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Career Exploration

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Also called: Police Captain, Shift Supervisor

What they do:

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
  • Train staff in proper police work procedures.
On the job, you'll need:

Safety and Government

  • law and government
  • public safety and security

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Math and Science

  • psychology

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • understanding people's reactions

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time

Hearing and Speech

  • speak clearly

Enterprising

People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.

  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Dependability
  • Leadership
  • Attention to Detail

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft Access
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Computer aided composite drawing software
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $96,290

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.