Becoming a police chief is often the next logical step for veteran command officers who show leadership and management abilities. A bachelor's degree and a proven record of administrative, investigative and supervisory experience are the minimum requirements needed to get a selection committee's attention. Prospective chiefs must pay special attention to the demographic makeup and size of the police agencies they wish to lead, too. Selection committees closely study a candidate's experience to ensure a good match with their communities.

Experience

Municipalities want candidates with considerable administrative, investigative and patrol experience. Many job postings require that an applicant has held a rank one level below chief for that particular agency, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. For example, a posting may specify a minimum of two years' experience as a captain -- or higher -- at a similar-sized agency. This language allows consideration of a smaller agency's police chief or a larger department's assistant chief.