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Civilian Police Commander Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POLICE OFFICER

Bangor, ME · On-site +1

$52K - $68K/yr

As directed, acts as the on-scene commander for significant and catastrophic events. Performs ... As required, coordinates with civilian police, fire, rescue and emergency units for assistance.

POLICE CAPTAIN

Stamford, CT · On-site

$146K/yr

Assumes primary command responsibility as required at major incidents. Supervises Lieutenants, Sergeants, Police Officers, and civilian personnel within area of responsibility. Responsible for the ...

POLICE CAPTAIN

Washington, CT · On-site

$146K/yr

Assumes primary command responsibility as required at major incidents. * Supervises Lieutenants, Sergeants, Police Officers, and civilian personnel within area of responsibility. * Responsible for ...

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Civilian Police Commander information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do civilian police commander jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian police commander in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a civilian police commander?

Civilian Police Commanders are senior leaders within a civilian police force, responsible for overseeing police operations, managing personnel, and implementing law enforcement policies. They coordinate major initiatives, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and often serve as a key liaison between the police department, government officials, and the public. Civilian Police Commanders play a crucial role in maintaining public safety, setting departmental priorities, and guiding the strategic direction of their teams. Their duties may include supervising investigations, allocating resources, and representing the department in community meetings.

What are the typical challenges faced by a civilian police commander when managing large teams in diverse communities?

A Civilian Police Commander often encounters challenges such as balancing resource allocation across multiple units, ensuring effective communication within a large team, and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities. Building trust with the public, maintaining high morale among officers, and navigating complex incidents or crises also require strong leadership and adaptability. Commanders must frequently collaborate with other departments and community organizations to develop strategies that promote safety and inclusivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civilian police commander, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civilian Police Commander, you need leadership experience, in-depth knowledge of law enforcement practices, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, crime data analysis tools, and incident reporting software is often required. Excellent decision-making, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills set standout commanders apart. These abilities are crucial for maintaining public safety, ensuring effective team performance, and fostering community trust.

What is the difference between Civilian Police Commander vs Police Sergeant?

AspectCivilian Police CommanderPolice Sergeant
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; specialized trainingHigh school diploma or GED; law enforcement training and experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, community outreach, planning rolesOn-duty patrol, supervising officers, field operations
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, government departmentsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

The Civilian Police Commander generally focuses on administrative, planning, and community engagement roles, often requiring higher education and specialized training. In contrast, a Police Sergeant is a supervisory officer actively involved in field operations and direct law enforcement activities. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Civilian Police Commander jobs?

For Civilian Police Commander jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Civilian Police Commander job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, and 49% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Graduate

Hercules, CA • On-site

City of Hercules
51 - 200 employees

$117K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Definition Serve. Protect. Make a Real Difference.

Step into a role where every day counts. As a Police Officer with the Hercules Police Department, you'll protect lives, uphold the law, and build trust within a diverse and growing community. From patrol to investigations and specialized units like traffic or the Special Response Team, you'll take on meaningful work that matters-backed by strong leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to the Hercules community.

Whether you're starting your law enforcement career or looking for a department where you can grow, Hercules Police Department offers the opportunity to do meaningful work with purpose and pride. POLICE OFFICER Performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony, and providing information and assistance to the public; performs related work as assigned. This is the first working level in law enforcement, performing all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations.

Incumbents may be assigned to patrol, traffic, detective, juvenile crime prevention, Special Response Team, or other police-related functions. This class is distinguished from uniformed civilian police-related classes by designation and the responsibilities and authorities associated with designations as a sworn peace officer under the laws of the State. It is further distinguished from the Police Sergeant, which both supervises and participates in law enforcement activities.

APPLICATION PROCESS Please note that this is not an entry level police officer position. Please see our job opening for Police Officer Trainee if you are not currently enrolled in or recently graduated from the police academy. 1.

Submit a completed City of Hercules application online. 2. All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, and only those candidates demonstrating the strongest qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in a panel interview.

3. Candidates that pass the panel interview will be subject to an extensive background examination including a polygraph test, psychological exam, and physical. 4.

Once testing is complete the Chief of Police shall review the background and post-conditional offer assessments and make the final determination as to whether a formal job offer is to be made. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives supervision from the Police Officer designated as an Officer-In-Charge, Police Sergeant, Police Commander, Police Chief, or their designees. Essential Functions Patrols assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property, observe situations, and deter crime by providing high visibility; notes and reports unsafe conditions.

Responds to, and investigates, unusual or suspicious activities, responds to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Directs traffic, and investigates traffic accidents. Enforces state, local, and federal laws and ordinances, issues verbal warnings and citations to violators, analyzes facts, clues and evidence and makes investigations to determine law violators.

Makes arrests, serves subpoenas and warrants, transports prisoners, and interviews suspects. Prepares evidence and appears in court to give testimony. Searches for stolen property and missing persons.

Gives information to the public regarding laws, ordinances, traffic safety, directions and available public services. Operates computers, radios, and other communication equipment. Carries and uses a firearm and other appropriate defensive weaponry.

Protects the life, property, public order and constitutional rights of all citizens. Adheres to the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. Investigates juvenile and designated adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective coordinates crime science control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations, identification of witnesses, overseeing collection and preservation of physical evidence.

Restores order, protects life and property, and maintains the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations. Prepares and documents cases, writes daily reports, completes reports and records, and prepares and maintains other logs and records. Participates in special details and assignments, including the Special Response Team, investigations, and related activities; may serve as field training officer.

Provides emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons and requests additional response. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.

Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic level under hostile and emergency situations. Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work. First Aid and CPR.

Ability to: Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and fact of incidents. Analyze problems and situations accurately and adopt a quick, effective, and responsible course of action in emergency or stressful situations. Establish and maintain positive business and community relationships.

Read and understand departmental policies and rules. Read, interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies. Make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.

Prepare clear and concise reports, records and other written materials. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Learn the principles, practices, procedures, laws and ordinances, terminology and operations of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation.

Write reports. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Atypical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities listed above would be: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Volunteer or paid experience in a law enforcement support area and college level course work in criminology, law enforcement or police science is desirable. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship Requirement: Be a United States Citizen (or resident alien with application for citizenship in progress). General Requirements: Be a high school graduate, or GED equivalent.

Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment. Possess a valid California driver's license (at time of appointment) and a good driving record. Must be able to obtain required P.O.S.T

certification and maintain firearms qualification. Proof of eligibility of P.O.S.T. SB2 compliance

Lateral Entry: Must meet the general requirements above and be a graduate of a P.O.S.T. approved academy or have a P.O.S.T. basic certificate

Physical Requirements: Have normal color vision. Have vision of not less than 20/30 (corrected in each eye). Possess satisfactory hearing capabilities.

Be free of disabling physical conditions or diseases that interfere with police work. Be emotionally stable and mature. Possess strength and physical ability necessary to perform the duties of a Police Officer.

Additional Information WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Demands: Continuous sitting while driving a patrol vehicle and/or writing reports; occasional standing on uneven or wet surfaces; walking in and out doors on uneven or hilly terrain; lifting items weighing over 100 lbs, including human bodies; continuous wearing of duty belt (approx 15 lbs); frequent bending, stooping, pulling, pushing, climbing, running, driving. Environmental Conditions: Working both indoors and out; exposure to noise and vibration, dust and fumes. Exposure to hazards associated with the duties of a police officer.

Note: Accommodations may be made for some of the essential functions / requirements listed for qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation, due to a qualified disability. FOR MORE INFORMATION regarding this recruitment, please contact Commander Dwayne Collard at dcollard@herculesca.gov The City reserves the right to close the recruitment prior to the posted closing date.