To Promote, Or Not To Promote: That Was Never The Question

The question was brought recently to the PD if there was a way to cut down “Officer In Charge” pay. This is essentially additional pay incurred by gaps in the command structure that have been left by downsizing or other circumstances. The recommendation came back that since the PD is down three sergeants, according to their current organizational structure, one promotion to sergeant would satisfy most of the demand and that two would be better still.

Adding frustration to this situation was the Sergeant’s List which was set to expire with no clear indication of when the next test and list will be. Unfortunately the public conversation about this matter became about the promotion(s) and who may or may not be considered. The command structure of the PD and the efficiency of their operations in a difficult climate were not the issue. The issue was whether or not there was a way to save money. After much examination and debate over cost, and not personnel, a consensus could not be reached, and the decision was made that no action should be taken, at least until there is a clearer picture of this year’s budget.

Perhaps by the time the next list is available our financial situation will have improved and we will have found an innovative way to address our difficulties and demands. It is unfortunate that this matter was perceived as a personnel issue. That is exactly what Civil Service is designed to avoid, to establish a ranking based on performance and not personality. It’s not perfect, but it is certainly better than making it purely a matter of discretion or politics.

I would like to apologize to the officers and family in attendance. Even if a decision had been made to promote, there would still have been approvals with Civil Service and the PBA needed before the promotion and oath be taken.