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Police Commander Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$120 - $180/hr

At least five (5) years in a supervisory or command-level position (Sergeant, Lieutenant/Commander ... Graduation from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or ...

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Police Commander information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police commander jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for police commander in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 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.
More about Police Commander jobs

What cities are hiring for Police Commander jobs?

Cities with the most Police Commander job openings:

What states have the most Police Commander jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police Commander jobs include:

Infographic showing various Police Commander job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Lateral- Entry Police Officer

Sidney Police Department

Sidney, OH โ€ข On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Opportunities

Use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Meยฎ button.

Job Description Summary: It is the vision of the Sidney Police Department to exceed the expectations of our community, to adapt to ever changing challenges and to provide the highest level of service and protection to our citizens. The Sidney Police Department is a full service police department. The department has a patrol section, an investigative section, a community resource section and a communications section. They are supported by a records section and a maintenance staff. The department provides opportunities to its officers for additional duties, such as Traffic Crash Reconstructionist, member of the tactical response team, hostage negotiations team, bike patrol unit, evidence technician, range instructor, and defensive tactics instructor. The command staff consists of the Police Chief, Deputy Chief, Detective Bureau Lieutenant, 3 Patrol Lieutenants, 4 Sergeants, a Public Safety Superintendent and an Office Supervisor.

Nature and Scope: Police officers assigned to patrol report directly to a patrol sergeant. Police officers assigned to specialized positions in the investigative section report to either the detective sergeant or the investigative captain. All Sidney police officers are expected to cooperate with all other city departments and maintain a professional relationship with all local and state jurisdictions.

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Operate department vehicles safely.
  • Maintain certification to operate equipment, including but not limited to alcohol testing devices, and speed detection devices.
  • Operate department equipment as assigned by the department.
  • Successfully pass all firearms qualifications.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and make good decisions when handling calls.
  • Maintain a level of physical fitness required for the job.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • A current and valid OPOTA Basic Peace Officer Certification or Ohio State Highway Patrol certification
  • Successfully pass the selection process, which includes physical fitness testing, polygraph exam, background investigation, physical examination, drug testing, and psychological profile exams.
  • Ability to complete basic law enforcement training as assigned by the department.
  • A valid Ohio driver's license (by time of appointment).
  • Minimum age of 21 on the date of appointment.
  • Minimum of one (1) years full-time experience required.
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