First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

SOC: 33-1012.00

Common Job Titles

  • Lieutenant
  • Patrol Sergeant
  • Police Captain
  • Police Sergeant

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDevelop operational strategies and deployment plans for patrol units, integrating resource constraints and community needs.
  • KnowledgeDesign officer training programs and professional development initiatives addressing emerging crime trends, legal updates, and departmental needs.
  • KnowledgeFormulate resource allocation plans and staffing schedules balancing operational coverage, budget constraints, and personnel availability.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate officer performance and incident reports to ensure compliance with departmental standards and legal requirements.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze crime patterns and public safety data using crime mapping software and law enforcement databases to inform deployment strategies.
  • KnowledgeAssess critical incidents and emergency situations under time pressure to make decisions that balance public safety and officer welfare.
  • MindsetIntegrate community-oriented policing principles with law enforcement objectives when working directly with the public and external stakeholders.
  • MindsetAdvocate ethical conduct and professional standards while guiding and motivating subordinate officers in high-stress environments.
  • MindsetBalance conflicting stakeholder interests and departmental priorities when resolving conflicts and negotiating with community members, officers, and other agencies.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate multi-unit operations and interdepartmental responses during emergency situations and investigations, using radio communications and dispatch systems.
  • KnowledgeApply law enforcement procedures and legal statutes when training and instructing officers on patrol tactics, use of force, and arrest protocols.
  • Hands-onOperate law enforcement technology and communications equipment including mobile data computers, crime databases, and radio systems during field supervision.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

153,130

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $62,370. 25th percentile: U.S. $80,940. 50th percentile: U.S. $105,980. 75th percentile: U.S. $133,520. 90th percentile: U.S. $165,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$62,370
10% of workers earn the following or more$165,050
Workers on average earn$110,990

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Public Safety and Security4.7/5
  • Law and Government4.5/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
  • Administration and Management4.0/5
  • English Language3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Computer aided composite drawing software
  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Crime mapping software
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
  • Email software
  • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
  • Law enforcement information databases
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • 35 millimeter cameras
  • Audio recording equipment
  • Automated external defibrillators AED
  • Base station radios
  • Biohazard suits
  • Body armor
  • Breathalyzers
  • Bulletproof vests
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment