Police Captain

All applicants must submit a City of Española employment application to the HR Department. Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter detailing how your knowledge and experience make you the ideal applicant for the position.

Open Until Filled, First Review of Applications will be August 20, 2026

SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Police Chief, plans and oversees day-to-day operations of the uniformed police personnel, records/clerical staff, detention, and animal control. Manages coordination of functions of a designated segment of the Police Department line operations or staff services through subordinate police commanders or civilian section supervisors. Performs highly responsible administrative, patrol, investigative and technical work in directing the operation and activities of the Police Department and assumes command in the absence of the Chief.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Eight (8) yearsexperience as a sworn police officer, four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory and administrative capacity. Relevant education may be substituted for experience at a rate of one (1) year equal to thirty (30) credit hours.
• Current and maintained NMLEA Certification in good standing.
• Yearly firearms qualifications.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, New Mexico Class D driver’s license and be insurable by City’s vehicle insurance provider.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony, domestic violence or any other crime involving moral turpitude.
• Must not have been convicted of a DUI within the last five years.
• Successful completion of thorough background investigation to include a successful pre-employment drug and alcohol screening with subsequent random drug and alcohol screenings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties, skills, and responsibilities of the Captain. Other related duties may be assigned by the Chief.

• Assists in establishing ongoing and non-recurring department performance objectives, priorities and standards. Assists Chief in overall departmental evaluation, management and administration, including personnel, training, budget, research and development facilities, technology, equipment and maintenance and direct/indirect supervision of sworn and non-sworn personnel in compliance with department, union and City procedures and policies.
• Reviews and consolidates subordinates’ needs assessments; recommends acquisition of new technology and implementing improved methods and direct introduction of specialized or general police services or equipment and integration with all segments of the department and other agencies.
• Coordinates divisional efforts to provide increased accountability at all levels and become appropriately involved in the daily functioning and performance of staff to include conducting employee performance evaluations on subordinate supervisors.
• Develops staffing plans for patrol division, including traffic; studies crime statistics and other reports to determine trends and make recommendations for changes in organization and operating procedures, monitors the progress of criminal investigations and court cases. Prepares staff reports as needed.
• Makes recommendations to Chief for changes in organization and operating procedures; effectively plans, organizes and directs the collection, analysis, utilization and dissemination of criminal intelligence data and resources necessary for on-scene criminal investigations. Accurately analyzes criminal activity and develop strategies for effective crime prevention and community relations.
• Attends meetings and makes required presentations representing the City and the department to community groups, City Council, City task forces, committees and boards; effectively develops and implements strategies for involving the general public in the prevention of crime and/or related department matters; may assist in preparing meeting agendas.
• Responds to difficult citizen complaints and requests for information; confers with citizens and City officials on law enforcement problems and programs.
• Coordinates police activities with outside law enforcement and government agencies to include the oversight of special operation plans.
• Assists in budget preparation administration and monitor financial resources and expenditures.
• Researches and obtains state and federal grant funding and/or reviews funding requests for grants and coordinates all funding resources with Grant Manager for follow through and processing reimbursements and required reporting requirements.
• Responds to major crime scenes, critical incidents and disasters, both on-duty and off-duty as is necessary; conducts critical incident debriefings; assists employee with obtaining post-incident counseling as needed.
• May participate in and direct the investigation of misconduct or exceptional performance by police personnel, including the review of all commendations and internal affairs findings; recommend written commendations and disciplinary action to the Chief.
• Responsible for the training of all departmental personnel by coordinating with Training Officer to review training literature, courses, seminars, curriculum, etc. designed to enhance on-the-job skills; assure certification continuing education and authorizes release time to attend training conferences as appropriate.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Pay: $85,280.00 - $93,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Military leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Law Enforcement Certification (Preferred)
• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,280 - $93,600