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What kind of decisions are to be made by First Line Supervisors?
I am a student looking into being a Police Officer #law-enforcement
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Kim’s Answer
Christopher,
Much will depend on the size of the department. I worked for a dept of 50 officers, at San Antonio Airport. We were a very public service oriented agency. On top of personnel matters already addressed by Donna, Supervisors often have to make split-second decision on the deployment of resources (vehicles, personnel, specialty units such as K9), when there's never enough to go around. They have to prioritize calls, which, isn't always that easy to do.
Supervisors are the interface between officers and management. They are expected to support some really crazy ideas that come down from management (like, when working traffic in front of the terminals, you will always stand on the crosswalks), but also expected to take up for their officers when interacting with management. Sort of like a teacher having to deal with students, parents, and administration.
Supervisors must not forget they are still officers. They can and do handle calls when shortstaffed. But, some departments don't want you to be working, they want you to always be available to go wherever a supervisor is needed.
Supervisors also have to approve reports. They have a duty to keep the department out of trouble - such as by making sure an officer's arrest report is solid - that it contains all the "elements of the offense." Sometimes supervisors must make unpopular decisions, perhaps a decision to release a prisoner, for example.
Before becoming a supervisor, you will have been a patrol officer first, where you will gain experience with decision-making. You would hopefully also have been a Field Training Officer - a highly important position that is usually the first additional responsibility a young officer undertakes. There is specialized training for police supervisors that you will be given when you are promoted.
Hope this helps!
Much will depend on the size of the department. I worked for a dept of 50 officers, at San Antonio Airport. We were a very public service oriented agency. On top of personnel matters already addressed by Donna, Supervisors often have to make split-second decision on the deployment of resources (vehicles, personnel, specialty units such as K9), when there's never enough to go around. They have to prioritize calls, which, isn't always that easy to do.
Supervisors are the interface between officers and management. They are expected to support some really crazy ideas that come down from management (like, when working traffic in front of the terminals, you will always stand on the crosswalks), but also expected to take up for their officers when interacting with management. Sort of like a teacher having to deal with students, parents, and administration.
Supervisors must not forget they are still officers. They can and do handle calls when shortstaffed. But, some departments don't want you to be working, they want you to always be available to go wherever a supervisor is needed.
Supervisors also have to approve reports. They have a duty to keep the department out of trouble - such as by making sure an officer's arrest report is solid - that it contains all the "elements of the offense." Sometimes supervisors must make unpopular decisions, perhaps a decision to release a prisoner, for example.
Before becoming a supervisor, you will have been a patrol officer first, where you will gain experience with decision-making. You would hopefully also have been a Field Training Officer - a highly important position that is usually the first additional responsibility a young officer undertakes. There is specialized training for police supervisors that you will be given when you are promoted.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Christopher,
I am not in law enforcement, so I would not be aware of specifics directly related, but typically a 1st Line Supervisor has reporting people.
Involving personnel, a first line manager has to make decisions which treat all employees equitably. This may sound pretty easy but it actually can become quite complicated. Here is an example, you have two employees who are asking to work flexible hours due to home life circumstances. One employee is quite open and has divulged to you that they are caring for their mom and daycare giver can not arrive until 9:00. When you need them to be in at 7:00. Additionally this worker is very conscientious and often helps out in a pinch. The 2nd worker, on the other hand has been very closed to reasons for request to work a flexible schedule, is often late and leaves at designated time regardless of what projects are going on.
Most individuals would be inclined to accommodate the 1st worker with a flexible schedule and not the 2nd worker. When in fact, if one is accommodated the other should be also. There are several avenues to address this situation but as a newer 1st line supervisor it is probably best that you reach out to the resources you have in Human Resources for decision making. They have probably seen this before.
1st line supervisors are also responsible for keeping track and reporting on employees sick time, vacation time, productivity. Many times this reporting leads to corporate compliance to FMLA laws, and documentation for inner office movement, promotions or firing an individual. In addition to this supervisors are accountable to ensuring employees have training and any equipment or gear required for their individual jobs. Especially government compliance to OSHA laws for employee and public safety.
On top of all the employee driven items, a 1st line supervisor is accountable to carry out any corporate objectives in which the have a direct relationship to. For example, a law enforcement supervisor charged with duty of community drug awareness responsibility may have to coordinate with local companies for drug disposal drop locations, organize community educational events, and be aware of specific concerns on drug usage in their local communities.
I am not in law enforcement, so I would not be aware of specifics directly related, but typically a 1st Line Supervisor has reporting people.
Involving personnel, a first line manager has to make decisions which treat all employees equitably. This may sound pretty easy but it actually can become quite complicated. Here is an example, you have two employees who are asking to work flexible hours due to home life circumstances. One employee is quite open and has divulged to you that they are caring for their mom and daycare giver can not arrive until 9:00. When you need them to be in at 7:00. Additionally this worker is very conscientious and often helps out in a pinch. The 2nd worker, on the other hand has been very closed to reasons for request to work a flexible schedule, is often late and leaves at designated time regardless of what projects are going on.
Most individuals would be inclined to accommodate the 1st worker with a flexible schedule and not the 2nd worker. When in fact, if one is accommodated the other should be also. There are several avenues to address this situation but as a newer 1st line supervisor it is probably best that you reach out to the resources you have in Human Resources for decision making. They have probably seen this before.
1st line supervisors are also responsible for keeping track and reporting on employees sick time, vacation time, productivity. Many times this reporting leads to corporate compliance to FMLA laws, and documentation for inner office movement, promotions or firing an individual. In addition to this supervisors are accountable to ensuring employees have training and any equipment or gear required for their individual jobs. Especially government compliance to OSHA laws for employee and public safety.
On top of all the employee driven items, a 1st line supervisor is accountable to carry out any corporate objectives in which the have a direct relationship to. For example, a law enforcement supervisor charged with duty of community drug awareness responsibility may have to coordinate with local companies for drug disposal drop locations, organize community educational events, and be aware of specific concerns on drug usage in their local communities.
Pretty good answer for someone not in law enforcement!
Kim Igleheart