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Police Captain Job Description

What does a Police Captain do?

A Police Captain is a senior administrative officer who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a police department. They are typically responsible for managing and supervising a team of officers and staff members. Police Captains are also responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures to improve the effectiveness of the department. They work closely with other law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety. Additionally, Police Captains are responsible for ensuring that departmental budget and resources are managed efficiently and effectively. They may also serve as a liaison between the police department and the community. Overall, they play a critical role in maintaining law and order in their jurisdiction.

Our Police Captain job description includes the Police Captain responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Police Captain Example


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If you need an example job description for a Police Captain download the one below, alternatively we have many other job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Police Captain do?

The role of a Police Captain is a senior position within a police force, responsible for overseeing and leading a team of officers to ensure effective and efficient policing. They must have excellent knowledge of police procedures and legislation, as well as good communication and problem solving skills. They must act as a mentor for junior officers and ensure that the team is working to the highest standards, liaising with other departments and external organisations where necessary. Reporting to the Chief Constable, a Police Captain will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to prevent crime, ensuring that the team is adequately trained and resourced, and responding to major incidents. They must be confident in leading complex investigations and working with a range of stakeholders.

Police Captain Role Purpose

The purpose of a Police Captain in the UK is to provide leadership, direction and management of a police station or a local policing team. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of their station or team, as well as for developing and implementing strategies for reducing crime and enhancing community safety. They are also responsible for motivating and developing their subordinates, upholding professional standards, and ensuring that their team meets their objectives.

Police Captain Role

A Police Captain is a senior rank in the Police Service, responsible for leading a team and managing the daily operations of a police station. They are responsible for setting and maintaining standards, overseeing the development of staff, and ensuring the delivery of effective policing services to the public.

Police Captain Duties

  • Plan and organise the daily operations of police stations
  • Ensure effective implementation of police policies and procedures
  • Lead and manage police personnel
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of police officers
  • Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies
  • Develop and implement effective strategies to combat crime
  • Provide guidance and advice to officers
  • Prepare budgets and manage resources efficiently
  • Ensure compliance with government regulations
  • Represent the police at public events

Police Captain Requirements

  • Excellent leadership and organisational skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to motivate and mentor colleagues
  • Ability to develop and implement operational plans
  • Ability to manage resources effectively

Police Captain Skills

  • Leadership
  • Organisational
  • Communication
  • Decision-Making
  • Problem-Solving

Police Captain Personal Traits

  • Leadership
  • Organisational skills
  • Tactical awareness
  • Decision making
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills

How to write a Police Captain Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Police Captain Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Police Captain Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Police Captain Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Police Captain

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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