Police Commander

Salary : $131,505.80 - $197,258.69 Annually
Location : Arizona 85242, AZ
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025 - 00933
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/17/2025
Closing Date: 5/11/2025 11:59 PM Arizona

Description
This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the Town of Queen Creek.
JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Positions assigned to this class are responsible for leadership, direction, and coordination of essential law enforcement services and management of division-level operations. More specifically, they manage all aspects of the operation and administration of one or more major, integrated operating units within the Police Department. They oversee and coordinate the supervision of subordinate management and operating staff within the division. They also participate in the strategic planning and policy development for the department and represent the department to the Town, other agencies, and the general public.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a second level management classification in the sworn police job family responsible

for performing departmental-division level management over an assigned group within the
police department.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town's needs.

• Manages staff by planning and prioritizing tasks, ensuring policy and procedure compliance, recommending changes and adjustments, and monitoring staff performance and development.
• Develops specialized plans and projects by identifying problems, implementing action plans, analyzing staffing loads, and providing input on projects.
• Improves services by analyzing data, identifying shortfalls, developing plans, priorities and goals, attending meetings, and improving services.
• Manages physical and emergency resources by ensuring fleet and equipment readiness, coordinating efforts with other departments, acting as liaison to local, state and federal authorities during emergencies and events, and managing homeland security and criminal intelligence functions.
• Prepares and administers the annual budget for the division by forecasting expenditures, researching information, developing strategic plans, presenting proposals for approval, authorizing payments, and monitoring expenditures for recommended adjustments.
• Directs and oversees community policing needs, police community relations, responsiveness to citizen complaints, personnel investigations and other activities.
• Plans and directs the prevention of criminal activity and mitigation of other community problems.
• Supervises employees and coordinates personnel-related activities to include, but not limited to: training, approving work schedules, recommending /approving personnel actions, coaching and counseling, establishing performance goals and writing performance evaluations.
• Assigns, supervises, evaluates, inspects, and coordinates the activities of a division of the Police Department.
• Ensures staffing coverage for assigned shifts and the deployment of employees into appropriate areas.
• Keeps subordinates informed of new laws, department policies and procedures; ensures compliance with all Town, state, and federal laws regarding law enforcement and an adherence to all departmental rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Conducts administrative duties including grant preparation, policy writing, team meetings, training, and inspections.
• Responds to and manages emergency/crisis situations.
• Assists and directs subordinates with calls for service, ongoing investigations, and other related activity.
• Develops, reviews, and manages data, records, and reports related to section/division investigations, activities, and performance.
• Administers and manages special projects.
• May perform duties of the Assistant Chief of Police in their absence.
• Provides appropriate notifications for critical incidents or other designated situations.
• Represents the police department and serves as a liaison with other Town departments, external agencies, community leaders, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Participates in community events and meetings.
• Responds to questions, provides information, resolves complaints, and promotes positive public and community relations.
• Performs and supervises internal investigations and critical incident reviews.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, public or business administration, organizational management, or other closely related field from an accredited college or university
• At least 9 years of sworn law enforcement experience which includes at least 5 years of progressively responsible supervisor/management experience and also includes at least 2 years of full-time experience at the level of Police Lieutenant or higher.
• Advanced training/graduation from a recognized executive leadership command school or institute preferred.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Arizona Driver's License;
• Must be certified as an Arizona Police Officer within three months of hire and continue to maintain Arizona Peace Officer's and Standard Training (AZ POST) standards;
• Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

Special Requirements:
This position has been identified as a safety-sensitive position by Human Resources, per State and/or Federal Law. Upon conditional offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to undergo testing for alcohol and controlled substances within twenty-four (24) hours of the offer.

Firearm Requirement: Sworn Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty. Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency-approved firearms as a condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9).
KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and practices of modern municipal police administration, including mission, vision, objectives, policies, procedures, and operations.
• Principles and practices of leadership, management, supervision, and training.
• Principal-based leadership and ethical decision-making.
• Local, state and federal laws applicable to municipal law enforcement.
• Contemporary legal issues, such as criminal, civil, and labor laws, and municipal ordinances that affect police agencies.
• Police Department functions, procedures, policies, goals, organization, general orders, and rules and regulations.
• Methods, objectives, and procedures of law enforcement practices.
• Methods, objectives, and procedures of court proceedings.
• Laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, search and seizure, and the rules of evidence.
• Police methods and procedures related to patrol, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques.
• The operation and capabilities of the various types of equipment used by the police department.
• Effective methods of planning, training, assigning and directing the personnel and equipment for the most efficient community policing efforts.
• Management techniques and options to successfully motivate and supervise staff.
• Customer service principles and practice.
• Management techniques and options to successfully motivate and supervise staff.
• Budgeting and municipal finance principles and practices.
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities.
• The geography and demographics of the Town.

SKILLS

• Supervising, directing, and managing individuals, workgroups, and teams.
• Developing formal agreements and contracts with other agencies and communities.
• Solving problems and making sound decisions.
• Planning and implementing programs.
• Using and caring for firearms.
• Driving in emergency situations.
• Operating a motor vehicle.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards.
• Providing leadership and mentoring.
• Managing time effectively while remaining agile and flexible.
• Applying investigation techniques.
• Building consensus and cultivating adaptability.
• Using a computer and related software applications.
• Managing stressful and complex situations.
• Effectively analyzing and resolving operational and procedural problems.
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Supplemental Information
OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:

Physical Strength for this classification is indicated below with an "X"
Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Medium: Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.

X

Heavy: Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.
Very Heavy: Exerting over 100 lbs. occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently, or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

C

F

O

R

N

Continuously

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

2/3 or more time

1/3 to 2/3 of time

Up to 1/3 time

< 1 hour per week

Never occurs

Note: This is intended as a description of the way the job is currently performed. It does not address the potential for accommodation.

Physical Demand

Brief Description

C

F

O

R

N

Standing

Communicating with co-workers, observing work site, observing work duties
X
Sitting

Desk work
X
Walking

To other departments/offices/office equipment
X
Lifting

Supplies, files
X
Carrying

Supplies, files
X
Pushing/Pulling

File draws, tables and chairs
X
Reaching

For supplies, for files
X
Handling

Paperwork
X
Fine Dexterity

Computer keyboard, telephone pad, calculator, calibrating equipment
X
Kneeling

Filing in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/ground
X
Crouching

Filing in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/ground
X
Crawling

Under equipment
X
Bending

Filing in lower drawers, retrieving items from lower shelves/ground
X
Twisting

From computer to telephone, getting inside vehicles
X
Climbing

Stairs, step stool
X
Balancing

On step stool
X
Vision

Reading, computer screen, driving

X
Hearing

Communicating with co-workers and public and on telephone, listening to equipment

X
Talking

Communicating with co-workers and public and on telephone

X
Foot Controls

Driving
X
Other (Specify)
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

D

W

M

S

N

Daily

Several Times Per Week

Several Times Per Month

Seasonally

Never

Health & Safety Factors

D

W

M

S

N

Health & Safety Factors

D

W

M

S

N

Mechanical Hazards

X
Respiratory Hazards
X
Chemical Hazards
X
Extreme Temperatures
X
Electrical Hazards
X
Noise and Vibration

X
Fire Hazards
X
Wetness/Humidity
X
Explosives
X
Physical Hazards

X
Communicable Diseases
X
Physical Danger or Abuse
X
Other (Specify Below)
NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

C

F

O

R

N

Continuously

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

2/3 or more time

1/3 to 2/3 of time

Up to 1/3 time

< 1 hour per week

Never occurs

Description of Non-Physical Demands

C

F

O

R

N

Time Pressure

X
Emergency Situation
X
Frequent Change of Tasks
X
Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime
X
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

X
Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

X
Tedious or Exacting Work
X
Noisy/Distracting Environment
X
Other (Specify Below)
PRIMARY WORK LOCATION:
X

Office Environment
Warehouse
Shop
Recreation/Neighborhood Center

X

Vehicle
Outdoors
Combination of Office, Vehicle and Field
Other (Specify Below)
The following is a list of employment benefits offered by the Town of Queen Creek to full-time employees. The list is for informational purposes only. It does not create or connote any contractual rights or obligations. Additional details will be provided upon hire and are available in the Town of Queen Creek Employee Handbook.

Major Benefits for Full-Time Employees
(Employees choose the benefits that best meet their needs.)

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pre-tax unreimbursed medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Arizona State Retirement System membership
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance for the employee
• Town-paid basic life insurance
• Optional employee-paid employee and dependent supplemental life insurance
• Commuter life insurance for business travel and travel to and from work
• Deferred compensation plan (457) with employer match
• Retirement Health Savings Account
• Optional enrollment in Identity Protection Program
• Paid holidays, plus one floating holiday annually
• Vacation leave hours annually
• Four weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Optional income replacement insurance
• Worker's compensation insurance
• Employee assistance program; offers confidential individual/family, marriage, legal and financial counseling
• Training opportunities and continuing education opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for pre-approved programs
• Direct deposit of paychecks
• Wellness Programs with incentives

01

Have you ever been disciplined, demoted, or dismissed for allegations related to dishonesty, untruthfulness, credibility, theft, or a lack of professionalism?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain (write "N/A" if not applicable):
03

Have you ever been disciplined, demoted, or dismissed for allegations related to harassment, bias-based behavior, prejudice, actions considered to a violation of a person's constitutional rights, or any other conduct or pattern of conduct that tends to disrupt, diminish, or otherwise jeopardize public trust?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain (write "N/A" if not applicable):
05

Have you ever been disciplined, demoted, or dismissed for allegations related to incompetence or mishandling of critical items/information?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain (write "N/A" if not applicable):
07

I acknowledge that, if selected as a successful candidate and a conditional offer is made, a thorough background investigation will be conducted and it will include a polygraph and a drug screening.

• Yes
• No

08

Have you been charged or convicted of a felony, or an offense that would be a felony if committed in Arizona?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain (write "N/A" if not applicable).
10

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor?

• Yes
• No

11

If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain (write "N/A" if not applicable).
12

Have you received any traffic tickets/citations in the past three years?

• Yes
• No

13

If you answered yes to the previous question, please list the violation(s) cited, approximate date(s), and jurisdiction, and the disposition (dismissed, pled responsible, fine paid, traffic school, etc.) (write "N/A" if not applicable).
14

Have you possessed or used marijuana for any purpose within the past two years (even if legally obtained or used). For the purposes of this question, marijuana includes THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, marijuana extracts, and marijuana edibles? Note: CBD is not considered marijuana.

• Yes
• No

15

Other than marijuana, Adderall or steroids, have you illegally used any dangerous drugs, hallucinogens, or narcotics within the past seven years? Dangerous drugs include methamphetamine, amphetamine, speed, spice, bath salts, and hallucinogens. Hallucinogens include LSD, peyote, mushrooms, ecstasy, ketamine, mescaline, salvia, and PCP. Narcotic drugs include fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or opioids.

• Yes
• No

16

Other than marijuana, Adderall, or steroids, have you illegally possessed or used any dangerous drugs or narcotics more than five times?

• Yes
• No

17

Other than marijuana, Adderall, or steroids, have you illegally possessed or used any dangerous drug or narcotic more than one time since turning 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

18

Other than as prescribed by a physician, have you possessed or used Adderall or steroids within the past three years? Steroids include anabolic-androgenic steroids and corticosteroids.

• Yes
• No

19

Have you illegally produced, cultivated, transported, or possessed marijuana for sale or sold marijuana?

• Yes
• No

20

Have you illegally produced, cultivated, transported, or possessed dangerous drugs or narcotics for sale?

• Yes
• No

21

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

22

List your major (and minor, if applicable) for your response to the previous question for all post-secondary degrees you possess. If none, write "N/A".
23

How many years of experience do you have as a Police Lieutenant or higher?

• No experience
• Some experience, but less than 2 years
• 2 + years experience

24

How many years of experience do you have as a supervisor or manager in a police department or law enforcement agency?

• No experience
• Some experience, but less than 5 years
• 5+ years experience

25

Please list any executive leadership command school or institutes which you've attended. If none, please type "N/A".
Required Question