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First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $52K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $69K
Median Salary: $92K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $121K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $152K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

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.

Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.

Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.

Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.

Cooperate with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testify in court, as necessary.

Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.

Monitor and evaluate the job performance of subordinates, and authorize promotions and transfers.

Review contents of written orders to ensure adherence to legal requirements.

Conduct raids and order detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning.

Discipline staff for violation of department rules and regulations.

Direct release or transfer of prisoners.

Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.

Prepare budgets and manage expenditures of department funds.

Inspect facilities, supplies, vehicles, and equipment to ensure conformance to standards.

Develop, implement, and revise departmental policies and procedures.

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.

Requisition and issue equipment and supplies.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software
Email software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Microsoft Visio
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Map creation software
Crime mapping software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Communications Devices and Accessories
Base station radios
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Laptop computers
Consumer electronics
Radio scanners
Data Voice or Multimedia Network Equipment or Platforms and Accessories
Teletype terminals
Emergency and field medical services products
Automated external defibrillators AED
Explosive materials
Road flares
Fire protection
Multipurpose fire extinguishers
Hand tools
Pepper spray
Law enforcement
Fingerprint evidence kits
Light weapons and ammunition
Semiautomatic handguns
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Surveillance binoculars
Motor vehicles
Police patrol cars
Personal safety and protection
Bulletproof vests
Photographic or filming or video equipment
Digital video cameras
Public safety and control
Remote traffic signal controllers
Security surveillance and detection
Audio recording equipment
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Law and Government
97%
Importance

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Public Safety and Security
96%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Administration and Management
81%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service
81%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language
81%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Psychology
81%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Education and Training
74%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Personnel and Human Resources
74%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Sociology and Anthropology
65%
Importance

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

Clerical
64%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
83%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Coordination
80%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking
80%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Management of Personnel Resources
80%
Importance

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Monitoring
80%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Social Perceptiveness
80%
Importance

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking
80%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning
78%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Instructing
78%
Importance

Teaching others how to do something.

Reading Comprehension
78%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Top 10 Abilities
Oral Expression
85%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Problem Sensitivity
83%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Written Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Speech Clarity
78%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Written Expression
78%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Information Ordering
75%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Speech Recognition
75%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Top 10 Work Activities
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
92%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
92%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information
91%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information
91%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
91%
Importance

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
90%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
89%
Importance

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
89%
Importance

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
88%
Importance

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
87%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Detailed Work Activities

Direct criminal investigations.

Train employees in proper work procedures.

Resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Inform others about laws or regulations.

Maintain operational records.

Write operational reports.

Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.

Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.

Evaluate employee performance.

Direct law enforcement activities.

Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.

Detain suspects or witnesses.

Apprehend criminal suspects.

Prepare activity or work schedules.

Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.

Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.

Collaborate with outside groups to develop programs or projects.

Prepare investigation or incident reports.

Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Work Context
Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Deal With External Customers

How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Education
Majors
Major
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Homeland Security
Security Science and Technology
Interests
Enterprising
100%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Social
67%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Conventional
62%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic
53%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative
34%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
19%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Top 10 Work Styles
Integrity
97%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self Control
97%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance
95%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Dependability
92%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Leadership
91%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Attention to Detail
90%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Cooperation
87%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Persistence
86%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Concern for Others
85%
Importance

Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Initiative
85%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Work Values
Independence
91%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Relationships
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Support
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.