First-Line Supervisors of Police & Detectives

enterprising regulation law criminal case equipment investigation procedure manage work schedule

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.

Knowledge

Safety and Government

  • law and government
  • public safety and security

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Math and Science

  • psychology

Skills

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

Abilities

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

Personality

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

They do well at jobs that need:

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

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software

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

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Computer aided composite drawing software
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about first-line supervisors of police and detectives.