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Police Commander Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Howard

Special Police Officer

Washington, DC

External contacts include parent/guardians, patients, Mayoral Command Post, representatives from local and national Homeland Security operations, social service agencies, special police officers ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolice Commander JobsPolice Commander Jobs in Washington

Police Commander information

See Washington salary details

$36.8K

$70.4K

$117.2K

How much do police commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for police commander in Washington is $70,389.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $84,400.00 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 Washington? For Police Commander jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Commander jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Police Commander jobs in Washington are:
Police Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Commander job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,389 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Lead Police Officer

US Department of the Army

Fort Myer, VA

$56K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) handles the day-to-day operations of Army installations.Qualifications:****This is an open continuous announcement.
We accept applications on an ongoing basis. Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization.
Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.
Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service or have a break in service may be authorized.
Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) experience responding to and investigating emergency calls, complaints and other calls for service; exercising search and arrest authority; 2) experience conducting traffic patrol using specialized equipment such as radar, Lidar and breathalyzer; and 3) experience utilizing word processing and web-based law enforcement computer programs to complete reports, to document incidents, or criminal investigations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
Some Federal positions allow you to substitute education for experience. For this position, you must qualify using experience only, no education substitution if allowed.
Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Army employees say

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About US Army

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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