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Police Supervisors command and coordinate the activities of subordinate police personnel. They make sure that subordinates perform their job duties properly and efficiently according to orders, procedures, and laws.

JOB DUTIES

Police Supervisors may:

Assign job duties and designated posts to station personnel

Explain police operations to subordinates, including general orders, instructions, and situations or conditions that require attention

Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work

Investigate charges of inefficiency or neglect of duty against personnel and take disciplinary action when needed

Maintain logs to account for unit daily and monthly activities

Assure proper preparation and transmittal of required reports

Police Supervisors may use the following machines, work aids and tools:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

In large city police departments, Police Supervisors usually have specific duties and specialized departmental assignments.

375.167-014 INVESTIGATION DIVISION COMMANDING OFFICERS supervise units of police who investigate establishments and persons suspected of violating laws concerning gambling, liquor, narcotics, and prostitution.

375.167-030 HARBOR POLICE LAUNCH COMMANDERS direct the law enforcement activities and render assistance to persons in distress.

375.167-038 PATROL POLICE LIEUTENANTS supervise the activities of the municipal police patrol force.

375.167-022 DETECTIVE CHIEFS supervise the activities of a detective squad engaged in the investigation of criminal cases, such as automobile

theft, armed robbery, missing persons, homicide, vice, narcotics, fraud, and crimes involving youths.

375.167-046 TRAFFIC LIEUTENANTS direct the activities of police personnel in the performance of traffic-control duties and the removal of illegally parked vehicles.

377.134-010 IDENTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION SUPERVISORS direct the activities of officers engaged in gathering and identifying evidence and operating radio relay transmitters to furnish information to fire and law enforcement departments.

375.137-014 DESK OFFICERS direct and coordinate the activities of personnel assigned to police precinct stations.

375.133-010 PRECINCT POLICE SERGEANTS supervise the activities of a squad of police officers assigned to a patrol, in car, on motorcycle, or on foot, in a designated area of the city.

375.167-034 PRECINCT POLICE CAPTAIN

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Police Supervisors work under the direction of a higher ranked commanding officer and supervise the activities of subordinates. They generally work inside police stations in offices that are well lighted and well ventilated. The atmosphere is often hectic and tense. They are subject to the same dangers and hazards as patrol officers when working in the field. Workers may also be tested for drugs randomly.

Police Supervisors, as well as the officers they command, usually work 8-hours a day, 40-hours a week. Shift work and work on week-ends and holidays are required to provide 24-hour, year-round police protection. Overtime is also needed during emergencies.

Police Supervisors may belong to professional organizations and employee organizations where they work. Members must usually pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving business contact with people

• Activities which bring recognition or appreciation by others

You Should Be Able To:

• Follow instructions, reason well, and learn quickly

• Know the meaning of words/ideas, and present information effectively

• Direct, control, and plan an entire activity/activities of others

• Rate information by using personal judgment/measurable standards

• Deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

• Work under stress

• Communicate well, both orally and in writing

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A patrol car traveling 60 mph is following another car ten miles ahead of it which is traveling at 50 mph. How soon will the patrol car overtake the other car?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and comprehend various kinds of law enforcement terminology and procedures.

For example, benzidine, reduced phenolph, confirmatory test, precipitin thalein

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written argument in support of the validity and reliability of reviewing a case from the frame of reference of the defense team.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, logic skills, and decision-making skills insuring public safety and enforcing the law.

Police Supervisors are promoted from the position of police officer and must meet the same requirements, as well as have substantial seniority and experience.

In Michigan, they must be at least 18 years old and be U.S. citizens. A degree or some college courses may be required. Some police departments have minimum physical requirements. Applicants can have no prior felony convictions and must be of good moral character. A valid driver's license is also needed.

 The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Law Enforcement Officer for specific licensing information.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1700 GOVERNMENT , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

091 LAW ENFORCEMENT & CORRECTIONS

Programs in Law Enforcement and Corrections provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in protective services, local police forces, county sheriff departments, Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Courses within this program vary but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

MILITARY POLICE

The services have their own police forces for many of the same reasons that civilians do: to control traffic, prevent crime, and respond to emergencies. Military police protect lives and property on military bases by enforcing military laws and regulations.

What They Do

Military police perform some or all of the following duties:

• Patrol areas on foot, by car, or by boat

• Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects in the course of investigating crimes

• Collect fingerprints and other evidence

• Arrest and charge criminal suspects

• Train and walk with police dogs

• Testify in court

• Guard entrances and direct traffic

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include government and speech. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in law enforcement and crime prevention

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Ability to think and react quickly

Physical Demands

Normal color vision, hearing, and a clear speaking voice are usually required to enter this occupation. Some specialties have minimum height requirements.

Work Environment

Military police work both indoors and outdoors. They may work on foot, in cars, or in boats.

Training Provided

Occupational training consists of 8 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in police methods. Course content typically includes:

• Military and civil laws and jurisdiction

• Crime and accident investigation procedures

• Evidence collection procedures, including fingerprinting and suspect questioning

• Use of firearms

• Traffic and crowd control procedures

• Arrest and restraint of suspects

• Hand-to-hand defense techniques (judo, karate, etc.)

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Navy offers a certified apprenticeship program for one specialty in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian police officers generally work for state, county, or city law enforcement agencies. Some work as security guards for industrial firms, airports, and other businesses and institutions. They perform duties similar to military police.

Opportunities

The military has about 23,000 military police. On average, the services need about 2,400 new military police each year. After job training, military police guard and patrol bases, and direct traffic. With experience, they question crime suspects and collect evidence. They may also supervise other police officers. In time, they may become station chiefs or police superintendents.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

High school graduates can explore this occupation, in some large cities, as police cadets or trainees. They may perform unarmed foot patrol, especially at special public events. They may, also, perform clerical and other duties. Postsecondary programs in law enforcement and corrections may offer opportunities for experience. They may also attend training classes in police science on a part-time basis. They may be eligible for consideration as a police officer at age 21. Pre-employment training for 2- and 4-year college students is offered by the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Training Council (MLEOTC). Experience is also available in the military as a military police officer.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Police Supervisor employer

internships

volunteer work with a Police Supervisor employer

community service work with an agency

Direct application to local civil service offices, including the taking and passing of an examination, is the usual method of entering this occupation. In smaller communities that do not use civil service methods, applicants should apply directly to the police departments or the city government offices of their community. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage )

America's Job Bank ( http://www.ajb.dni.us )

Classifieds Employment ( http://www.classifieds2000.com ) 

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )  

Michigan Department of Career Development ( http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd )

Michigan Works! ( http://www.michiganworks.org )

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Police Supervisors may vary according to the individual's rank and years of experience, as well as the employer, location, and community size.

Nationally, Police Supervisors had median annual salaries of $49,348 in 2001.  The median yearly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $31,044 in 2001. Police Supervisors employed in Michigan by various city governments had annual salaries (2001-2002) of:

Police Supervisors employed by the State of Michigan had annual salaries ranging from $46,228 to $68,904 (mid 2002). Depending on the employer, most Police Supervisors receive group life and medical insurance; paid vacations and sick leave; holidays or alternate days off; and retirement plans. They are generally covered by liberal pension plans and many workers retire at half pay after 20 or 25 years of service.

Police Supervisors are generally promoted from the position of police officer. A career ladder may be: police officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant. Advancement to Sergeant and Lieutenant usually is made according to the worker's position on a civil service list, which is determined by written examination scores and on-the-job performance. In large communities, further advancement to the rank of Captain may be possible.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 120,500 Police Supervisors employed in 2000. Employment is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. In addition to openings resulting from growth, many additional openings will occur to replace workers who transfer to other jobs, retire, or die. The industry distribution for Police Supervisors looked like this:

Although the nations' population and the need for police protection will increase, slow growth in government budgets for law enforcement is expected to limit growth in police employment. Competition is expected to be keen for job openings. The outlook should be best for persons with some college training in law enforcement.  There are about 2,600 Police Supervisors employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas, primarily for governments.

Little or no change in employment is expected through the year 2010. An average of 80 openings is expected annually, mostly due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. The best job opportunities will be for applicants who have some college training in law enforcement.  

MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008  

  EMPLOYMENT                                  NUMBER                      PERCENT                     PROJECTED YEARLY  REGION                                                EMPLOYED                 GROWTH                      JOB OPENINGS  

  Ann Arbor Area                                   120                                  5.0                                5

  Battle Creek Area                                 60                                   -3.3                               2

  Benton Harbor Area                              75                                    4.1                               2

  Central Michigan                                    25                                    7.7                               1

  Detroit MSA                                          1,230                              1.5                                38

  East Central Michigan                             20                                    4.5                                 1

  Flint Area                                               145                                  -2.7                               4

  Grand Rapids Area                                 220                                  6.3                                7

  Jackson Area                                          70                                     4.2                               2

  Kalamazoo Area                                     65                                     6.3                               2

  Lansing MSA                                          125                                   4.8                               5

  Muskegon Area                                       60                                    11.5                              3

  Northeast Lower Peninsula                      25                                     4.0                               1

  Northwest Lower Peninsula                     50                                     4.0                               1

  Saginaw MSA                                         105                                   5.8                                4

  Thumb Area                                            40                                     7.5                                1

  Upper Peninsula                                      100                                    8.2                                4

  West Central Michigan                            25                                      0.0                                1  

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Police Supervisor can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development