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Full Time Police Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spokane Airport

Police Chief

Spokane, WA · On-site

$101K - $143K/yr

Airport Dr., Ste 204, Spokane, WA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 2026-0026 Department: Police ... The police chief is responsible for the enforcement of laws and security regulations; traffic ...

City of Onalaska, WI

Assistant Police Chief

Onalaska, WI · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

CITY HALL, 415 Main St., Onalaska, WI Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-00029 Department: Police ... The Assistant Chief will be held accountable for the accomplishments of the Onalaska Police ...

City of Statesboro, GA

Police Chief

Statesboro, GA · On-site

Statesboro, GA Job Type: Full-Time Department: Police Department Opening Date: 07/07/2026 Closing ... Statesboro's next Chief of Police is a resilient and compassionate law enforcement professional who ...

Statesboro, City of (GA)

Police Chief

Statesboro, GA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Statesboro's annual FY2027 budget of $111.3M supports a dedicated workforce of 360 full-time ... The Chief of Police develops and manages the department's $13M budget and leads the department ...

Spokane Airport

Police Chief

Spokane, WA · On-site

$101K - $143K/yr

Three years of law enforcement management experience, serving in positions such as a Chief, Assistant Chief, Major or Captain in a professional police department with full-time, paid officers, and ...

City of Redmond, WA

Deputy Police Chief

Redmond, WA · On-site

$198K - $244K/yr

Regular, Full-time Job Number: 2600070 Department: Police Division: POLICE Opening Date: 06/10/2026 ... The Deputy Police Chief provides direction and oversight of operations and staff for assigned ...

City of Annapolis, MD

Police Chief (E5)

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$142K - $224K/yr

Annapolis Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202600280 Department: Law Enforcement Division: Police ... The Police Chief will lead a team of sworn and civilian personnel, promoting a culture of ...

City of La Palma, CA

Police Chief

La Palma, CA · On-site

$170K - $228K/yr

La Palma, CA Job Type: Full time Job Number: 2026-0010 Department: Police Department Opening Date ... EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT/EXEMPT The Police Chief plans, organizes, directs and controls all divisions ...

CITY OF STERLING

Police Cadet

Sterling, CO

$2.6K/wk

... Police Chief, the Police Cadet will be expected to assist in the following duties as part of their academy training: Training and Academy Attendance Attend a certified Police Academy full-time, ...

City of Sterling, CO

Police Cadet

Sterling, CO · On-site

$62K/yr

... Police Chief, the Police Cadet will be expected to assist in the following duties as part of their academy training: Training and Academy Attendance Attend a certified Police Academy full-time, ...

Carlow University

Chief of Police

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

The Chief of Police is responsible for working with the campus community to maintain a safe ... full-time police officers and police communication officers. * Ability to operate departmental ...

Carlow University

Chief of Police

Pittsburgh, PA

The Chief of Police is responsible for working with the campus community to maintain a safe ... full-time police officers and police communication officers. * Ability to operate departmental ...

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Full Time Police Chief information

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do full time police chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time police chief 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 Full Time Police Chief vs Part Time Police Chief?

AspectFull Time Police ChiefPart Time Police Chief
Work HoursTypically 40+ hours per weekFewer hours, often part-time schedule
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire police department, strategic planningHandles specific duties, limited oversight
CertificationsRequired law enforcement certifications, leadership experienceSame certifications, but less extensive experience often acceptable
Work EnvironmentFull-time department leadership rolePart-time, often supplementary role

The main difference between a Full Time Police Chief and a Part Time Police Chief lies in work hours, responsibilities, and commitment level. Full Time Police Chiefs serve as the primary leader of the department with full-time hours and comprehensive oversight, while Part Time Police Chiefs typically handle specific duties with limited hours. Both roles require similar certifications and experience, but the scope and time commitment vary significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Police Chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Police Chief, you need extensive law enforcement experience, a thorough understanding of criminal justice, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, crime analysis software, and advanced incident reporting tools is often required, along with certifications such as POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training). Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help a Police Chief effectively manage officers and engage with the community. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective department operations, maintaining public trust, and leading a safe, community-focused police force.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Full Time Police Chief?

A Full Time Police Chief is the highest-ranking officer in a police department, responsible for overseeing all operations and administration. Their duties include setting departmental policies, managing personnel, ensuring public safety, and working with local government officials. They also develop crime prevention strategies, handle budgeting, and represent the department to the community and media. The Police Chief plays a crucial leadership role in shaping the department's culture and effectiveness.

What are some common challenges faced by a Full Time Police Chief in leading a law enforcement department?

A Full Time Police Chief often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with community engagement, managing departmental resources within budget constraints, and fostering positive relationships between officers and the community. Chiefs must also address personnel issues, implement new policies or procedures, and ensure ongoing training to keep up with evolving law enforcement standards. Effective communication and leadership skills are crucial, as the Chief sets the tone for departmental culture and public trust.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Police Chief jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Police Chief job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Chief jobs? The most popular types of Police Chief jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Police Chief jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Police Chief jobs include:
Full Time Police Chief jobs near you

Police Chief

City of Port Washington, WI

Port Washington, WI • On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 Annually
Location : Police Department, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Police
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Summary
The Police Chief serves as the administrative and operational leader of the Police Department for the City of Port Washington. This position is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing all police services, law enforcement activities, crime prevention programs, departmental operations, personnel administration, budgeting, training, and community relations. The Police Chief works closely with municipal leadership, community organizations, school district, neighboring agencies, and the public to ensure effective public safety services and maintain community trust.
The Police Chief is expected to be a hands-on leader who actively participates in department operations, problem-solving, and community engagement while managing limited staffing and resources efficiently.
The Police Chief is appointed by the Police and Fire Commission pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 62.13 and serves an indefinite term during good behavior.
Example of Duties
  • Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates all operations and activities of the Police Department.
  • Provides leadership and supervision to sworn officers, civilian staff, and department personnel.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, goals, and operational standards in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
  • Oversees and participates in patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, evidence handling, and community policing efforts.
  • Ensures compliance with Wisconsin law enforcement standards, accreditation requirements, training mandates, and departmental policies.
  • Prepares and administers the department budget, including capital equipment planning and grant opportunities.
  • Oversees hiring, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, discipline, and professional development of department personnel.
  • Encourages and supports employees attending professional training programs to share acquired knowledge and skills with department personnel through a train-the-trainer approach.
  • Fosters and maintains strong collaborative relationships with Police, Fire, and the Sherriff's office.
  • Serves as liaison to elected officials, municipal administration, fire, schools, county agencies, and regional law enforcement partners.
  • Serves as the department liaison to local schools, fostering positive relationships, communication, and collaboration on school safety and community initiatives.
  • Responds to major incidents, emergencies, critical events, and public safety concerns as needed.
  • Coordinates internal investigations involving department personnel.
  • Maintains department records, reports, statistics, and compliance documentation.
  • Oversees department equipment, fleet management, technology systems, and facility operations.
  • Promotes positive community relations through visibility, public engagement, educational programs, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Attends Common Council, committee, and community meetings as required.
  • Coordinates emergency management and disaster preparedness efforts with other agencies and departments.
  • Leads emergency management for the City.
  • Ensures proper enforcement of laws and ordinances while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support public safety operations and municipal objectives.

Minimum Qualifications
  • assigned to support public safety operations and municipal objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY:
  • Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, and administration.
  • Knowledge of criminal law, constitutional law, municipal ordinances, and law enforcement standards.
  • Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, and evaluate personnel.
  • Strong leadership, communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively during emergencies and critical incidents.
  • Knowledge of budgeting, records management, policy development, and labor relations practices.
  • Strong community engagement and public relations skills.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive situations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, law enforcement, or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and significant command-level experience. Candidates must possess extensive, progressively responsible law enforcement experience demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of patrol operations, investigations, community policing, personnel management, budgeting, training, policy development, labor relations, and organizational leadership.
  • Progressive law enforcement experience including supervisory and command-level responsibilities.
  • Certification as a law enforcement officer by the State of Wisconsin or ability to obtain certification.
  • Valid Wisconsin driver's license required.
  • Successful completion of background investigation, psychological evaluation, and other pre-employment requirements as applicable.
  • Minimum of 5 years in supervisory role.
  • Resident of Port Washington or within 12 months of hire

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more, please view our.

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