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Police Commander Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Police Recruit

Brighton, CO · On-site

$31.93/hr

Police Department Division: Sworn Opening Date: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:00 PM ... SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Under the supervision of the Training Commander. Under the ...

Police Recruit

Brighton, CO · On-site

$31.93/hr

Police Recruits who successfully complete the approved academy and obtain a State of Colorado Basic ... SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Under the supervision of the Training Commander. Under the ...

Police Officer Ii

Glenwood Springs, CO · On-site

$39.17 - $44.63/hr

Supervision will be through department supervisory personnel through the chain of command ... Police Officer II's are expected to exhibit leadership, teamwork, professionalism, advanced ...

Police Officers shall have comprehensive knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, law ... Maintain composure while taking command and restoring control in volatile situations * Ability to ...

Police Officers shall have comprehensive knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, law ... Maintain composure while taking command and restoring control in volatile situations * Ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

Police Commander information

See Colorado salary details

$34.2K

$65.3K

$108.8K

How much do police commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for police commander in Colorado is $65,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $78,300.00 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?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Police Commander jobs in Colorado? For Police Commander jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Police Commander jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Police Commander job openings:
Infographic showing various Police Commander job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,350 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Final Day To Apply:

07/30/2026

It's fun and rewarding to work for the City of Steamboat Springs! Our employees are passionate and proud to serve our community with excellence and distinction. Our teams are awesome, and we are committed to our community and the very special place that is Steamboat Springs, Colorado!

Job Description:

When joining the City of Steamboat Springs, you can expect to work for an organization with:

  • A team that strives to make this the best place you've ever worked!

  • A focus on supporting our employees' mental, physical, and financial well-being

  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that creates a welcoming city

  • A highly engaged workforceproudly serving our community with excellence and distinction

  • A passion forstrategically providing outstanding municipal services

  • A promise to each other to support the work we all do for the city, community & Yampa Valley

Uniqueness Fuels Our Innovative Spirit
Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experiences drives us forward every day. It's the collective sum of our experiences that makes Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley a powerful, insightful and welcoming community.

The City of Steamboat Springs' Police Department is hiring Police Sergeants to join their team!

Pay Range: 110,269-142,523

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of routine and complex public safety work in the performance and administration of police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Police Operations Commander.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises general supervision over police officers and other staff as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises police officers and other assigned staff in their duties in the general enforcement of law and prevention of crime and disorder; visits the scene of crimes, emergencies or accidents to assist and/or supervise the police officers.

Supervises, coordinates, and participates other law enforcement related functions, such as special events, hiring, training, public information, etc.

Personally handles more difficult situations, complaints, and investigations.

Reviews a variety of police related reports prepared by subordinate officers or others.

Evaluates officers' arrests based on circumstances and evidence to determine whether subject will be detained or placed in jail.

Makes day-to-day police assignments as required by the needs of the service.

Makes plans about individual tactical matters such as equipment to be used for particular operations or the detailed plans needed for an investigation. Develops new approaches to investigate problems.

Advises supervisors on deployment of personnel during emergency responses.

Maintains contact with all police personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about Department activities.

Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police activities, as assigned.

Conducts periodic performance evaluations and planning sessions for assigned personnel. Counsels assigned personnel on job performance and disciplinary matters.

Personally participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the City limits, obtaining evidences and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities.

Works a uniformed shift in the performance of security patrols, traffic control, investigation and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.

Maintains normal availability by radio, computer terminal, or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.

Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.

Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies, and other law violations' and to otherwise serve and protect.

Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.

Interrogates suspects, interviews witnesses and drivers; preserves evidence; arrests violators; investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents; summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles; takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene; conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift; seeks out and questions victim, witnesses and suspects; develops leads and tips; searches scene of crimes for clues; analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders; Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.

Prepares a variety of reports and records including officer's Daily Log, Criminal Offense reports, field interview reports, alcohol reports, influence reports, breathalyzer check list, bad check form, vehicle impoundment form, traffic hazard report, etc.

Assists citizens with problem solving and such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug resistance, traffic safety, etc.

Coordinates and supervises the training, assignment, development of subordinate police officers.

Coordinates activities with supervisors or other City departments, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Court Administrator, District Attorney, and Municipal Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies and procedures.

Assists and collaborates with outside agencies including law enforcement, emergency services, probation and parole, district attorney, human services, mental health, public and private schools, private security companies, and media outlets.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Analyzes and recommends improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed.

Reviews, evaluates, and develops programs, policies and procedures for various departmental operations.

Schedules and conducts meetings.

Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.

Maintains liaison with community groups.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; and

  • Completion of the State Basic Training Academy or equivalent academy; and

  • Minimum of three years' work experience as a fully commissioned police officer with the Steamboat Springs Police Department or 5 years of combined experience; and

  • Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; Extensive knowledge of City's geography.
  • Skill in the operation of the tools and equipment listed below.
  • Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel; Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors and the general public; Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; Ability to follow and give verbal and written instructions; Ability to meet the special requirements as listed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State Driver's License without record of suspension or revocation, in any state.
  • Ability to meet Department's physical standards.
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training (or Police Officer Standards and Training) certification or equivalent.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Ability to use all issued equipment and systems safely and proficiently, including but not limited to weapons systems such as firearms, taser, sprays, batons, handcuffs, vehicles, electronics and communications devices, and computer systems and their applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; run (pursue a suspect on foot) walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects or controls, or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell, and subdue combative arrestees.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside and inclement weather conditions for extended periods of time. The employee is expected to carry out these duties both in the day and night depending on their assigned shift. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne articles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application through the Human Resources Department, rating of education and experience; written test; oral interview and reference check; polygraph examination; psychological examination; assessment center; other job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

EOE.


If you like serving in a role that will directly and positively impact our great community, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Pay Range:

$53.01 - $68.52

Offers will be negotiated based on each candidate's qualifications.
Merit:
This role is eligible for merit within our pay-for-performance philosophy via our annual performance review process. Hires after September 1st will take the next year's compensation data into account but would not be eligible for merit until the following year.
Benefits:
Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage options as well as other program offerings such as our Employee Assistance Program and more. You may also contribute to our 401(a) plan that includes a company match. Seasonal roles are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage, but have benefits such as Paid Sick Leave, Ski and Skate Pass, Employee Assistance Program, etc.