In law enforcement, ranks and titles delineate many things: authority, opportunities, responsibilities, objectives, and internal and external expectations. A patrol officer is not expected to produce a responsible and balanced budget yearly. A captain generally isn’t out on patrol monitoring traffic or enforcing parking ordinances. A chief or administrative officer has the lion’s share of responsibilities in an agency.
Many desire the opportunity to achieve that status, but how much time do those yearning for that “gold star” spend considering if the jump is worth it?
Balancing ambition with real-world impact
Since retiring from my first agency, I’ve been presented with the offer of assuming command of two separate agencies in under two years. One was a larger, urban agency that was out of state. The second was a smaller, rural agency with a similar structure to my current organization but with myriad issues. Both job offers included the chance to go into an outside, unfamiliar environment to make a positive impact.
After all, isn’t that the true essence of leadership? Lead by example, motivate, educate and encourage — and finally, build your succession.
However, in all circumstances, these decisions are not only about me — they’re about we. Do you have a family? Children? Older parents? Or have you built substantive relationships with those you’ve mentored? All these categories need to be considered, as those folks are not only contributing factors — they are your cheering section and support.
Remember, when you’re part of admin, you’re on a professional island.
| DOWNLOAD: 25 on 2025: A police leadership playbook
When the numbers don’t tell the whole story
My first opportunity included an out-of-state move. The money offered was incredible — nearly $100,000 more than what I was making at the time. However, there was no way around moving. That meant disrupting a lot of lives, particularly my younger children, for Dad to meet a goal.
Along with that, the local government was progressive — very progressive. Many of the mayor’s intentions for public safety did not align with my views and core values. Although I went through a number of closed and publicly viewed interviews — six in total — this became an easier decision after weighing all options.
The second opportunity was much more enticing. I had considered the many hours and efforts it would take to straighten out an unstable agency. Nonetheless, I elected to put in. After preparing for months and participating in a very robust process, I was given my conditional offer.
Something happened almost immediately from my town administrator and chief — a circling of the wagons of support, but also an effort to keep me. We discussed everything from salary to benefits. What I walked away with was how sincerely appreciated and loved I was by my town and the people I served.
While remaining professional, this type of care and support was fictional in my previous experiences.
The value of staying grounded
At the end of the day, I had to make a decision. The pros were I would get to lead an agency from the front. The second included a bump in salary. The cons ended up tipping the scale.
My current agency countered with a very generous financial incentive. I had better healthcare upon retirement and also a hybrid defined benefit/457 compared to a defined contribution plan.
At the end of the day, was it worth it to chase a title? My family wanted me to stay. My parents and trusted friends thought the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze. The final straw came from my 14-year-old daughter: “Dad, you lead an agency in so many ways now — why walk away for a position name? That’s just your ego.”
From the mouth of babes.
This brought me back to my time at the FBI National Academy, where my favorite quote is prominently painted on the wall: “Leadership is a choice, not a rank.”
What to consider before chasing the next title
If you elect to make a leap for another agency, consider the following:
- ⚖️ The environment you’re leaving compared to the one you’re heading to
- ❤️ Whether you’ve been shown support, love and built something worth walking away from
- 💰 Whether salary and benefits are truly an improvement
- 🏥 How medical coverage will look after retirement
- 🏠 Quality of life — for you and your family
- 🛡️ Job security (unless you have solidified language in a contract, you are an at-will employee)
- ⭐ Whether you’re leaving solely for a title
My goal to lead an agency from the driver’s seat remains intact. However, to compromise and leave such positivity for a new nameplate doesn’t add up.
Weigh your options, look at your current situation from 36,000 feet and, most importantly, count your blessings. Having a chief or town administrator who demonstrates that they are friends over colleagues is priceless.
Tactical takeaway
Before accepting a promotion, weigh the personal, professional and family impacts — titles fade, but your reputation and relationships endure.
What factors would most influence your decision to stay with or leave your current agency if offered a command position elsewhere? Share below.
