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Police Commander Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Chief

Brawley, CA · On-site

$135K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Command Opening Date: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description BASIC FUNCTION: The Police Chief plans, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Police ...

Police Sergeant

Winters, CA · On-site

$134K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Police Department Opening Date: 07/15/2026 Closing Date: 8/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Position Police ... Acts as supervisor at critical incidents and as an Operations Section Commander under the Incident ...

Police Sergeant

Winters, CA

$134K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Acts as supervisor at critical incidents and as an Operations Section Commander under the Incident ... Police Officers for the City of Winters must be: Free of any felony convictions A citizen of the ...

You will serve as a Police Officer in the Force Protection Division of Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) installations. This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of ...

You will serve as a Police Officer in the Force Protection Division of Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) installations. This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of ...

You will serve as a Police Officer in the Force Protection Division of Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) installations. This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of ...

You will serve as a Police Officer in the Force Protection Division of Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) installations. This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of ...

You will serve as a Police Officer in the Force Protection Division of Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) installations. This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of ...

KISD Chief of Police

San Jacinto, CA · On-site

$95 - $150/hr

Police Department / District Primary Purpose Direct and manage District Police Department ... Knowledge of Incident Command. * Strong public relations, organizational, communication, and ...

Summary Join Chenega & NASA as a Watch Commander at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA ... Police Officer (SPO). * Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to obtain ...

Police Recruit

Tustin, CA · On-site

$38.03/hr

Description The City of Tustin Police Department is currently seeking applicants for Police Recruit ... Must have fluent command of the English language in both oral and written form. Working Conditions ...

LEAD POLICE OFFICER

Bridgeport, CA · On-site +1

$55K - $80K/yr

You will perform duties as a Lead Police Officer to Field Training Officers and police officers, and assists the Watch Commander in carrying out responsibilities of supervising the patrol shift ...

Showing results 21-40

Police Commander information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$61.3K

$102.1K

How much do police commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for police commander in California is $61,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police commander?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police commander?

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 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.

What does a police commander do in a police department?

A police commander oversees police operations within a specific division or precinct, managing officers, coordinating activities, and ensuring law enforcement goals are met. They develop strategies, supervise staff, and handle administrative tasks, often requiring leadership skills and experience in law enforcement procedures.

What cities in California are hiring for Police Commander jobs?

Cities in California with the most Police Commander job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Commander job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,334 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

$52K - $76K/yr

Full-time

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Commander, Navy Installations Command rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
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Duties
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  • You will interpret and enforce state and federal laws, directives, rules, and regulations.
  • You will detect and investigate unusual situations/conditions and take required action to resolve various incidents/situations and requests additional support, if necessary.
  • You will perform a full range of force protection, anti-terrorism and sentry duties at installations or activities with significant operational assets, unrestricted access points, and large populations.
  • You will coordinate emergency response for calls concerning complaints or reports of violations.
  • You will perform law enforcement duties at fixed post entrance and exit gates to control vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • This is a bargaining unit position.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current valid United States driver's license.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination and pass an initial, annual, or any required OPM, DoD, or DON mental and emotional stability screening, physical ability test, and physical fitness for duty test.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • You must meet the qualifications and be certified to carry a firearm. You will need to maintain firearm proficiency.
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. You will be required to sign a DD-Form-2760, Qualification to possess firearms or ammunition.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
  • This is a Mission Essential position. You will be required to ensure organization or facility continuity of operations and/or completion of tasks that are considered essential to the mission designated by a local or command decision.
  • Must successfully complete a DoD approved Police Training Academy or equivalent course, e.g. Navy Police Officer Academy; a federal or military police academy; or equivalent law enforcement training.
  • Must also successfully complete any annual sustainment training, Level 1 Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) contamination training (if applicable), and OC refresher training.
  • Completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Uniformed Police Training Program is a condition of continued employment. Employee will be required to sign a continuing service agreement prior to travel to the academy.
  • Agreement to Continue in Service, Agency requires 36 month of continued employment after the completion of required training from the FLETC in accordance with Title 5 USC 4108 and 5 CFR410.309.
  • Failure to voluntary complete length of employment requirement can subject employee to reimburse to the agency for fees, such as tuition and related fees, travel, and other special expenses (excluding salary) paid in connection with the training.

Qualifications
For the GS-07:
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1. Investigating unusual situations pertaining to violations of the law; 2. Conducting checkpoints/roadblocks at various locations to reduce criminal activity; 3. Inspecting packages/personal belongings when admitting personnel into controlled areas; and 4. Responding to emergency calls for service while adhering to state and federal laws. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
For the GS-06:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing the following duties: 1. Issuing citations for violations of the law; 2. Preparing reports and orders for dissemination to other law enforcement officials; and 3. Protecting property, equipment, data, or materials. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/police-series-0083/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Uniformed Police Training Program is a condition of continued employment. Employee will be required to sign a continuing service agreement prior to travel to the academy. Agreement to Continue in Service - CSA, Agency requires 36 month of continued employment after the completion of required training from the FLETC in accordance with Title 5 USC 4108 and 5 CFR410.309. Failure to voluntary complete length of employment requirement can subject employee to reimburse to the agency for fees, such as tuition and related fees, travel, and other special expenses (excluding salary) paid in connection with the training.
Additional information
This announcement uses the Defense Industrial Base, Major Range and Test Facilities direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Several vacancies may be filled.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf.
Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
This position is subject to working an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees.
A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized.
Vacancies filled from this announcement may be filled at any grade level listed.
If selected below the full performance level, you may be noncompetitively promoted to the next higher grade level after meeting all regulatory requirements, and upon the recommendation of management. Promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
Employee is required to wear an assigned uniform and display official designated items or accessories to include additional required equipment.
Must be able to successfully complete the mandated 40-hour Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) to be qualified to Operate motor vehicles (i.e. sedans, cargo trucks, pickup trucks) having gross vehicle weights of 7,000 pounds or less, loading capacities of 1 ton or less, manual transmissions, and 2 or 4-wheel drive in support of operations and to transport personnel and materials throughout the installation and on public roads. With additional training, the incumbent may be required to qualify on police bicycles and other rough terrain vehicles such as ATVs and snow mobiles.
May be required to respond to other military installations within the region or off installation events when directed by higher authority to a disaster scene or during a national emergency.
Shall be required to be CPR certified and utilize a portable heart defibrillator where available.
Must meet OPM hearing and vision requirements to include distinguishing basic shades of color.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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