First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
What is a First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives?
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives are law enforcement professionals who oversee the daily operations of police personnel. They are responsible for managing and coordinating the activities of officers and detectives, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures while providing support and guidance in the field. These supervisors play a critical role in maintaining public safety and enforcing laws, while also acting as a liaison between their subordinates and higher management. In addition to supervising police work, they may also be involved in the planning and implementation of community policing initiatives, training programs, and departmental tactical operations. Their duties often include reviewing police reports, conducting performance evaluations, and handling administrative tasks, all aimed at enhancing team effectiveness and public trust in law enforcement. First-Line Supervisors must possess strong leadership qualities, communication skills, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, as they are often the first responders in a crisis and are tasked with making strategic operational choices to ensure the safety of the community and their officers.
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.
- Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
- Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
- Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
- Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
Technology Skills
-
Data base user interface and query software
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Microsoft Access
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
- Spillman Technologies Records Management
-
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- SmartDraw Legal
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
-
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
-
Office suite software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Handguns
- Two way radios
- Handcuffs
- Police vehicles
- Notebook computers
Knowledge
-
Public Safety and Security
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.
-
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
-
Customer and Personal Service
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.
-
Administration and Management
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.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
-
Active Listening
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.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Management of Personnel Resources
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
-
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Some college, no degree
-
Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
-
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Detailed Work Activities
- Direct criminal investigations.
- Prepare activity or work schedules.
- Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
- Resolve interpersonal conflicts.
- Train employees in proper work procedures.
Work Interests
-
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$60090.0 - $160710.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.