There are a few positions within the supervisory ranks of a police department. Each role serves a purpose with its own responsibilities.
Corporal
Police corporal is a position in criminal justice management and typically exists in smaller police departments. A corporal is a supervisor who typically oversees a small group of other officers. Corporals often work in the field and serve as liaisons between their officers and superiors.
Some of the major responsibilities of a police corporal include:5
- Regulating traffic during times of distress
- Ensuring safety on the streets
- Ensuring that the police department is following rules and policies
- Helping in other areas of the police department as needed (e.g., at crime scenes)
- Managing records of past investigative cases
Police Sergeant
The next position in a police department’s hierarchy is police sergeant. Sergeants supervise a squad or unit of police officers. Sergeants often investigate internal complaints made by lower-ranking officers.
In addition, police sergeants are usually responsible for the following tasks:
- Supervising and training personnel
- Interpreting and applying local and statewide ordinances
- Developing new department policies
- Serving as a liaison between upper and lower management
To work toward advancement upward through the levels of police officers, seek opportunities for new assignments and additional training in the police department. This may demonstrate your interest in learning and taking on new challenges.
Police Captain
Police captains typically serve as the commanding officers for a patrol officer or detective division. They oversee organizational activities, train and supervise personnel, develop programs and enforce departmental policies. Captains may also be responsible for serving as the public face of the department.
To become a police captain, you must complete several steps:6
- Obtain a high school diploma
- Get a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a similar field
- Train at the police academy and become a police officer
- Gain a significant number of years of experience in a police department
- Consistently improve your skills at each ranking level and rise through the ranks
Deputy Police Chief
Police captains report to deputy police chiefs or directly to the chief of police, depending on the size of the department. The role of the deputy police chief is similar to that of the police captain.
When the chief of police is unavailable or is otherwise engaged, the deputy police chief may temporarily step in and take over the chief of police’s duties. This requires deputy police chiefs to be familiar with the department’s activities, policies and officers at all times.
The role of a deputy police chief is an important one. Requirements vary by department, but generally, aspiring deputy police chiefs can expect to need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and at least eight to 10 years of police experience, including at least five years of supervisory experience. Some departments may also require a physical test.7
Chief of Police: Top Level of Police Officers
The chief of police is like the chief executive officer (CEO) of a company. Police chiefs are at the top of the chain of command in police departments. They are responsible for overseeing the entire department through their subordinate officers, including its budget, operations, programs and activities.
Chiefs of police often work closely with top city officials like the mayor and city manager. They may also need to interact with members of the media and community organizations.
