Occupation · SOC 33-1099
First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other
All protective service supervisors not listed separately above.
Median wage
$74,960
$40,750–$102,360
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
20,460
Job Zone —
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCoordination
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software
Representative tasks
Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, reMaintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and r
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Inmate counts — conduct periodic headcounts under direct supervisor guidance within an assigned housing unit.Institutional rules and regulations — review and identify applicable policies with support from a senior officer in a correctional facility.Order and discipline — assist in maintaining behavioral standards by following established protocols on a supervised shift.Emergency procedures — recognize the indicators of an escape attempt and notify the chain of command according to posted protocols.Active listening skills — receive and relay verbal instructions from supervising officers accurately during daily briefings.Incident documentation — record routine observations and minor infractions in a basic incident log using word processing software.Inmate behavior — observe and report unusual patterns to a supervisor, applying introductory social perceptiveness in a detention setting.Database entry tools — input count records and shift data into a correctional database under direct supervision.Physical post assignments — patrol designated areas and confirm secure conditions by following a structured post-order checklist.Personal conduct standards — demonstrate dependability and integrity by adhering to the facility's code of conduct on every assigned shift.
developing
Periodic inmate counts — independently verify and reconcile inmate headcounts across multiple housing units with minimal supervisory oversight.Institutional policy compliance — apply knowledge of current rules and regulations to routine disciplinary situations without requiring constant guidance.Order and security maintenance — manage daily conduct issues within an assigned block, applying appropriate corrective measures in a correctional environment.Emergency response — coordinate an initial on-scene response to an escape or disturbance, activating the facility's emergency notification system.Shift communication — deliver clear verbal reports and written summaries to oncoming supervisors using established handover formats.Spreadsheet and database software — track inmate movement data, generate basic reports, and identify discrepancies using standard office suite tools.Critical thinking in routine incidents — evaluate available information and select an appropriate course of action when staff or inmate conflicts arise.Staff coordination — assign daily post duties to a small team of officers, balancing coverage requirements and individual skill levels.Inmate behavioral assessment — apply basic psychological awareness to detect early signs of agitation or non-compliance and intervene proactively.Policy interpretation — read and apply updated regulatory guidance from government directives to daily operations within the assigned section.
proficient
Inmate count accuracy — design and oversee a reliable count verification system that meets auditable standards across an entire shift rotation.Comprehensive security management — autonomously enforce institutional rules and security protocols across all assigned areas, including non-routine and high-risk scenarios.Disciplinary proceedings — lead formal disciplinary hearings for rule violations, applying judgment and decision-making skills consistent with legal and institutional standards.Complex emergency response — direct multi-unit response operations during escapes, disturbances, or medical emergencies, coordinating resources and communicating with external agencies.Staff performance monitoring — assess officer conduct and effectiveness through direct observation and database-driven metrics, delivering actionable feedback.Policy development support — interpret changes in law and government regulations and translate them into updated post orders and operating procedures.Advanced documentation — produce comprehensive incident reports, shift summaries, and compliance records using integrated office suite and database applications.Conflict de-escalation — apply social perceptiveness and psychology-informed techniques to resolve tense interpersonal situations among staff and inmates before they escalate.Training delivery — facilitate on-the-job instruction for new officers on security protocols, count procedures, and emergency response expectations.Risk assessment — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to evaluate vulnerability patterns and recommend targeted security improvements to facility leadership.
advanced
Facility-wide security strategy — set the operational direction for all security functions across the facility, aligning practices with institutional, legal, and public safety mandates.Organizational policy authority — develop, publish, and enforce comprehensive institutional policies and regulations that govern staff conduct and inmate management at the organizational level.Executive emergency command — assume incident command during major emergencies, directing multi-agency response efforts and ensuring continuity of operations throughout the facility.Leadership development program — design and oversee a structured mentorship and training curriculum that builds competency in emerging and developing supervisors.Cross-departmental coordination — build collaborative relationships with law enforcement, judicial, and social service agencies to strengthen the facility's security and rehabilitative mission.Performance accountability systems — establish quantitative and qualitative evaluation frameworks using database and reporting software to hold supervisory staff accountable for security outcomes.Institutional culture and integrity — model and champion a culture of dependability, self-control, and ethical conduct that defines the organization's professional standards.Regulatory compliance oversight — ensure the entire facility meets evolving government and accreditation requirements, leading audit preparation and response processes.Strategic resource allocation — direct the deployment of personnel, technology, and budgetary resources across all shifts and units to optimize security coverage.Stakeholder communication — present facility performance data, policy changes, and security assessments to executive leadership, governing boards, and external oversight bodies using professional presentation tools.
Also known as
19 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Security Guard SupervisorSecurity ManagerSecurity DirectorPlant Protection SupervisorManager, Internal SecurityAnimal Control SupervisorTransportation Security Administration (TSA) Screener SupervisorStore Loss Prevention ManagerTransportation Security Administration Screener SupervisorAnimal Cruelty Investigation SupervisorGuard ChiefLoss Prevention OfficerCaptain of GuardsDog License Officer SupervisorMuseum Security ChiefGuard SupervisorInternal Security ManagerGuard, ChiefHead of Loss Prevention