Police Commander

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is recruiting for

Police Commander

Annual Salary: $174,275.91 - $211,834.39 DOE plus excellent benefits

Apply by December 18, 2026

Definition
Under guidance by the Director of Public Safety, to direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities and operations of both the Administrative and Operations Divisions within the Police Department; assist the Director with planning and research, budget preparation and oversight, personnel issues and supervision; coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Director of Public Safety.

Supervision Exercised
Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties
Essential duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Functions as a member of the city management team participating in city-wide policy development, team building, administrative planning, risk management and safety and loss prevention; interacts directly with the City Administrator and other Department Directors, members of the City Council and other city department staff, commissions, boards, and committees.
• 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.
• Performs personnel functions including preparing and writing performance evaluations, counsels employees and administers discipline as appropriate.
• Participates, performs and administers various personnel functions including any one or more of the following: recruitment, testing, selection, background investigations, probationary evaluations, administrative investigations, conducting or reviewing internal affairs investigations, providing employee counseling, makes recommendations relative to discipline; implements disciplinary and termination procedures; assists Human Resources Department with writing and interpreting Memorandums of Understanding and other personnel related functions.
• Administers department training programs, systems, scheduling, and related documentation are in place and in compliance with department policy and practices. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local law requirements; including California Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) training mandates and regulations; Oversees in-service training programs and communicates legal, regulatory, court decisions, and societal changes that affect the work of the department.
• Interprets laws, codes, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; reviews the work of departmental personnel to ensure compliance with Department values, expectations of behavior and performance standards; works with employees to correct deficiencies and develops performance improvement programs as needed.
• Directs, coordinates and reviews work practices, policies, procedures, and plans for the operations of the police department; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors crime trends and work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures for all department work units including patrol, traffic, parking, police services (911 dispatch, records, and property/evidence), reserves, and volunteers.
• Identifies internal and external opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Participates in the development and administration of the assigned budget; forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Coordinates assigned services and activities with those of other divisions, bureaus, city departments and outside agencies and organizations; develops cooperative working relationships and mutual aid agreements with other local public safety representatives; and, may oversee and coordinate the work of multi-agency task forces or committees.
• Attends, facilitates and maintains public relations and cooperative working relationships with public and private organizations, business, educational, news media, and community groups and the general public; attends and speaks at various community functions and meetings.
• Attends and participates in community organizations and professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law enforcement. Develops, reviews, amends, and monitors contracts including but not limited to: animal control, jail booking fees, automated data information systems, and other vendor contracts or maintenance agreements.
• Works with City Attorney to ensure contracts and other work related to public safety conform to legal considerations.
• Provides staff assistance to the Police Chief; prepares and presents staff reports to City Council and other appropriate forums; prepares other necessary correspondence including memorandums, letters, commendations, and other written correspondence; directs and maintains department files and records.
• Conducts internal investigations of citizen and employee complaints as assigned; mediates conflicts between Department personnel and citizens.
• Assumes immediate command of police activities in the event of an emergency; responds to major crime and accident scenes; supervises investigation, interview and interrogations in the field; personally conducts highly complex or sensitive investigations.
• Oversees the use and care of equipment. Identifies, researches, and acquires costs relating to equipment acquisitions and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Maintains and prepares various records and repor