Police Captain

First Review of Applications:
July 27, 2026

The recruitment is open until filled and subject to closure at any time.

The City of South Pasadena is committed to fostering a culture of Collaboration, Accountability, Courage, Ownership, Professionalism, and Service Excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate these values in their work and interactions with colleagues and the community.

Under the general administrative direction of the Chief of Police, the Captain plans, directs supervises, and coordinates the activities of a division of the Police Department. In the absence of the Chief of Police, the Captain assumes Departmental command by acting as Chief of Police. The Captain assists in establishing objectives for and maintaining general charge of services related to division functions.

The Captain will manage, determine, and take corrective action when necessary, provide complex staff assistance to the Chief of Police, and perform other related duties as assigned.

This is a Police Department division command position with responsibility for assisting with overseeing the City’s daily law enforcement functions. Specific to the day-to-day responsibility of supervising the major functions of the Police Department, the Captain will command one of two divisions of the Department:
Operations (patrol) and Support Services (detective/administration). In addition to these commands, the Captain provides staff support to the Office of the Chief of Police. These duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates the activities of a major division of the Police Department. Assigns and supervises work of the Sergeants and through them the work of subordinate personnel, sworn and non-sworn.
• Assures uniform, efficient, and consistent application of City and Police Department policies and procedures.
• Conducts research and staff studies into a variety of law enforcement and administrative issues.
• Recommends and/or reviews Department policy and procedure, City rules, resolutions, and ordinances.
• Prepares administrative reports. Responds to correspondence and informational requests.
• Ensures implementation of practices which comply with adopted policies, laws, and regulations.
• Meets and consults with City management staff, other City employees, the public, legal advisors, other law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations.
• Provides complex staff assistance to the Chief of Police.
• Makes presentations to the City Council, committees, commissions, and the Chief of Police on matters related to a wide variety of police services, activities, and programs.
• Meets with members of the public and members of citizen groups to explain City policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Responds to and resolves difficult police service related problems and questions.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the Department’s budget.
• Directs and forecasts additional funding needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and other supplies.
• Monitors and approves expenditures.
• Prepares operational and administrative schedules according to the need for law enforcement services.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for various divisions of the Department, including patrol, traffic, detective, juvenile, records, communications, Police Dispatchers, and Cadets.
• Prepares contracts and monitors contract services.
• Collects and analyzes statistical data and assists in the preparation of comprehensive reports on departmental activities and accomplishments.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates staff.
• Prepares and presents employee performance reviews.
• Provides and/or coordinates staff training.
• Works with employees to correct deficiencies
• Recommends, implements and enforces discipline procedures and…