Police Promotion: How to Position for Advancement

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Earning a promotion is one of those instant personal upgrades we’re always looking forward to…but actually asking for one is rarely high on our list of things to do.

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Worse, even if you truly feel you’ve earned one, it’s not always clear how to let your agency know you’re interested in additional responsibility. A promotion means your agency is investing in you, in the hope that you’ll offer a good rate of return. But how do you prepare to prove that? And how do you do it without looking like a suck up?

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Here’s all you need to know about letting others know you’re interested in leveling up, and how to get ready for that crucial meeting.

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Before you even think of sitting down to talk about the next level, you should realistically consider your position within your agency. How long have you been there? Depending on the agency / city / region, etc, a few months(obviously!) or even a few years may not be enough by itself.
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Beyond that, longer tenure will give you more leverage in the discussions—but keep in mind that you aren’t entitled to a promotion or even a raise simply because you’ve spent a long time with your agency. Once upon a time, employees “deserved” automatic promotions, but this isn’t very common anymore. Today, you have to earn it.

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Document past contributions

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So, you feel like you’ve been at the agency a while and you’ve worked hard enough to deserve the next level. Unfortunately, vague terms like “hard work”won’t get you the reward you’re looking for, unless you throw in more concrete details.
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Consider this: How much value have you added to the team and the department? Are there any hard facts you can highlight to prove your value?In terms of timing, it’s a good idea to capitalize on a particularly big accomplishment, such as a new deal or client, by having this conversation shortly after, assuming you’re not a one trick pony.

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If you want your agency to consider you an investment of value, you’ll want to show that you offer a good rate of return. Go into the conversation knowing the details about how you can help in the future, including the how, what, and why. If you have any upcoming plans to help streamline a process, or if you’re going to see increased responsibilities in the future, be sure to mention these during the conversation as a way of pointing out your upcoming contributions.

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Lay it all out

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One thing worth mentioning: in a meeting about career development, it’s important to not make your boss do the homework. Prepare your plan, and get ready to explain how your work continues to benefit the agency, team, or your immediate manager. You’re essentially selling yourself here, so be prepared to show the “customer” how they will benefit.
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After you’ve laid out your plan, the next step is to rehearse. Be ready to discuss your logic with confidence, and prepare for any questions that may come up as you briefly present your case.
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Once you’ve had time to sit down with your boss, don’t expect an answer right away, and don’t feel bad if you don’t receive what you’ve asked for.Often, a denied request isn’t a reflection on you, just on the situation your agency currently faces. But keep trying—with these tips in mind—so you canprepare your next request at a time when circumstances are more favorable.

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Want an even greater unfair advantage when it comes to getting promoted? Consider working with a Law Enforcement Performance Coach.