First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

O*NET 33-1012.00 · SOC 33-1012

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective is a solid career choice. Median pay is $106k a year with +3.3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 10,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+3.3%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$106k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
11k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Review and approve police reports submitted by patrol officers
  • →Assign patrol officers to shifts and geographic zones
  • →Respond to major crime scenes to direct officer activities
  • →Evaluate officer performance and conduct disciplinary reviews
  • →Brief officers on crime trends and safety priorities at roll call

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningReview and approve police reports submitted by patrol officers
MiddayAssign patrol officers to shifts and geographic zones
AfternoonRespond to major crime scenes to direct officer activities

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)6.9
Conventional (Organizers)5.1
Social (Helpers)3.8
Realistic (Doers)3.5
Investigative (Thinkers)2.3
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe ExecutiveENTJThe CommanderESFJThe ProviderESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives is projected to grow 3.3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

38/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective make?

The median First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective earns $106k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective jobs?

Our model puts First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.

Is First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 3.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 10,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective?

Most First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detective career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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