Police Captain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $161,328.00 - $216,192.00 Annually
Location : Police Department - 1422 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2627-002
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Position Overview
First Review of Applications: July 27, 2026
The recruitment is open until filled and subject to closure at any time.
The City of South Pasadena is committed to fostering a culture of Collaboration, Accountability, Courage, Ownership, Professionalism, and Service Excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate these values in their work and interactions with colleagues and the community.
Under the general administrative direction of the Chief of Police, the Captain plans, directs supervises, and coordinates the activities of a division of the Police Department. In the absence of the Chief of Police, the Captain assumes Departmental command by acting as Chief of Police. The Captain assists in establishing objectives for and maintaining general charge of services related to division functions. The Captain will manage, determine, and take corrective action when necessary, provide complex staff assistance to the Chief of Police, and perform other related duties as assigned.
Duties & Responsibilities
This is a Police Department division command position with responsibility for assisting with overseeing the City's daily law enforcement functions. Specific to the day-to-day responsibility of supervising the major functions of the Police Department, the Captain will command one of two divisions of the Department: Operations (patrol) and Support Services (detective/administration). In addition to these commands, the Captain provides staff support to the Office of the Chief of Police. These duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates the activities of a major division of the Police Department. Assigns and supervises work of the Sergeants and through them the work of subordinate personnel, sworn and non-sworn.
• Assures uniform, efficient, and consistent application of City and Police Department policies and procedures.
• Conducts research and staff studies into a variety of law enforcement and administrative issues.
• Recommends and/or reviews Department policy and procedure, City rules, resolutions, and ordinances.
• Prepares administrative reports. Responds to correspondence and informational requests.
• Ensures implementation of practices which comply with adopted policies, laws, and regulations.
• Meets and consults with City management staff, other City employees, the public, legal advisors, other law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations.
• Provides complex staff assistance to the Chief of Police.
• Makes presentations to the City Council, committees, commissions, and the Chief of Police on matters related to a wide variety of police services, activities, and programs.
• Meets with members of the public and members of citizen groups to explain City policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Responds to and resolves difficult police service related problems and questions.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the Department's budget.
• Directs and forecasts additional funding needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and other supplies.
• Monitors and approves expenditures.
• Prepares operational and administrative schedules according to the need for law enforcement services.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for various divisions of the Department, including patrol, traffic, detective, juvenile, records, communications, Police Dispatchers, and Cadets.
• Prepares contracts and monitors contract services.
• Collects and analyzes statistical data and assists in the preparation of comprehensive reports on departmental activities and accomplishments.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates staff.
• Prepares and presents employee performance reviews.
• Provides and/or coordinates staff training.
• Works with employees to correct deficiencies
• Recommends, implements and enforces discipline procedures and processes.
• Supervises and conducts investigations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. At least four years of increasingly responsible law enforcement experience comparable to that of a middle management position and possession of a P.O.S.T. Supervisory Certificate. Completion of a POST management course or possession of a POST Management certificate is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:

• Modern law enforcement principles, procedures, practices, and techniques.
• Causes, prevention, and control of crime, traffic issues, and delinquency.
• Rules of evidence.
• Civil rights of citizens and arrestees.
• Laws pertaining to search, seizure, and arrest.
• Court and criminal justice system procedures.
• Public relations techniques.
• Interagency communication techniques and practices.
• Municipal organization, administration, and government.
• Principles and practices of police administration.
• Patrol methods.
• Criminal investigation and identification techniques.
• Geography and demographics of the City, including unique law enforcement needs and challenges.
• Applicable Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and City Code provisions.
• City personnel rules, administrative policies, and procedures.
• Principles of supervision and management.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement comprehensive plans to meet Department needs.
• Interpret and explain applicable laws, regulations, rules, and City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Effectively supervise, train, and evaluate sworn and non-sworn personnel.
• Think clearly and act decisively in emergency situations.
• Exercise sound judgment and restraint.
• Maintain effective communication and adhere to the chain of command.
• Identify and promptly inform superiors of sensitive issues and situations.
• Interact with the public using diplomacy, tact, and sensitivity.
• Analyze data and prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with subordinates, City departments, employees, law enforcement agencies, and the public.
• Prepare and administer departmental budgets and fiscal controls.
• Effectively represent the Department in a professional manner.

Additional Information
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions
Perform duties in an environment requiring sound physical, emotional, and psychological health minimally required of a peace officer position.
Physical Demands
Maintain good health and conditioning and be able to work long hours and under demanding conditions.
Special Requirements
Represent the Police Department and the City as a member of the Department's management team.
FLSA Status
Exempt
SELECTION PROCEDURE
This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The City reserves the right to extend the closing date or close this recruitment without notice. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
APPEAL PROCEDURE
If the application is rejected, the applicant can appeal the rejection to the Personnel Officer within five (5) working days of notice. The Personnel Officer shall review the appeal and affirm the rejection or reinstate the application. The Personnel Officer's decision is final.
HOW TO APPLY
To Apply:
Employment Applications are available online only. Please submit your completed application and attach copies of ALL certificates and licenses in PDF format.
For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact (855) 524-5627.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (626) 403-7239 or email The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work.
FAIR CHANCE ACT
The City of South Pasadena is committed to providing fair opportunities to all applicants, including those with a criminal history. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit
ABOUT THE CITY
The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments.
Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena's unique character makes it one of California's most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood's favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions.
South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate. There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City's picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area.
Small, proud and independent, the City of South Pasadena has preserved its status as a unique community for over a hundred years.
NOTE: The provisions in this job flyer do not constitute an expressed or implied contract; and any provisions contained in this flyer may be modified or revoked without notice.
01
To receive timely notifications about my application, I understand that I must provide a working email address and phone number on my City application. I understand that all important information regarding my application and the selection process will be sent via email, and it is my responsibility to ensure my email is active, check it regularly, and add info@governmentjobs.com to my contacts to avoid messages being marked as spam. I acknowledge that the City of South Pasadena is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails.

• Yes
• No

02
Are you currently in possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

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Did you graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration or, related field? Proof of education must be attached to your application prior to submission of your application.

• Yes
• No

04
(For Lateral Applicants) Which of the following California POST Peace Officer Certificates do you currently possess? (Please check all that apply)

• Basic Certificate (requires completion of employing agency's probationary period)copy of my academy certificate
• Intermediate Certificate
• Supervisory Certificate
• Basic Course Waiver
• None

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Describe your experience working with elected officials, community groups, or oversight committees.
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Describe your experience devel