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Police Commander Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Sterling, CO

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO · On-site

$68K - $87K/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 ...

CITY OF STERLING

Police Officer I

Sterling, CO

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 ...

City of Hercules

Police Officer Trainee

Hercules, CA

$50.68/hr

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 ...

City of Pinole

Police Officer (Lateral)

Pinole, CA

$107K - $130K/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 ...

City of Pinole, CA

Police Officer (Lateral)

Pinole, CA · On-site

$107K - $130K/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 ...

Hercules

Police Officer Trainee

Hercules, CA · On-site

$50.68/hr

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 ...

City of Pinole

Police Officer (Academy Graduate)

Pinole, CA · On-site

$107K - $130K/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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All JobsPolice Commander Jobs

Police Commander information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police commander jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Police Commander jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Commander jobs are:
Police Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Commander job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Police Commander

Police Commander

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Police Commander
Division
VP and Chief Operating Officer
Department
TSU Police Dept
Number of hours per week
37.5
Days to be worked
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Months per year
Fiscal (12 months)
If modified, list months
Job Type
Full-Time
Campus
Avon Williams / Main Campus
If other location, please indicate
Position Number
009190
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with education and experience
Pay Basis
Monthly
Job Description
Tennessee State University Police Department invites applications for the role of Police Commander.
Position Summary
Responsible for planning, supervising, and coordinating activities of a major section of the Police Department.
Essential Job Functions
• Performs various administrative duties within the assigned command.
• Plans, organizes, controls, and evaluates staff and resources assigned to the respective command/section.
• Assists in the development of departmental policies and procedures.
• Coordinates activities of the command and sections of the Police Department, governmental agencies, and other departments.
• Develops and maintains effective systems of incident record keeping.
• Interacts with campus and community organizations representing the Police Department on various committees.
• Recommends comprehensive goals and objectives and is responsible for their implementation and results achieved.
• Supervises various police department workers.
• Assists the Deputy and/or Chief of Police in daily matters.
• Attends meetings with Public officials and citizen groups to enlist the cooperation of the public within the university and to explain police functions.
• Prepares and transmits communications, instructions, and policies to subordinates.
• Administers personnel policies in force and makes recommendations for disciplinary action.
• Organizes, coordinates, and directs all police functions within the assigned command.
• Coordinates and prepares various studies and reports.
• Performs additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
  • At least one year in the rank of Captain or higher with experience in a higher education environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree preferred; from an accredited university, however, extended experience will substitute.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
  • P.O.S.T. certified police officer.
  • Possess a valid TN state driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Demonstrated effective knowledge of university police administration, modern police science, relevant governmental laws, and institutional policies.
  • Proven experience with law enforcement record management systems and the ability to use other computer systems and software programs.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with and respond to diverse audiences.

Minimum Qualifications
At least one year in the rank of Captain or higher, with experience in a higher education environment.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.
Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.
An unofficial transcript may be attached in the "Transcript" section.
You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.
Open Date
07/16/2026
Close Date
07/31/2026
Job Category
Administrative/Professional
Requisition Number
Benefits
Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.
Quick Link
https://jobs.tnstate.edu/postings/10918

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