concepts
personnel issues
Since the origins of modern American municipal policing, police departments have followed an organizational rank structure often referred to as the “military model.” Given the fact that both police and military organizations are characterized by similar operational demands involving issues of chain of command, unity of command, internal discipline, strict accountability, training, the use of force, and the need for effective supervision and leadership, the military model is generally considered an appropriate and viable organizational structure for police agencies. Although some variation can be found among American police agencies depending upon their relative size and the complexity of their mandate and functions, the hierarchical police rank structure typically involves at least five (but often more) separate ranks or positions. [Source: Encyclopedia of Law Enforcement; Rank Structure]
rank structure