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Police Commander Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Chief

Brawley, CA · On-site

$135K - $172K/yr

The Police Chief plans, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Police Department ... Maintain discipline and respect of employees and to lead and command a sworn and civilian ...

Police Cadet, PT (Continuous)

Oakland, CA · On-site

$19.97 - $22.02/hr

Whether through peer, supervisory, or command support and mutual respect, OPD expects that our staff all work together to achieve our common goal. The Oakland Police Department extends a special ...

Police Cadet, PT (Continuous)

Oakland, CA · On-site

$19.97 - $22.02/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Whether through peer, supervisory, or command support and mutual respect, OPD expects that our staff all work together to achieve our common goal. The Oakland Police Department extends a special ...

... Police Officers, command staff, and civilian staff Cultural sensitivity A common-sense approach when approaching unique situations Situational awareness The full can be viewed by accessing the ...

Police Dispatcher

Pomona, CA · On-site

$4.6K - $5.6K/wk

Police Dispatcher Apply now Job no: 559497 Work type: Staff Location: Pomona Categories: Unit 7 - ... Keeps Watch Commander informed of the current status of calls or incidents, resource needs, and ...

Police Dispatcher

Pomona, CA · On-site

$4.6K - $5.6K/wk

Police Dispatcher Apply now Job no: 559497 Work type: Staff Location: Pomona Categories: Unit 7 - ... Keeps Watch Commander informed of the current status of calls or incidents, resource needs, and ...

Police Officer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$107K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ability to establish rapport and trust with community members, other Police Officers, command staff, and civilian staff * Cultural sensitivity * A common-sense approach when approaching unique ...

Police Dispatcher

Pomona, CA · On-site

$4.6K - $5.6K/wk

Police Dispatcher Apply now Job no: 559497 Work type: Staff Location: Pomona Categories: Unit 7 - ... Keeps Watch Commander informed of the current status of calls or incidents, resource needs, and ...

Police Dispatcher

South Pasadena, CA · On-site

$65K - $79K/yr

Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander, handles communications responsibilities by ... Police Assistants may be required to work additional or overtime shifts consistent with Department ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$135K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description BASIC FUNCTION: The Police Chief plans, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Police Department, which includes law enforcement, crime suppression and prevention; works cooperatively with City departments and outside agencies; is committed to community engagement and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police science, public administration or a closely related field. A Bachelor's degree is required.

A Master's degree is preferred. The successful candidate must pass an extensive background investigation and possess a valid California driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Must maintain a valid California P.O.S.T

Peace Officer Certification throughout their employment tenure. Any combination equivalent to experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities qualifies. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Twelve (12) years of experience in police work, including at least five (5) years of extensive supervisory/management experience in a municipal Police Department or County Sheriff's Department.

California P.O.S.T. Management Certificate. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California P.O.S.T

Executive Certificate Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Plan, direct, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the activities of Police Department personnel in preserving order, protecting life and property, and in enforcing laws and municipal ordinances. Research modern police management methods. Direct and participate in the development of rules, goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Department.

Presents budget estimates, controls expenditures of departmental appropriations, and establishes operational standards for the department. Assure that personnel are assigned to shifts or working units which provide optimum effectiveness in terms of current situations and circumstances governing deployment. Direct the development and maintenance of systems, records and legal documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control and documentation of Police Department operations.

Analyze and recommend improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed. Handle grievances and maintain departmental discipline in the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel. Supervise or conduct internal and special investigations.

Prepare and submit periodic reports to the City Manager regarding the Department's activities. Prepare a variety of other reports, as appropriate. Confer with residents, elected or appointed officials, other law enforcement officials, and community and business representatives on law enforcement problems and assist in the development of innovative municipal law enforcement policies.

Recommend adoption and assist with preparation of ordinances. Attend regional and state police conferences and meetings with other public officials to keep abreast of current trends in the field. Represent the Brawley Police Department in a variety of local, county, state and other venues.

Cultivate good community relations by appearing before civic, fraternal and other community groups. Ensure that laws and ordinances are enforced and that the public peace and safety are maintained. Coordinate and cooperate with County, State and Federal law enforcement officers as appropriate where activities of the Police Department are involved.

Represents the Police Department in all significant public relations matters. OTHER DUTIES: Perform the duties of subordinate personnel as needed. Assist in civil defense and preparedness activities.

Perform related duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Modern law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of police administration, organization, and operation, including the technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, records management, and care and custody of persons and property. Applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the work of the Department.

Municipal finance, budgeting, personnel, and labor relations. Standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated and use of police records and their application to the solution of police problems. ABILITY TO: Maintain discipline and respect of employees and to lead and command a sworn and civilian multidisciplinary staff in law enforcement and crime prevention activities.

Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others. Perform work requiring good physical condition. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, subordinates, peers, supervisors, and other law enforcement agencies, boards, commissions, and the public.

Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies. Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing. Maintain moral integrity.

Possess a proven commitment to the philosophy of Community Oriented Policing. Use a personal computer, standard Microsoft Office applications and law enforcement specific software. Supplemental Information WORKING CONDITIONS: Indoor and outdoor environment; subject to shift work, working evening/variable hours, and driving a vehicle to conduct work.

Incumbents may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, occasional driving at high speeds, communicable diseases, physical abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals, and adverse weather conditions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical abilities required include above-average physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting, as well as good balance, hearing, and seeing to drive a vehicle.