Here is our current list of all 150+ police promotion exams

What are the best textbooks to study TODAY to prepare for your police administration exam?

Which books you need to study for a police upper management exam (Captain, Commander, Inspector, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Undersheriff or Chief of Police) depends on whether you are working for a large agency (150+ sworn) or a medium agency (50 - 150 sworn) or a small agency (under 50 sworn). You will need to use your judgment and knowledge of how the term "upper management" is defined in your specific agency; for instance, someone holding the rank of Sergeant or Lieutenant or Captain could be the 2nd or 3rd in command in a small or medium size police agency. The biggest difference being, of course, as upper management, as an executive rank holder, you need to be able to step in to lead your agency at any moment, so the demands in education are much higher.

Promotional Exams for Police Administration and other police promotion textbooks can be taken by you to use as study material within the Advanced Police Promotional Testing Course at PoliceCareer.com. There is also a practice police promotion in-basket for you to try out!

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In my own career I rose to the rank of lieutenant, normally not considered upper management or executive rank. But we had eliminated the rank of captain and expanded the pay and duties of lieutenants, and cut the executive rank structure to be only one deputy chief and a chief of police. So, I was in a special spot - as the senior lieutenant - I still was a division commander, but in the absence of the deputy chief or chief or both, as the senior lieutenant I was expected to fill in as acting deputy chief and even acting chief of police, which I did on numerous occasions.

There are many textbooks that stand out, all of which I have written numerous police administration exam questions for the top management ranks. Any of them can be used in a small, medium or large agency, since they each contain a comprehensive summary of management, administration and leadership principles.

Also, besides those below, you should consider adding books to your police promotion reading list that cover the areas of COP/POP, Criminal Investigation, Leadership, Intelligence-led Policing, Ethics and also national and state legal titles.

My BEST piece of advice on this page? If you believe you are heading to a promotion test for upper management rank at any time in the future, you need to own and constantly read the material in the below 15 textbooks.

Here is what you are thinking - "Fifteen textbooks! Oh, hell no way! Too expensive!"

No, "too expensive" is what happens when you don't make the top rank you are capable of, and leave $250K - $500K+ in a lifetime of pay and pension and benefits behind on the table. That is "expensive" - NOT the thousand dollars or so for these textbooks.

There, I finally got that off my chest. These 15 excellent textbooks are not listed in any particular order:

Organizational Behavior and Management in Law Enforcement - Vito, Walsh. From the publisher; This book provides a clear, concise, realistic, and up-to-date blueprint for successful police management. Drawing on decades of experience as practitioners, consultants, trainers and researchers, the authors fully reflect current theory and practice, while accurately capturing the “feel” of real-world law enforcement management. They focus on organizational behavior to promote a deeper understanding of both the police organization as a whole, as well as key interactions among officers, managers, and the community. This edition integrates the latest research, and presents all-new chapters on performance-based management and organizational development. Visit us for the Organizational Behavior and Management in Law Enforcement exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.


The New World of Police Accountability 3E Walker - Highly detailed, hard-hitting and thorough textbook for mid and upper management police promotional exams covering research, background and implementation of all aspects of the new age of police accountability we are in. A detailed look at all accountability systems.



 Fixing Broken Windows - Kelling and Coles. From me; This is an in-depth and comprehensive textbook that details the 1990s experience of police agencies around the nation implementing "order maintenance" as a focus in order to cut back crime. There has been a resurgence of interest in the Order Maintenance / Broken Windos / Crime Reduction topics and this textbook has started to be used in promotion exams including our difficult police lieutenant exam.

From the publisher; Based on a groundbreaking theory of crime prevention, this practical and empowering book shows how citizens, business owners, and police can work together to ensure the safety of their communities. George Kelling, one of America’s leading criminologists, has proven the success of his method across the country, from the New York City subways to the public parks of Seattle. Here, Kelling and urban anthropologist and lawyer Catherine Coles demonstrate that by controlling disorderly behavior in public spaces, we can create an environment where serious crime cannot flourish, and they explain how to adapt these effective methods for use in our own homes and communities.

 Visit us for the Fixing Broken Windowsl exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.


Performance-Based Management for Police Organizations - O'Connell and Straub. From the publisher; Managing a law enforcement organization is a complex, evolving process. Paul O'Connell and Frank Straub outline essential components of performance-based management that help organizations change from monolithic bureaucracies to innovative institutions. Their book traces a dramatic shift in the thinking of what constitutes policing and the refinement of organizations dedicated to community service, public safety, crime prevention, and law enforcement. Progressive, entrepreneurial police leaders employ technology and sophisticated strategies to build agile organizations that anticipate challenges and generate value for their communities. Visit us for the Performance-Based Management for Police Organizations exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.


Police Leadership and Administration: A 21st-Century Strategic Approach  - Walsh and Vito First Edition 2018 - Police Leadership and Administration trains police leaders and managers to search for strategic solutions, rather than relying on old formulas and scientific management principles. It shows how to tailor responses to the unique problems and issues that law enforcement professionals are likely to face in the complex field of police leadership, providing a foundation with which to adapt to an ever-changing criminal justice climate. This book is essential for forward-thinking police leadership courses in colleges and professional training programs. This textbook is an excellent candidate for police promotion exams for the rank of lieutenant, captain and higher management and executive posiitons. Visit us for the posted 380+ question exam for Police Leadership and Administration: A 21st-Century Strategic Approach.



Leadership and Management in Police Organizations - Giblin 1E
From Me: Excellent new title with an emphasis on applying classic studies of leadership and police management to the new organizational problems law enforcement faces today. From the publisher; Built on a foundation of nearly 1,200 references,  Leadership and Management in Police Organizations is a highly readable text that shows how organizational theory and behavior can be applied to improve the operations, leadership, and management of law enforcement. Author Matthew J. Giblin emphasizes leadership and management as separate skills in successful police supervisors and executives, illustrating to students how the two skills combine to improve individual and organizational efficacy in policing. Readers will come away with a stronger understanding of why organizational decisions  matter and the impact research can have on police departments. Visit us for the Leadership and Management in Police Organizations - Giblin 1E exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.


Reducing Crime - a Companion for Police Leaders - 1st Edition by Jerry Ratcliffe. This is a very detailed and well researched but easy to read treatment of modern crime control strategies surrounding the concept of Intelligence-led and evidence-based policing. Great choice for Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and upper-management promotion exams. Visit us for the Reducing Crime - A Companion for Police Leaders 1st Edition exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.




Managing and Leading Today's Police: Challenges, Best Practices, and Case Studies provides a comprehensive insider’s view into the challenging work of police leaders at all levels of management. Using a problem-based learning approach, the authors draw on their extensive practical experience to critique the organizational, personnel, and operational issues facing police agencies and to assert “what works” in contemporary police management. The 4th edition is a major revision, moving from a supervision to a management perspective. It covers new policing strategies, methods, and technologies transforming the field and demanding new knowledge of police supervisors, managers, and leaders. Managing and Leading Today's Police: Challenges, Best Practices, Case Studies  - Peak 4E exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards..

Managing Police Operations: Implementing the NYPD Crime Control Model Using COMPSTAT - McDonald. From me; While not a management book in the strictest sense, it does the best job in the fewest pages to fully explore and ingrain the CompStat method into the police management psyche. If you are going to read just one book all about CompStat, this is the one. From the publisher; This text is a descriptive presentation of how the largest and most influential police department in the nation, the NYPD, has significantly reduced crime over the last 10 years. As COMPSTAT is a critical tool in implementing the community policing model, this case study and methodology is of supreme importance to anyone interested in community policing and studying crime reduction. Visit us for the Managing Police Operations exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.


Leading Cops in Turbulent Times by Capt (ret) George Saadeh. From me; Excellent new leadership and management title. Well-researched timely perspective on police leadership. Now being used in police sergeant, lieutenant, captain and upper management exams. From the publisher; Leading Cops in Turbulent Times is a clear roadmap to building high-performing organizations and teams for current or aspiring public safety leaders. Whether you're a police sergeant, lieutenant, captain or even Chief or Sheriff, this book will help you build or improve the hard and soft skills that are essential to great leadership. It is replete with practical, common-sense advice and examples from historical figures and contemporary leaders that will crystalize in your mind how to build or improve your leadership skills. Visit us for the Leading Cops in Turbulent Times exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.


Challenging the Law Enforcement Organization - Proactive Leadership Strategies by Jack Enter, Ph.D. From me; Great book. Well written, no jargon. Short enough but not too short. You should read it, then put it down for a month or two, then read it again. From the publisher; Among the topics discussed are chapters on the impact of living and policing an unskilled and violent society, why law enforcement managers fail to successfully impact their agencies, and chapters on self-management, communication, motivation, and being more effective in our personal lives. Many of these latter “strategy” chapters have examples of proactive techniques used by law enforcement managers as well as “action items” to apply the principles examined in each chapter. Visit us for the Challenging the Law Enforcement Organization exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Managing Police Organizations - Paul M. Whisenand. From the publisher; Now in its eighth edition, Managing Police Organizations sets the standard for police leadership and management by exploring the relationship between leadership, management, and results. Written for a broad audience, the book focuses on developing character and leadership competencies. Using case studies and structured learning exercises, it seeks to break down constricting operational levels and barriers within police organizations and the communities they serve. The text follows a logical three-part organization and each chapter examines a key challenge for police managers and presents practical ideas and methods police managers can use to successfully lead their agencies toward quality and excellence of service. Visit us for the Managing Police Organizations exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Police Administration - A Leadership Approach - Ortmeier, Davis. From the publisher; Police Administration: A Leadership Approach was written to support the need for a text that addresses supervision and management as well as ethics, leadership, and the principles of policing that form the foundation for efficient, effective, and lawful administration of the modern police service. Unlike other texts, this book blends theory with practice. It presents a foundation for the administration and management of a police agency in a logical, flexible, and understandable step-by step process. Visit us for the Police Administration - A Leadership Approach exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Police Administration - by Gary W. Cordner - Now in its 11th Edition, 2023. From the publisher; This national best-selling text examines police administration from multiple perspectives: a systems perspective (emphasizing the interrelatedness among units and organizations); a traditional, structural perspective (administrative principles, management functions, and the importance of written guidelines); a human behavioral perspective (the human element in organizations); and a strategic management perspective (communications and information systems, performance evaluation, strategies and tactics, and prevailing and promising approaches to increasing effectiveness of police agencies). Visit us for the Police Administration - Cordner exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Police Administration: Structures, Processes, and Behaviors - Swanson, Territo and Taylor 10th Edition. From me; One of my all-time favorite Police Administration textbooks.
From the publisher; Built on the foundation of its authors’ decades of experience in law enforcement, training, and teaching, and updated to reflect recent subjects and concerns in the field of police work, this 10th Edition of Police Administration: Structures, Processes, and Behaviors blends a comprehensive introduction to police administration with key supporting details. Content is comprehensively illustrated with relevant, never-before-seen photographs, original tables and diagrams, cases studies, and “Current Event” boxes that provide thorough explanations of recent events. In this updated edition, the authors explore the evolution of American policing and modern organizational issues. This best-selling text vividly and effectively introduces students to the procedures, politics, and human relations issues that police supervisors and administrators must understand in order to succeed. Visit us for the Police Administration: Structures, Processes, and Behaviors exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Proactive Police Management - Thibault, Lynch and McBride - From me; This is a widely used textbook for police exams for Lt. and above, and it is one of my favorites. Material is very cutting-edge and challenges many conventions and norms in the field. Well documented and cited. I can honestly say I know many candidates that very much enjoyed reading this textbook for their promotion exams.
From the publisher; It emphasizes a contemporary and proactive approach to police management. Various police management styles are addressed throughout, from traditional scientific management to the behavioral/systems approach to the human relations approach. Its chapters take a realistic look at operational problems that can occur within a police department and how a consultative, proactive management style can help solve and resolve them. Fully updated in this edition, its goal is to reveal how proactive management techniques and new technology are revolutionizing police management today. Visit us for the Proactive Police Management exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

The Police Manager - Green, Lynch and Lynch - From me; This is a widely used textbook for police exams for Lt. and above, and it is one of my two or three favorites. It would be suitable for an upper-management exam for a small or medium agency.
From the publisher; The Police Manager gives practical, field-tested guidance to students and professionals who aspire to leadership roles in law enforcement, providing a comprehensive explanation of issues and challenges that they will face as police managers. The book is divided into four parts, covering historical and philosophical underpinnings, behavioral aspects of police management, functional aspects of police management, and major issues in modern police work. Visit us for The Police Manager exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Why Law Enforcement Organizations Fail: Mapping the Organizational Fault Lines in Policing - by Patrick O'Hara. Now in its 3rd Edition. From me; This book needs to be read by every police manager. From the publisher; Why Law Enforcement Organizations Fail dissects headline cases to examine how things go wrong in criminal justice agencies. New third edition cases include the deadly police assault on New Orleans' Danziger Bridge after Hurricane Katrina; the deaths of Amadou Diallo and Trayvon Martin; and Bernard Kerik's fall from 9/11 hero to federal prisoner. Highlight cases that remain from the first edition include the Jon Benet Ramsey murder investigation and the conflagrations that ended the sieges in Waco and at the MOVE house in Philadelphia. These human tragedies and organizational debacles serve as starting points for exploring how common structural and cultural fault lines in police organizations set the stage for major failures. The author provides a framework for sorting through these cases to help readers recognize the distinct roles of operational mechanics, organizational structures, rank and file culture and executive hubris in making criminal justice agencies vulnerable to failure. The book examines how dysfunctions such as institutional racism, sexual harassment, systems abuse and renegade enforcement become established and then readily blossom into major scandals. Why Law Enforcement Organizations Fail also shows how managers and oversight officials can spot malignant individuals, identify perverse incentives, neutralize deviant cultures and recognize when reigning managerial philosophies or governing policies are producing diminishing or negative returns. Visit us for the Why Law Enforcement Organizations Fail exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Police Administration  - Gaines and Worrall - From the publisher; Police Administration, Gaines and Worrall, now in its third edition, will give criminal justice students and practitioners the concrete knowledge to ascend through the ranks to become a chief, sheriff or other high ranking law enforcement official. "On the Job" boxes highlight insights by working police administration professionals. Key issues such as conflict resolution, human resources, budgeting and collective bargaining become clear with the use of sample forms and documents used by police organizations from around the country. Homeland security and terrorism, topics that have recently come to the forefront of police administration, are also covered. Visit us for the Police Administration - Gaines and Worrall exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Police Administration -  Wilson, Fyfe, Greene, and Walsh 5th Edition 1997 - From me; YES - this is an old textbook. But it is still used in upper management exams, for a good and valid reason. One of its authors and contributors is O.W. Wilson, AND almost all of the material is still pertinent to upper and executive management positions today. From the publisher; Perhaps no other book in policing has captured more admiration and market share than O.W. Wilson's "Police Administration". Now Wilson's text has been revised by three top scholars in the field. This long awaited revision combines the nuts and bolts approach of the original with an up-to-date theoretical and policy perspective that makes it accessible to students and practitioners alike. Visit us for the Police Administration - Wilson exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Police Management -  by Roberg, Kuykendall and Novak - YES - this is another old textbook (2002). But it is still used in upper management exams, and deserves to be. No doubt, some items are outdated, but this appears to be the last edition of a classic police management text, and it still inspires and imparts wisdom, so still has value. From the publisher; The Third Edition of Police Management, by Roy Roberg, Jack Kuykendall, and Kenneth Novak, presents an interdisciplinary approach to police management, achieving a balance between theory and practice. The text offers students and those interested in managing police organizations an analytic approach to police managerial issues and practices. Utilizing the most up-to-date data and research to present complex information in an easy-to-understand format. A central theme of the text is viewing the transition from traditional to community policing from a managerial perspective. Visit us for the Police Management - Roberg exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Local Government Police Management - 4th Edition by ICMA Press. - YES - this is yet another old textbook (2003)! But it also is still widely used in management exams, also for a good and valid reason. It is a compendium from a great variety of management and leadership sources, making it unique in presenting solid, proven material from these numerous sources, all of which are clearly cited. From the publisher; This brand new revision of ICMA’s classic police management reference includes new coverage of such cutting-edge issues as terrorism and community security, leadership and managing change, setting standards and measuring performance, information management and technological innovations, and strengthening police-community partnerships. It provides information for local government administrators and police executives on managing patrol, prevention, investigations, and transportation services; the special challenges of local drug control and criminal organizations; internal functions such as human resources, planning, and facilities design; and linkages with other governmental and nongovernmental agencies and service providers, including crime laboratories. The volume emphasizes the importance of personal leadership by the chief in facilitating change, setting standards, and fostering integrity. Visit us for the Local Government Police Management exam, test questions, study guide and flashcards.

Promotional Exams for any or all of these great management textbooks can be taken by you to use as study material within the Advanced Police Promotional Testing Course at PoliceCareer.com. You can also practice with a police management sample in-basket assessment.

Are YOU prepared to respond to these oral board questions?

 

"How would YOU describe your knowledge and of police management and administration?"

"How have you, or will you, apply this knowledge?"

"What do you feel MOST qualifies you to be promoted into this very important department position?"

"This management position is all about community and leadership. Describe in detail your own philosophy of community and problem oriented policing, and how you are prepared to provide leadership in these areas on day one in your new rank."

 

 

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Send me Exam and Assessment questions you have faced - one of the column features is that I will research and comment on written exam or assessment center questions you have heard, answered or encountered and that you are unsure or curious about, including any unusual in-basket items. We will be glad to give you our expert opinion on questions you have seen asked on exams and exercises. Send your questions to me directly - Paul@PoliceCareer.com.

 

 

The #1 BEST WAY to Prepare for Police Promotion Exams? Study the Textbooks!
Patrol and Field Operations
Criminal Investigation
Community and Problem-oriented Policing - POP/COP
Police Ethics
Intelligence-Led Policing
Police Legal Textbooks - Law Officer's Pocket Manual and others
Police Leadership
Police Special Topics and Titles, such as below;
National Incident Management System
President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing
CompStat
Performance-based Management
Police Report Writing
Multicultural Law Enforcement
Why Law Enforcement Organizations Fail


Police Corporal - Sergeant Lieutenant - Captain and Above Promotion Testing
Corporal Exam
Sergeant Exam
Lieutenant Exam
Captain Exam
Management and Administration Exams
Promotion Oral Boards (Detective, Corporal, Sergeant and above)
Promotion Assessment Centers (Sergeant and above)
Police Promotion In-Basket (Sergeant and above)

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Police Management and Administration Promotion Test Questions

A central unresolved tension at the core of police relations with society is the
tension between crime fighting and ______________.
A problem solving
B professional crime fighting
C community policing
D non-crime service functions

Successfully leading change at any level of the organization is the result of
___________.
A innate behavior
B learned behavior
C organizational motivators
D political mandates

Which of the organizational and governmental budget types is a planning tool that links the expenditures for each program to the achievement of goals?
A line item budget
B performance budget
C planning-programming budgeting system (PPBS)
D program budget
E zero-based budget

Maturity is defined in Situational Leadership as the capacity to set
A no goals at all unless the situation demands it
B high and possibly unattainable goals
C high but attainable goals and the willingness to take responsibility
D low and easily obtainable goals

The five broad categories of plans are listed below. The category of plan which are, in effect, attempts to anticipate where a jurisdiction will be in the future and to ensure that official resources are marshaled accordingly, are called
A Administrative plans
B Management plans
C Operational plans
D Procedural plans
E Tactical plans

At no point is the influence of top management more important in shaping discipline than at the
A pre-employment or hiring phase
B end of the probationary stage
C very beginning of an officer's career
D point the officer wants to be promoted
E end of the police academy

 

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