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Police Captain Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hampton University

Police Captain

Hampton, VA · On-site

$76K - $83K/yr

University Police Opening Date: 02/20/2026 Description Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for overall management and administration of a major functional area or bureau within ...

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Police Captain information

See Virginia salary details

$48.6K

$129.1K

$208.7K

How much do police captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for police captain in Virginia is $129,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,300.00 and $171,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police captain?

Police Captains are senior law enforcement officers who oversee and manage the operations of a police department or a specific division within it. They are responsible for supervising personnel, developing policies, coordinating investigations, and ensuring that their units comply with laws and departmental procedures. Police Captains also serve as liaisons between upper management and lower-ranking officers, and often represent their department in community meetings or public events. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining discipline, efficiency, and public trust within the police force.

How does a police captain typically support the professional development of their team members?

A Police Captain plays a pivotal role in mentoring and evaluating officers, providing regular feedback and guidance to promote both individual and team growth. Captains often identify training opportunities, facilitate workshops, and encourage officers to pursue specialized certifications or leadership programs. They also help set career goals during performance reviews and foster an environment where team members feel empowered to advance within the department. This supportive approach not only enhances team effectiveness but also strengthens retention and morale.

How much do police captains make in the police force?

Police captains typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $130,000, depending on the location, size of the department, and years of experience. They often oversee patrol, investigations, and administrative functions, requiring leadership skills and law enforcement certifications.

What does a police captain do?

A police captain is a high-level officer in a police department who is typically responsible for an entire district or precinct. As a police captain, you answer to the police chief. Your job duties include allocating budget resources to each section of your division, analyzing crime data to determine trends in your area, and providing information to the press about ongoing or resolved investigations. You need strong leadership skills and significant experience as a police officer to be eligible for a job as a police captain.

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

To thrive as a Police Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and completion of advanced supervisory training or certifications such as FBI National Academy are often required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills help you lead teams effectively and maintain public trust. These competencies are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, upholding departmental standards, and fostering community safety.

What is the difference between Police Captain vs Police Lieutenant?

AspectPolice CaptainPolice Lieutenant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple precincts or divisions, administrative dutiesManages specific units or shifts, field supervision
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPolice Captain vs Police Lieutenant

The main difference between a Police Captain and a Police Lieutenant lies in their level of responsibility and scope of oversight. Police Captains typically oversee entire divisions or multiple precincts and focus on administrative and strategic planning. Police Lieutenants usually manage specific units or shifts, with a more direct role in field supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to law enforcement hierarchies, but their duties and areas of focus differ significantly.

More about Police Captain jobs
What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in Virginia? For Police Captain jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Captain jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Police Captain jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Police Captain jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Police Captain job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in VA? For Police Captain jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Police Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Captain job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,085 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Police Captain

Hampton University

Hampton, VA • On-site

$76K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Salary: $76,000.00 - $83,000.00 Biweekly
Location : 200 William R. Harvey Way, Hampton, VA 23668
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: University Police
Opening Date: 02/20/2026
Description
Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for overall management and administration of a major functional area or bureau within the Police Department. Reports to the Deputy Chief of Police or the Chief of Police depending on assignment.
  • Responsible for the effective supervision and overall management and coordination of law enforcement activities in a major bureau or functional area.
  • Manages the operations of the bureau or area by reviewing reports and operational plans and discussing issues with personnel.
  • Performs administrative duties in law enforcement, planning, and operations to include preparing reports and correspondence
  • Monitors budget in assigned area and oversees equipment needs.
  • Attended meetings to include command staff, policy review, etc.
  • Provides updates to the appropriate Assistant Chief of Police regarding investigations, status of projects, and personnel matters.

Examples of Duties
  • Manages personnel administration activities to include identifying training needs and conducting training
  • Prepares and reviews performance evaluations.
  • Handles disciplinary actions.
  • Approve and monitor leave requests.
  • Provides guidance to department officers on evaluating, counseling, motivating, and disciplining employees.
  • Establishes and implements community relations service programs; attends events.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and three (3) consecutive years as a Police Lieutenant or above, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supplemental Information
  • Requires satisfactory results from a medical, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
  • A valid Virginia's driver's license prior to employment with an acceptable driving record to include a zero or positive point balance. Employees are required to refrain from the use of tobacco.
  • Must obtain and maintain for continued employment all State requirements for Police Officers as specified in Virginia Code; all federal and state requirements to carry a firearm;
  • The job is considered Essential Personnel and will be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24-hour, 7 day a week, which includes nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees and part-time employees who regularly work 20 hours or more per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, legal insurance, accident, critical illness, hospitalization, tuition remission, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
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