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Small Town Police Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GMP Consultants

$165 - $203/hr

Duvall is a growing community with a small-town feel just east of the Seattle metro area. It offers ... All partners are enthusiastic and ready to actively support the new Chief in shaping the Police ...

GMP Consultants

Police Chief

Madras, OR · On-site

$118 - $161/hr

POLICE CHIEF City of Madras, OR First Review: July 21, 2026 Salary Range: $117,613 to $161,379 ... Ifyou'relooking for a friendly, supportive community with a small-town feel--and a workplace of ...

Bridgewater, VA

Police Chief

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$101.92 - $135.20/hr

Working with other Town departments to ensure that our whole staff operates as one team Of course, there are less visible roles as well, such as budgeting, scheduling, drafting policies, and ...

City of Mill Valley

Police Chief

Mill Valley, CA · On-site

... a small mill town to the modern full-service City it is today. The City?s population is ... The Chief of Police manages and directs the 30-member Police Department which is involved with all ...

City of Madras

Police Chief

Madras, OR · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Police Chief serves as a key member of the City's leadership team, working closely with the ... Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Madras offers a unique blend of small-town character and ...

Colorado Psychiatric

$120 - $180/hr

The Town of Winter Park, Colorado, is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and community-focused law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is an outstanding opportunity ...

City of Mill Valley

Police Chief

Mill Valley, CA · On-site

... a small mill town to the modern full-service City it is today. The City?s population is ... The Chief of Police manages and directs the 30-member Police Department which is involved with all ...

City of Seattle, WA

Seattle Police Chief

Seattle, WA · On-site

$234K - $374K/yr

The Seattle Police Chief is accountable for the following deliverables: * Establish a clear ... law enforcement partners, and small businesses and neighborhood organizations, develop ...

City of Seattle

Seattle Police Chief

Seattle, WA · On-site

$234K - $374K/yr

The Seattle Police Chief leads the development of Seattle Police Department (SPD) goals in ... law enforcement partners, and small businesses and neighborhood organizations, develop ...

Gulfshoresal

$156 - $234/hr

The Town of Winter Park, Colorado, is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and community-focused law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is an outstanding opportunity ...

The Town of Elkton, MD

Police Officer

Elkton, MD · On-site

$60 - $77/hr

Join Our Exceptional Small-Town Police Force! Are you ready to make a difference in a community ... Performs additional duties as required by the Chief of Police. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

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Small Town Police Chief information

See salary details

$25K

$99.7K

$185.5K

How much do small town police chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for small town police chief in the United States is $99,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small town police chief?

A Small Town Police Chief is responsible for overseeing the operations of a small-town police department, ensuring public safety, enforcing local laws, and managing officers. They often engage with the community, develop crime prevention strategies, and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies. In smaller towns, they may also take on patrol duties and administrative tasks. Their role requires leadership, problem-solving skills, and strong communication with both officers and residents.

What are some common challenges faced by a small town police chief?

Small Town Police Chiefs often manage limited resources and smaller teams, requiring creative problem-solving and multitasking across administrative, investigative, and patrol duties. Balancing law enforcement responsibilities with community expectations is a key challenge, as chiefs are highly visible and directly accountable to citizens and local government. Chiefs frequently collaborate with other agencies and must foster a positive public image and trust within the community. Successfully addressing these challenges involves strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to transparent and community-focused policing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the small town police chief position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Small Town Police Chief, you need law enforcement experience, leadership ability, and a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal laws, typically backed by police academy graduation and supervisory experience. Familiarity with records management systems, community policing software, and maintaining necessary law enforcement certifications such as POST are important. Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and community engagement skills set successful chiefs apart. These competencies ensure effective department management, strong community relationships, and high standards of public safety in a close-knit environment.

How much does a small town police chief make in a small town?

A small town police chief's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the town's size, budget, and location. Many police chiefs also receive benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance, and the role often requires leadership skills and law enforcement experience.
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What states have the most Small Town Police Chief jobs?

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Small Town Police Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Town Police Chief job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,736 per year, or $48 per hour.

Police Chief

Executive Director - GMP Consultants

Madras, OR • On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

My Account
Job Openings >> Police Chief
Police Chief
Summary
Title: Police Chief ID: 1207 Organization: City of Madras Location: Madras, OR First Review : 07/21/2026
More about this job >
Description

POLICE CHIEF
City of Madras, OR
First Review: July 21, 2026
Salary Range: $117,613 to $161,379 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
Oregon Veteran's Preference Form
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The City of Madras is seeking a Police Chief for this rapidly growing community of 8,200 in the high desert of Central Oregon less than an hour north of Bend. Madras serves as the county seat of Jefferson County and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. 
THE CITY OF MADRAS 

Established in 1910, the City of Madras operates under a mayor-council form of government with a budget of $40 million and a team of 45 FTEs. Departments include Administration, Community Development, Finance, Police, and Public Works. The City is a dynamic organization known for long-range planning, innovative economic development strategies, and progressive development. 
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Madras Police Department operates with a budget of $3 million and a staff of 15 FTEs: Police Chief, Records Specialist, Evidence Technician, Detective, two Patrol Sergeants, and nine Patrol Officers. Currently, both a Sergeant and a Patrol Officer position are open.  Both commissioned supervisors were promoted from within the agency in the past five years, reflecting the city's commitment to developing leadership internally. Since 2014, Police and City Hall have shared a modern facility that enhances operational efficiency and collaboration.    
WHY APPLY

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a community-centered police agency in Madras, known as the "Gateway to Central Oregon" and located at the intersection of two major state highways-Highway 97 and Highway 26. As the county seat and most populous city in Jefferson County, Madras has just over 8,000 residents-small enough to be agile, yet large enough to accomplish big things.    

The Madras Police Department is a well-managed organization staffed by a young and experienced team of commissioned officers and professional support staff. Department members have a phenomenal can-do culture with a family atmosphere and a strong emphasis on community policing. The City Council and community want what is best for Madras and are very supportive of the police department and all City services, making Madras a welcoming and engaged place to serve. If you're looking for a friendly, supportive community with a small-town feel-and a workplace of dedicated professionals who strive to deliver excellent in-person police services-this may be the right opportunity for you. 
 

For questions on this position, please contact:
Tim Troxel
GMP Consultants
Tim@gmphr.com
(206) 696-4542
Apply Now
 
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