspensions or revocations.
SELECTION PROCESS
  • Complete online application - Interested candidates MUST submit a completed application through the City’s application system. Evaluation of meeting requirements will be made solely on information provided on the application and any required attachments.
  • Physical Fitness Test
  • Conditional Offer Letter
  • Pre-Employment Screening –Background Screening/Investigation Includes an extensive background check, polygraph/CVSA examination, medical/drug screen exam, and a psychological evaluation. All top scoring candidates must pass the Background Investigation in order to move forward in the process. Applicants who proceed in the selection process will be required to complete an extensive police background. Among other items, the following are disqualifying behaviors:
  • Any felony conviction.
  • Any domestic violence conviction.
  • Gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
  • Although there have been recent changes to laws regarding the legal possession and consumption of marijuana, the City of North Las Vegas will continue to adhere to its professional standards and guidelines as it relates to recent and continuous use of the drug.
  • Psychological and Medical Evaluations
  •  Official Offers
 
The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the candidate requiring accommodation to contact the Human Resources Department (preferably in writing) at the time of application.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this position or the selection process, please contact:

Website: www.JoinNLVPD.com
Email: JoinNLVPD@cityofnorthlasvegas.com
Phone: 702-633-2255 or 702-633-1755  
Facebook: @NLVPD
Instagram: @nlvpdrecruiting
Twitter: @NLVPD
YouTube: North Las Vegas Police Department
 
For Internal referrals please reach out to:
Human Resources: recruitment@cityofnorthlasvegas.com
Phone: 702-633-1500

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