First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives

Responsible for managing and coordinating police force activities, first-line police supervisors perform both administrative and leadership duties. They run police departments and occasionally work with lawyers, officials and court personnel. Some positions under this title include police chief, detective sergeant, lieutenant, police sergeant, police captain and shift commander.

Job Responsibilities

First-line police supervisors hold many obligations. They manage police staff, coordinate training and provide guidance and assistance when necessary. They also assign cases to staff members. Since they are working at an administrative level, they must set an example for those they oversee. If any issues or allegations against police staff arise, the first-line police supervisor investigates and resolves the conflicts.

Additionally, first-line police supervisors manage and organize investigations. They draft, review and maintain logs and reports. An understanding of criminal justice and law is also required for the job, as sometimes first-line police supervisors may have to work with court employees, lawyers and officials.

Overtime and shift work are common for this position, especially since the public calls for protection at all times. The job may sometimes prove to be stressful yet also rewarding.

First-Line Police Supervisor Salary Details

PayScale states that the median salary for first-line police supervisors is $56,857. Of course, the availability of law enforcement jobs is largely dependent on the amount of local, state and federal funding. Many police agencies provide uniforms and other benefits for their staff, including retirement eligibility at a younger age than most private sector jobs.

Education Requirements

Most people who work as a first-line police supervisor have five or more years of related experience. Many individuals who work in law enforcement have at least a high-school diploma or a GED. However, many police departments require some level of college coursework, especially for first-line police supervisors since it is an administrative role. A bachelor’s degree in either law enforcement or criminal justice is ideal for this position. Knowing at least one foreign language could be advantageous, too.

Completing Campbellsville University’s online bachelor’s in criminal justice administration can help those wanting to become a first-line police supervisor. The program teaches students about criminal justice and offers courses specific to police administration and police operations. To top it off, professors have real-world experience. Students can take advantage of the fully online program and maintain their busy schedules.