Career Profile: First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 132,300 people employed as first-line supervisors of police and detectives in the United States. The median annual salary is $99,330. Entry level employees earn approximately $51,790 per year and senior employees earn approximately $159,850 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Prepare budgets and manage expenditures of department funds.
• Train staff in proper police work procedures.
• Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
• Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
• Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
• 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.
• 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.
• Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
• 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.
• Direct release or transfer of prisoners.

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