Comisionado

Comisionado, feminine comisionada, is a title used in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a person appointed to carry out duties on a commission or to lead a commission-related body. The term comes from comisión and the suffix -ado, and is roughly equivalent to the English word commissioner. The precise authority and responsibilities of a comisionado vary widely by country, institution, and context.

In public administration, a comisionado is often an official appointed to oversee a specific mission, agency, or regulatory task. Such duties can include supervising agencies, implementing policies, conducting investigations, or coordinating programs within a defined mandate. The scope of power, appointment process, and tenure are determined by national or local law and by the founding statutes of the relevant commission or office.

In law enforcement, comisionado is used as a rank or title for senior officers who lead police departments or major divisions. The position is typically equivalent to a commissioner in other jurisdictions and may carry responsibilities for strategic direction, administrative management, and high-level operations.

Beyond police and government agencies, comisionado appears in contexts such as human rights commissions, planning or development commissions, and other statutory bodies. In these settings, the comisionado acts as a representative or chief officer charged with advancing the commission’s mandate, often including liaison with other governmental branches and accountability mechanisms.

Gender forms are routinely used in Spanish, with comisionada referring to a female holder of the position. Overall, the role of a comisionado is defined by the commission’s legal framework and the specific responsibilities assigned to the position.