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Police Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The City of Watertown

Police-Police Officer

Watertown, WI · On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

Police Officer-Police Department The Watertown Police Department is accepting applications for a ... Any questions on the hiring process may be directed to Captain Jon Caucutt, 920-206-4238, or ...

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Police Director information

See salary details

$21K

$76.1K

$169.5K

How much do police director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for police director in the United States is $76,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $95,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Police Director jobs? Cities with the most Police Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs? The most popular types of Police jobs are:
What states have the most Police Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Director jobs include:
Police Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,054 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Police Cadet, University Police

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

UT Southwestern rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Why UT Southwestern Police Department?

 The UT Southwestern Medical Center Police Department is a component member of the University of Texas System. Officers of the University of Texas System Police have been serving and protecting the UT System community since 1968, Providing law enforcement and security-related services. Help to protect and serve the Dallas community at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital and our other locations. Ranked as the #1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth for the eighth consecutive year, we invite you to continue your public safety career with us at UT Southwestern in our police department to help protect and safeguard our community. You'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities to grow your police career.

Job Summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is currently seeking Police Cadets to join our team in Dallas, Texas. As a police cadet, you will assist experienced police officers in various tasks, learn about police procedures and protocols, engage in the community, and prepare for the responsibilities of a full-fledged police officer. As a police cadet with UTSW, you will be enrolled in the Texas Policy Academy at no cost to you to help you advance your police career .

The police department is pleased to offer our team outstanding benefits that you're eligible for on day one of employment.

  • $0 Cost Employee Only Healthcare Benefits
  • Generous PTO and Holidays
  • Weekend and Holiday Pay
  • Career Growth
  • Certification Pay
  • Uniforms and Dry Cleaning Provided

Join the UT Southwestern police department today and get started on a journey of growth in your police office career!

Starting salary for Cadet is $71,935.  Additional benefits include:

  • Shift differential Pay

  • Weekend and Holiday Pay

  • Certification Pay

  • Uniforms and dry cleaning provided

Education and Experience

Required

Education

High School Diploma or GED. and

Must be at least 21 years of age and

Must attend and satisfactory complete a Texas Police Academy, qualifying for commissioning as peace officer of the University of Texas System Police within 15 calendar days of completion of a basic Peace Officer Training Course and

All offers of employment are contingent upon a verified negative drug screen. 

Licenses and Certifications

 DRIVERS LICENSE and acceptable UT System Driver Rating.

Job Duties
  • Attends classes and maintains comprehensive notebooks. Completes homework assignments.
  • Participates in physical training program, firearms training, defensive tactics program, and practical problems. Actively participates in classroom discussions and group projects.
  • Complies with established rules and regulations governing the Police Academy.
  • Complies with assignments and instructions given by Director of Police, of University of Texas System, or by any members of Academy staff and/or Director/Staff of approved Academy.
  • Adheres to respective component institution policies of police department relating to personal status and attendance at Academy.
  • Adheres to the University of Texas System Police Code of Conduct and Rules and Regulations promulgated by Board of Regents of University of Texas System.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Security

 This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO Statement

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

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