1

Police Director Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Security Officer

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Complete incident reporting as required/directed * Render aid * Enforce school regulations and ... A graduate of an accredited police or constable academy * Prior experience as a Sworn Municipal ...

Sales Representative

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Public sector employees (police departments, fire departments, municipal agencies, school districts ... direct-to-employee interactions and face-to-face demos - Self-motivated, accountable, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Police Director information

See Delaware salary details

$19.7K

$71.4K

$159.2K

How much do police director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for police director in Delaware is $71,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,445.00 and $89,221.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police director?

Police Directors are senior law enforcement officials responsible for overseeing the management and administration of a police department or agency. Their duties typically include setting departmental policies, supervising high-ranking officers, managing budgets, and ensuring the effective enforcement of laws and regulations. Police Directors often serve as the public face of the department, working with community leaders and government officials to address public safety concerns. Unlike police chiefs, who may sometimes focus more on operational leadership, Police Directors often emphasize the strategic and administrative aspects of law enforcement.

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

To thrive as a Police Director, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with crime analysis software, law enforcement databases, and incident reporting systems is essential, along with relevant certifications in police administration or leadership. Excellent decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills distinguish top-performing Police Directors. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective department operations, maintaining public safety, and building community trust.

What are some common challenges faced by a police director in managing a diverse law enforcement team?

A Police Director often navigates challenges such as uniting officers with varied backgrounds and experiences, addressing differing perspectives on policing strategies, and ensuring consistent adherence to department policies. Balancing administrative duties with on-the-ground leadership requires strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving community expectations and integrating new technologies or procedures can present ongoing hurdles, making continuous professional development and team engagement crucial.

What is the difference between Police Director vs Police Chief?

AspectPolice DirectorPolice Chief
Required CredentialsLaw enforcement experience, leadership skills, possibly advanced degreesLaw enforcement experience, leadership skills, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically oversees multiple departments or entire police agencies, strategic planningManages daily operations of a specific police department, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in city, county, or state agencies; more common in larger jurisdictionsCommon in municipal police departments across various regions
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing leadership roles in law enforcementIndividuals seeking info on police department leadership positions

While both roles involve law enforcement leadership, a Police Director typically oversees broader agency strategies and multiple departments, whereas a Police Chief manages daily operations within a specific police department. The choice depends on the size of the jurisdiction and organizational structure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Police jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Police Director jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Police Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Police Director job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,428 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Natural Resources Police Captain - Fish & Wildlife

State of Delaware

Dover, DE • On-site

$109K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has three Natural Resources Police units that work with the public to ensure safety, investigate environmental crimes, and make sure that Delawareans and visitors to the state can enjoy Delaware's natural resources.
Click here for more information about Natural Resources Police.
Summary Statement
This class is a supervisory level position overseeing all aspects of operations within the Offices of Boater Education and Boat Registration & Commercial licensing; serves as outreach and media coordinator for the unit; compose directives and procedures pertaining to law enforcement operations; oversees boating accident reporting; manages grants; coordinates training for law enforcement personnel.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Implements appropriate law enforcement action in response to complaints, traffic, criminal, regulatory and other activities.
  • Investigates suspicious and criminal activity which includes detecting, collecting and preserving physical evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects and defendants, processing charging documents, executing search and arrest warrants and processing defendants.
  • Performs vehicle and foot patrol of assigned areas.
  • Performs community policing through informational presentations and educational seminars for other state agencies, schools, the public and community organizations.
  • Provides protective services to state employees, visitors and the general public.
  • Conducts surveillances and performs undercover assignments.
  • Provides assistance to other law enforcement agencies as back-up or primary response.
  • Takes into custody and transports felons and prisoners.
  • Presents evidence and testimony and prosecutes cases in court.
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of reports pertaining to response of an incident, daily activity and investigations.
  • Calibrates, maintains and uses various technical instruments and equipment to determine safety compliance and operational readiness.

Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Natural Resources Police Captain
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Possession of a State of Delaware Council on Police Training Certificate.
  2. Three years experience in planning, developing, coordinating and implementing in-depth, long-term law enforcement investigations.
  3. Three years experience in presenting training courses which includes using a variety of training methods such as lecture, structured exercises, role play or group discussion as well as the use of training materials such as overheads, PowerPoint, handouts or videos.
  4. Knowledge of developing policies or procedures.
  5. Knowledge of budget development which includes developing a budget, analyzing financial data and making long and short range plans and projections.
  6. Knowledge of operations management which includes planning, directing, coordinating, controlling and evaluating operations typically through subordinate supervisors.
  7. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving

Additional Posting Information
Applicants may only apply if they are current permanent employees of the recruiting Department in a position covered by the Merit System who have completed their initial probationary period.
Conditions of Hire
DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

What State Of Delaware employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom