Police Commander

City of Pinole; Pinole (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Police Commander to lead and innovate within their law enforcement team. This pivotal role involves shaping strategies, supporting personnel, and enhancing community relations. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, a background in law enforcement, and a commitment to public service. The position offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on community safety and police operations. If you're ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding leadership role, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminology or related field required.
• Three years of supervisory experience in police service needed.

Responsibilities

• Plans and supervises police operations and personnel.
• Develops policies and manages departmental budget.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Conflict Resolution

Budget Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminology

Master's degree in Public Administration

Tools

Computer Applications

Firearms

Job description

Filing deadline: 05/29/2025 at 12 Noon Interviews: 06/12/2025 The Pinole Police Department is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking law enforcement professional to serve as our next Police Commander. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a key leadership role within a community-focused department committed to integrity, innovation, and service. As Police Commander, you will play a critical role in shaping strategy, supporting personnel, and strengthening our connection with the diverse community we serve. Apply now and be part of a team making a difference! Check out our Compensation and Benefits Plan for Management and Confidential Employees and our Recruitment Incentive Program!

DEFINITION

Plans, schedules, organizes, supervises, reviews and evaluates the work of one of two major divisions of the Police Department through a subordinate level of supervision; trains sworn staff and provides for their professional development; develops and implements departmental operational programs; provides administrative and budgetary support to the Police Chief and acts for the Chief on a relief or as assigned basis; performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

This class reports to and receives general direction from the Police Chief. Supervision is provided to Police Sergeants, Police Officers and a variety of non-sworn staff either directly or through a subordinate level of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This mid-management level class is responsible for planning patrol, public service and investigative functions or administrative support activities, including assisting the Chief in formulating policy, developing goals and objectives and administering the department’s budget. Incumbents may respond to calls for service, however, the primary responsibilities are managerial, including the coordination of activities with those of other City departments and law enforcement agencies. This class is distinguished from Police Chief in that the latter has overall management responsibility for the Police Department.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

• Plans, schedules, organizes, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of sworn and non-sworn staff; ensures coverage of staff for all shifts and assignments; provides for the training of staff in work procedures and for their professional development.
• Oversees the provision of such functions as investigations, property and evidence, dispatching, vehicle abatement and the reserve and cadet programs.
• Recommends selection, disciplinary and other personnel decisions; counsels employees and administers discipline as required.
• Interprets laws, codes, policies and procedures to staff; ensures legality and consistency of application.
• Assists with the development of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; assists with development and administration of the budget; prepares and reviews grant requests and assists in the administration of grant funds.
• Oversees sworn personnel selection procedures, including conducting interviews and background investigations.
• Develops cooperative working relationships and mutual aide agreements with representatives of other local public safety departments.
• Works closely with public and private groups and individuals to explain or coordinate proposed programs; responds to citizen concerns or inquiries regarding police services; responds to inquiries from the media.
• Coordinates the work of the division and the department with that of other City departments, outside agencies, citizen groups, the courts and the media.
• Monitors legal, regulatory, technological and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; recommends equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient and economical manner.
• Investigates and resolves problems with requests for services or complaints regarding police functions.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, procedures and other written materials.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of departmental files.
• Responds to emergency or unusual situations; performs the full range of patrol, investigative and related duties of an officer and assumes a command role as appropriate; may oversee and coordinate the work of multi-agency task forces or committees.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the community, including specific targeted groups, such as the elderly or school-age youth.
• Provides and coordinates mutual aide to other law enforcement agencies in accordance with departmental policy.
• Acts for the Police Chief on a relief or as-assigned basis.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of work organization, staff supervision, training, professional development and work review and evaluation.
• Law enforcement principles, practices and techniques related to patrol, traffic enforcement, crime scene control and investigation, protection of life and property, pursuit, apprehension and transport of suspects.
• Rules of evidence regarding search and seizure and the preservation of evidence.
• Investigation and identification techniques and equipment.
• Courtroom procedures and techniques for testifying.
• Applicable laws, codes, ordinances and court decisions.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Techniques of first aid and CPR.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often when relations may be confrontational or stressed.

Skill in:

• Planning, scheduling, assigning, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of sworn and non-sworn staff.
• Training staff in work procedures and providing for their professional development.
• Performing departmental administrative duties, such as budget development and administration and policy and procedure development.
• Observing accurately, recalling faces, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents and places.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Preparing clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports, records and other written materials.
• Making sound, independent decisions as a commander and in emergency situations.
• Identifying and being responsive to community issues, concerns and needs.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminology, law enforcement, social or police science, public administration or a field related to the work and three years of supervisory experience in the police service, equivalent to the level of Sergeant or above. A Masters degree is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Must possess valid Advanced and Supervisory certificates issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) and possess and maintain firearms qualification

Working Conditions:Works inside and outside. Must be willing to work over time, extended shifts, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts. May be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations, hazardous situations and all weather conditions. Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation. May travel to sites outside of the City.

Physical Demands:Must maintain P.O.S.T. physical standards, including mobility and physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and apprehend suspects, lift and push or pull individuals or objects weighing up to 100 pounds; ability to work in a standard office setting and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to maintain firearms qualification, to read printed materials and a computer screen, discern colors and work in a night setting; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone and radio.