2 answers
Charlize
Student
Yonkers, New York
1
Question
Asked
779 views
when it comes to becoming a police officer how many ranks do you move up to become a chef and is there a certain age limit that you can be in a police station If i don’t like my position as a police officer and want to become something else in the criminal justice field is that process easy or is it like a whole thing with college credits that i may have to go back to school to get? ?
police to detective
2 answers
Michael Branham
Retired 40 plus years Officer to Chief (Director/Constable, as well).
31
Answers
Peoria, Arizona
Updated
Michael’s Answer
The answer can vary from location to location or from agency size, however the progression along the ranks to police chief starts from the moment you join an agency. Many officers decide along the way that they have found a particular niche or type of assignment they like and do not strive to take part in the processes for many of the upper rank positions.
For those who do wish to progress along to those higher ranks having a formal education (including a Master's Degree or Higher) is a must these days in most departments. Additionally, being accepted and complete specialty schools such as The F.B.I. National Academy or the Northwestern Command College are a real plus.
In each step from Field Training Officer (Usually the first ability to show leadership) through Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain/Major/Commander & above, you will be given increasing levels of responsibility and influence within the department and outside (when dealing with multi-jurisdictional issues) and this will begin to shape your leadership style and how others view you as a leader.
As to the question about moving laterally through the justice system...Yes! It is possible. I might recommend however that you explore a great deal of your interest BEFORE embarking on other jobs. Not everyone in any one agency are OFFICERS. Many successful roles like Civilian Crime Techs, Intelligence & Crime Prevention, Victim Services and others are specialized civilian positions which are just a viable to the success of the department as anyone in a SWORN OFFICER position.
Check it Out and Best Wishes.
For those who do wish to progress along to those higher ranks having a formal education (including a Master's Degree or Higher) is a must these days in most departments. Additionally, being accepted and complete specialty schools such as The F.B.I. National Academy or the Northwestern Command College are a real plus.
In each step from Field Training Officer (Usually the first ability to show leadership) through Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain/Major/Commander & above, you will be given increasing levels of responsibility and influence within the department and outside (when dealing with multi-jurisdictional issues) and this will begin to shape your leadership style and how others view you as a leader.
As to the question about moving laterally through the justice system...Yes! It is possible. I might recommend however that you explore a great deal of your interest BEFORE embarking on other jobs. Not everyone in any one agency are OFFICERS. Many successful roles like Civilian Crime Techs, Intelligence & Crime Prevention, Victim Services and others are specialized civilian positions which are just a viable to the success of the department as anyone in a SWORN OFFICER position.
Check it Out and Best Wishes.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Although not a police officer, I was a volunteer with one for a decade, so I'll share what I know. Becoming chief is not a position of traditional upward promotions; chiefs are often hired from other departments, so it is possible to have a successful career and never achieve that position. In many communities, there are police academies, running roughly a six-month course, typically with prerequisites. If you have a college degree, that police experience can be a plus in pursuing a different direction.
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