Custom Police Detective Promotional and Selection Examinations
Precedent Assessment Group develops custom police detective promotional and selection examinations for small and midsized departments. Because detective positions may be filled through a promotion, competitive selection, or lateral assignment, the examination structure is established through the agency's approved process and source materials. Content may address criminal investigations, interviews and interrogations, evidence handling, evidence chain of custody, search and seizure, case documentation, and applicable agency procedures. Statutes and case law may be incorporated when included in the approved source list and reviewed by appropriately qualified personnel.
A note on promotion vs. lateral assignment
Civil service rules and union contract provisions often differ meaningfully depending on whether a detective role is filled through competitive promotion or lateral assignment. We confirm which framework applies to your department during intake, since it affects both the applicable process and the examination content.
Service tiers
You can scroll horizontally to view all package columns on narrow screens.| Feature | Essential | Professional | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination item development | 75 scored items | 100 scored items plus 10 reserve items | 100 scored items plus 25 reserve items |
| Agency SME review | One remote review cycle | One facilitated SME review session | Two facilitated SME review sessions with documented item decisions |
| Alternate examination form | Not included | Available as an additional service | Available as an additional service |
| Candidate challenge review | Available as an additional service | Available per agreement | Available per agreement |
| Preliminary Planning Range | $4,750 to $5,500 | $8,000 to $9,000 | $11,500 to $13,000. Final pricing depends on the approved source list, item count, investigative subject areas, legal review requirements, SME participation, administration method, scoring services, project schedule, travel, and post examination support. |
Timeline
Typically 4 to 10 weeks from receipt of your source materials, depending on service tier.
Related ranks
Sergeant Examinations
First-line supervision content, commonly administered for police sergeant promotional processes.
Lieutenant Examinations
Command-level policy interpretation and administrative judgment.