A Guide to the Ranking Order of Police

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Published On Aug 27, 2024

The hierarchical structure of law enforcement agencies typically relies on a merit-based system of rank and promotion opportunities. Qualifying for a specific rank and exemplary service are the foundation for the competitive process of attaining a higher-ranking position. Aspiring law enforcement professionals can potentially prepare for opportunities within the law enforcement profession by seeking a degree in criminal justice or legal studies.

Let’s focus on the typical police department. What are the police ranks in order, exactly? It’s customary to begin at an entry-level position, and then to work one’s way upward after gaining experience and meeting any other department-specific requirements.¹

What Are the Police Ranks in Order?

There are many positions available within the structure of a police department, some of which are described below. Each career in a police department plays a vital role in the criminal justice process.

Here is a list of the eight ranks in a police department in order:

Police technician
Police officer
Police detective
Police corporal
Police sergeant
Police captain
Deputy police chief
Chief of police

Police Technician

A police technician, sometimes called a police services technician, fulfills a support role within the department. The specific duties can vary from one department to the next, but generally include administrative office work. For example, a police technician might develop officer work schedules, maintain records, prepare police reports and prepare statistical reports.

At some departments, police technicians may perform a limited range of field duties. While they will not respond to scenes where a suspect is at large or might return to the scene, police technicians may be tasked with visiting cold scenes to obtain supplemental information for reports, assist in crime scene processing and handle nuisance complaints.

Police Officer

After earning an undergraduate criminal justice degree, you may decide to learn how to become a police officer by applying for enrollment in a police academy. Upon graduation, you may be invited to begin your career as a patrol officer. The specific job duties vary depending on the jurisdiction that you work in. Police officers are typically assigned to a specific geographical area in their jurisdiction. They patrol this area, providing a visible police presence and enforcing laws.

Police officers are also responsible for the following tasks:²

Identifying traffic violations and issuing traffic tickets
Responding at the site of car accidents and assisting survivors
Responding to emergency calls
Using field computers to search for active warrants
Arresting and detaining suspects of a crime
Writing official reports and testifying in court

Police Detective

After putting in some time as a police officer, you may decide to work toward becoming a police detective. Every police department maintains its own requirements for police officers to attain this rank.

Most detective positions require a bachelor’s degree in justice studies or similar degree along with a minimum amount of experience working in the field.³ Police detectives are expected to be critical thinkers and effective communicators. They must be capable of analytical reasoning, sound decision making and an unwavering professional ethics.⁴

Detectives respond to crime scenes, typically after other police officers have blocked off the area from the public. Their primary responsibility at the scene of a crime is to gather facts and evidence that can lead them to suspects, victims and witnesses.

They collect physical evidence, examine records and collaborate with other professionals in the department. Their goal is to investigate crimes, identify suspects and support the prosecutor in proving a suspect’s guilt in court.

There are a few important steps to pursuing a career as a police detective:³

Obtain a degree in criminology, criminal justice, sociology or a related area
Enroll in a police academy and gain experience in investigation
Take a professional certification test

Supervisory Ranks in a Police Department

There are a few positions within the supervisory ranks of a police department. Each role serves a purpose with its own responsibilities.

Corporal

Police corporal is a position in criminal justice management and typically exists in smaller police departments. A corporal is a supervisor who typically oversees a small group of other officers. Corporals often work in the field and serve as liaisons between their officers and superiors.

Some of the major responsibilities of a police corporal include:⁵

Regulating traffic during times of distress
Ensuring safety on the streets
Ensuring that the police department is following rules and policies
Helping in other areas of the police department as needed (e.g., at crime scenes)
Managing records of past investigative cases

Police Sergeant

The next position in a police department’s hierarchy is police sergeant. Sergeants supervise a squad or unit of police officers. Sergeants often investigate internal complaints made by lower-ranking officers.

In addition, police sergeants are usually responsible for the following tasks:

Supervising and training personnel
Interpreting and applying local and statewide ordinances
Developing new department policies
Serving as a liaison between upper and lower management

To work toward advancement upward through the levels of police officers, seek opportunities for new assignments and additional training in the police department. This may demonstrate your interest in learning and taking on new challenges.

Police Captain

Police captains typically serve as the commanding officers for a patrol officer or detective division. They oversee organizational activities, train and supervise personnel, develop programs and enforce departmental policies. Captains may also be responsible for serving as the public face of the department.

To become a police captain, you must complete several steps:⁶

Obtain a high school diploma
Get a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a similar field
Train at the police academy and become a police officer
Gain a significant number of years of experience in a police department
Consistently improve your skills at each ranking level and rise through the ranks

Deputy Police Chief

Police captains report to deputy police chiefs or directly to the chief of police, depending on the size of the department. The role of the deputy police chief is similar to that of the police captain.

When the chief of police is unavailable or is otherwise engaged, the deputy police chief may temporarily step in and take over the chief of police’s duties. This requires deputy police chiefs to be familiar with the department’s activities, policies and officers at all times.

The role of a deputy police chief is an important one. Requirements vary by department, but generally, aspiring deputy police chiefs can expect to need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and at least eight to 10 years of police experience, including at least five years of supervisory experience. Some departments may also require a physical test.⁷

Chief of Police: Top Level of Police Officers

The chief of police is like the chief executive officer (CEO) of a company. Police chiefs are at the top of the chain of command in police departments. They are responsible for overseeing the entire department through their subordinate officers, including its budget, operations, programs and activities.

Chiefs of police often work closely with top city officials like the mayor and city manager. They may also need to interact with members of the media and community organizations.

Do Entry-Level Ranks in Police Departments Require a Degree?

The job requirements for entry-level ranks in police departments aren’t universal; they vary from one department to the next. Some departments only require a high school diploma for entry-level positions like police technician, and many police academies will also accept police officer candidates with only a high school diploma. However, there is generally a strong preference for applicants who have a college degree.⁸

Compared to years past, local and state police departments are more likely these days to require a college degree or to express a strong preference for one. For instance, if there are two applicants for a position and one has a degree, the department may be more likely to hire the applicant with a degree. Furthermore, a college degree is often a requirement for advancement.⁸

Build a Strong Foundation for an Impactful Career in Criminal Justice

You can start your journey toward a criminal justice career by earning your degree at Grand Canyon University. Our Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies degree teaches foundational knowledge in law, criminal behavior, criminal procedure and threat assessment. After earning this degree, you can work toward high-level ranks by enrolling in our Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement degree program online at GCU.

Begin Your Path to a Criminal Justice Career

Ready to make a difference in law enforcement? Learn more information about GCU's Justice Studies programs today!

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