Everyone starts out the same in law enforcement; you get hired, go to the academy, and then you do your time on probation. After that, there are usually two choices you can make: what assignments you want and if you want to become a supervisor. I’ve known officers who never wanted any rank, and I have known officers that wanted nothing less than chief or sheriff. Making your choice is not the same as being successful at it.
For those seeking promotion, there is always the possibility of not getting one. Although when you don’t get the promotion it might seem like the end of the world, it isn’t. Here's how to handle this situation.