3 answers
Luceen
Student
3
Questions
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What does a typical day look like on the job of a First Line Supervisor of Police & Detectives?
I would like to know what the day is like, if it can get busy or what are some of the things that you do.
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3 answers
Danny Kono
Homicide Investigator (Ret.)
22
Answers
Pomona, California
Updated
Danny’s Answer
What an amazing question, Luceen! I have been supervised, and I have acted as a supervisor for both police (patrol) and detectives. There are multiple levels of supervision for both. We will focus on direct or line supervision.
A typical day on the patrol side is making sure your patrol officers have the resources they need to do their jobs and that they are doing their jobs properly! They are also responsible for providing guidance and direction to those officers in complicated scenarios or scenarios requiring the response of multiple assets. Ultimately, the supervisor is responsible for nearly everything his/her officers do while conducting their duties. That being said, it is essential that the supervisor not micro-manage; however, holds the officers responsible for their actions, especially if deficient. To that extent, the supervisor is responsible for evaluating officers, both on a daily basis and in writing over longer periods. The line supervisor typically does not preform pro-active law enforcement, remaining available to assist in whatever capacity necessary. The supervisor is also responsible for reading and approving each report completed by the officers during their shift.
In the detective bureau, the supervisor responsibilities are somewhat different. The supervisor must make sure he/she has the right personnel in the assignments best suited to their abilities and talents. The supervisor assigns investigations to those detectives, keeping a balanced case load for each. Once again, the supervisor must ensure the detectives have the necessary equipment and current training to accomplish the task at hand and again, should not micro-manage. Once more, the supervisor must review reports generated by the detectives. It is extremely beneficial for all supervisors to have had experience working as a patrol officer and/or a detective for optimum effectiveness. Tough to supervise a job you have never done yourself! This is a very limited look at what supervisors do, Luceen. I hope this was useful!
A typical day on the patrol side is making sure your patrol officers have the resources they need to do their jobs and that they are doing their jobs properly! They are also responsible for providing guidance and direction to those officers in complicated scenarios or scenarios requiring the response of multiple assets. Ultimately, the supervisor is responsible for nearly everything his/her officers do while conducting their duties. That being said, it is essential that the supervisor not micro-manage; however, holds the officers responsible for their actions, especially if deficient. To that extent, the supervisor is responsible for evaluating officers, both on a daily basis and in writing over longer periods. The line supervisor typically does not preform pro-active law enforcement, remaining available to assist in whatever capacity necessary. The supervisor is also responsible for reading and approving each report completed by the officers during their shift.
In the detective bureau, the supervisor responsibilities are somewhat different. The supervisor must make sure he/she has the right personnel in the assignments best suited to their abilities and talents. The supervisor assigns investigations to those detectives, keeping a balanced case load for each. Once again, the supervisor must ensure the detectives have the necessary equipment and current training to accomplish the task at hand and again, should not micro-manage. Once more, the supervisor must review reports generated by the detectives. It is extremely beneficial for all supervisors to have had experience working as a patrol officer and/or a detective for optimum effectiveness. Tough to supervise a job you have never done yourself! This is a very limited look at what supervisors do, Luceen. I hope this was useful!
Dan Formato
Police Sergeant
5
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Danny & Houcine have great answers. I will just add to theirs.
I am a police sergeant (3 chevrons), which is a first-line supervisor in my department. Some agencies use corporals (2 chevrons) as first-line supervisors. I was a uniformed patrol supervisor. I would create daily & monthly schedules, conduct inventory of department equipment that can be checked out by officers (LIDAR's, window tint meters, alco-sensors, etc.), listen to the radio, redispatch units as needed, handle citizen complaints, answer e-mails for superiors, & if it's slow, do some proactive enforcement.
As a supervisor, you are the one in charge in a critical incident until relieved by a superior officer. On the weekends, you are generally the highest ranking person working in your precinct/area. We liked to joking refer to ourselves as the Precinct Commanders for the day.
While it's a lot of responsibility, it is also very rewarding. To me, the mentoring is the best part. I always tell my subordinates that it is my job to train them to replace me. If you have that attitude, they will appreciate it. And don't be a micromanager. Nobody likes that. Good luck!
I am a police sergeant (3 chevrons), which is a first-line supervisor in my department. Some agencies use corporals (2 chevrons) as first-line supervisors. I was a uniformed patrol supervisor. I would create daily & monthly schedules, conduct inventory of department equipment that can be checked out by officers (LIDAR's, window tint meters, alco-sensors, etc.), listen to the radio, redispatch units as needed, handle citizen complaints, answer e-mails for superiors, & if it's slow, do some proactive enforcement.
As a supervisor, you are the one in charge in a critical incident until relieved by a superior officer. On the weekends, you are generally the highest ranking person working in your precinct/area. We liked to joking refer to ourselves as the Precinct Commanders for the day.
While it's a lot of responsibility, it is also very rewarding. To me, the mentoring is the best part. I always tell my subordinates that it is my job to train them to replace me. If you have that attitude, they will appreciate it. And don't be a micromanager. Nobody likes that. Good luck!
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Hello Luceen,
As a First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives, a typical day is dynamic and can vary based on the specific needs and challenges within the law enforcement agency. This role involves overseeing and coordinating the activities of police officers and detectives within a given department or unit. Here's an overview of what a day in this role might entail:
Your day may start with a briefing to discuss ongoing investigations, updates on cases, and any relevant intelligence. As a supervisor, you would collaborate with other law enforcement professionals to allocate resources effectively and ensure the smooth operation of the department.
Throughout the day, you might address personnel matters, such as scheduling shifts, conducting performance evaluations, and providing guidance to subordinates. This includes mentoring and training officers and detectives to enhance their skills and ensure they adhere to departmental policies and procedures.
In the field, you may respond to critical incidents, major crimes, or emergencies, providing leadership and making strategic decisions to address situations effectively. This could involve coordinating with other agencies, managing resources, and ensuring the safety of officers and the public.
Administrative tasks, such as reviewing reports, analyzing crime trends, and developing strategies to address criminal activity, are also part of your responsibilities. You may participate in meetings with community leaders, stakeholders, or other law enforcement agencies to foster positive relationships and address community concerns.
The role of a First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives is multifaceted and requires a combination of leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Days can be busy and challenging, but the variety of tasks contributes to a dynamic and fulfilling career in law enforcement.
Best regards,
Houcine
As a First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives, a typical day is dynamic and can vary based on the specific needs and challenges within the law enforcement agency. This role involves overseeing and coordinating the activities of police officers and detectives within a given department or unit. Here's an overview of what a day in this role might entail:
Your day may start with a briefing to discuss ongoing investigations, updates on cases, and any relevant intelligence. As a supervisor, you would collaborate with other law enforcement professionals to allocate resources effectively and ensure the smooth operation of the department.
Throughout the day, you might address personnel matters, such as scheduling shifts, conducting performance evaluations, and providing guidance to subordinates. This includes mentoring and training officers and detectives to enhance their skills and ensure they adhere to departmental policies and procedures.
In the field, you may respond to critical incidents, major crimes, or emergencies, providing leadership and making strategic decisions to address situations effectively. This could involve coordinating with other agencies, managing resources, and ensuring the safety of officers and the public.
Administrative tasks, such as reviewing reports, analyzing crime trends, and developing strategies to address criminal activity, are also part of your responsibilities. You may participate in meetings with community leaders, stakeholders, or other law enforcement agencies to foster positive relationships and address community concerns.
The role of a First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives is multifaceted and requires a combination of leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Days can be busy and challenging, but the variety of tasks contributes to a dynamic and fulfilling career in law enforcement.
Best regards,
Houcine