How to Become a Police Lieutenant

For those who wish to have a career in law enforcement, chances are you'll want to rise through the ranks in a police department. Once you have become a police officer, you can pursue promotions to sergeant, corporal, lieutenant and captain. If your career ambition is to become a police lieutenant, here's how you can achieve that goal.

Instructions

1. Obtain a position as a police officer in your local police department. This would require passing a written and physical examination as well as successfully completing a police academy program.

2. Complete the required probationary period as a police officer. The length of this period differs from department to department.

3. Have exemplary on-the-job performance. One of the criteria for promotion in a police department is an officer's performance record.

4. Take a written examination to become a police sergeant. Once you have passed, you will be placed on a promotion list. Your place on this list will be dependent on your examination grade as well as job performance.

5. Get promoted to sergeant. Serve in this position for the minimum required time before becoming eligible to pursue promotion to police lieutenant. The minimum length of service differs from department to department, but will most likely not be less than one year.

6. Pass the examination for police lieutenant and once again be placed on a promotion list. As before, your placement on this list will depend on your exam grade as well as job performance.

7. Become a police lieutenant when an opening occurs and you are next on the promotion list.