First-line supervisors of police and detectives directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of the police force.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Prepare budgets and manage expenditures of department funds.
Work Context
  • Contact With Others — 89% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Telephone — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 89% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 88% responded "Every day".
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Deal With External Customers — 81% responded "Extremely important".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 83% responded "Extremely important".
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Work Activities
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Train employees in proper work procedures.
  • Inform others about laws or regulations.
  • Direct criminal investigations.
  • Resolve interpersonal conflicts.
  • Train employees in proper work procedures.
  • Maintain operational records.
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Knowledge

Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security
  • Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Management of Personnel Resources
  • Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Social Perceptiveness
  • Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Abilities

Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Microsoft Visio Hot Technology
  • SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal
  • Computer aided composite drawing software
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
  • The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
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