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Police Commander Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Howard

Special Police Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

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

Howard

Lieutenant

Washington, DC · On-site

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

Howard University

Lieutenant

Washington, DC · On-site

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

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Showing results 41-60

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 11, 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 90% Full Time, and 10% 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.

Special Police Officer

Howard University

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Howard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
  • Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
  • Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
  • Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
BASIC FUNCTION:
The purpose of this position is to maintain safety guidelines and to provide 24-hour security patrol needed for the protection of life and property within the Howard University campus and off-site facilities.
SUPERVISORY
ACCOUNTABILITY:
None
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Internal contacts include executives, administrators, students, and staff of the Department of Public Safety, the University and Howard University Hospital, and HUH faculty, students, and staff of the University and Hospital. External contacts include parent/guardians, patients, Mayoral Command Post, representatives from local and national Homeland Security operations, social service agencies, special police officers, Security Officer's Management Branch, members of the local criminal justice system to include Metropolitan Police, U.S. Attorney's Office, Department of Corrections, Youth Services organizations, etc. and the general public.
PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Responds as directed to emergency calls involving criminal activities within the University's jurisdiction.
Apprehends or detains individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses using force only when necessary to protect life or property.
Notifies suspects of Miranda rights and reports all details of incidents to a Patrol Supervisor.
Assists in controlling large crowds and student gatherings, using mature judgment and tact when incidents arise necessitating intervention.
Determines the need for additional support as necessary to provide for the security of persons and property on University premises and relays to the dispatcher or relays the information to a supervisor.
Prepares special reports in cases of arrest and handles incidents when supervisors are not available to dissolve matters requiring their attention.
Responds to calls involving criminal activity.
Patrols assigned post, inspects buildings, grounds, and other premises, enforces the University and District of Columbia laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that they are observed.
Settles disturbances of the peace and investigates all unusual occurrences.
Assists in the evacuation of buildings and carrying out proper procedures as directed by superiors.
As situations require, appears in court and University Judicial Boards/Hearings as a witness against offenders.
Performs other appropriate job-related duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Knowledge of criminal law, including elements of offenses, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, search and seizures, methods of law enforcement, maintenance of public safety and security and other law enforcement principles and practices.
Knowledge of municipal and governmental policy and procedural changes relating to the security of other public safety organizations that affect criminal investigative activities.
Skill in the use of firearms and other standard police equipment.
Skill in the use of both oral and written English with the ability to read some technical literature, write administrative reports, and describe cases verbally.
Skill in public and customer relations with the ability to use tact, diplomacy, and decorum.
Ability to successfully complete a University sponsored police academy.
Ability to pass regular and/or random physical, psychological, and drug tests as necessary and appropriate.
Ability to participate in the investigation of crimes and incidents.
Ability to remain emotionally stable and to display mature judgment and tact in explosive and/or dangerous situations.
Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with students, staff, faculty, medical staff, patients, other public safety organizations of the University, Hospital, and the general public.
Ability to pass a physical agility test.
MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS:
High School Graduation or General Equivalency Diploma (GED); and four (4) years of responsible work experience in law enforcement or security work; possession of an AA degree in criminal justice or other related fields, possession of United States citizenship with no criminal record; possession of a good driving record and a driver's license valid in the District of Columbia; must successfully pass a qualifying physical examination, agility, and drug tests; completion of a University-sponsored or law enforcement academy or the ability to successfully complete a police academy; must possess a Special Police Commission with firearm authorization or be able to obtain said commission within six months after employment.
Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Expected Salary Range: $21.00- $22.59 Starting Hourly

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