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Chief Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Chief The Police Chief plans, directs, and coordinates the activities and operations of the department. The work involves responsibility for the protection of lives and property in the ...

General POLICE CHIEF CONYNGHAM BOROUGH is seeking applications for the position of Chief of Police. The candidate should have a minimum of ten years supervisory and law enforcement experience and an ...

$137K - $223K/yr

The Police Chief serves as the chief law enforcement executive for the City of Lauderhill and is responsible for providing strategic vision, organizational leadership, and policy direction to ensure ...

Police Chief

Arcadia, CA

$239K - $298K/yr

The Police Chief will lead a team of forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. The Department's diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and ...

Police Chief

Arcadia, CA ยท On-site

$239K - $298K/yr

The Police Chief will lead a team of forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. The Department's diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and ...

Police Chief

Lauderhill, FL ยท On-site

$137K - $223K/yr

The Police Chief serves as the chief law enforcement executive for the City of Lauderhill and is responsible for providing strategic vision, organizational leadership, and policy direction to ensure ...

Police Chief

Hardin, MT ยท On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Police Chief DEPARTMENT: Hardin Police Department ACCOUNTABLE TO: Mayor SUMMARY OF WORK: The Police Chief is responsible for the general operation and supervision of the Police Department which ...

Police Chief DEPARTMENT: Hardin Police Department ACCOUNTABLE TO: Mayor SUMMARY OF WORK: The Police Chief is responsible for the general operation and supervision of the Police Department which ...

Chief Of Police

Waco, TX ยท On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Chief Of Police Connally Independent School District Connally ISD - Waco, Texas JOB TITLE: Chief of Police WAGE/HOUR: Exempt/Professional REPORTS TO: Superintendent PAY GRADE: 5 / $75,095 - $104,981 ...

Police Chief

Hardin, MT ยท On-site

Police Chief DEPARTMENT: Hardin Police Department ACCOUNTABLE TO: Mayor SUMMARY OF WORK: The Police Chief is responsible for the general operation and supervision of the Police Department which ...

Police Chief

Grand Prairie, TX ยท On-site

$200K/yr

Police Chief Opportunity in Cedar Hill The City of Cedar Hill, proudly known as "The Natural Heart of the Metroplex," is seeking a Police Chief to join our City family. This leader will guide our ...

Police Chief

Cedar Hill, TX ยท On-site

$200K/yr

Police Opening Date: 05/11/2026 Why This Role is Valuable The City of Cedar Hill, proudly known as "The Natural Heart of the Metroplex," is seeking a Police Chief to join our City family. This leader ...

The Chief of Police provides direction and guidance in alignment with departmental and University mission and values, serving as the framework by which all security activities, patrol operations ...

The Chief of Police manages a 24/7/365 operation that includes Patrol, Administration, Investigations, Emergency Management, and the UCI Health Public Safety Division. The Chief represents the Police ...

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Chief Police information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief police jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief police in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Chief Police jobs? Cities with the most Chief Police job openings:
What states have the most Chief Police jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Police jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chief Police job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.
Police Chief

Police Chief

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill, MO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Police Chief

The Police Chief plans, directs, and coordinates the activities and operations of the department. The work involves responsibility for the protection of lives and property in the community through supervision of all police functions. Work involves the efficient operation of the Police Department through control of activities and by taking measures to prevent crime and to protect lives and property of the public through the planning of activities and the training, assignment, supervision and the discipline of all department members. The position also develops strategic long-range plans; requests and administers the department's annual budget; and reviews and assigns staff resources as needed to achieve program and service objectives. In addition to departmental leadership and overseeing daily operations, the Chief is an integral part of the City's leadership team. The Chief will be expected to work collaboratively with multiple departments in order to see the City's vision into reality. The Chief will be expected to engage regularly with citizens, staff, elected and sometimes appointed leadership, as well as other agencies and departments.

Other Duties:

  • Consults with the City Administrator in development and implementation of City ordinances and law enforcement policies and programs
  • Plans and supervises the enforcement of traffic and safety regulations and crime prevention and detection activities
  • Supervises the preparation of court cases and appears in court sessions as requested
  • Responsible for the coordination of police training measures
  • Cooperates with federal, state, and other local officers in the apprehension and detention of wanted persons and with other agencies where activities of the Police Department are involved
  • Supervises programs directed toward juvenile offenders
  • Prepares a complete report each year of the financial and operational requirements of the department
  • Effectively communicates and maintains a positive working relationship with both internal and external stakeholders
  • When necessary, ensures capital projects are executed and completed

Ideal Candidate: At the City of Pleasant Hill, we value authentic leadership. The ideal candidate is humble and self-aware, capable of making sound decisions, can delegate effectively and still deliver the most relevant information to City leadership, is articulate, and is a team-player for the City as a whole. The selected individual will be able to articulate the needs of the department and the impact of decisions while maintaining a commitment to all City operations. The selected candidate will need to maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with all members of the City's leadership team, regional law enforcement partners, and community organizations. Candidates for this position should feel comfortable leading by example and having a passion to lead the department in making community connections, building upon the relationships with residents, business owners, and visitors. The successful candidate must embrace a willingness to be open and transparent. The successful candidate should be approachable, personable and must value integrity and have a strong commitment to ethics in their personal and professional life.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The position must possess the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of police administration, police methods and management
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and accepted good practices and procedures as applied to the areas of patrol, traffic control, criminal investigation, crime prevention, rules of evidence, the rights of suspects, and accused persons and the citizen's right to privacy
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Pleasant Hill's demographic and topographic configuration and its law enforcement needs
  • Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal statutes, and laws.
  • Considerable knowledge of the principles of personnel management.
  • Ability to establish programs and priorities and to pursue objectives
  • Ability to evaluate program effectiveness
  • Knowledge of the use of police records and their application to Police Administration
  • Ability to act decisively and effectively in emergency situations
  • Ability to actively command field operations
  • Ability to give effective oral presentations and quality written communication skills
  • Ability to interact effectively with elected officials, other department heads, other law enforcement officials, and the general public
  • Ability to prepare, justify, and administer a department budget
  • Knowledge of the types and uses of firearms, communications and automotive equipment in modern police work
  • Ability to plan, lay out and supervise the work of subordinates performing police activities and to develop proper training and instructional procedures for those employees, and to maintain a high level of discipline and morale
  • Must possess the physical ability of a police officer, including the ability to restrain violent persons when called on to do so.

Education and Experience: Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ten (10) years of law enforcement experience, with five (5) years of law enforcement supervision as a police chief, assistant police chief, captain, lieutenant, sergeant, or equivalent
  • Missouri POST requirements established by Missouri State Statutes
  • Valid driver's license and a good driving record
  • Be able to undergo and pass a physical, medical, and psychological examination, including a drug screening, and a background check

While residency within the city limits is not a requirement, it is strongly encouraged. The selected candidate must have the ability to respond within a timely manner. Preferred Qualifications:

  • Fifteen (15) years of law enforcement experience, with five (5) years of supervisory experience
  • Supervisory experience with a similar or larger size department
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Criminal Justice or other related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $78,340 - $112,803. The City provides a generous benefit program including health, dental, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, and paid vacation and sick leave. In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City provides a LAGERS L-6 retirement plan which does not require any employee contributions.