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Degrees and Schools
Police and detective supervisory positions often require an associate's degree or higher in criminal justice, police science, public administration or other related field. Some positions also require specific coursework in police administration. These types of programs are available at many colleges and universities throughout the country, including online schools. Many programs are designed so that active police officers can attend school while continuing to work. Degrees need to be earned at schools and programs accredited by an agency that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education.
Coursework
Criminal justice and police science programs will include courses similar to the following :
- criminology
- juvenile delinquency
- policing in society
- criminal justice system
- police systems and practices
- crime, justice and social diversity
- problem analysis in criminal justice
- resource management
- crisis and emergency planning
Online Classes and Programs
There are numerous online criminal justice programs at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. These programs may provide more flexibility for working students than onsite programs. Programs should be accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education.
Employment Requirements
Police and detective supervisor positions vary in their requirements. Shift commanders, who usually have a sergeant ranking, may only need a high school diploma or associate's degree along with at least three to five years of police officer experience. Higher level supervisor roles will require more years of experience and typically require a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. As with all police positions, candidates will need to pass physical exams and drug testing.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
Prospective students should ask the following questions when choosing a criminal justice or police science program:
- Career Goals - Are the requirements for desired position met by the program? Does the level and type of degree meet requirements of long-term career goals?
- Coursework - Does the coursework provide new information that the student has not already learned on the job? Is the coursework relevant to the type of work the student expects to be doing in the future?
- Working Students - Is the program designed to accommodate working students? Are courses available at times that fit into a working student's schedule?
- Management Courses - Will the program teach management skills? Does it include courses such as resource planning, budgeting, personnel supervision and labor relations?
Police and Detective Supervisors Job Description
Running a highly effective police department or police squad is an important factor in maximizing public safety and keeping criminal offenders off the streets. Seasoned police officers who demonstrate maturity and competence are often ready to take on supervisory responsibilities. Police and detective supervisors coordinate and supervise the work of police officers and detectives. They work for state and local police departments where roles include shift commander, supervisor of detectives, deputy police chief or chief of police.
Responsibilities of a police or detective supervisor can include:
- training staff
- providing expertise and guidance
- maintaining logs and other departmental records
- informing staff of changes in laws, procedures or policies
- coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and courts
- hiring and evaluating staff
- resource and budget planning
Resources
International Association of Chiefs of Police - The IACP strives to advance professional police services, improve police practices and foster information exchange and cooperation among police leaders and organizations.
National Association of Police Organizations - NAPO is involved with legal advocacy, education and political action on behalf of law enforcement officers.
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences - The ACJS provides research, policy analysis and education to promote professional and academic activities in the field of criminal justice.
International Union of Police Associations - The IUPA represents law enforcement professionals in legal and legislative arenas with the goal of improving the lives of its membership.
National Black Police Association - This association is dedicated to improving the fairness, justice and effectiveness of law enforcement. They serve as an advocate for minority police officers and minority communities in their relationships with law enforcement.
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