Careers: Police/chain of command

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/13/2010


Question
Hello Jack,
In a small town of say 90 people, what is the law enforcement structure? For example, is there a sheriff? or a captain? or a sargeant? which is the highest position in the town and who do they answer to.
Also, in this small town setting, is there a IA department?

Answer
Lynn,

Every police department operates differently and most have their own rank structures.  For example my own department had a rank structure where the "Chief" was called "Colonel".  Then in the late 80's they switched to "Chief". Lt. Colonel, Major, Captain, Lt, Sgt, etc.  There is a big city near us and their rank structure today is "Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief,", etc.  There is a small town department near me where their structure is "Chief, Lt, Sgt, and Officer".

So you see there are very few departments that operate the same.  If we had a national police force it would be different but we don't thus the discrepancies.

No town of 90 people is going to have an Internal Affairs division.  In fact I have never heard of a town with 90 people even having a police department.  Their tax base would never support such a thing.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.