What does a Chief of Police do?
The chief of police is usually an elected or appointed position that oversees the police department, a local government agency. The chief of police is a broad position that covers everything from meetings with politicians to working on high-level criminal investigations. They may also be responsible for the overall management of the department, including hiring and maintaining staff.
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Working as a Chief of Police
The duties of a chief of police vary depending on the scale of the city or town in which they work and the needs of the department. A typical day may involve:
- Running press conferences after a high profile event
- Meeting with city councils, politicians, boards and other department heads as needed
- Hiring and overseeing all of the staff within the department
- Managing the department budget and operations
- Overseeing large scale criminal investigations within the department
How much does a Chief of Police make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a chief of police is $102,438 per year in the United States. 490 salaries reported, updated at September 21, 2023
Where can a Chief of Police earn more?
Compare salaries for Chief of Polices in different locations
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Police Sergeant
Job openingsAverage $83,358 per year
Deputy Sheriff
Job openingsAverage $59,937 per year
Military Police
Job openingsAverage $48,469 per year
Police Officer
Job openingsAverage $61,766 per year
Law Enforcement Officer
Job openingsAverage $47,239 per year
Common questions about for a Chief of Police
What skill set do you need to become a chief of police?
The chief of police needs to be comfortable in a position of leadership and will need to be able to hire, train and manage staff. In addition, a police chief will need to be able to budget, have computer skills and be able to manage the public relations side of the job.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as chief of police?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a chief of police, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
Who does the chief of police work for?
This depends on the town or city. Usually, the chief of police works for either the mayor or the city council.
