Here's a good take on the new XO program:
- I am surprised nobody has commented on the all too obvious: They are not getting rid of the rank of Captain. They are getting rid of the rank of Commander!
The XO will be running the Districts and Units soon enough. They will do this through attrition or forcing the current Commanders to retire. Lieutenants will run the Watch with Sergeants and the Sergeants will be in charge when the Lieutenant is off.
Now most will think, "Good, fuck 'em". That is shortsighted, though, unless you came on the job to work harder for less money. This whole shake up equates to the Police Department taking a huge pay cut with less chance of promotion. Now are you paying attention young guy?
This is a naked end run around our Union. Nothing new for the Mayor.
We understand they are making less promotable spots. The last time they made detectives was 4 years ago and a small class of sergeants was 2 or more years ago. Lieutenants, same thing. Opportunities are not going to be there in the future.
We also assumed that the Department was making the Captain/XO spot a crappy job so as to force the Captains out and eliminate the spot again. But eliminating the Commander spot makes more sense after reading the above comment. We can't really disagree with either move as the entire Department is top-heavy far beyond need. It's the expecting everyone else to take on more responsibility without compensation and in violation of the contract that grates on everyone who is paying attention.