Police Chief Jobs in California
A Police Chief, also known as a Chief of Police, is a vital role in the law enforcement industry. They oversee and manage all operations within a police department. This includes working on budgets, setting department policy, hiring and training officers, and ensuring the department is achieving its goals in public safety. The Police Chief also serves as the primary liaison between the police department and other city departments, as well as the community, addressing their concerns and providing updates on relevant matters. They must demonstrate strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Before becoming a Police Chief, a person may serve in roles such as a Patrol Officer, Detective, or Sergeant. These roles allow them to gain invaluable experience in the field and understand the inner workings of a police department. The path to becoming a Police Chief typically requires a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field. However, certain jurisdictions may require advanced degrees or additional certifications. It is also imperative for Police Chiefs to have a certification in Law Enforcement Executive Development (LEEDS) or have undergone the FBI National Academy program. The Police Chief should also possess a strong understanding of law enforcement principles and practices, public administration, and current social issues affecting law enforcement.
Employment Type: Full time Shift: Description: The Director Public Safety is responsible for the security, safety, and emergency management of Saint Agnes Medical Center (SAMC) and all off-site...
Or Other: Driver's License Law Enforcement Academy OPOT...
investigations, juvenile records, victim privacy, officer-involved shootings, and tactical operations Manages daily media inquiries, Public Records Act (PRA) requests, policy-transparency portals,...
$176,880 - $234,240 Annually / $14,740 - $19,520 Monthly DOE Excellent Benefits, Non-PERS Retirement Are you a skilled law enforcement professional seeking a dynamic career as Chief of Police working...
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please apply online with Bob Murray & Associates Filing Deadline: September 7, 2025 EXPERIENCE & TRAINING / LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE If you...
The Chief of Police plans, organizes, directs, and reviews all functions and activities of the Police Department including law enforcement investigation, protection of life and property, crime prevention...
Serves as the District's community policing advocate and coordinates police activity with other law enforcement agencies; participates on state, regional and local law enforcement committees and panels...
Chief of Police (Safety and Police) District Riverside Community College District
- Riverside, CA
- 29 days ago
- Riverside, CA
- 29 days ago
Serves as the District's community policing advocate and coordinates police activity with other law enforcement agencies; participates on state, regional and local law enforcement committees and panels...
Between $4,400.00 and $4,700.00 Per Month Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police California State University Fresno Occupation: Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants...
Deputy Police Chief - Desert Hot Springs, CA
- Desert Hot Springs, CA
- 30+ days ago
- Desert Hot Springs, CA
- 30+ days ago
The new Deputy Chief must have experience in most facets of law enforcement, including community policing, internal affairs, investigations, grievances, law enforcement technology, the supervision of...
The Position The Police Chief position is well suited for a visionary and innovative leader who is grounded in a community policing philosophy....
The City of Gilroy is seeking an experienced law enforcement professional to lead its well-regarded Police Department....
enforcement or campus issues as needed Interact with Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies at Chiefs discretion Handle CSU Chiefs communications (manage Chiefs inbox which has access to...
Demographic Data for California
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Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles
Salary for Police Chief Jobs in California
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Police Chief positions.
Highest Education Level
Police Chiefs in California offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Police Chief position
- Travel Arrangements
- Grammar
- Traffic Enforcement
- Criminal Investigations
- Public Safety
- Firearms
- Community Policing
- Patrol
- Crime Prevention
- Weapons
- Background Investigations
- Law Enforcement
- Crowd Control
- Criminal Justice
- Security Training
- Physical Security
- Closed-Circuit Television
- Automated External Defibrillator
- Surveillance
- Emergency Management
- Personnel Management
- Report Writing
- Drug Testing
- Dispatching
- Inspections
- Crisis Management
- Complaint Resolution
- First Aid
- Masters In Education
- Closing
- Administrative Skills
- Recordkeeping
- Interviewing
- Background Checks
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Military Background
- Events
- Investigation
- Driving
- Documentation
- Education Experience
- Bachelor's Degree
- Policy Development
- Filing
- Regulations
- Problem Solving
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
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Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
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