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Public Safety

Sheriff/Police Chief

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of a police force. May including leading Supervisors.

Annual openings

n/a

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

Many employers expect a minimum of a Bachelor's degree plus work experience

Projected growth

n/a

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Many employers expect a minimum of a Bachelor's degree plus work experience

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. Work experience as a Supervisor or higher is highly valued.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Law Enforcement
  • Public Safety

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
  2. Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
  3. Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
  4. Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
  5. Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
  6. Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.
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