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Police Accountability Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Huron Police Department

Police Officer

Huron, SD

Police ACCOUNTABLE TO: Captain/Sergeant PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION: Under the general, and occasional, direct supervision of the Patrol Sergeant, or Captain, is responsible for protecting the law ...

Huron Police Department

Police Officer

Huron, SD · On-site

Police ACCOUNTABLE TO: Captain/Sergeant PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION: Under the general, and occasional, direct supervision of the Patrol Sergeant, or Captain, is responsible for protecting the law ...

ACLU of Louisiana

Policy Strategist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Expertise and/or a willingness to learn all areas of our advocacy work is required - criminal legal reform, police accountability, immigration, and voting rights. Data analysis and visualization is ...

ACLU of Louisiana

Policy Strategist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Expertise and/or a willingness to learn all areas of our advocacy work is required - criminal legal reform, police accountability, immigration, and voting rights. Data analysis and visualization is ...

ACLU

Policy Strategist

New Orleans, LA · On-site +1

$116K - $150K/yr

Expertise and/or a willingness to learn all areas of our advocacy work is required - criminal legal reform, police accountability, immigration, and voting rights. Data analysis and visualization is ...

City of Chicago

ATTORNEY

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Attorney Civilian Office of Police Accountability Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval) Starting Salary: $90,144 This position is open to ...

Denver Police Department

DENVER POLICE OFFICER

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

The Denver Police Department (DPD) is recognized nationwide for advancing modern policing through professionalism, innovation, accountability, and strong community partnerships. DPD seeks applicants ...

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Police Accountability information

See salary details

$33.5K

$55.1K

$72K

How much do police accountability jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for police accountability in the United States is $55,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Police Accountability vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice AccountabilityPolice Officer
Required credentialsVaries; often includes knowledge of policies, ethics, and oversight proceduresHigh school diploma or equivalent; police academy certification
Work environmentOversight agencies, government offices, community organizationsLaw enforcement agencies, patrol areas, precincts
Employer and industry usageUsed in government oversight, civil rights, and community relationsUsed in law enforcement, public safety
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding roles in police oversight and reformLaw enforcement duties and responsibilities

Police Accountability focuses on monitoring and ensuring police conduct aligns with laws and policies, often working within oversight agencies. Police Officers are the frontline personnel responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public safety. While both roles are connected to law enforcement, they serve different functions within the criminal justice system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Police Accountability role, and why are they important?

To excel in a Police Accountability role, you need a background in criminal justice, public administration, or law, with strong analytical and investigative skills. Familiarity with case management systems, public records databases, and relevant legal or compliance certifications is often required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, impartiality, and conflict resolution abilities set top candidates apart in this field. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure transparent oversight, build public trust, and uphold ethical standards in law enforcement.

What is police accountability?

Police accountability refers to the processes and mechanisms that ensure law enforcement officers and agencies are held responsible for their actions, particularly in cases of misconduct or abuse of power. This includes internal affairs investigations, civilian oversight boards, use of body cameras, and legal proceedings. The goal is to promote transparency, build public trust, and ensure that police officers act within the law and uphold ethical standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in police accountability roles?

Professionals in police accountability often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal frameworks, managing sensitive community relations, and handling high-pressure situations involving allegations of misconduct. Balancing transparency with confidentiality is crucial, as is maintaining impartiality while investigating complaints. Additionally, these roles require strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and the public.
More about Police Accountability jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Accountability jobs? Cities with the most Police Accountability job openings:
What states have the most Police Accountability jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Accountability jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Accountability jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Accountability jobs are:
Police Accountability jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Accountability job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,123 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Office of Community-based Police Accountability (OCPA) Director (Director I) - Open Until Filled

City of Portland, OR

Portland, OR • On-site

$165K - $240K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Salary: $165,609.60 - $240,739.20 Annually
Location : City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave, OR
Job Type: At Will
Job Number: 2026-00440
Bureau: Office of Community-based Police Accountability
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The Position
Motus Recruiting and Staffing is proud to partner with the City of Portland in the search for the inaugural Director of the Office of Community-Based Police Accountability.
This recruitment is open until filled. Early submission is encouraged.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
How to apply: Please apply via the to submit your application for this opportunity.
Job Appointment: Full-Time, At Will
Job Location: City Hall 1221 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97204
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, in-person
Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position
Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for for qualifying employees.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY-BASED POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY (OCPA):
The Office of Community-Based Police Accountability (OCPA) is a newly established, independent oversight body created following voter-approved changes to the Portland City Charter and Code.
This office represents a significant evolution in how the City ensures accountability, transparency, and community-centered oversight of the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). OCPA operates independently to conduct investigations of sworn employees and supervisors thereof within the Portland Police Bureau, ensure fair and impartial review processes, and elevate community voice in accountability systems.
The office works in partnership with the Community Board for Police Accountability (CBPA), a volunteer governing body composed of community members, which holds decision-making authority regarding findings and discipline.
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a new public institution at the intersection of public service,justice, and community trust.
To learn more about the OCPA, visit their website:
OVERVIEW OF THE OCPA DIRECTOR:
The Director serves as the executive leader of OCPA and is responsible for establishing, leading, and sustaining a credible, independent police accountability system for the City of Portland.
This role combines institution-building, executive leadership, and public accountability. The Director will oversee all administrative and operational functions of the office, including staffing, investigations, community engagement, and policy development. They will work in close partnership with the CBPA while maintaining the independence and integrity of the office's work.
The Director must navigate a highly visible and politically complex environment, balancing the expectations of community members, City leadership, law enforcement, and labor organizations. This leader will be responsible for building trust across diverse stakeholders while ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly, thoroughly, and transparently.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OCPA DIRECTOR :
Leadership & Operations
  • Establish and lead the Office of Community-Based Police Accountability, including building systems, structures, and operational processes from the ground up
  • Plan, organize, and evaluate the work of professional and investigative staff, including complaint navigators and administrative personnel
  • Foster a workplace culture grounded in integrity, accountability, transparency, and employee well-being
  • Hire, develop, and retain a diverse, highly competent, and service-oriented team; to include hiring of complaint navigators to help complainants navigate their cases
  • Ensure staff are supported in conducting complex and sensitive investigations, while maintaining independence and objectivity

Investigations & Oversight
  • Ensure due process and procedural integrity by overseeing complex administrative investigations into police misconduct, applying rigorous legal and administrative standards to produce clear, defensible findings
  • Evaluate investigative quality and ensure findings meet legal, evidentiary, and administrative standards
  • Ensure investigations are conducted promptly, fairly, impartially, and in compliance with applicable laws and timelines
  • Review investigative findings and present recommendations to the Community Board for Police Accountability (CBPA)
  • Participates in and monitor Internal Affairs Division (IAD) investigations as appropriate
  • Identify trends in complaints and recommend policy or practice changes to improve policing outcomes
  • Will work within the oversight System to develop rules and procedures for receiving and processing complaints, conducting investigations, reporting of findings, conclusions and recommendations and taking of disciplinary action consistent with any binding disciplinary rules and applicable collective bargaining agreements or statewide standards

Strategy, Policy & Governance
  • Advise and support the CBPA by maintaining clear boundaries between decision and recommendation authority, while building trust through transparency, consistency, and role clarity.
  • Uphold governance boundaries while managing competing expectations from the CBPA Board, City leadership, and community stakeholders
  • Develop and implement strategic plans, annual work plans, and performance measures aligned with OCPA's mission
  • Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and operating protocols in accordance with City Code and Charter
  • Partner with the CBPA to support governance processes, including meeting facilitation, agenda setting, and reporting
  • In collaboration with the CBPA, assist in providing recommendations regarding police practices, policies, and directives to the Portland Police Bureau
  • Contribute to the evolution of the City's police accountability framework through data, policy analysis, and continuous improvement

Community Engagement & Public Accountability
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, particularly communities most impacted by policing
  • Conduct outreach, attend community meetings, and facilitate listening sessions to ensure community voice informs the work
  • Promote transparency through regular reporting, including public presentations, quarterly updates, and annual reviews
  • Serve as a public-facing leader, engaging with media, stakeholders, and City Council as needed
  • Create accessible, trauma-informed systems that support individuals navigating the complaint process
  • Ensure accessibility of the accountability process for diverse communities, including non-English speakers and historically underrepresented populations

Stakeholder & Political Navigation
  • Collaborate effectively with City leadership, legal counsel, law enforcement representatives, and labor organizations
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently from political, community, and law enforcement influence
  • The ability to resist external pressure while maintaining credibility and trust across all stakeholder groups
  • Communicate clearly and credibly in high-pressure, highly scrutinized environments
  • Ensure decisions are grounded in data, policy, and fairness, and can withstand external scrutiny and challenge

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:
The ideal candidate is a principled, resilient leader who can build trust, lead with integrity, and operate effectively in complex and highly visible environments.
  • Demonstrate unwavering integrity, objectivity, and commitment to fairness
  • Brings experience navigating politically sensitive or high-stakes environments with confidence and composure
  • Design and lead scalable accountability systems, including complaint tracking, data dashboards, and reporting tools, using data and feedback loops to drive policy, operational improvements, and long-term system evolution
  • Skilled at building and sustaining trust across diverse communities and stakeholders
  • A strong communicator who can clearly articulate decisions, even in moments of tension or disagreement
  • Leads with humility, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to listen and learn
  • Capable of making difficult decisions and standing by them under scrutiny
  • Experience publicly explaining complex or controversial decisions
  • Deeply committed to equity, anti-racism, and community-centered approaches
  • Demonstrate trauma-informed leadership with the ability to remain emotionally grounded,navigate sustained public scrutiny, and effectively manage conflict and criticism

To Qualify
Minimum Qualifications for the Director:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration, public policy, business administration, or a related field
  • Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience conducting, reviewing, or supervising investigations, oversight functions, or related work
  • Experience leading teams and managing complex organizational functions, including personnel and budget oversight
  • Experience directly navigating disciplinary outcomes within union or collective bargaining environments, including constraints impacting accountability decisions
  • Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and administrative processes
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues and develop sound, defensible recommendations
  • Experience working within or alongside public sector or government organizations, including high-scrutiny, politically complex environments
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively across diverse communities and stakeholders
  • Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in both written and verbal formats

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree in a related field
  • Experience in police accountability, civil rights, administrative investigations, or public oversight systems
  • Familiarity with labor relations, collective bargaining environments, and union dynamics

The Recruitment Process
Motus Recruiting and Staffing is leading this executive recruitment. To apply for this position, please visit
Have a question?
Contact Information:
Dreshawn Vance,
Motus VP of Executive Search
Additional Information
Click here for additional information regarding the following City of Portland Recruitment and Hiring polices:
  • City of Portland Core Values
  • Recruitment Process - Work Status
  • Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Veteran Preference
  • ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to
  • Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
  • Carrot Fertility
  • Wellness Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Retirement
  • Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
  • Family Medical Leave
  • City Paid Parental Leave
AND SO MANY MORE!
Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

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