An evaluation of the promotional processes in a large Texas metropolitan police department

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a police promotional process, in order to determine factors important for a sergeant to be promoted to lieutenant. To do this, written scores, assessment scores, and other demographic variables are used, thus providing a unique look into what it truly takes to promote to an important managerial rank in this large Texas metropolitan police department (LTMPD).

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study utilizing data collected from departmental databases. The original data set was accessed through public information laws, and compiled by the lead author, a 21‐year police veteran and participant in this promotional process.

Findings

Significant findings were both expected and unexpected. Of no surprise were the findings that an officer's written score and assessment score significantly affected the likelihood of promotion. Unexpected were past behavior patterns, age, and number of times tested significantly affected both assessment center performance score and promotion.

Originality/value

This paper examines the promotional process within an LTMPD. It illustrates how promotions are made in a department that relies heavily on assessment center outcomes to decide who is promoted. Up to now, police promotional processes have received little attention. This current research is an exploratory analysis which seeks to fill the gap by examining the process by which police lieutenants are chosen.

Citation

Bishopp, S.A. (2013), "An evaluation of the promotional processes in a large Texas metropolitan police department", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 51-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639511311302470