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Police Commander Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Moundsview, MN · On-site

$106K/yr

Police Division: Police/Investigators Union # 204 Opening Date: 08/17/2026 Primary Objective of ... Ensures provided services consistently command the confidence and respect of the community. Minimum ...

... command respect and confidence, and other functions as assigned or apparent. Temporary Police Officers' roles are to fill vacancies in the schedule when regular full-time or regular part-time ...

Police Officer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$89K - $123K/yr

Police Officer The City of Plymouth is looking for motivated professionals to uphold state and ... at or Patrol Commander Robert Topp at You may also visit our website at plymouthmn.gov ...

Ensures provided services consistently command the confidence and respect of the community. Minimum ... Bachelor's degree in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration, or ...

Police Officer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$89K - $123K/yr

Police Officer The City of Plymouth is looking for motivated professionals to uphold state and ... Commander Robert Topp at rtopp@plymouthmn.gov. You may also visit our website at plymouthmn.gov ...

The Rochester Police will accomplish this through strategic collaboration, along with a commitment ... Coordinate UAV operations with patrol officers, command staff, and other public safety agencies as ...

The Rochester Police will accomplish this through strategic collaboration, along with a commitment ... Provide live aerial video feeds and imagery to the RTIC, command staff, and field units.

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Police Commander information

See Minnesota salary details

$31.8K

$60.9K

$101.4K

How much do police commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for police commander in Minnesota is $60,869.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $73,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Police Commander jobs in Minnesota?

For Police Commander jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Commander job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,869 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

$124K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

We welcome you as an applicant for employment with the City of White Bear Lake It is the City of White Bear Lake's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment. The City of White Bear Lake will not discriminate on the basis of race (including traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs and twists) color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other basis protected by law. Please furnish complete information, so we may accurately and completely assess your qualifications.

You may attach any other information which provides additional detail about your qualifications for employment in the position you seek. Please refer to the Applicant Data Practices Advisory for guidance regarding how your application information will be used, the consequences of providing or not providing your information, and more. The City of White Bear Lake accommodates qualified persons with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application process.

If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Sara Weber at sweber@whitebearlakemn.gov or 651-429-8504. Opportunity **INTERNAL POSTING ONLY** This is an internal opportunity open only to eligible current employees of the department who meet the established qualifications for the position. This position provides administrative and supervisory support to the Police Chief in the overall administration of the Police Department

The Police Chief serves as the first assistant to the Police Chief and assumes full command of the department in the Police Chief's absence. Responsibilities include planning, directing, and supervising Police Sergeants, Police Officers, Community Service Officers, and administrative staff. The position is responsible for directing and overseeing all field operations, including patrol and investigations, as assigned, in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Police Chief.

Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Police Chief. Salary Range: $59.83/hour - $80.52/hour (Grade J) Schedule: Subject to a variety of schedules which includes a standard forty (40) hour work week plus a variety of evening and weekend meetings: i.e. City Council, Civil Service Commission, civic organizations, project meetings, and community groups

On call with an expectation to physically respond to critical incidents. Union Representation: Non-Union Examples of Typical Responsibilities The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Understand and apply the Community Oriented Policing philosophy of the White Bear Lake Police Department in the performance of police duties. Provide credible testimony and/or evidence at trials, hearings, and before grand juries, as required. Maintain a strong code of ethics of the highest standard of conduct while on and off duty.

Ensure proper investigative follow-up when needed, and coordinates prosecution with the proper prosecutor in compliance with judicial and department rules. Plan, direct, command, and supervise personnel, operations, and activities of patrol, investigations and administration. Ensure employee compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and takes appropriate corrective action as needed.

Develop, modify, and maintain a schedule for Department personnel in a manner that will ensure necessary minimum coverage while achieving maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Assists in other staffing needs as necessary. Supervise departmental inspections and internal affairs functions.

Analyze crime and call for service data and initiates staffing changes and techniques that will have the maximum impact on reducing criminal activity and increasing public safety. Plan, implement and evaluate strategic planning initiatives and department programs and activities, including crime prevention programs. Coordinate the formal written and ongoing informal performance evaluation of Police Officers and Community Service Officers conducted by Police Sergeants; conducts performance evaluations of Police Sergeants and administrative staff.

Identify training needs of the department and its members and make recommendations to the Police Chief. Actively participate in County/Regional partnerships and professional development opportunities. Conduct training and mentoring of future police leadership issues.

Possess outstanding communication, organizational and general presentation skills. Assist the Police Chief with the development of the department budget and prepare administrative reports as required. Perform other position-related duties as required or assigned.

EXAMPLES OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA: Motivates personnel to work to their highest potential and fosters a sense of trust and belonging for all department staff. Maintains effective working relationships and positive communications and cooperation with department staff, general public, elected officials, City Administration, coworkers, and outside agencies and stakeholders. Consistently follows and ensures compliance with department policies, procedures and operating guidelines.

Responds to and manages requests for service properly, quickly and with a high level of professionalism. Demonstrates knowledge of local, state and federal laws, and regulations relating to law enforcement. Ensures department training is effectively coordinated, documented and compliant with MN Post Board standards and department policies.

Demonstrates strong communication, leadership and interpersonal skills. Demonstrates commitment to community policing principles. Qualifications Minimum (all): Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, or related field.

Minimum of five (5) years' experience in law enforcement with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role. Active Minnesota POST Board certification. A valid driver's license and driving record that meets City and/or department standards.

Skills and Experience That Elevate your Success (Not required): Master's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, or a related field; or graduation from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or other executive command training. More than four (4) years of supervisory or leadership experience in law enforcement. Bilingual or multilingual communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in English and one or more additional languages.

Equivalency Statement: An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered. Working Conditions PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical and cognitive demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The Police Captain position involves a combination of administrative, supervisory, command and field responsibility.

The position requires the ability to regularly lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds and, when operationally necessary, to occasionally lift, carry, or drag heavier objects over 100 pounds. The position also requires sufficient visual acuity to perform essential duties, including close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors, and the ability to adjust focus. COGNITIVE DEMANDS The position requires the ability to exercise sound judgment; analyze information; make timely and effective decisions; maintain situational awareness; communicate clearly and effectively; manage competing priorities; and respond appropriately to routine, emergency, and rapidly changing situations.

The position requires the ability to remain attentive and focused for extended periods and to effectively perform duties under stressful or high-pressure conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Administrative and command duties are primarily performed in a standard office environment and involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer use, meetings, and other routine office activities. Physical effort is generally light, with intermittent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

The position requires repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with keyboarding, computer use, and other office tasks. Approximately 30% of the workday may be spent standing or walking. Field and operational duties may be performed in a variety of environments and may include driving or riding in department vehicles, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, responding to emergency and non-emergency incidents, and providing command or supervisory oversight at active scenes.

Depending on assignment and operational needs, the captain may perform or assist with patrol, investigations, special operations, or other law-enforcement activities. The position may involve exposure to potentially hazardous or stressful conditions, including blood and bodily fluids, injuries, traffic crashes, hazardous environments, emotionally distressing or traumatic situations, and individuals who may be angry, combative, or violent. The position may require the employee to carry and use a department-issued firearm, wear a duty belt or load bearing vest, operate department vehicles using defensive-driving techniques, and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous situations.