2 answers
James’s Answer
Except in rare circumstances, everyone starts in patrol. Learn everything you can while there. Spend time talking to citizens, attend Crime Watch meetings, both citizen and business. Keep a servant mindset. After spending time in patrol, request a transfer to criminal investigations, where you will learn how to follow up on cases and file them with the prosecuting attorney's office. Attend training seminars to advance your education. Take promotion exams. Read books on leadership. It's important to remember that rank itself, does not denote leadership. You can be a leader in whatever assignment you are in.