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Police Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northeast Arc

Driver

Danvers, MA · On-site

$22/hr

Reports all vehicle accidents to Police, Director and Dispatcher, and completes required documents. Conducts daily safety checks of vehicle before departure and reports any problems to Dispatcher.

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 ...

Triton College, IL

Police Chief

River Grove, IL · On-site

Skills in direct leadership of multiple aspects of police staffing (patrol; Front Line; Dispatch and Command) are highly desirable. Responsibilities 1. Implement and oversee all internal ...

City of Bartow

Police Captain

Bartow, FL

$51.03 - $61.71/hr

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief of Police. Essential Duties and ... Collaborates with department director and City Manager's Office as needed to create and understand ...

Meridian Township

Police Cadet

Haslett, MI · On-site

$16/hr

Routine police service requests at the reception area * Report writing in cases of minor nature ... Answering and directing incoming phone calls * Selected community service assignments * Substitute ...

Meridian Township

Police Cadet

Haslett, MI · On-site

Routine police service requests at the reception area * Report writing in cases of minor nature ... Answering and directing incoming phone calls * Selected community service assignments * Substitute ...

Hagerstown Community College

Security Officer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The security officer reports directly to and is responsible to the police sergeant and or the Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety. B. This is a non-supervisory position. However, the Security ...

City of Livermore

Police Captain

Livermore, CA

$21K - $26K/mo

Description The Livermore Police Department is now accepting applications for Police Captain. CLICK ... SUPERVISION EXERCISED Direct supervision and managing through secondary supervisors is provided to ...

City of Livermore, CA

Police Captain

Livermore, CA · On-site

$21K - $26K/mo

Police Opening Date: 06/29/2026 Closing Date: 7/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Description The Livermore ... SUPERVISION EXERCISED Direct supervision and managing through secondary supervisors is provided to ...

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Police Director information

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$21K

$76.1K

$169.5K

How much do police director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 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 are Police Directors?

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 is the highest paying job in the police department?

The highest paying position in a police department is typically the Police Chief or Police Commissioner, who oversees the entire department and often earns the highest salary. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often a background in law enforcement or public administration.

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.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

The age at which someone can become a police officer varies by department, but many agencies accept applicants up to their early 30s. Being 27 is generally not too late to pursue a law enforcement career, and prior life experience can be an asset. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED, pass physical and background tests, and complete police academy training.

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.

Why are police officers leaving?

Police officers leave the profession due to factors such as job stress, concerns about safety, administrative challenges, and changes in community relations. High turnover rates can also be driven by burnout, low pay, and limited career advancement opportunities.

What does director mean in police?

In a police context, a director is a high-ranking official responsible for overseeing police operations, strategic planning, and administrative functions within a law enforcement agency. The role often requires leadership skills, law enforcement experience, and sometimes specific certifications or degrees. The director sets policies, manages personnel, and ensures the agency meets its objectives.
More about Police Director jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Police Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Director jobs are:
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, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,054 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Police-Police Officer

The City of Watertown

Watertown, WI • On-site

$66K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Police Officer-Police Department
The Watertown Police Department is accepting applications for a FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER and establish an eligibility list for the position of police officer. The ideal applicant will have a genuine desire to interact with citizens and identify and solve problems together, in an effort to reduce crime and disorder in our community.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
  • Effective 1/1/26, salary per year of $66,530.97, and after eight years $87,960.72
  • Health and Dental insurance
  • Wisconsin Retirement System
  • 12 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • Patrol work rotation is five days on and three days off (9-hour day)
  • Lateral Salary Transfer for current sworn Law Enforcement (ask for details)
  • Bilingual officers (tested) receive an extra $1000/year

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • U.S. Citizen, 21 years of age, valid driver's license
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 60 college-level credits (or more) from an accredited educational institution
  • Residency requirement: w/in 25 miles of the department (straight line distance) w/in 12 months of hire date

CONTINUOUS APPLICATION PROCESS:
  • Online: City of Watertown website under the Careers tab:
  • Any questions on the hiring process may be directed to Captain Jon Caucutt, 920-206-4238, or .

RECRUITMENT AND HIRING PROCESS: Applicants must complete each of the following steps:
  1. Submit all required application materials - Applicants may attach a DJ LE 330 to the ApplicantPro application
  2. Pass physical agility testing (see description below)
  3. Informed Consent and Waiver to Participate in Physical Agility Testing form/signed
  4. Authorization for Release of Information form/signed
  5. Copy of High School Diploma, College transcripts
  6. Copy of Wisconsin Preparatory Law Enforcement Officer Training Transcript - if applicant has already attended the Police Academy
  7. Copy of DD-214 long form (military only: discharge paperwork)
  8. Written Exam
  9. Pre-background screening information packet completed and signed
  10. Panel interview
  11. Interview with the Chief of Police
  12. Personal History Statement completed and signed
  13. Background investigation
  14. Conditional Offer of Employment
  15. Psychological Evaluation
  16. Medical Evaluation and drug screen

Physical Agility Test
  • Vertical Jump 11.5 inches
  • Agility Run 23.4 seconds
  • Sit-ups 24 / 1 minute
  • Push-ups 18 / 1 minute
  • 300 Meter Dash 68 seconds
  • 1.5 Mile Run 20:20

* CLICK the "Full Job Description" button below to obtain the necessary forms

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