Some of the best cops I know have never taken a promotional examination. These officers spend their careers working patrol, investigations, or administrative assignments. They develop an expertise, become recognized experts and serve in those assignments for many years.
Unfortunately, one of the flaws of law enforcement culture is that these career officers and their contributions are frequently overlooked. They are just “patrol officers” or just a “detective.” In reality they are the backbone of law enforcement and should be credited as such. The success of their agencies depends on them. Read more…