First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
First-line supervisors of police and detectives directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of the police force.
A police supervisor’s job duties are to direct criminal investigations, train officers in proper work procedures, inform others about laws or regulations, resolve interpersonal conflicts and maintain operational records.
To qualify for a position in the supervision of police personnel, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma and an associate's degree in criminal justice and psychology. Educational and experience requirements to become a police supervisor varies from city to city and state to state. Most police supervisors undergo extensive on the job experience before being accepted into supervisory roles.
The supervision of police personnel goes through training which involves classroom instruction on laws, proper protocols, and investigating incidents and crime. Hands-on instruction includes weaponry handling, first-aid, and traffic control.
The police supervisor can work in varied areas of child protection, cybercrime, criminal investigation department, dog handlers, drugs squad, firearms, fraud squad, mounted branches, traffic and underwater search units.
The salary of a police supervisor is commensurate to the job position, location and skills. Additionally, they get annual leaves, police pension schemes and sometimes flexible working opportunities.
The key skills required for advancing in the supervision of police personnel are efficiency in communication (verbal and writing), responsibility, high integrity, knowledge of technology, experience using weapons, physically fit, principled and virtuous qualities.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Master's Any Subject
- Bachelor's Any Subject
Tasks
- Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
- Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
- 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.
- Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
- Train staff in proper police work procedures.
- Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
- Monitor and evaluate the job performance of subordinates, and authorize promotions and transfers.
- Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
- Develop, implement, and revise departmental policies and procedures.
- Conduct raids and order detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning.
Progression Routes
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