ABSTRACT
This chapter provides perspective on assessments used for selecting and advancing/promoting employees. It deals with a broad overview of how employees are selected, and focuses on what is going on in police departments. The chapter discusses a brief overview of legal issues facing police agencies as they attempt to identify talent to join the organization or to move up the rank structure and implement programs that encompass best practices and avoid legal complications. One step that is critical from both a logical and a legal perspective is the validation of the individual tests that make up the promotion system and the total system as a decision-making process. Promotions represent an opportunity to enhance the skills and abilities of individuals, put people in positions where they can do the same for those reporting to them, and help the organization grow and prosper. A key difference in promotion—compared to selection—is that the unsuccessful candidate continues to work in the organization.
