Will AI replace First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives?
AI can do 62% of the work First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives do at least twice as fast. Real use has not caught up: none of their tasks show up in real AI use yet, but AI could speed up 11 of them. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 8 still need a person.
AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.
AI could do this next11 · 62% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.14% of time
- 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.9% of time
- Monitor and evaluate the job performance of subordinates, and authorize promotions and transfers.8% of time
- Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.7% of time
- Review contents of written orders to ensure adherence to legal requirements.5% of time
- Meet with civic, educational, and community groups to develop community programs and events, and to discuss law enforcement subjects.5% of time
- Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.3% of time
- Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.3% of time
- Develop, implement, and revise departmental policies and procedures.3% of time
- Prepare news releases and respond to police correspondence.2% of time
- Prepare budgets and manage expenditures of department funds.2% of time
Robots can technically do this1 · 3% of time
Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.
- Inspect facilities, supplies, vehicles, and equipment to ensure conformance to standards.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
Still needs a person8 · 34% of time
No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.
- Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.7% of time
- Train staff in proper police work procedures.7% of time
- Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.6% of time
- Cooperate with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testify in court, as necessary.6% of time
- Conduct raids and order detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning.3% of time
- Discipline staff for violation of department rules and regulations.2% of time
- Requisition and issue equipment and supplies.2% of time
- Direct release or transfer of prisoners.1% of time
Your week is not the average
Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.
What this means
AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 0 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.
What to do next
- Get ahead on the 11 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
- Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
- Build on the 8 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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