First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Protective Service
Guides investigators through criminal cases so work stays within laws and department rules. Sets schedules, assigns duties, and explains operations so officers know how to carry out their jobs. Directs how evidence and prisoners' property are collected and stored, and keeps logs and reports in order. Handles personnel problems and misconduct charges, briefs staff on new laws and techniques, and trains people in proper procedures. Suits people who like coordinating a team, applying regulations carefully, and splitting time between case oversight and staff issues.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$106'040
Median Wage Market Position
$106'040
What you might do
- Guide investigators working on criminal cases
- Set work schedules and assign daily duties
- Oversee collection and handling of evidence
- Explain police operations to officers on the job
- Resolve staff problems and misconduct charges
- Brief officers on new laws and techniques
Skills that matter
- Guidance on criminal case investigations
- Scheduling officers and assigning their duties
- Directing evidence and prisoner property handling
- Resolving misconduct charges against staff
- Briefings on new laws and techniques
- Training in proper police procedures
AI & the future of this role
Leading officers and detectives still hinges on real-time judgment, public accountability, and in-person command under pressure. Software might help with scheduling or case analytics, but personnel oversight and liability-heavy decisions are likely to stay human.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details