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Police Commander Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

City of Commerce City, CO

School Resource Officer

CO · On-site

$82K - $121K/yr

Police Division: Operations Opening Date: 08/03/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt ... Commander. Selected candidates will be offered a five (5) year assignment, with possible ...

Lakewood

Patrol Support Technician

Lakewood, CO

$28.44 - $32.67/hr

Effectively collaborates with Police Dispatch personnel and Police Records Technicians to ensure ... Essential personnel are determined by the chain of command, the type of emergency and the human ...

City of Lakewood, CO

Patrol Support Technician

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$28.44 - $32.67/hr

Effectively collaborates with Police Dispatch personnel and Police Records Technicians to ensure ... Essential personnel are determined by the chain of command, the type of emergency and the human ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$38.61/hr

... command, which include providing security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and ... police department in a municipality, state, or federal enforcement department within the US, and ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$39.05/hr

... command, which include providing security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and ... police department in a municipality, state, or federal enforcement department within the US, and ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Durango, CO · On-site

$38.61/hr

... command, which include providing security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and ... police department in a municipality, state, or federal enforcement department within the US, and ...

Triple Canopy

Protective Security Officer

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$39.05/hr

... command, which include providing security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and ... police department in a municipality, state, or federal enforcement department within the US, and ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Denver, CO · On-site

$18/hr

... command, which include providing security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and ... police department in a municipality, state, or federal enforcement department within the US, and ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Denver, CO · On-site

$18/hr

... command, which include providing security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and ... police department in a municipality, state, or federal enforcement department within the US, and ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$18/hr

... command, which include providing security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and ... police department in a municipality, state, or federal enforcement department within the US, and ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPolice Commander JobsPolice Commander Jobs in Colorado

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 job categories do people searching Police Commander jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Police Commander jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Police Commander jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Police Commander job openings:
Police Commander jobs near you
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.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety & Chief of Police

University of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$120K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety & Chief of Police
Division of Strategic Initiatives and Operations
Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!
Who We Are
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking an Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery-a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.
Salary Range: $120,766 - $172,523 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.
Work Location: On-Site
Benefits at a Glance
At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:
  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
  • Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
  • Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
  • Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
  • Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
  • Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary
The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police serves as the senior public safety and law enforcement leader for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs a residential public university serving approximately 10,319 students, 545 faculty, and 722 staff. This position provides strategic, administrative, operational, and fiscal leadership for the Department of Public Safety, including police operations, emergency communications, emergency management, environmental health and safety, fire safety, access control, records, property and evidence, and related administrative services. The role advises campus leadership on public safety strategy, emergency preparedness, law enforcement operations, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and community safety. The position works closely with students, faculty, staff, campus leaders, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, Fourth Judicial District Attorney's Office, Colorado Springs City Attorney's Office and other University of Colorado campuses and the University of Colorado System Office to support a safe, prepared, and service-oriented campus environment.
Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
(35%) Strategic Leadership and Department Administration
  • Serve as the senior executive for campus public safety and provide strategic direction for the Department of Public Safety to ensure a safe, secure, and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the broader campus community.
  • Lead departmental planning, staffing, policy development, resource allocation, and operational priorities across sworn and professional public safety functions.
  • Manage departmental budgets and identify grant opportunities, partnerships, alternative funding sources, and resource strategies that support operational efficiency while addressing campus safety needs.
  • Advise the Public Safety supervisory Vice Chancellor and other senior leaders on law enforcement, emergency management, safety, security, risk, and crisis-response matters.
  • Develop and support a high-trust and high-performing department culture grounded in care, accountability, professionalism, service, ethical conduct, procedural justice, and continuous improvement
  • Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, performance management, and professional development for command staff, managers, supervisors, officers, and professional staff.

(25%) Police Operations, Investigations, and Campus Safety Services
  • Direct police operations, including patrol, investigations, emergency communications, crime prevention, event security, VIP support, traffic and parking enforcement support, and response to calls for service.
  • Ensure the department maintains appropriate readiness for major incidents, hostile threats, emergencies, campus events, and other situations affecting the safety and security of the campus community.
  • Oversee records, property, and evidence, incident reporting, case management, access control, security support, and related operational systems.
  • Ensure law enforcement actions, training, certifications, firearms programs, standard operating procedures, and general orders meet legal, professional, university, and Colorado POST requirements.
  • Review operational data, crime trends, incident reports, community concerns, and emerging safety needs to improve services, staffing models, deployment, and response strategies.

(15%) Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and Fire Safety
  • Provide executive oversight for emergency management, emergency preparedness, continuity planning, training, exercises, and all-hazards response coordination for UCCS.
  • Oversee environmental health and safety, fire safety, hazardous materials coordination, life-safety programs, inspections, and related prevention and response functions.
  • Coordinate preparedness and response activities with campus departments, senior leadership, local emergency responders, and other public safety partners.
  • Promote personal, occupational, environmental, and community safety through education, prevention, planning, training, and operational readiness.

(15%) Compliance and Policy Oversight
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, university, and law enforcement requirements, including Clery Act reporting, VAWA-related obligations, Colorado Victim Rights Act requirements, and applicable crime reporting standards.
  • Oversee the development, review, implementation, and maintenance of department policies, procedures, records, training expectations, and accountability practices.
  • Support internal review processes, complaint response, personnel matters, sensitive investigations, and confidential information management with sound judgment and discretion.
  • Serve as a Campus Security Authority and ensure accurate, timely, and coordinated public safety reporting and communication in partnership with appropriate campus offices.

(10%) Community Engagement and Interagency Collaboration
  • Advance a strong and approachable community-policing approach that builds trust, transparency, and constructive relationships with students, faculty, staff, families, visitors, and community partners
  • Collaborate with campus leadership, student-facing units, residential life, facilities, communications, legal counsel, institutional equity, student affairs, and other partners to address safety concerns and improve the campus experience
  • Maintain strong working relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, fire and emergency response agencies, prosecutorial offices, and public safety leaders across the University of Colorado system
  • Represent UCCS in public safety matters and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders during routine operations, significant events, emergencies, and sensitive situations.

Tentative Search Timeline
  • Priority will be given to applications submitted by: July 9th, 2026
  • Potential interview dates: July 13th, 2026 - July 31st, 2026
  • Potential start date:August 22nd, 2026

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.
Qualifications
  • To be considered for this role, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, police administration, public administration, social science, or a related field. Substitution: Year-for-year executive-level law enforcement experience may be considered as a substitution for the degree.
  • Candidates must have a proven track record of progressively responsible sworn law enforcement leadership at the command level or higher, including experience directing police operations, supervising personnel, managing budgets, allocating resources, and leading complex public safety initiatives.
  • Candidates must possess Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or be able to obtain Colorado POST certification within 90 days of hire and must maintain certification as a condition of employment.
  • Candidates must possess a valid Colorado driver's license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
  • Candidates must be able to serve in an essential/critical capacity, respond to campus emergencies and critical incidents, and work outside normal business hours as operational needs require.
  • Candidates must live, or be willing to relocate, within a 45-minute commute to campus.

The following qualifications are highly desirable:
  • Experience leading public safety in a higher education, public-sector, or similarly complex multi-stakeholder environment.
  • Demonstrated experience with community policing, Clery Act compliance, threat assessment, emergency management, First Amendment considerations in a public setting, mental health-related response, physical and electronic security systems, public communication, and interagency coordination.
  • A master's degree in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, law enforcement, or a related field.
  • Completion of an executive law enforcement leadership program, such as the FBI National Academy, FBI-LEEDA, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, PERF Senior Management Institute for Police, or a similar command leadership program.

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