It takes a cool head under pressure to oversee workers on the front lines of safety and law enforcement, and that’s just a start on the list of job qualifications for supervisors of police and detectives, fire fighters, and correctional officers. Working in federal and state prisons or the local jail, correctional officer supervisors maintain discipline and security while observing all relevant rules, regulations, and laws. They oversee inmate counts and respond to emergencies as well as ensuring the safety of inmates. Supervisors of police and detectives coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offer guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensure that proceedings are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations. They train staff in police procedures, resolve personnel problems such as charges of misconduct, and keep up with new techniques in law enforcement. Firefighting and prevention worker supervisors make firefighter assignments based on their assessment of the extent of a fire, risk to persons, surrounding conditions, and water supply status. They instruct and drill personnel in their duties, including medical care and hazardous materials response. Some also serve as lead firefighters. Workers in these fields may carry weapons and emergency equipment, and often have emergency medical training. Some work outdoors in all types of weather. All carry significant responsibility for others’ health and safety. Typical requirements for these positions include a high school diploma or equivalent, or related associate’s degree or technical training, and previous experience in the field.
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.
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
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
You might use software like this on the job:
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
high school diploma/GED or some college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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