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How to hire a chief of police

Chief of police hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring chiefs of police in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a chief of police is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new chief of police to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a chief of police, step by step

To hire a chief of police, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a chief of police, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step chief of police hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a chief of police job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new chief of police
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a chief of police do?

A Chief Of Police is the title typically given to the top official in the chain of command of a police department. They plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate police department operations.

Learn more about the specifics of what a chief of police does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the chief of police you need to hire. Certain chief of police roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect chief of police also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    This list presents chief of police salaries for various positions.

    Type of Chief Of PoliceDescriptionHourly rate
    Chief Of PoliceA Chief Of Police is the title typically given to the top official in the chain of command of a police department. They plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate police department operations.$23-57
    Platoon SergeantA platoon sergeant is responsible for monitoring the platoon on its daily operations, including their training and activities, evaluating their performance, and enforcing disciplinary actions to maintain the order of the group. Platoon sergeants work closely with a platoon commander, advising high-end strategic procedures to support the troops, including defense training and weapon tactics... Show more$32-64
    SergeantA Sergeant is responsible for supervising a group of five or more Soldiers. Sergeants must oversee their daily activities, ensuring they are in proper disposition and are living under the conditions that adhere to the laws and regulations and training them according to the standards of the military... Show more$16-31
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Patrol
    • Public Safety
    • Criminal Justice
    • Law Enforcement Agencies
    • Emergency Management
    • Police Services
    • Federal Laws
    • Law Enforcement
    • Professional Development
    • Training Programs
    • State Laws
    • Citizen Complaints
    • Traffic Control
    • Community Relations
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Lead, train and mentore a team of 11 senior logistics and business consultants.
    • Plan, manage, develop, implement and revise the training FTO program, as needed.
    • Enable senior leadership to accomplish combat objectives.
    • Provide first aid and CPR to victims as necessary.
    • Investigate burglary and theft crimes with extensive attention to details.
    • Investigate state and federal narcotics violations on a DEA lead strike-force team.
    More chief of police duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your chief of police job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A chief of police can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, chiefs of police' average salary in hawaii is 53% less than in maine.
    • Seniority. Entry-level chiefs of police 59% less than senior-level chiefs of police.
    • Certifications. A chief of police with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a chief of police's salary.

    Average chief of police salary

    $77,582yearly

    $37.30 hourly rate

    Entry-level chief of police salary
    $49,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 31, 2025

    Average chief of police salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$98,495$47
    2Washington$96,347$46
    3New York$88,450$43
    4Nevada$86,855$42
    5Oregon$77,687$37
    6Colorado$75,703$36
    7Texas$72,777$35
    8Illinois$72,464$35
    9Arizona$71,076$34
    10Iowa$70,977$34
    11Virginia$68,795$33
    12North Carolina$68,655$33
    13Georgia$68,476$33
    14Minnesota$64,997$31
    15Missouri$61,498$30
    16Michigan$55,057$26
    17Massachusetts$54,857$26
    18Maryland$52,728$25
    19Indiana$51,940$25
    20Louisiana$50,850$24

    Average chief of police salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Ohlone College$110,689$53.22
    2Icma-rc$105,934$50.9315
    3City of Seattle$81,139$39.013
    4Niagara Frontier Transit Metro System Inc$78,363$37.671
    5City of Gary$72,946$35.07
    6City of Rocklin$71,471$34.36
    7City of Reno$70,800$34.042
    8Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital Inc$69,541$33.432
    9Minnesota Limited$69,116$33.23
    10Univ Of Colorado-Colorado Spgs$69,034$33.19
    11University of Colorado Denver$68,802$33.08
    12Federal Reserve Bank$68,322$32.85
    13City of Baltimore$67,671$32.538
    14City of Davenport, Iowa$67,117$32.272
    15Town of Kingston$66,691$32.06
    16ITHACA$66,255$31.85
    17Loveland City Hall$65,798$31.634
    18City of Berkeley$63,182$30.38
    19Nashville State Community College$62,764$30.18
    20City of Pueblo$62,233$29.924
  4. Writing a chief of police job description

    A good chief of police job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a chief of police job description:

    Chief of police job description example

    Salary Range: $104,436 - $146,210

    The City intends to hire at or above the midpoint salary level ($125,323).

    Open until filled with first review on Wednesday, October 26.


    GENERAL PURPOSE

    The Police Chief performs various functions to keep the police department running efficiently. The Police Chief is responsible for planning, overseeing, and directing the programs, operations, and personnel of the department. The Police Chief must possess excellent communication skills both oral and written. The Chief is responsible to effectively communicate with elected officials, senior staff, and members of the public in addition to departmental interactions. This is an appointed executive level position, which is designated as at-will. The Police Chief is expected to act as a change agent who can articulate a vision of excellence and strengthen credibility in the delivery of police services, while maintaining a high level of discipline and morale.


    FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

    • Oversee and direct all activities, programs, personnel, and strategies of the Police Department, which includes the duty to ensure a positive attitude within the department and provide motivation and guidance to subordinates.
    • Demonstrate initiative and keep abreast of current trends, practices, and programs by participating in career and professional development.
    • Analyze daily department operations and activities to identify and resolve areas of inefficiency and administrative/operational concerns.
    • Plan, organize and implement programs of law enforcement, traffic control, criminal investigation, animal control, and emergency and disaster response.
    • Assess and meet the law enforcement needs of the community through organization of forces, workforce deployment, equipment uses, and community relations programs.
    • Coordinate police functions with other related operations.
    • Develop, implement, and review department policies, procedures, and standards.
    • Remain current with Federal, State, and local laws and adapt existing policies to changing laws and regulations.
    • Perform budget management activities and formulate long range department plans.
    • Prepare and submit a timely departmental budget.
    • Command emergency scenes as needed.
    • Monitor and approve departmental purchase orders and expenditures.
    • Oversee creation and management of departmental budget.
    • Oversee procurement of new equipment, including researching innovative procedures and equipment to advance the efficiency and ability of the department.
    • Directs maintenance and safekeeping of physical evidence, stolen property, abandoned property and other items falling under custody of the Police Department.
    • Supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of assigned staff including scheduling of workload and coordinating workflow.
    • Ensure staff training is completed and appropriate certifications are maintained.
    • Ensure appropriate documentation of department activities.
    • Identify, evaluate, and resolve personnel concerns in accordance with City Policies and Procedures and relevant State and Federal laws.
    • Conduct performance evaluations.
    • Make department staffing decisions including the hiring and termination of personnel.
    • Represent the department and the City on various boards, groups, and committees.
    • Attend a variety of meetings and make presentations to the City Council and Administration.
    • Respond to requests from the public, media, and other interested parties.
    • Act as department representative.
    • Maintain professional work habits and image.
    • Perform other related work as required.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    • Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who has been in the United States legally for 5 years and has legal authorization to work in the United States.

    Education / Experience:

    • Utah POST Certification
    • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in police science, criminology, public administration or some other related field.

    AND

    • Ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience; five (5) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity in the position of Lieutenant or higher in a department of comparable size and complexity.

    Knowledge:

    • Knowledge of police administration and law enforcement methods, and the applicable laws and ordinances.
    • Knowledge of personnel practices as related to training, placement and evaluation.
    • A sophisticated understanding of community policing practices and effective implementation.
    • Knowledge of state law and an ability to understand codes, laws, and ordinances.
    • Knowledge of police tactics, negotiations, resources, command structure and use of force.

    Skills/Abilities:

    • High level critical and analytical thinking skills.
    • Department budgeting skills including the ability to prepare, manage, and analyze the department finances.
    • Ability to forecast future staffing, equipment, and material needs.
    • Strong computer and technical skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
    • Ability to lead, motivate, and maintain a high level of discipline and morale. Teamwork is essential.
    • Ability to use common sense, maturity, ethical decision-making ability and commitment.
    • Ability to make split-second decisions in life or death situations
    • Ability to handle stressful situations.
    • Ability to climb, maintain body equilibrium, bend, kneel, reach, stand, walk, run, push, pull, lift grasp, talk and hear.
    • Proficient with firearms.
    • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
    • Ability to deal with the public in a pleasant courteous, and calm manner in all circumstances.
    • Perform duties in a manner that demonstrates respect, integrity, and courtesy towards fellow workers, city staff, citizens, and the general public.
    • Demonstrate a high level of commitment to the principles of customer service.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • Working conditions may vary.
    • Regularly works in hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions.
    • Works with members of the public on a regular basis.
    • Requires long hours without sleep during some incidents.
    • Regular exposure to deadlines and stressful situations, including contact with individuals in emotionally charged situations.
    • Must stand ready to engage in life and death decision-making.
    • Periodic travel required in course of performing portions of job functions.

    PUBLIC SAFETY RETIREMENT

    • This position meets the requirements set by the Utah Retirement Systems to qualify for the Public Safety Retirement Plan.

    DISCLAIMER

    The City of Pleasant Grove is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, genetic information, age, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, or any other factor protected by the law. Reasonable accommodations may be made for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

    The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major responsibilities and duties performed on the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job-related duties and responsibilities that an employee may perform. An employee in this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This job description is not intended to and does not infer or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. This updated job description supersedes prior descriptions for the same position. Management reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.



    Job Posted by ApplicantPro
  5. Post your job

    To find the right chief of police for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with chiefs of police they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit chiefs of police who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your chief of police job on Zippia to find and recruit chief of police candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit chiefs of police, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new chief of police

    Once you have selected a candidate for the chief of police position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    To prepare for the new chief of police first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a chief of police?

Recruiting chiefs of police involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $77,582 per year for a chief of police, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for chiefs of police in the US typically range between $23 and $57 an hour.

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