How do most municipal police departments determine promotion eligibility?

Municipal police departments commonly use a time-in-rank approach to determine promotion eligibility, as it assesses an officer's experience within their current rank before consideration for advancement. This method ensures that candidates have gained enough practical knowledge and skill relevant to their role through the performance of their duties over a defined period.

In many departments, the rationale behind prioritizing time-in-rank is that it fosters a seasoned officer base who understands both the operational and procedural aspects of the department. This experience allows officers to develop essential leadership qualities and a deeper comprehension of departmental policies and law enforcement practices, which are crucial for handling higher responsibilities that come with promotion.

While testing may reflect an officer's knowledge and readiness for promotion, it often complements rather than replaces the time they have spent in rank. Physical agility is also important but typically focuses on the ability to meet the physical demands of the job rather than the readiness for a leadership position. Similarly, arrest performance can show effectiveness in field duties but does not necessarily correlate with the skills required for higher administrative tasks. Therefore, the time-in-rank criterion effectively balances experience and the potential for leadership in the promotion process.