Occupations33-1012.00

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Median annual pay
$105,980

BLS, 2024

Employment
160,800

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+2.9%

2024–34

Annual openings
10,900

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Supervise 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.
  2. 02Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
  3. 03Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
  4. 04Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
  5. 05Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
  6. 06Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
  7. 07Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
  8. 08Train staff in proper police work procedures.
  9. 09Discipline staff for violation of department rules and regulations.
  10. 10Monitor and evaluate the job performance of subordinates, and authorize promotions and transfers.
  11. 11Review contents of written orders to ensure adherence to legal requirements.
  12. 12Conduct raids and order detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive LearningWritingLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 160,800 in 2024 to 165,400 in 2034, a +2.9% change.

BLS projects an average of 10,900 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.