Protective Service
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Also called: Captain, Deputy Sheriff, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant
US median pay
$106,040
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
10,600
160,200 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Management of Personnel Resources4.0/5
- Persuasion3.9/5
- Instructing3.9/5
- Coordination3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Time Management3.5/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.7/5
- Law and Government4.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Psychology3.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma56%
- Some college20%
- Bachelor's degree19%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.