Police Lieutenant

Salary: $142,958.40 – $185,848.00 Annually

Closing Date: 8/24/2026

Position Summary:

The City of Paso Robles is seeking an experienced law enforcement leader to join its Police Department as a police lieutenant. This newly established management position offers an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing organization dedicated to professional policing, community partnerships, and exceptional public service. As a member of the department’s management team, the police lieutenant oversees critical police operations, supervises and mentors personnel, provides command during major incidents, and collaborates with City leadership, allied agencies, and the community to advance the department’s mission. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and principled leader with sound judgment, a commitment to developing others, and a passion for delivering high-quality police services.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, organizes, supervises, evaluates, and coordinates the activities of sworn and non-sworn personnel assigned to patrol, investigations, traffic, support services, or other operational functions.
• Provides direct supervision and leadership to sergeants and other supervisory personnel; establishes performance expectations, monitors operational effectiveness, and promotes accountability and professional development.
• Serves as watch commander; directs law enforcement operations during routine activities, critical incidents, emergencies, tactical operations, and special events.
• Reviews reports, arrests, citations, investigations, use-of-force incidents, vehicle pursuits, and other operational activities to ensure legal sufficiency, policy compliance, and professional standards.
• Conducts or oversees administrative, personnel, internal affairs, and operational investigations; evaluates findings and recommends corrective, disciplinary, or administrative action as appropriate.
• Responds to major incidents, significant crimes, officer-involved events, and other complex or sensitive situations; provides command-level oversight and coordination of personnel and resources.
• Evaluates crime trends, workload indicators, staffing needs, and operational performance; develops and implements strategies to improve service delivery, crime reduction efforts, and organizational effectiveness.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and operational priorities.
• Participates in employee selection, promotional processes, workforce planning, training, mentoring, and succession planning activities.
• Identifies training needs and ensures personnel maintain required certifications, competencies, and operational readiness.
• Coordinates activities with allied law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, schools, community organizations, City departments, and other stakeholders.
• Investigates and resolves citizen complaints, personnel concerns, labor-related issues, and service delivery matters.
• Assists in budget preparation, resource planning, equipment acquisition, and expenditure monitoring for assigned functions.
• Conducts operational reviews, audits, inspections, and special projects; recommends and implements improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness.
• Prepares and reviews reports, correspondence, evaluations, statistical analyses, and other administrative documents.
• Represents the department at meetings, community events, task forces, committees, and interagency functions as assigned.
• Promotes community partnerships, problem-oriented policing strategies, and public trust through professional and responsive service delivery.

Requirements:

• Possession of an associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or a related field; and
• Seven years of experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, two of which must be at the rank of police sergeant or higher.
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in a related field is desirable.
• A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
• CPR and First Aid certifications
• California POST Supervisory Certificate
• Must successfully complete the California POST Management Course within two years of appointment