Police ranks of the United States

The United States police rank model is generally quasi-militaristic in structure.

Ranks

Although the large and varied number of federal, state, and local police and sheriff's departments have different ranks, a general model, from highest to lowest rank, would be:

In a few departments, such as New York City and Philadelphia,[2] officers from the rank of Lieutenant and up wear a white shirt instead of the dark blue or black uniform shirt common to lower-ranked police officers. Senior police officers may wear fretting ("scrambled eggs") on their hat visors.

Advancement from Officer to Captain is generally by appointment after successful completion of a series of examinations, and after the officer has sufficient time in grade. Grades above Captain are generally by appointment of the chief/sheriff. In addition, there must be vacancies for a higher rank.

Variations

Federal

States

Counties

Cities

See also

References

  1. Eisener, Tanya (July 13, 2013). "Records detail internal affairs investigation of command staff member who drank in full uniform at a Grapevine bar". Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas). Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  2. Philadelphia Police Department Official Blog