Police ranks of the United States

The United States police rank model is generally quasi-militaristic in structure. Much like the London Metropolitan Police, there are enlisted, non-commissioned, officer, and general officer grades. A uniform system of insignia based on that of the US Army and Marine Corps is used to help identify an officer's seniority.

Although the large and varied number of federal, state, and local police and sheriff's departments have different ranks, a general model, from highest to lowest rank, would be:

In a few departments, such as New York City and Philadelphia, officers from the rank of Lieutenant and up wear a white shirt instead of the dark blue or black uniform shirt common to lower-ranked police officers. Senior police officers may wear fretting ("scrambled eggs") on their hat visors.

Advancement from Officer to Captain is generally by appointment after successful completion of a series of examinations, and after the officer has sufficient time in grade. Grades above Captain are generally by appointment of the chief/sheriff. In addition, there must be vacancies for a higher rank.

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