First-line supervisors of police and detectives
SOC Code: 33-1012Also known as:
Captain, Chief Deputy, Community Relations Police Lieutenant, Deputy Chief Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff
Median Annual Salary
$105,980
+2.9% growth (2024-2034)
11K
Openings/Year
161K
Current Jobs
What First-line supervisors of police and detectives Do
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
💰 Salary
$105,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.9%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
11K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
160,800
Projected Employment (2034)
165,400
Related Careers
First-line supervisors of correctional officers
$76,310 •
-2.8% growth
First-line supervisors of security workers
$58,610 •
+2.7% growth
Detectives and criminal investigators
$93,580 •
-0.7% growth
Police and sheriff's patrol officers
$76,290 •
+3.1% growth
Transit and railroad police
$82,320 •
+3.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
- Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
- Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
- Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
- Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
- Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
- Train staff in proper police work procedures.
- Discipline staff for violation of department rules and regulations.
- Monitor and evaluate the job performance of subordinates, and authorize promotions and transfers.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for First-line supervisors of police and detectives
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a first-line supervisors of police and detectives:
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
41,895 degrees awarded •
821 colleges offer this program
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
26,997 degrees awarded •
653 colleges offer this program
Corrections
4,967 degrees awarded •
144 colleges offer this program
Homeland Security
2,871 degrees awarded •
110 colleges offer this program
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management
2,513 degrees awarded •
141 colleges offer this program
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
2,175 degrees awarded •
64 colleges offer this program
Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy
999 degrees awarded •
52 colleges offer this program
Critical Infrastructure Protection
545 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
224 degrees awarded •
21 colleges offer this program
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operations
181 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become first-line supervisors of police and detectives.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do first-line supervisors of police and detectives make?
The median annual salary for first-line supervisors of police and detectives is $105,980.
What education do first-line supervisors of police and detectives need?
Most first-line supervisors of police and detectives positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration, Corrections.
Is becoming first-line supervisors of police and detectives a good career choice?
First-line supervisors of police and detectives is projected to see +2.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 10,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for first-line supervisors of police and detectives?
Top colleges for aspiring first-line supervisors of police and detectives include
University of Virginia-Main Campus, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Florida International University, San Diego State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to first-line supervisors of police and detectives?
First-line supervisors of police and detectives may also be known as: Captain, Chief Deputy, Community Relations Police Lieutenant, Deputy Chief Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff, Desk Sergeant, Detective Chief, Detective Lieutenant, Detective Sergeant, Detective Supervisor, Harbor Patrol Chief, Harbor Police Launch Commander, Homicide Squad Commanding Officer (Homicide Squad CO), Identification and Communications Supervisor, Identification and Records Commander, Investigation Division Commanding Officer (Investigation Division CO), Lieutenant, Motorized Squad Commanding Officer (Motorized Squad CO), Patrol Captain, Patrol Commander.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.