Police Lieutenant Job Description

Police lieutenants serve as shift commanders and supervisors to patrol officers and specialty units.

Police lieutenants are sworn law enforcement officers who supervise teams on patrol or specialty units, such as narcotics or homicide. A lieutenant, depending on the police department's defined roles and responsibilities, may serve as the commander on crime scenes, assist in emergency calls, testify in court and maintain police reports.

Rank

Police lieutenants report to captains and supervise sergeants, detectives and officers.

In police department hierarchy, lieutenants report to captains and supervise sergeants, detectives and officers. In some departments, like the Los Angeles Police Department, police lieutenants are split into two ranks. According to an LAPD job posting, Lieutenants I act as "watch commanders or administrative lieutenants," while Lieutenants II serve as "Section Officers-in-Charge of various specialized entities" within the Department or may assist detective division commanding officers.

Qualifications

Police lieutenants must be physically able to make arrests and understand laws and regulations.

The completion of high school and at least two years of college, in addition to experience in law enforcement work and other police supervisory roles, is preferred for lieutenant candidates. Police lieutenants must also exhibit physical fitness for making arrests; analytical skills to interpret laws and regulations; and an ability to write and communicate effectively. Some police departments, such as the Minneapolis Police Department, require a medical and/or psychological exam.

Salary

A police lieutenant earns between $58,000 and $99,000 per year.

Salaries vary based on location, benefits offered and experience. Police lieutenants earn between $58,000 and $99,000 per year, as of 2010, according to CBSalary by Career Builder.

References

• The Job Explorer: Police Lieutenant Duties
• Minneapolis Police Department: Job Posting
• Los Angeles Police Department: Job Posting
• CBSalary: Police Lieutenant Salary

Resources

• Law Enforcement Jobs