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Police Corporal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Indio, CA

IPD Police Officer

Jackson, CA · On-site

$92K - $118K/yr

This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Corporal in that the latter is responsible for the performance of the more complex and difficult tasks and for ...

City of Concord

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

$31.91/hr

Police Officer Trainee If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, there is an ... Corporal, and Drone Operator. Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ...

City of Concord, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

$31.91/hr

Police Officer Trainee If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, there is an ... Corporal, and Drone Operator. * Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ...

City of Concord, CA

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

... Corporal, and Drone Operator * Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ... Police Service Standards- To be a candidate for a position in this class, the applicant must ...

City of Concord, CA

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

... Corporal, and Drone Operator * Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ... Police Service Standards- To be a candidate for a position in this class, the applicant must ...

City of Concord

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

Police Officer Trainee If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, there is an ... Corporal, and Drone Operator. * Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ...

City of Concord

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

Police Officer Trainee If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, there is an ... Corporal, and Drone Operator. * Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ...

City of Concord, CA

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

... Corporal, and Drone Operator * Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ... Police Service Standards - To be a candidate for a position in this class, the applicant must ...

City of Concord

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA

$123K - $150K/yr

... Corporal, and Drone Operator Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ... Police Service Standards- To be a candidate for a position in this class, the applicant must ...

City of Concord

Police Officer - Academy Grad

Concord, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

... Corporal, and Drone Operator. Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 years sworn service with 3 ... Police Officer Standards- To be a candidate for the position of Police Officer, you must fulfill ...

City of Clearlake, CA

Police Officer

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$5.7K - $7.3K/mo

CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT Opening Date: 11/28/2022 Are you a lateral, academy graduate or ... corporal, there are opportunities for a variety of skill sets as you grow with our organization.

City of Clearlake

Police Officer

Clearlake, CA

$5.7K - $7.3K/mo

... corporal, there are opportunities for a variety of skill sets as you grow with our organization ... May serve as Police Sergeant as assigned; act as Watch Commander; review and approve the reports of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolice Corporal JobsPolice Corporal Jobs in California

Police Corporal information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$61.3K

$102.1K

How much do police corporal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for police corporal in California is $61,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police corporal?

Police Corporals are law enforcement officers who hold a supervisory position above a Police Officer but below a Sergeant. They typically oversee a team of officers, provide guidance, and may also perform regular patrol duties. Corporals assist with training, ensure proper procedures are followed, and may take charge in the absence of higher-ranking officers. Their role often serves as a stepping stone to higher leadership positions within the police department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police corporal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Corporal, you need thorough knowledge of law enforcement procedures, proven leadership abilities, and completion of police academy training, often with several years of patrol experience. Familiarity with crime reporting systems, evidence management tools, and departmental communication platforms is essential. Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills help corporals guide teams and engage effectively with the community. These competencies are crucial for ensuring public safety, maintaining team efficiency, and upholding departmental standards.

What are some common challenges faced by police corporals when transitioning from patrol officer roles?

Police Corporals often find the transition challenging as they move from primarily executing directives to taking on supervisory responsibilities. They are expected to mentor junior officers, manage shift operations, and handle conflict resolution within the team, all while maintaining their own field duties. Balancing administrative tasks with active policing and earning the respect of former peers as a new leader requires strong communication and leadership skills. Successful corporals typically seek ongoing training and support from higher-ranking officers to navigate these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Police Corporal vs Police Sergeant?

AspectPolice CorporalPolice Sergeant
ResponsibilitiesSupervises small team, assists in investigations, enforces lawsManages multiple teams, oversees operations, makes strategic decisions
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationSame as Corporal, often with additional leadership training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, community policing, investigationsCommand centers, precinct management, field supervision

The main difference between a Police Corporal and a Police Sergeant lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. Corporals typically supervise small teams and assist with investigations, while Sergeants oversee multiple units and handle higher-level management tasks. Both roles require similar credentials, but Sergeants often have additional leadership training and experience.

Police Corporal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Corporal job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,334 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Police Officer Lateral/Academy Grad

City of Davis, CA

Davis, CA • On-site

$97K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

City Of Davis (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary : $97,968.00 - $125,028.80 Annually
Location : Davis, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00907
Department: Police Department
Division: Patrol Division
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of law enforcement and community relations duties involving collaborative problem solving with covered communities, the detection and prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the enforcement of laws, codes, and ordinances; conducts surveillance; investigative work; controls of traffic flow and enforcement of traffic regulations; participations in, and provision of support and assistance to, crime prevention and enforcement programs; responses to various routine, emergency, and other calls for service or assistance; preparation of cases and testimony in court; assignments in specialized Departmental roles or on task forces; provision of information and assistance to the public; familiarization with community residents; and other related work as required or assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management as reflected in the Department organizational chart. Occasionally exercises functional and technical supervision over subordinate sworn trainees, and non-sworn personnel and volunteers as reflected in the Department organizational chart.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This sworn-classification is responsible for independently performing law enforcement duties in support of the Police Department. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the Police Department. This class is distinguished from Police Corporal in that the latter is an advanced journey-level class in the sworn series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized police service activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS(Illustrative Only)
The Davis Police Department is accredited by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST, in accordance with State law, may, from time to time, amend the regulations and standards or adopt new standards relating to the accreditation program. The Department incorporates the POST California Peace Officer Job Analysis report, as periodically amended, to help establish typical job functions and standards.
  • Performs a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence for the purpose of detecting or deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public.
  • Serves as a spokesperson and/or attends a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities; cultivates good community relations by appearing before civic, fraternal, and other community groups.
  • Builds relationships with community-based partners and effective collaboration, and often, before conflicts arise; improves understanding of and insight into the needs of specific diverse communities; reaches and establishes trust with the most vulnerable groups in the community.
  • Patrols the City to observe and address suspicious or potential criminal activity; responds to routine and emergency calls for service, including, but not limited to disturbances, burglaries, robberies, drug crimes, vehicle collisions, domestic disputes, suspicious activities, deaths, and other incidents to protect public safety, life, and property.
  • Resolves problems and de-escalates/diffuses situations/conflict.
  • Enforces State and local laws, ordinances, and codes.
  • Provides information, directions, and assistance to the public in a variety of situations.
  • Takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
  • Observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers against unlawful practices; issues citations; performs high-risk stops; makes arrests as necessary; assists motorists with inoperable vehicles; provides direction and traffic control at incidents, special events, or other congested situations.
  • Coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigations of crimes and related matters.
  • Detains individuals; makes arrests; takes individuals into custody; transports individuals to for medical clearance, and/or booking at a longer-term facility; searches, fingerprints and photographs individuals.
  • Evaluates and detains individuals for mental health holds.
  • Prepares police reports and/or memoranda on detentions made, arrests made, activities 41performed, and incidents observed; prepares and maintains other related or Department reports, logs, records, and accurate files.
  • Retrieves and requests information for law enforcement investigations; files complaints and performs other work related to the processing of criminal complaints; serves writs, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
  • Prepares, files, and/or serves arrest and search warrants, including high-risk warrants.
  • Secures crime scenes and evidence; collects, processes, photographs, and presents evidence using scientific techniques including fingerprints, DNA, fibers, blood, and related physical evidence.
  • Interviews people; documents interviews; interrogates suspects.
  • Prepares cases for trial; testifies and presents evidence in court; coordinates activities of pre-trial investigation and preparation for the District Attorney's Office.
  • Provides emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for assistance and requests appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
  • Provides mutual aid to other law enforcement agencies in accordance with Departmental policy; cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support.
  • Provides outreach to homeless individuals; observes for potential physical or behavioral health issues; conducts welfare checks; takes appropriate action as needed.
  • When assigned, provides field training and trains officers in areas such as patrol, investigations, use of weapons, weaponless defense, traffic enforcement, safety, report writing, community-based policing, and Department policy and procedures.
  • Assists in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required; schedules and implements crime prevention and educational programs.
  • Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in law enforcement.
  • Releases information to the public in accordance with Department policy.
  • Oversees the use and care of equipment.
  • Observes and complies with all Department and City safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • May serve in a variety of specialized and/or collateral assignments including, but not limited to; detectives, training coordinator, intelligence-led policing, bike patrol, motors, K-9 handler, school resource officer, use-of-force instructor, reserve/cadet coordinator, crisis negotiator, SWAT, major collision investigations, explosive ordnance disposal, and specialized evidence response.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
  • Police-Community Relations.
  • Principles of "Guardian Mindset" and Procedural Justice.
  • Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement agency.
  • Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of law enforcement including patrol, investigations, interview and interrogation, crime prevention, and special operations functions.
  • Laws and procedures with particular reference to the apprehension, detention and arrest of individuals committing crimes or suffering from mental health crisis.
  • Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the preservation of evidence.
  • Operational characteristics of vehicles and equipment used in law enforcement.
  • Criminal court system processes and regulations.
  • Methods and techniques of interviewing and eliciting information from people.
  • Traffic control, enforcement, and education methods.
  • Police communications, property, jails, and custody operations.
  • Procedures in handling warrants, filing complaints, court appearances, and testifying.
  • Investigation and identification techniques and equipment.
  • Applicable federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Safety practices and equipment related to the work performed, including the safe use and proper care of weapons and other modern police equipment/technology.
  • Methods and techniques of preparing police reports, memoranda and related documentation.
  • Self-defense tactics.
  • The use of respirators and personal protective equipment.
  • Techniques of first aid and CPR.
  • Principles and procedures of record keeping and the release of confidential or public records.
  • Department and City safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of service by effectively dealing with people.
  • The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
  • Perform routine and complex duties, such as responding to calls for service and critical incidents to ensure the protection and safety of the community, people and property.
  • Determine response to dynamic and rapidly changing critical incidents (e.g., in-progress crimes, active shooters); problem solve law enforcement and/or related situations; make sound, independent decisions in emergency/critical situations.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply them in work situations.
  • Coordinate activities of law enforcement and/or public safety personnel at crime scenes.
  • Establish Incident Command System at scenes until relieved by superior officer.
  • Lawfully possess, use, and care for firearms and other modern police equipment/technology in the course of employment; qualify and/or engage in required practice with weapons (e.g., firearms, impact weapons, chemical agents, conducted electric devices).
  • Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; transmit, receive, and monitor messages over police radio (e.g., patrol car radio, hand-held radio, scanners); transmit, receive, and monitor messages over car computer terminals (e.g., MDT); operate body-worn technology according to agency policy (e.g., uniform cameras, sensors, audio recorders).
  • Observe accurately; recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents and places; remember accounts given by witnesses; identify crime suspects; observe while conducting surveillance.
  • Conduct effective interviews and interrogations; summarize and document interviews and interrogations.
  • Effectively communicate with hostile and/or aggressive individuals in attempts to or to de-escalate people/situations.
  • Pursue, apprehend, and subdue individuals in accordance with procedures; engage in foot pursuits; subdue resisting or attacking persons using arrest and control techniques; use hands, feet, or other body parts in weaponless defense.
  • Process crime scenes and maintain chain-of-custody of evidence.
  • Wear duty and protective equipment for an extended period of time; pass respirator medical and fit-testing; wear a respirator in static or critical incidents.
  • Operate equipment and vehicles of the Department in a safe and responsible manner; drive vehicles while multitasking (e.g., using computer/communications equipment); drive vehicles in darkness, inclement weather, and/or hazardous conditions; drive vehicles in emergency responses (e.g., Code 3 versus non-emergency responses) and pursuits.
  • Work in close proximity with specialty units (e.g., K-9, narcotics, helicopter, tactical teams).
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Understand, communicate, and implement the City's and the Police Chief's Department and policing philosophy.
  • Offer credible testimony in court or while under oath.
  • Identify and be responsive to community issues, concerns, and needs.
  • Maintain confidentiality of police records; release police records in accordance with the law.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Meet and maintain all POST, OSHA, legislatively required, and Department required training mandates for peace officer job classifications.
  • Meet and maintain the minimum standards established by State law and POST to serve as a peace officer (Government Code § 1029; Government Code § 1031; Government Code § 1031.4 (a); 11 CCR 1950 et seq.).

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required kn

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