I am responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating the activities of the Police Department. I also supervise and/or manage subordinate supervisors, officers, and civilians on field and staff operations. Essentially, I am one of the frontlines of command; I pass orders from the top levels of command to the Police Sergeants, who in turn relay those orders to the Police Officers and Detectives down the line.
CAREER
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$99,330
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+2.8% (slower than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Do
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Other Job Titles First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives May Have
Police Captain, Shift Supervisor
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I oversee a police department of over 1,000 officers.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
- Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
- Train staff in proper police work procedures.
- Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
- Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
Education
Level of Education Attained by First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (37%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Criminal Justice/Police Science
Suggested Path
Graduate
Criminal Justice
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Getting out of your own head and getting involved in giving back to others helps you appreciate the things you have. Empathy is a huge part of law enforcement and taking on the challenge of making appropriate judgement calls.
You have to build relationships and understanding with the communities that you serve. It's that understanding that builds the bridge of trust. Having a high level of emotional intelligence and empathy is hugely important. Be humble and open to others. Be aware of people's implicit biases, it can help you understand where they are coming from and how best to approach situations.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
To be really honest with themselves about who they are. It is important to know one's strengths and weaknesses first before trying to deal with someone else's.
With the way that the law enforcement field has been progressing, you'll most likely need at least an associate degree in law enforcement or criminal justice. You can reach out to your local police academy to inquire about requirements as I did.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
