Police Commander

City of Vancouver; Vancouver, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 154,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vancouver in Washington is seeking a Police Commander to lead and manage high-level operations within the Vancouver Police Department. You will guide executive decisions, mentor staff, and coordinate with other city leaders to ensure effective public safety and service delivery.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong leadership, and accountability for departmental goals, incident leadership, and collaboration with community partners to uphold integrity and citizens’ trust.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years as a Lieutenant in the Vancouver Police Department or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college.

Responsibilities

• Function as a member of the Vancouver Police Department Executive Team, supporting the Office of the Chief, executive management decisions and acting as a liaison between management and personnel.
• Recommend police department goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures necessary for efficient and effective service delivery.
• Train, develop, mentor, and supervise employees; prepare performance evaluations for assigned staff and recommend input on other staff within assigned division.
• Take an active leadership role in major incidents, review and provide feedback on use of force incidents, and actively engage in risk assessments within the assigned division.
• Attend and lead briefings, bureau level meetings and division level meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring / Supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college

Job description

Salary Range $13,763.00 - $16,729.00

The City of Vancouver, Washington is establishing an eligibility list for the position of Police Commander. Police Commanders in the Vancouver Police Department are responsible for exercising high level leadership for their respective divisions and carrying out the mission and goals of the Office of the Chief. They plan, organize, and direct the work of others within their chain of command. Commanders build and coach their teams, demonstrate procedural justice and compassion for others. A Commander instills confidence in others and protects the values of honesty and integrity and is committed to supporting the Office of the Chief. Commanders are technically competent executive officers and strategic decision makers. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the Vancouver Command Guild. This is open both internally and externally.

Job Details

• Function as a member of the Vancouver Police Department Executive Team, supporting the Office of the Chief, executive management decisions and acting as a liaison between management and personnel.
• Recommend police department goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures necessary for efficient and effective service delivery.
• Train, develop, mentor, and supervise employees; prepare performance evaluations for assigned staff and recommend input on other staff within assigned division.
• Take an active leadership role in major incidents, review and provide feedback on use of force incidents, and actively engage in risk assessments within the assigned division.
• Attend and lead briefings, bureau level meetings and division level meetings.
• Determine trends, including crime trends, and make recommendations for changes in the division and operating procedures to obtain the most effective results; deploy resources effectively to address emerging trends within assigned division.
• Explain, justify, and defend police department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
• Demonstrate collegial communication and establish mutual trust with all employees and peers; Participate in personnel management and relationship building within assigned division at all levels.
• Collaborate with other city departments, other public safety partners, business, and community groups to build and nurture mutually beneficial partnerships in the interest of improved service to City of Vancouver residents; maintain community contacts to include other regional first responders, community leaders and business leaders within the assigned division.
• Assist regional agencies as needed with call response, promotional testing, and other identified needs.
• Prepares cost estimates when applicable; monitors and controls expenditures within an assigned division, section and/or project; researches and recommends special equipment and other purchases; tracks, monitors and prepares statistical information as required.
• Provides service to community members and represents police department to community groups; responds to community member complaints and requests for information; and supports community safety efforts of community groups.
• Conducts internal investigations as necessary; recommends and administers progressive discipline/or corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as identified by the Office of the Chief.

Candidate Role Expectations

Candidates must be a role model for the values of the department by: Demonstrating the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and compassion for others to follow, continually promoting the positive values of the organization, and holding themselves and others accountable for failing to represent those values. Administer effective and competent decisions; taking ownership of the decisions and empowering others to communicate through the ranks and owning responsibility for viable and consistent messages reaching all affected parties. Leading with confidence; inspiring and empowering others by planting visions of success, optimizing available resources, delegating appropriately, and bringing focus to the mission during chaotic or distracting situations; and minimizing stress and strengthening effective relationships with members of the department and the community. Being innovative, adept, and creative problem solvers who understand the underlying issues; and being excellent negotiators, able to find common ground and develop solutions that appeal to opposing points of view. Effectively leading people; encouraging and managing staff development; delegating effectively and directing employee strengths in ways that support the mission and vision of the department. Represent the police department to other city departments, elected officials, outside agencies and to various community groups; serve on, or provide support to, a variety of committees, task forces and advisory groups; attend community events and meetings to strengthen community relationships.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualification requirements on or before the first day of the examination. A minimum of three (3) years as a Successful completion of probation as a Lieutenant in the Vancouver Police Department or equivalent experience in another law enforcement agency, and a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college.

Job Posting End Date September 16, 2026

About Vancouver

The City of Vancouver looks for people who are passionate about service and want to be part of the City's ambition to become a more exceptional community. We value employees who are adaptable, innovative, collaborative and hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and excellence in the spirit of public service. Our greatest assets are the more than 950 people who make the City of Vancouver work every day. Whether architects or engineers, lawyers or accountants, police officers or firefighters, journeymen or apprentices, our employees work every day to make Vancouver a more safe, welcoming, vibrant and prosperous city. The services we provide touch every resident and business in the city. If you are looking for a challenging career where you can make a difference every day, the City may be the place for you. City departments span a wide range of specialties, from public works, parks, administration and human resources to communications, public safety, information technology, finance, economic development and law. The size and scope of our organization means that the opportunities we offer are as diverse as the people that work here. Beyond the City’s competitive salaries, our benefits and work environment support and encourage a healthy, balanced lifestyle and ongoing development and learning opportunities. Working at the City is not just a “government” job. A career at the City can be a rewarding way to contribute to your community and earn a living. Our organization is made up of dynamic employees who enjoy the many opportunities and benefits offered by challenging and rewarding work.

ADA & EEO Statement

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