How long does it take to get promoted as a police officer?

Question

let says you get promoted and you want to transfer

do you have to start off as a regular officer?

Answer 1

It can take years.

You'll get promoted faster if you brown nose.

Answer 2

However, remember that no one is perfect, advises Chief Paul Walters of the Santa Ana (Calif.) Police Department. "Model yourself after someone you admire while recognizing that person's weaknesses as well as your own and make a plan to improve," he says.

Walters also warns that it's easy to latch on to a mentor because you have similar philosophies. While this can be a good thing, it might prevent you from growing as a police officer and a person.

"Do not shut out opposing points of view and make sure to listen without being defensive," he cautions.

Don't limit yourself by looking to only one person for mentorship. Look at those around you and learn from them, as well.

In his years on the San Diego PD Huntington didn't have a particular mentor, but he looked to others for guidance.

"I relied on what I saw from a wide range of experienced (and inexperienced) officers, friends, and citizens. I took what seemed to work for them and used it, eventually blending a wide cross-section of ideas into a way of policing that seemed to work well for me."

Once you've been on the job a while, why not be a mentor yourself? You might learn something along the way, and it will help you to better keep in touch with the way younger officers are approaching the job, which can come in handy when you're in a management position.

Don't stagnate in a position for too long if you want to move ahead, advises Stainbrook.

"Get experiences in as many areas as possible and if you particularly like one, become a subject matter expert in that field. Whether it is gangs, drugs, firearms, accident investigation, or some other field, your expertise will make you valuable to your department, unit, or section."

Remember to include training as part of the learning essential to advance in your job. If you don't have the necessary training, you won't have the expertise to do the job, or manage others doing the same type of work.

"Kick and scream if you have to, but have your department send you to as much training as possible," urges Stainbrook. "Be creative. Some training is free, or you can latch onto another agency's training for little or no money. In some cases, consider paying for the training yourself. The payback can be exponential."

Also think about furthering your education as part of your training and preparation for higher-level jobs. You can often get grants and scholarships or reimbursements from your agency. There's usually some kind of financial help available if the degree you're pursuing can be applied to your job.

Degrees can provide a means to advance professionally at a department, says Commander Molly Bernard of the Boulder (Colo.) Police Department.

"Many times degrees are necessary for a promotion," says Bernard. "And they often also provide other opportunities for career development."

Whatever you do, learn as much as you can from each assignment.

Answer 3

I think 5 years.  Sometimes they appoint you to the top if you want it.

If someone leaves or retires.

Answer 4

In my area, if you are a sergeant or corporal in the jail or courthouse etc and you want to transfer to patrol or investigations etc then you do not take your rank or pay with you.  If your agency wants to transfer you they sometimes let you keep your money and maybe your rank.  Otherwise there is no telling how long it will take to get promoted.  Do your job well and get as much training as you can.  It looks good to the "brass".