First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Median Annual Wage: $80,930

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (34%); Associate's degree (27%); Bachelor's degree (23%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Sergeant; Lieutenant; Police Sergeant; Police Captain; Police Lieutenant; Patrol Sergeant; Detective Sergeant; Chief of Police; Police Chief; Police Shift Commander

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.

More Protective Service Careers

  • Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
  • Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
  • Cooperate with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testify in court as necessary.
  • Review contents of written orders to ensure adherence to legal requirements.
  • Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
  • Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
  • Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
  • Train staff in proper police work procedures.
  • Monitor and evaluate the job performance of subordinates, and authorize promotions and transfers.
  • Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
  • Conduct raids and order detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning.
  • Discipline staff for violation of department rules and regulations.
  • Develop, implement and revise departmental policies and procedures.
  • Inspect facilities, supplies, vehicles, and equipment to ensure conformance to standards.
  • Requisition and issue equipment and supplies.
  • Meet with civic, educational, and community groups to develop community programs and events, and to discuss law enforcement subjects.
  • Prepare news releases and respond to police correspondence.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.

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