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A guide to U.S. police ranks in order

All law enforcement organizations have a chain of command with levels of authority that resemble military ranks. The specific titles and duties can vary from one police department to another, but in general, the rankings follow this order, from uniformed officer to highest in command: 

Some police departments have steps between major ranks, such as corporal or master sergeant. At any rank, you may have the opportunity to be assigned to special investigative units, beats or specialized police department careers.

Training and education requirements for entry-level police officers differ depending on the organization. Some accept candidates with a high school diploma or with military service. However, many departments now require applicants to have a minimum of an associate degree. Upper ranks usually require a bachelor’s degree.

Key takeaways

• Though each law enforcement agency can be slightly different, the chain of command from lowest to highest ranking officer generally goes like this: uniformed officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander, deputy or assistant chief and chief of police.
• To move up the chain of command, officers typically need to serve in their current rank for a minimum number of years and meet any applicable education requirements before they are eligible for promotion.
• While some law enforcement agencies do not have higher education requirements for new recruits, many agencies now require at least an associate degree. As officers climb the ranks, the probability of needing a bachelor’s degree (or even a master’s) also rises.

Police officer

Police officers make up the majority of sworn officers in any police department. They are on the front lines of enforcing local laws and maintaining a safe community. On any day, a police officer performs duties ranging from writing tickets and completing routine paperwork to responding to threats and emergencies.

Many police departments assign officers to beats. These beats may be geographically-based, such as patrolling an area of a city, or they may be determined by mode of patrol, such as car, bicycle or motorcycle. Specialized beats can include working on a K-9 unit, bomb squad, SWAT or burglary/theft division.

New hires complete a probationary period during which they receive on-the-job training.

Police officer responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas
• Respond to calls from citizens
• Write traffic tickets and issue citations
• Assist at the scene of an accident
• Serve warrants for search or arrest
• Arrest people suspected of crimes
• Interview witnesses or suspects
• Assist with crime investigation or surveillance
• Prepare reports
• Testify in court

Detective

Detectives—sometimes simply called investigators or inspectors—investigate crimes and criminal activity. Some detectives are assigned to specialized beats such as homicide, burglary, cybersecurity or narcotics investigations.

To become a detective, you’ll have to work several years as a patrol officer and demonstrate the basic skills needed to be an investigator. If your application for detective is accepted, you may be required to complete additional training at a police academy.

Some detectives specialize in units that investigate specific crimes, such as homicide, narcotics, fraud or gangs.

Detective responsibilities

• Respond to the scene of a crime
• Assist or direct crime scene investigation
• Collect evidence
• Perform surveillance of suspects or suspicious activity
• Interview witnesses and persons of interest
• Arrest suspects
• Develop relationships with contacts and informants
• Testify in court

Sergeant

Police sergeants are experienced officers who often serve in a supervisory or training capacity. They may work alongside police officers or in offices and are often tasked with ensuring that all procedures and policies are followed. They may also be assigned to a special unit.

Sergeant responsibilities

• Supervise patrol officers on foot or in vehicles
• Review and approve reports
• Respond to crime scenes at the request of police officers
• Handle radio calls and dispatch personnel
• Keep supervisors informed of important issues
• Train and supervise probationary officers

Lieutenant

Police lieutenants are usually in charge of the day-to-day activities of units within a police department. Their jobs are largely supervisory or administrative. They usually work in offices but may also direct activities at crime scenes or contribute to criminal investigations.

Lieutenant responsibilities

• Supervise patrol sergeants, police officers and detectives who carry out crime suppression and investigative functions
• Respond to scenes of serious crimes such as shootings, homicide, major robbery and theft
• Review and ensure complete and accurate follow-up investigations
• Keep their captain informed of issues of concern within their command
• Implement policies and supervise the preparation of reports and records

Captain

Captains serve as the commanding officer of divisions within a police department. They ensure department policies are carried out and are responsible for all personnel within their division, both sworn officers and civilians. Captains may be assigned to specialized divisions such as organized crime, or juvenile services.

Captain responsibilities

• Supervise the duties of officers and other personnel under their command and evaluating their performance
• Direct special investigations into unusual or serious crimes and coordinating emergency responses
• Perform administrative duties for operations of the division
• Oversee training facilities and strategies
• Represent the division in meetings with upper police command, government and community organizations
• Prepare and review reports, work schedules and budgets

Commander

Not all police departments have the rank of commander. For those that do, the commander is usually the next step above captain in the chain of command. They may work with special units and divisions or head up geographical regions of large metropolitan police departments.

As administrators, their responsibilities may be similar to a captain’s.

Deputy Chief

A deputy or assistant chief is the second-highest position in the chain of command. In many police departments, it is the highest rank a sworn officer can achieve through promotion. A deputy chief’s responsibilities are mainly administrative. The deputy chief may assume the duties of the chief of police in cases of his or her absence.

Chief of Police

The chief of police is usually highest-ranking level in the chain-of-command, although some larger metropolitan departments may also have a commissioner or superintendent. The chief of police functions as the chief administrator of the police department and is responsible for all police operations in all divisions and units. Police chiefs are generally highly experienced and high-ranking members of the police force who are appointed to the position by the mayor or another government official.

In some police organizations, the chief of police, sheriff or other highest-ranking official is an elected position.

Police chief responsibilities

• Direct the development and implementation of goals, policies and procedures for the department
• Assess and recommend needs for staffing, training, equipment and organizational changes
• Represent the police department in government meetings and coordinate with other city services
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies on the state and federal level
• Represent the police department with community organizations and media

Moving up the chain of command

Advancement through the ranks happens in a similar way, no matter what law enforcement agency you may be employed by. The biggest difference among local, county and state law enforcement are the titles of the ranks, especially in the upper command. Here’s a generalized comparison of the highest ranks of municipal, county and state police.

Comparison of municipal, country and state police command structures

Even these can vary from one region to the next, however. Larger police organizations tend to have more ranks than smaller ones. For example, you may see corporals or sergeant majors in some police forces.

How do police officers get promoted?

After a few years at one rank as a police officer, you may become eligible to apply for a promotion. The process usually consists of the following:

• Satisfy the prerequisites of number of years of experience and education or training requirements
• Pass a written exam
• Interview with superior officers

While the details will vary, it’s generally the case that the higher you go in rank, the more education you need. You may get initially hired with just a high school diploma, but if you want to advance far up the chain of command, you may need to go to college.

“Some ranks require higher education,” said Stephen Webb, who served 27 1/2 years as a Virginia State Trooper. “For captain or commander, you might need a master’s degree.”

Your skills, training and education can also influence whether or not you will get promoted. Superiors look at “soft skills” such as your written and interpersonal communication skills, Webb explained.

Once you are promoted, you may be sent for additional training. You could also get a raise in salary.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)