Australian Special Forces

How do promotions work in the police force?

I want to be a detective one day, and am aware I need to first work with the police force. This is for a class assignment.. How do promotions in the force work exactly?

Public Comments

1. Depends Most of the time you have to take a written exam and go before a promotional board. Other times they just pick people. Depends on the department.
2. Promotions are determined by the department, and may be included in the collective bargaining contract, so it will vary. Our department only requires you to be off probation, but some agencies in the area require 3-5 years experience. There is first a written test, those that pass are evaluated by the supervisors and the Detective Lieutenant.
3. Jonas is correct. Most modern departments test, often you are eligible after 2 to 5 years on the street. Even those who test usually have spots open for the meritorious promotion. In most cases that means: you solve a big case, catch the bank robber, do something that the newspapers and TV think is a big deal. Then the boss will allow you to join the next detective class going through the academy. In some departments, especially sheriffs (because sheriffs are elected) detectives are appointed only. Also in a lot of places the spot of detective is not a guaranteed position, it is what we call in the administration business an "at will" position. That means the boss can make you a detective whenever he wants or can take the position away when ever they want. For testing you need: a good knowledge of the laws, have the ability to interpret laws and department policies, critical thinking skills and logic skills. Once you are a detective you need a bulldog personality and a hide of iron. It is all very confusing but in the US you have thousands of departments and no general rules on stuff like this.
4. You have to take an exam,and usually the officer(s) that got the best score gets promoted.