Purpose of ranks
A few others have already posted about controlling and re-naming ranks and I definitely think we should have control over promotions.
Now making those ranks have meaning is also important so it’s not just a way to appease experienced staff/give experience bonuses.
So my ideas on this are:
1) Limit number of units responding without supervisor
Maybe limit it to 2-3 units deployed to a specific call unless a sergeant is assigned. And maybe 5 units unless a lieutenant assigned. If no hard limit then when you assign 3 or more units to a call there should be a ‘organisation penalty’ applied as the officers are less able to co-ordinate on scene – worse with inexperienced officers.
2) Penalty for inexperienced officers on own/together
A new Officer I should receive a stat penalty, or be at higher risk of making mistakes if on their own, or with another Officer I – pairing with Officer II/III or a sergeant stops this penalty.
3) Deployment of special resources
To be able to deploy bomb squad, SWAT, or other specialised units at minimum a sergeant (possibly lieutenant) should be assigned to call.
4) Task forces/major crime
Major crimes that require detectives/special resources (not just burglary/assault etc. – things like gang problems, serious drug trafficking, multiple murder etc.) should require a senior officer appointed head of the investigation/task force – for major crimes possibly a lieutenant or captain. The officer appointed provides skill bonuses to other officers assigned to the task force/group and their own management skill affects speed of work, and public opinion of the police (giving interviews etc.)
5) Spotting mistakes/corruption/morale
(see my other post about morale) supervisory officers (sergeant+) depending on their management skill should be able to spot officers with low morale, potentially corrupt officers, and officers making mistakes and flag these for your attention.
