Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
SOC: 33-1012.00
Common Job Titles
Lieutenant
Patrol Sergeant
Police Captain
Police Sergeant
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDevelop operational strategies and deployment plans for patrol units, integrating resource constraints and community needs.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign officer training programs and professional development initiatives addressing emerging crime trends, legal updates, and departmental needs.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate resource allocation plans and staffing schedules balancing operational coverage, budget constraints, and personnel availability.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate officer performance and incident reports to ensure compliance with departmental standards and legal requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze crime patterns and public safety data using crime mapping software and law enforcement databases to inform deployment strategies.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess critical incidents and emergency situations under time pressure to make decisions that balance public safety and officer welfare.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate community-oriented policing principles with law enforcement objectives when working directly with the public and external stakeholders.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate ethical conduct and professional standards while guiding and motivating subordinate officers in high-stress environments.
Proficient
MindsetBalance conflicting stakeholder interests and departmental priorities when resolving conflicts and negotiating with community members, officers, and other agencies.
Proficient
KnowledgeCoordinate multi-unit operations and interdepartmental responses during emergency situations and investigations, using radio communications and dispatch systems.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply law enforcement procedures and legal statutes when training and instructing officers on patrol tactics, use of force, and arrest protocols.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate law enforcement technology and communications equipment including mobile data computers, crime databases, and radio systems during field supervision.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
153,130
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $62,370. 25th percentile: U.S. $80,940. 50th percentile: U.S. $105,980. 75th percentile: U.S. $133,520. 90th percentile: U.S. $165,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$62,370
10% of workers earn the following or more
$165,050
Workers on average earn
$110,990
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
Computer aided composite drawing software
Computer aided dispatch software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Crime mapping software
DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
Email software
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
