How to Become a Chief of Police

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Chief of Police

What does a Chief of Police do?

The Chief of Police responsibilities include police service planning, organizational development, personnel management, community policing, and community relations. Enforces the law on a town, city, or county level. Being a Chief of Police requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. May also be involved in administrative, financial/budgetary, and operations/labor relations tasks. In addition, Chief of Police typically reports to an elected official. The Chief of Police manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. Working as a Chief of Police typically requires at least 10 years of law enforcement experience.

People's Opinions on Chief of Police responsibilities

A chief of police may also be known as a police chief or sometimes just a chief, while some countries favour other titles such as commissioner or chief constable.

12/07/2019: Burlington, VT

The first Chief of the Kettering Police Department, John.

12/14/2019: Columbia, SC

While most of district officers complain that they live from hand to mouth because of low wages, the chief of a police district in Chisinau seems to live in grand style.

11/04/2019: Juneau, AK

The precise role a chief of police has varies by country and sometimes within a country.

11/30/2019: Worcester, MA

Several villagers showed us the land, mentioning that it was registered into the name of a front man and a former local counselor helped the police officer to officialize it.

12/28/2019: Manchester, NH

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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Chief of Police

Best tips for those who want to become a Chief of Police

Here are some tips to become a Chief of Police.

People's Opinions on best tips

Original owners’ grandson restores roll-throwing restaurant, Potatoe Patch, to former glory.

10/05/2019: Cheyenne, WY

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12/26/2019: Jacksonville, FL

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11/02/2019: Spokane, WA

Text Message and Email Communications.

01/05/2020: Pine Bluff, AR

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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Chief of Police

Best colleges and universities for Chief of Police

Princeton University
Providence College
Rollins College
Taylor University
Bentley University
University of Portland

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Chief of Police

Is being a Chief of Police Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

The release said Steffes has 25 years of law enforcement experience with Beaver Dam, Rhinelander and Shorewood Hills police departments, as well as current experience as deputy administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

10/15/2019: Abilene, TX

For more than 20 years, Ray Hawkins has worked hard to keep students at the University of Mississippi safe as an officer with the University Police Department.

12/26/2019: Scranton, PA

Terri Brown was named the replacement for Chief David Perry on Monday, who has accepted a job at the University of North Carolina.

11/22/2019: Springfield, MA

Empower and energize staff of the Police Department and work towards fostering succession planning at all levels.

12/29/2019: Bloomington, IN

By Sam Catanzaro The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) carried out an arrest on February 1 with the aid of horses.

10/09/2019: Santa Cruz, CA

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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Chief of Police

What skills do you need to be a Chief of Police?

This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required. It is vital to the role to command: Community Relations, Operations Management, Safety Inspections, Law Enforcement Liaison, Law Enforcement, Patrol Operations, Community Policing, Organization Development. For this position, you need to be experienced with: Public Safety Software. Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.

People's Opinions on Chief of Police skills

Able to plan, organize, and administer a comprehensive police service program.

10/18/2019: Toledo, OH

 Open and available to Police Department staff and Town employees by using an effective communicating philosophy, seeking input, and being welcoming of and encouraging racial and gender diversity.

10/20/2019: Norwich, CT

Knowledge of police methods, administration and practices.

12/27/2019: Longview, TX

 Experience in addressing internal organization and personnel issues present in most police agencies as well as have demonstrated ability in addressing these problems in a positive, professional, timely, and impartial manner.

12/22/2019: Asheville, NC

At least 3 years of experience in police administration.

10/15/2019: Portsmouth, OH

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Step 6: View average salary for Chief of Police

How much does a Chief of Police make?

The average salary range for a Chief of Police is from $115,200 to $129,400. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Chief of Police

$115,200 to $129,400