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Police Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Manteca, CA

POLICE OFFICER

Manteca, CA · On-site

$97K - $137K/yr

Under the direction of a Police Captain, perform police protection and other law enforcement services to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of the citizens of Manteca; respond to ...

City of Manteca

POLICE OFFICER

Manteca, CA · On-site

$97K - $137K/yr

Under the direction of a Police Captain, perform police protection and other law enforcement services to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of the citizens of Manteca; respond to ...

City of Turlock

Police Officer II

Turlock, CA · On-site

$8.0K - $9.7K/mo

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from the Police Sergeant, Police Captain, Police Lieutenant or other management as directed by the Police Chief. Essential Functions ...

City of Green River

Police Officer

Green River, WY · On-site

$30.27/hr

SUPERVISION The Police Officer reports to a Police Sergeant (and, indirectly, to a Police Captain). This position may exercise technical and functional supervision over part-time staff. EXAMPLES OF ...

City of Fairborn, OH

Police Officer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

Under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant or Police Captain when under special assignments, is expected to patrol the City in the prevention of crime and the preservation of law and order ...

City of Red Bluff

Police Officer

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$73K - $115K/yr

Works under the direct supervision of a Police Sergeant and/or Police Corporal; and under the general direction of the Police Captain who is the Operations Division Commander. SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

City of Green River, WY

Police Officer

Green River, WY · On-site

$30.27/hr

The Police Officer reports to a Police Sergeant (and, indirectly, to a Police Captain). * This position may exercise technical and functional supervision over part-time staff. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT ...

State of Louisiana

Police Sergeant

Baton Rouge, LA

$3.8K - $7.7K/mo

Supervision is from a police official of a higher level, i.e., Police Lieutenant, and/or Police Captain. The Orleans Levee District jurisdictional area falls under the umbrella of the Southeast ...

State of Louisiana

Police Sergeant

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.8K - $7.7K/mo

Supervision is from a police official of a higher level, i.e., Police Lieutenant, and/or Police Captain. The Orleans Levee District jurisdictional area falls under the umbrella of the Southeast ...

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Police Captain information

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$49K

$130.2K

$210.5K

How much do police captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for police captain in the United States is $130,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $172,500.00 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.

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.

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.

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.

Is it hard to be a police captain?

Being a police captain is a challenging role that requires extensive experience in law enforcement, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage personnel and operations effectively. It often involves long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and a thorough understanding of departmental policies and community relations.
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Police Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,202 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

University Police Captain (Johns Hopkins Public Safety)

Johns Hopkins University

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Johns Hopkins Public Safety is seeking a University Police Captain to manage, plan, coordinate, and oversee the activities and operations of the Public Safety Department and serve as the responsible official in charge in the absence of the Director of Public Safety, and perform related work as required, including watch commander duties in charge of public safety operations during regular non-duty hours of superiors.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute all security, protocol, and logistical requirements for all university events such as graduation, special events, and those involving dignitaries, senators, representatives, and other high-profile visitors.
  • Develop comprehensive pre-event threat assessments, site surveys, coordinate access control and credentialing, and integrate venue security systems (screening, communications, CCTV, emergency medical, etc.).
  • Serve as primary liaison with federal, state, and local law enforcement, legislative security offices, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of State, and security staff to obtain clearances if needed and deconflict operational responsibilities.
  • Create and maintain detailed event security plans and SOPs that address movement and arrival/departure protocols, routes, security for motorcades, contingency and evacuation plans, incident response, and continuity of operations.
  • Manage live operations during special events, make real-time decisions, and resolve issues as they arise.
  • Make real-time security decisions in concert with the Director of Public Safety.
  • Responsible for managing shift sergeants, who supervise 7-10 officers daily.
  • Prepare Public Safety directives and Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Manage the Public Safety Command Center and Security Systems Specialists assigned.
  • Direct and lead subordinates in enforcing criminal laws and university policies and procedures as they pertain to enforcement by the Security department.
  • Ensure subordinate compliance with Public Safety departmental rules, policies, and regulations.
  • Take administrative action in response to omissions or violations (e.g., personnel issues - lateness/attendance, missing info from reports).
  • Direct investigative activities at a crime scene or significant/unusual event.
  • Assist in recruitment, interviewing, and selecting public safety candidates.
  • Effectively utilize available resources by assigning personnel and monitoring their work to ensure proper performance of Security functions.
  • Serve as Head of University Public Safety as necessary in the absence of senior leadership.
  • Analyze crime data, interpret findings, implement solutions, and direct resources accordingly.
  • Interpret policies and procedures for application.
  • Coordinate response by Security to alarms, fires, weather incidents, and other public safety emergencies or unusual events.
  • Must have a collaborative style of leadership, with the ability and willingness to foster a team environment within the department; must be able to interact with the general public, students, staff and faculty in a collaborative manner.
  • Implement and ensure compliance of the Clery Act, Title IX, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and associated law, policies, and regulations pertaining to higher education institutions.
  • This position is considered essential under the University Human Resource policy guidelines and therefore is subject to being
  • on call when necessary.
  • Must be willing to work extended, odd hours to achieve the expectations of the Department. This may include rotating tours of duty (day, evening, and overnight shifts) with fluctuating days off, as needed by the department.
  • Position will receive calls during off-duty hours to provide leadership and managerial guidance.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications
  • Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Must possess or be capable of obtaining certification for an expandable baton and OC spray.
  • Must possess a Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) certification or equivalent, or Campus Public Safety Institute (CPSI) certification, or be willing to attend and able to successfully complete the CPSI academy.
  • Must have the ability to successfully complete a police handgun training course and obtain a license to carry a handgun as a University Special Police Officer in the District of Columbia.
  • Application for a special police officer commission will be made after hire and during the initial training period. The University will cover any expenses related to the commission and permit applications.
  • Denial by the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection of a commission or permit, or subsequent revocation of those privileges, may result in dismissal.
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship and at least 21 years of age as required by the MPD, Security Officers Management Branch.

Specific Physical Requirements
  • Successfully complete a physical/health screening examination by the Office of Occupational Health and Safety, which includes a drug screening; successfully meet and maintain Public Safety physical requirements.
  • May be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation.
  • Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work, and officers must be able to remain on their feet for extended periods of time, as well as stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and climb stairs.
  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment, including automobiles, vans, batons, pepper spray, office equipment, radios, telephone computers with current word processing and other applicable software, etc.
  • Pursue offenders, restrain or apprehend aggressive individuals, and make arrests when necessary.
  • Run moderate distances and/or go up and/or down flights of steps; read, interpret, and understand University policies and procedures.
  • Withstand exposure to inclement weather.
  • Must be able to qualify and maintain certification and proficiency with all defensive weapons and issued equipment.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field.
  • 10 years' experience in a law enforcement related field (city, county, state, university, federal agency) with 4 years of law enforcement management experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree.
  • Graduate of a certified police academy.
  • Professional level proficiency in digital surveillance systems and command center operations.

Classified Title: University Police Captain
Job Posting Title (Working Title): University Police Captain (Johns Hopkins Public Safety)
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PF
Starting Salary Range: $40.86 -$ 72.20 (Targeted $110,000; Commensurate w/exp).
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: 24x7 operation
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hopkins Bloomberg Center at 555 Pennsylvania Ave - Washington, DC
Department name: 60015279-555 Penn Public Safety
Personnel area: University Administration

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About Johns Hopkins University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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