Police Commander

City of Atascadero; Atascadero (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Police Commander to lead the Police Department in Atascadero. This pivotal role requires a strategic leader with a commitment to community engagement and service excellence. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a proven track record in law enforcement. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, mentoring staff, and fostering community trust. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in a vibrant community, where outdoor adventures and a supportive work environment await. If you are ready to embrace a leadership role that shapes the future of public safety, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Peer Support Program

Paid Counseling Sessions

Community Engagement Activities

Qualifications

• Five years of municipal police work experience required.
• Two years in a supervisory role, preferably at Sergeant level.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Police Department.
• Mentor personnel and foster a positive organizational culture.
• Engage with community policing initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Communication

Judgment

Community Policing

Crisis Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Police Science or Criminal Justice

Supervisory Experience

Tools

Police Radio

Radar Gun

Handgun

First Aid Equipment

Job description

The City seeks an experienced and forward-thinking law enforcement professional to serve as Police Commander, the second in command within the Police Department.

This key leadership role requires a strategic, ethical, and collaborative individual with a demonstrated history of effectively working with others to achieve organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal communication skills, high emotional intelligence, and a commitment to service excellence.

The Police Commander will assist in overseeing day-to-day operations, provide support and guidance to personnel, and serve as a mentor dedicated to fostering a positive organizational culture, employee development, and community trust. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and a genuine interest in the well-being and safety of the community.

This position requires a visible and engaged leader who embraces community policing principles and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the Department’s tradition of professionalism, partnerships, and personal growth.

Police Commander 2025 FLYER.pdf

ABOUT THE CITY:

The Atascadero Police Department serves the City of Atascadero, a small, beautiful, central coast community located in San Luis Obispo County, California. The City has a population of 30,000 residents and is situated along Highway 101, halfway between the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco. The community is located in the Paso Robles wine region; is a short 20-minute drive to the beach and Highway 1; within a three-hour drive to Yosemite National Park; or two hours to Monterey and Carmel. For those that enjoy the outdoors, we are close to four local lakes, a national forest and endless hiking and biking trails. Our community is a great place to live, work, and raise a family! Become a member of an organization consisting of hardworking individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact through public service. The Atascadero Police Department currently consists of nearly 30 sworn and about a dozen civilian employees. Our management team is committed to supporting, mentoring and developing our employees. We embrace the value of fostering and maintaining positive relationships both externally and within our organization.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under administrative direction, promotes and implements the department’s Community Oriented Policing philosophy; directs the activities of a major division of the Police Department; acts for the Chief of Police in his absence and as directed; interacts with representatives of other City departments and outside agencies in addressing issues involving departmental operations or law enforcement; participates as a member of the Chief's management team in evaluating police service needs and developing responsive programs; administers a number of departmental support programs in addition to directing the line functions of patrol and traffic. This position is at the middle management level, responsible for the direction of major programs/services provided by the Police Department

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

This position receives administrative direction from, and oversees Department operations as directed by, the Police Chief.. As the second highest-ranking officer in the Department, the Commander position is responsible for departmental operations in the absence of the Chief, within authority parameters defined by policy or dictated by the Chief.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• All duties and responsibilities of Police Officer, Police Corporal and Police Sergeant.
• Performs management, supervision and work duties related to operation in the Police Department.
• Must exercise independent judgement, wisdom, common sense, and initiative in establishing efficient and effective division operations consistent with City Council policies and departmental guidelines established by the Chief of Police.
• Directs and coordinates the activities of the assigned Division; prepares work schedules; confers with subordinate supervisors regarding special assignments, performance of personnel, law enforcement problems, officer training, citizen complaints, and other operational issues; provides instruction or direction as necessary; may participate in active law enforcement activities.
• Conducts special projects involving department or work unit issues as assigned or upon own volition; conducts research and compiles statistics; prepares related reports.
• Provides liaison to the public, responding to inquiries and resolving complaints regarding subordinate officers or work unit service levels; coordinates law enforcement activities with other agencies; and as designated representative, participates in committee or community activities to contribute to discussions regarding police services.
• Reviews reports prepared by subordinate officers and supervisors; analyzes levels of criminal activity and ensures adequate police coverage of the City.
• Develops and participates in the conduct of officer training to ensure staff currency in law enforcement knowledge and skills; as assigned, prepares or directs the preparation of training manuals and instructional materials.
• Participates in the development of work unit goals and objectives; evaluates performance of subordinate supervisors, participates in the development and administration of work unit budgets.
• Coordinates various support functions such as personnel recruitment, payroll, training, purchasing, and vehicle maintenance, with other City Departments and/or outside agencies.
• Participates in community-based policing; must be familiar with and work to promote positive interactions between law enforcement and all members of the community.
• Works with community groups and representatives in the development and administration of programs designed to address societal problems associated with crime and its prevention.
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans and projects for the Department.
• Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Directs, coordinates, participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities and provides staff leadership on policy planning for community and department development activities.
• Prepares accurate and effective reports, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Provides a high level of customer service to members of the public and City staff, in person, over the telephone, and by email.
• Ensures the adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Consistently establishes and maintains effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Exercises effective prioritization and time management skills.
• Effectively represents the City in contact with other agencies, community groups and various business, professional, and other organizations.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function, as required.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• Provides information on police incidents, operations and services to the press, public and other interested parties.
• Performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Five years experience in municipal police work in the State of California; with
• At least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity, preferably at the Sergeant level; and
• Education equivalent to completion of a four-year college curriculum in Police Science, Criminal Justice Administration, Business or Public Administration, or a related field.

Or

• The equivalent combination of education, training, certification and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for satisfactory job performance.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, and techniques; causes, prevention, and control of delinquency; traffic enforcement and education; rules of evidence, rights of citizens and prisoners; laws pertaining to search, seizure, and arrest; court procedures; public relations techniques; interagency communication/ assistance techniques and practices; principles and practices of police administration; patrol methods, criminal investigation and identification techniques; physical layout and composition of the City including special law enforcement problems.
• Considerable knowledge of vehicle and penal codes; City personnel administration policies and procedures; and principles of supervision.
• Skilled in the use of tools and equipment necessary to fulfill the requirements of the position. As trained and required, ability to operate patrol vehicle, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons, baton, handcuffs, first aid equipment, cellular telephone, mobile computer and desktop computer including records management and word processing software.
• Ability to develop and implement plans for law enforcement services; interpret and explain laws, regulations, and rules as well as departmental policies and procedures.
• Must think clearly and act effectively in emergency situations; maintain appropriate flow of communication and chain of command; identify and inform superiors of sensitive issues/situation; meet the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact.
• Extensive experience and ability in the use and care for small fire arms and other equipment.
• Ability to prepare and present reports; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; and supervise assigned staff.
• Must be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual preference that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Exercises sound judgment and discretion.
• Possesses strong written and oral communication skills.
• Skilled in basic program management, budgeting and supervisory techniques.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, without any record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• Must meet the Fitness for Duty standards as defined in the Department’s Policy Manual.
• Must possess California Basic Law Enforcement training certificate or the equivalent.
• Must be a permanent United States Citizen or hold status of an immigrant “Permanent Resident.”
• Ability to pass a medical examination administered by the City Medical consultant periodically.
• Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 3211.9, service is essential in times of extreme emergency or disaster. For this reason, State law designates public employees as “Disaster Service Workers”. As such and even when off-duty, this position may be required to return to duty in case of emergency or disaster.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, side handle baton, handcuffs, breathalyzer, pager, first aid equipment, telephone, calculator, personal computer including word processing software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Atascadero Police Department has a peer support program and the City provides support to employees, offering four paid yearly support counseling sessions.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview, thorough character and background check; polygraph and psychological evaluation; and job-related tests might be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.