Expert: Loren Stevens - 7/19/2004

Question
I'm writing a book and I need clarification on the ranks.  For example, who would a senior detective report to?  Who's above them both?
Thanks for you time.
Chantal

Answer
Howdy Chantal,
Clearly, there are some differences in rank structure among the many Law Enforcement agencies. There are Federal, State, and local, plus military and regulatory agencies with limited police powers.
"Generally," a Detective or Investigator will answer to a Sergeant, who answers to a Lieutenant, to a Captain, to a Commander, to a Deputy Chief, to an Assistant Chief or Assistant Sheriff, or Under Sheriff, to a Police Chief or Sheriff.
It kind of depends on the size of the agency, and whether it is a city re: Police Chief, a county re: Sheriff, or state/federal for a Director.
Some large agencies also have a Corporal rating between Investigator and Sgt.
For the most part, a "senior" Detective refers only to seniority as either to length of service with the agency, and/or time as an Investigator/Detective.
By agency policy, the senior Detective will have some measure of oversight guidence with a "junior" Detective on routine matters,and on the job training, but unlike the position of Sergeant and higher, they do not have a formal standing as : "part of management" per se.
Formal supervisory responsibilities, and management protocol lies with the recognized rank structure.
Another example, is that a senior Detective will usually not be held for "vicarious liability" standards, where a Sergeant and above would, as it pertains to MANAGEMENT due dilligence etc.
Hope this has been helpful.
Regards,
loren