Police Captain

Overview

Definition: Serves as second in command of the Police Department; assists in directing all law enforcement, crime prevention, community engagement, training, patrol, traffic, investigative and administrative service operations; supervises Lieutenants assigned to Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Traffic, Support Services and Administrative Services; performs responsible police field and services work and performs related work as required.

Supervision Exercised and Received
:
Exercises general and limited supervision of sworn Police Lieutenants assigned as Managers in the Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Traffic, Support Services and Administrative Services Divisions. Receives general direction from the Police Chief.

The essential functions of the classification may include, but are not limited to, the functions below and are subject to changes in operational necessity.

• Develops, implements, and interprets departmental policies, rules, regulations, programs, orders, duty assignments and other information;
• Manages, prepares and monitors the various Police Department budget accounts; applies for and administers State and Federal grants;
• Serves as a liaison between the department, other City departments, the community, the press media, and other law enforcement agencies; provides information to the general public; assists in community crime prevention programs and provides public education on policing skills and strategies; speaks before groups of people and responds to questions from the public; attends community functions to represent the department;
• Supervises the preparation of detailed planning and staff reports, purchasing documents, and other records related to police operations;
• Conducts staff training as appropriate; ensures compliance with safety regulations included in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program; corrects and reports safety concerns to supervisor; serves as division’s safety coordinator;
• Performs other related duties as assigned. For more detailed information about this job classification, visit:
  Police Captain.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would most likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education
:
Bachelor s degree from an accredited university or college with major course work in criminal justice, police science, public administration or a closely-related field.

Experience
:
One year as a sworn Police Lieutenant in any California agency or five years of work experience as a Police Sergeant in the City of San Leandro.

• Must pass a comprehensive background check and be willing to work such hours as are necessary to accomplish the job requirements; travel to attend meetings, seminars and conferences.
• Classification requires the possession and continued maintenance of a valid class “C” California driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle.
• Possession by date of hire and maintenance of a valid California POST Advanced Certificate.

The closing date for this recruitment is 5:00 PM PST, Friday, February 20, 2026. To be considered for this opportunity, upload a compelling cover letter with your completed application. This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the recruitment.

The following dates have been confirmed based on the needs of the hiring department:

• Final date to receive applications: 5:00 PM PST on Friday, February 20, 2026
• Review of
  
  Minimum Qualifications:
  
  Ongoing
• Examination Process: March 9th and 10th, 2026
• Chief s Interview: March 19, 2026

Examination process to include structured interviews and practical exercises with the following weighted components:

• Role Play = 40%
• Structured Oral = 40%
• Written Exercise = 20%

The City of San Leandro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wondering what to expect during the recruitment process? Visit the City s Job Opportunities page.

For more information regarding ADA accommodations or Veteran s preference, please visit the City s employment FAQ s page.