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Police Commander Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Commander

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$111K - $135.98K/yr

Commander -An exempt member of the police department assigned to command and manage a Shift or Division. FUNCTION: Manages Police Department operations at the shift level or division level in ...

Commander -An exempt member of the police department assigned to command and manage a Shift or Division. FUNCTION: Manages Police Department operations at the shift level or division level in ...

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under general supervision of the Police Corporal, Sergeant, Commander and/or Police Chief, the Police Officer operates within the City of Sterling's policies ...

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO · On-site

$68.91K - $87.20K/yr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under general supervision of the Police Corporal, Sergeant, Commander and/or Police Chief, the Police Officer operates within the City of Sterling's policies ...

Police Officer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$7.53K/mo

Under the general supervision of Associate Vice President for Public Safety/Chief of Police, and with daily oversight by the Police Commander, the Police Officer routinely works an assigned shift and ...

Upon completion of the Academy and Field Training Program receives supervision from Police Officer designated as an Officer-In-Charge, Police Sergeant, Police Commander, Police Chief, or their ...

Police Officer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$7.53K/mo

Under the general supervision of Associate Vice President for Public Safety/Chief of Police, and with daily oversight by the Police Commander, the Police Officer routinely works an assigned shift and ...

Upon completion of the Academy and Field Training Program receives supervision from Police Officer designated as an Officer-In-Charge, Police Sergeant, Police Commander, Police Chief, or their ...

Under the general supervision of Associate Vice President for Public Safety/Chief of Police, and with daily oversight by the Police Commander, the Police Officer routinely works an assigned shift and ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

Pinole, CA · On-site

$107.14K - $130.23K/yr

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED This class receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or Police Commander, depending upon assignment. No direct supervision is provided, however, direction ...

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Police Commander information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police commander jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for police commander in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Police Commander, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management software, incident reporting systems, and advanced leadership or command training is often required. Exceptional decision-making, conflict resolution, and communication skills help build trust and effectively lead diverse teams. These skills are vital for ensuring public safety, efficient department operations, and maintaining high morale within the force.

What are some common challenges faced by Police Commanders when managing large teams or departments?

Police Commanders often face the challenge of balancing administrative duties with field operations, ensuring effective communication across diverse teams, and maintaining high morale among officers. They must navigate resource constraints while implementing policies and responding to community concerns. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and legal standards requires ongoing training and coordination with other agencies, making flexibility and strong leadership skills essential for success in this role.

What are Police Commanders?

Police Commanders are senior law enforcement officers responsible for overseeing and managing police operations within a specific district, division, or department. They supervise lower-ranking officers, develop strategies to address crime, and ensure that policies and procedures are followed. Police Commanders also coordinate with other agencies, handle administrative tasks, and often serve as spokespersons during major incidents. Their leadership is essential in maintaining public safety and efficient police operations.

What is the difference between Police Commander vs Police Captain?

AspectPolice CommanderPolice Captain
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement training, leadership experienceHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple precincts or units, strategic planningManages a specific precinct or division, operational oversight
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

The main difference between a Police Commander and a Police Captain lies in their scope of responsibility. A Police Commander typically oversees multiple units or precincts and focuses on strategic leadership, while a Police Captain manages a specific precinct or division with a focus on daily operations. Both roles require law enforcement credentials and leadership experience, but their areas of oversight differ.

More about Police Commander jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Commander jobs? Cities with the most Police Commander job openings:
What states have the most Police Commander jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Commander jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police Commander job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Division Police Commander

$125.28K - $175.39K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Opportunity at a Glance The Village of Tinley Park is a vibrant, progressive community located in the fast-growing Interstate 80 corridor in southwest suburban Chicago. As the 14th-largest city in Metropolitan Chicago boasting a residential population of 56,000 residents and nearly 1,000 businesses, this exceptional community possesses everything from a fun and lively Downtown district to flourishing residential neighborhoods to thriving corporate, commercial and entertainment centers, all tied together under Tinley Park's Life Amplified brand. We are currently seeking qualified applicants to fill the management position of Division Police Commander.

The Tinley Park Police Department has more than 150 employees, including 99 full-time, sworn positions. The police department also is responsible for Crime Prevention, the Crime Free Rental Housing Program, National Night Out and the Citizen's Police Academy. Learn more about the Tinley Park Police Department.

The Division Police Commander is assigned to oversee one of the four (4) Police Operational Divisions: Administration, Patrol, Investigations, or Special Projects. The Division Police Commander position will be responsible for the administrative, operational, fiscal oversight, and supervision of assigned division in the Police Department providing a broad range of police and safety related services. This position will also function as the watch commander for any designated patrol shift and will also be designated as the on-call command staff for response to and supervision of critical incidents.

Additionally, the Division Police Commander position supports the Police Chief in achieving community and organizational goals through the management of department strategies and objectives, implementation of operations and technological processes, and has authority to resolve personnel and contract issues administering discipline at the direction of the Police Chief. In the absence of the Police Chief, and Deputy Police Chief, this position will assume command of the Police Department. Key Responsibilities The Division Police Commander will oversee daily operations for the assigned division including planning/assigning/reviewing/evaluating work of subordinate supervisors, attending and conducting roll call, conducting training on updates or on new policies/procedures, monitoring demands for service, recommending policy and disciplinary actions, reviewing officer reports identifying trends or cases requiring additional action, supervise investigations about police personnel conduct overseeing internal investigations, and assisting with resolving administrative or operational issues.

This position will also instruct subordinate personnel in work assignments and procedures, advise on difficult cases, assign and oversee special projects, analyze training needs, interpret new laws/ordinances/rules and regulations for subordinate supervisors, and develop and implement new methods and procedures. The Division Police Commander will work collaboratively with all other Division Police Commanders to ensure operational needs of Police Department are met and will be responsible for maintaining positive employee relations with collective bargaining groups working to resolve personnel or collective bargaining matters and assist the Police Chief in preparation for contract negotiations. Will also assist in the preparation of the department budget recommending personnel, capital needs, and comprehensive goals/objectives for assigned division, interact with community organizations representing the Police Department, coordinates activities with other law enforcement agencies, and may be required to attend village meetings or other functions as a representative of the Police Chief.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in criminal justice, political science, business or public administration, or a related field is required. Basic certification from the Illinois Local Governmental Police Training Board as "police officer" or equivalency. Must maintain all federal, state, and local requirements to carry a firearm.

Must possess a valid driver's license. Internal applicants must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a full-time patrol officer with the Tinley Park Police Department, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience in the rank of Sergeant. External applicants must have a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency with three (3) years of experience in a managerial capacity.

Graduation from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, or Southern Police Institute is preferred within two (2) years of appointment date. **Internal candidates must sign a repayment agreement requiring repayment if employment ends within two (2) years of graduation date. Additional Information Candidates must possess qualifications to support all four (4) operations divisions and will be assigned divisional command responsibilities by the Police Chief.

Division assignments are at the discretion of the Police Chief and may change at any time. The position of Division Police Commander oversees the daily operations of an assigned division and as such will be scheduled to work various days (including weekends) and various shifts (day, afternoon, overnight) to support the 24/7 operations. Flexibility outside typical work schedule is required.

This is an EXEMPT level position. Current Available Operation Division Shift (subject to change at discretion of Police Chief): Must have flexibility outside typical work schedule to meet operational needs (concerts, community events, school seasonal events). Day Shift: 8:00AM to 5:00PM Position Eligible for Non-Union Compensation & Benefits as follows: Hiring Pay Rate: $167,876.45 Compensation Plan: Merit Based Compensation per Ordinance 2026-O-009 401(a) Plan Employer Contribution: Village will make a 4% employer contribution into 401(a) plan

Compensatory Time: Eligible for up to a maximum of 80 hours of Compensatory Time (earn 1 hour for each hour worked). Vacation: Twenty (20) Vacation Days per Ordinance 2022-O-100 Personal Days: Two (2) Paid Personal Days per Fiscal Year per Employee Personnel Manual, Section 6.8 Personal Days Paid Holidays: Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per Employee Personnel Manual, Section 6.9 Holidays Administrative Days: Eligible to earn up to two (2) days per Employee Personnel Manual, Section 9.4 Admin Day Sick Time (Hired After 1/1/2020): Ten (10) Sick Days per year per Ordinance 2020-O-001 Benefits Program: Non-Union Employee Benefits Package Other Pay & Benefits (APPLIES ONLY TO INTERNAL CANDIDATES): Hiring Pay Rate: $167,876.45 Disability Leave (Hired Before 1/1/2020): Ordinance 1970-O-002 Disability Leave, Resolution 2023-R-066 Disability Application Process Longevity: Longevity Schedule in Section 13.3 of MAP CBA Vacation: Ordinance 2022-O-100 with Recognition of Full-Time Hire Date Retirement Benefits: MAP Subsidy $60 per month towards the retiree's cost of health insurance per Section 8.3 Retiree Health Insurance