| It really depends on the department. Take my case for example; You have the chance of getting a new boss (Sheriff) every 4 years. The new Sheriff may come in and clean house. We had 17 openings overnight last election year. I was one of the lucky ones that kept a low profile and just did my job so I avoided the axe. I was called in shortly after the new Sheriff took office and he told me that I was his new 2nd shift supervisor, threw sergeant stripes at me and told me to have 'em sewn on by the next day. That's how I was promoted.
Cities are different. Smaller departments don't usually have rank structure, just a Chief and that's it. With bigger departments, someone has to die, retire or get fired to move up. It can be a very long and drawn out process. |