The criminal justice field oversees critical public safety functions on a local and national level — with involvement in all aspects of criminal proceedings from initial investigation to sentencing. This industry offers a number of rewarding career paths that serve public and private interests. This career profile series will explore some job opportunities available to those looking to make an impact in criminal justice.
Are you in, or have you ever considered, a career in local law enforcement but aren’t sure how accessible management opportunities are in the field? Serving your community as a leader in a police officer, investigator or detective role is an admirable career choice, and with some on-the-job experience and the right educational background, you could find yourself eligible for promotion to a variety of management opportunities.
There are multiple management positions with varying responsibilities in local law enforcement. For a quick brush up, here are a few possibilities:
- A supervisor oversees and coordinates the activities of the local police force, including both police officers and detectives.
- With a number of responsibilities in a police department, lieutenants usually serve as the shift supervisors and handle scheduling, oversee the booking and holding of arrested people and assist with ongoing investigations. They may conduct daily staff briefings and be responsible for reviewing statistics related to their precinct.
- Typically requiring the most professional experience for eligibility, a police chief is the highest rank one can obtain in a police department. This position gives general direction to the department, focusing on reducing crime in a specified area. They establish policies and procedures and set goals for their department while also ensuring all police officers are maintaining optimal performances.
