They ensure department policies are carried out and are responsible for all personnel within their division, both sworn officers and civilians.

Implementing policies and supervising the preparation of reports and recordsĬaptains serve as the commanding officer of divisions within a police department.

Keeping their captain informed of issues of concern within their command.

Reviewing and ensuring complete and accurate follow-up investigations.

Responding to scenes of serious crimes such as shootings, homicide, major robbery, and theft.

Supervising patrol sergeants, police officers, and detectives who carry out crime suppression and investigative functions.

They usually work in offices but may also direct activities at crime scenes or contribute to criminal investigations. Their jobs are largely supervisory or administrative. Police lieutenants are usually in charge of the day-to-day activities of units within a police department.

Train and supervise probationary officers.

Keep supervisors informed of important issues.

Handle radio calls and dispatch personnel.

Respond to crime scenes at the request of police officers.Supervise patrol officers on foot or in vehicles.They may also be assigned to a special unit. They are often tasked with ensuring that all procedures and policies are followed. They may work alongside police officers or in offices. Police sergeants are experienced officers who often serve in a supervisory or training capacity. Developing relationships with contacts and informants.Interviewing witnesses and persons of interest.Performing surveillance of suspects or suspicious activity.Assisting or directing crime scene investigation.Some detectives will specialize in units that investigate specific crimes, such as homicide, narcotics, fraud, or gangs. If your application for detective is accepted, you will be required to complete additional training at a police academy. To become a detective, you will have to work several years as a patrol officer and demonstrate the basic skills needed to be an investigator. Some detectives are assigned to specialized beats such as homicide, burglary, or narcotics investigations. Assist with crime investigation or surveillanceĭetectives investigate crimes and criminal activity.Write traffic tickets and issue citations.New hires complete a probationary period during which they receive on-the-job training. Specialized beats can include working on a K-9 unit, bomb squad, or burglary/theft division. These beats may be geographically-based, such as patrolling an area of a city, or they may be determined by mode of patrol, such as car, bicycle, or motorcycle. Many police departments assign officers to beats. On any day, a police officer will perform duties ranging from writing tickets and completing routine paperwork to responding to threats and emergencies.

They are on the front lines of enforcing local laws and maintaining a safe community. Police officers make up the majority of sworn officers in any police department.

What does the commander in chief do