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First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $106,040/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$63,350$165,110

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +2.9% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 10,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Management of Personnel ResourcesSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringActive ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive LearningCoordinationPersuasion
Top knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguagePsychologySociology and AnthropologyTherapy and Counseling
Core tasks

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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives?

The median pay for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives is $106,040 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives?

Employment for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives is projected to change +2.9% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives?

About 10,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.