ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF at City of Torrance, CA
City of Torrance, CA · Torrance, United States Of America · Onsite
- Senior
- Office in Torrance
About the Department
View recruitment brochure here!
The City
Torrance, California, the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County, is a vibrant coastal city situated in the South Bay region of Southern California. With nearly 150,000 residents and a peak daytime population that grows to 250,000 or more, Torrance spans an area of almost 22 square miles, including a picturesque mile of beach. Known for its diverse culture and strong sense of community, the city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, boasting a rich history, an array of parks, excellent schools, and a thriving business sector. The City of Torrance is governed by the Council-Manager form of government with an elected Mayor and six Council Members who appoint a City Manager, a City Attorney, and members of 14 advisory commissions, boards, and council. The Executive team works under the direction of the City Manager based on merit principles. Torrance is a full-service city with an annual operating budget of $525.4 million, capital improvement plan of 182.1 million and a staff of over 1,600 organized in 14 departments.
The Department
The Torrance Police Department has been proudly serving the community of Torrance for over 100 years. Known for its low crime rates, the City of Torrance consistently ranks among the safest cities in the nation! Joining the Torrance Police Department will give you the opportunity to be part of a progressive, professional law enforcement agency that spans an area of almost 22 square miles and serves more than 147,000 residents. The Torrance Police Department strives to remain at the forefront of policing by providing our officers with the latest in public safety equipment and technology, and by providing our officers with the best law enforcement training available.
The Position
The Assistant Police Chief plans, organizes, directs, and manages the day-to day operations and Police personnel. The Assistant Police Chief assists in the overall planning, organization, direction, and coordination of the Police Department operations and personnel utilizing a strategic planning approach to forecast future service for the protection of life and property, maintenance of peace and order, enforcement of laws, prevention of crime, apprehension and arrest of violators, and maintenance of jail facilities and police records.
For more information about the duties of the position, here.
The Ideal Candidate
The Police Department is seeking a strategic leader who is innovative, proactive, forward-thinking, and a team player who can make tough decisions. The Assistant Police Chief will have a record of success leading a division or bureau in a police agency where they had the opportunity to provide strong leadership, exceptional community service and engagement, innovation in police technology, and strong budgetary management skills. The ideal candidate will be passionate about policing, have an open and collaborative management style with superior communication skills, a strong belief in partnerships beyond policing, and an unwavering commitment to advancing community safety. The Assistant Police Chief will be an effective manager, focused on best practices for accountability and policy development with the command presence and experience to build a culture of trust, respect, credibility, and confidence within the Department.
SALARY INFORMATION
$17,120 - $22,689 - $26,093 per month + Benefits
(Min) (Ref. Point) (Max)
Appointments are typically made between the minimum and reference point depending on qualifications.
- The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks! Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives!
Position Duties
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Bachelor’s degree in administration of justice, criminology, public or business administration, political science, or closely related field. At least three years at the rank of Lieutenant or Captain on the Torrance Police Department; or eight years of progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience in a comparable sized police department, four years of which shall have been equivalent in type and level to at least that of Captain in the City of Torrance.
License or Certificate
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Drivers’ License.
Must possess POST Advanced and Management certificates.
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by December 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following component:
Panel Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on December 17, 2025.)
The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
Other Qualifications
Visit http://www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the test date. For further information, click here.
Candidates must pass each component of the exam process, as well as a thorough background investigation to be considered for hire. The background investigation will include job and personal references, arrest records, credit history, use of controlled substances, medical and psychological evaluations, drug screening and a polygraph.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
