As someone whos really struggling on decision to go up further, I just wanna say thanks to any input given so far.
My gut says dont do it, but moving up was always the goal. As you get older, hard to see the benefit.
The benefit is that you don't have to worry that the guy feeding you all the OT retires before you do.
Spanish mama said
Jun 24, 2024
Definitely not. Not enjoying the money is a big part of it. Constant harassment during off hours. They can keep it
Leslie said
Jun 25, 2024
-- Edited by Leslie on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 01:30:47 PM
Tommy Salami said
Jun 25, 2024
Spanish mama wrote:
Definitely not. Not enjoying the money is a big part of it. Constant harassment during off hours. They can keep it
Yea dont bother, you definitely couldn't handle it
DetailBoss said
Jun 25, 2024
What are some of the benefits you have experienced by taking the promotion to Captain?
Tommy Salami said
Jun 25, 2024
DetailBoss wrote:
What are some of the benefits you have experienced by taking the promotion to Captain?
1. cat 1 car is a huge benefit
2. good for resume
3. you will speak at many meetings, your public speaking ability will improve alot
4. your skills on the analysis of problems and plans to fix them will greatly improve just through the sheer amount of meetings you will attend
5. guaranteed DI pension after 5 years in rank
6. opportunity to build time (think years)
7. Opportunity to rub elbows with higher ups, if thats your thing
8. you can improve morale with the people you work with by being a solid and fair leader. if you truly like cops, this is a big benefit in my opinion
9. training and educational opportunities are better as an executive
-- Edited by Tommy Salami on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 02:25:01 PM
Sgtnogood said
Jun 25, 2024
You sound like a Kool aid drinker Tommy lol your public speaking will improve lol I never had any problems speaking in front of a crowd or group of people and I'm not a captain and most captains I have experienced could care less they are trying to move up in their career they don't build morale or do anything to help cops. They care about traffic stat and the Numbers and don't want to get chewed out etc etc
-- Edited by Sgtnogood on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 06:35:13 PM
Tommy Salami said
Jun 25, 2024
Sgtnogood wrote:
You sound like a Kool aid drinker Tommy lol your public speaking will improve lol I never had any problems speaking in front of a crowd or group of people and I'm not a captain and most captains I have experienced could care less they are trying to move up in their career they don't build morale or do anything to help cops. They care about traffic stat and the Numbers and don't want to get chewed out etc etc
-- Edited by Sgtnogood on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 06:35:13 PM
Thanks for your opinion
PD2FD said
Jun 25, 2024
Tommy Salami wrote:
DetailBoss wrote:
What are some of the benefits you have experienced by taking the promotion to Captain?
1. cat 1 car is a huge benefit
2. good for resume
3. you will speak at many meetings, your public speaking ability will improve alot
4. your skills on the analysis of problems and plans to fix them will greatly improve just through the sheer amount of meetings you will attend
5. guaranteed DI pension after 5 years in rank
6. opportunity to build time (think years)
7. Opportunity to rub elbows with higher ups, if thats your thing
8. you can improve morale with the people you work with by being a solid and fair leader. if you truly like cops, this is a big benefit in my opinion
9. training and educational opportunities are better as an executive
-- Edited by Tommy Salami on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 02:25:01 PM
I agree with all of this except #3 & #4...we have a ton of executives on this job that are terrible at public speaking (including some at the very top).
Edubz said
Jun 25, 2024
Car is worth several thousand a year depending where you live and work.
Depending on your personal situation you may be able to give back your personal car and save yourself the payment plus insurance.
DetailBoss said
Aug 12, 2024
Hitthebook wrote:
If anyone out there is having second thoughts or wondering about what a captains life entails PM me. I will give you my 100% honest thoughts and will answer any question you have.
PM sent.
TicketoutofNarco said
Mar 10, 2025
Can this question be re-balanced with current events I know a lot of NEW Lieutenants are contemplating the next Captain exam. What is the current cost vs benefit analysis ?
PD2FD said
Mar 10, 2025
TicketoutofNarco wrote:
Can this question be re-balanced with current events I know a lot of NEW Lieutenants are contemplating the next Captain exam. What is the current cost vs benefit analysis ?
If you're not a bootlicker in a gig where you're getting free overtime (ie 1PP) then your best bet to maximize your salary and pension is to get promoted. $209,000 top base and with everything added on you'll be in the $240,000-$250,000 range. If you can make that as a LT, then god bless.
brooklynbacon said
Mar 15, 2025
TicketoutofNarco wrote:
Can this question be re-balanced with current events I know a lot of NEW Lieutenants are contemplating the next Captain exam. What is the current cost vs benefit analysis ?
The pay is great at top pay and you never have to worry about getting or losing overtime again. You can also make a positive and big morale change on cops who work for you as you have a tremendous amount of say in the command obviously.
However your schedule and quality of life will take a giant hit. You will spend more time with your department phone than your significant other and children.
Tunit said
Mar 15, 2025
brooklynbacon wrote:
TicketoutofNarco wrote:
Can this question be re-balanced with current events I know a lot of NEW Lieutenants are contemplating the next Captain exam. What is the current cost vs benefit analysis ?
The pay is great at top pay and you never have to worry about getting or losing overtime again. You can also make a positive and big morale change on cops who work for you as you have a tremendous amount of say in the command obviously.
However your schedule and quality of life will take a giant hit. You will spend more time with your department phone than your significant other and children.
With that being said, is the juice worth the squeeze?
Futureauxiliary said
Mar 15, 2025
If you go for Captain you might as well chase the carrot for DI. From what I have seens DIs have it better than Captains.
Wingnut said
Mar 20, 2025
My worthless $0.02. It depends where you are in your career. People who hit the tests right its silly not to take the promotion. People near or over 20 really need to consider if they want to stick around another 5 years waiting for a DI pension.
The take home car is great but your savings on miles and gas isnt pensionable. Its thousands of dollars in your pocket today, but not the rest of your life.
You go from the top rung of lower management to the lowest rung of upper management.
If youre a true believer youre probably more inclined to take the promotion. If youve come to the realization that no one gives two shits about what you are doing and youre just a warm body filling a seat, youll probably think why bother.
nycop80 said
Mar 22, 2025
PD2FD wrote:
TicketoutofNarco wrote:
Can this question be re-balanced with current events I know a lot of NEW Lieutenants are contemplating the next Captain exam. What is the current cost vs benefit analysis ?
If you're not a bootlicker in a gig where you're getting free overtime (ie 1PP) then your best bet to maximize your salary and pension is to get promoted. $209,000 top base and with everything added on you'll be in the $240,000-$250,000 range. If you can make that as a LT, then god bless.
Plus the cost of gas and car repairs you dont have to worry about.
PD2FD said
Mar 22, 2025
nycop80 wrote:
PD2FD wrote:
TicketoutofNarco wrote:
Can this question be re-balanced with current events I know a lot of NEW Lieutenants are contemplating the next Captain exam. What is the current cost vs benefit analysis ?
If you're not a bootlicker in a gig where you're getting free overtime (ie 1PP) then your best bet to maximize your salary and pension is to get promoted. $209,000 top base and with everything added on you'll be in the $240,000-$250,000 range. If you can make that as a LT, then god bless.
Plus the cost of gas and car repairs you dont have to worry about.
Correct! Tolls, gas, and car maintenance. That's probably close to $10k per year. It's also better to retire as a Captain than a Lieutenant. The Captain rank is more universally known and will benefit you more when you retire.
The Detective rank and Captain rank carry more weight than the Sgt/Lt/DI rank. No one knows WTF, a Deputy Inspector is outside this job.
brooklynbacon said
Mar 22, 2025
PD2FD wrote:
nycop80 wrote:
PD2FD wrote:
TicketoutofNarco wrote:
Can this question be re-balanced with current events I know a lot of NEW Lieutenants are contemplating the next Captain exam. What is the current cost vs benefit analysis ?
If you're not a bootlicker in a gig where you're getting free overtime (ie 1PP) then your best bet to maximize your salary and pension is to get promoted. $209,000 top base and with everything added on you'll be in the $240,000-$250,000 range. If you can make that as a LT, then god bless.
Plus the cost of gas and car repairs you dont have to worry about.
Correct! Tolls, gas, and car maintenance. That's probably close to $10k per year. It's also better to retire as a Captain than a Lieutenant. The Captain rank is more universally known and will benefit you more when you retire.
The Detective rank and Captain rank carry more weight than the Sgt/Lt/DI rank. No one knows WTF, a Deputy Inspector is outside this job.
Yeah I remember being a rookie cop and saying wth is an Inspector? The only one i heard of was Gadget.
Jibberjab said
Mar 24, 2025
Honestly it depends where you are in your career. If you are somewhere making steady ot (yes I know nothing is guaranteed) and tours/days off are flexible and you have young kids, thats where it gets tough. If you are doing patrol, no brainer take the promotion.
If you are miserable going to work everyday, that extra Captain money isnt worth it. Every year will feel like 5 as an XO.
Just my opinion.
PD2FD said
Mar 24, 2025
Jibberjab wrote:
Honestly it depends where you are in your career. If you are somewhere making steady ot (yes I know nothing is guaranteed) and tours/days off are flexible and you have young kids, thats where it gets tough. If you are doing patrol, no brainer take the promotion.
If you are miserable going to work everyday, that extra Captain money isnt worth it. Every year will feel like 5 as an XO.
Just my opinion.
Agreed! On patrol take the promotion.
Not on patrol and in a good unit, you have to be an EDP to agree to take the promotion and destroy your quality of life.
4th Time said
Mar 24, 2025
Over 30 yrs.... Great gig.... Great oscar tango.... Great quality of life.... Just want the promotion for future endeavors (LAPD - Life After Police Department)..... Is he or she crazy for that????
Truthseeker said
Mar 24, 2025
4th time. Defer it till youre ready to leave. Then take promotion and walk out door. Get rank without doing the rank
Leftbehind802 said
Mar 24, 2025
A Captain, who was just promoted on 2/28/25, did just that. Took the promotion and walked out the door.
4th Time said
Mar 24, 2025
Agreeeeeedddddd........
Jibberjab said
Mar 24, 2025
4th Time wrote:
Over 30 yrs.... Great gig.... Great oscar tango.... Great quality of life.... Just want the promotion for future endeavors (LAPD - Life After Police Department)..... Is he or she crazy for that????
Ive seen more than a few people do this. Get that retired captain ID card and an extra title on your resume.
PD2FD said
Mar 24, 2025
Leftbehind802 wrote:
A Captain, who was just promoted on 2/28/25, did just that. Took the promotion and walked out the door.
Smart man! Very smart man
Spanish mama said
Mar 24, 2025
1 day in captain rank. Responsible for supervision of? Looks great on resume. Something extra to hang on the wall I guess.
-- Edited by Spanish mama on Monday 24th of March 2025 11:05:17 PM
-- Edited by Spanish mama on Monday 24th of March 2025 11:05:48 PM
PD2FD said
Mar 24, 2025
Spanish mama wrote:
1 day in captain rank. Responsible for supervision of? Looks great on resume. Something extra to hang on the wall I guess.
-- Edited by Spanish mama on Monday 24th of March 2025 11:05:17 PM
-- Edited by Spanish mama on Monday 24th of March 2025 11:05:48 PM
No one is going to ask them how many Compstat meetings did Chief Chell yell at you for.
What's important is being able to put retired Captain on your resumé.
SonsOfXavier1997 said
Mar 24, 2025
Sorry. But A LSA/LCD in a detail who has extensive training or high levels of responsibility holds much more weight then Captain Fluff n Butt. The take rank and retire does nothing I agree.
PD2FD said
Mar 24, 2025
SonsOfXavier1997 wrote:
Sorry. But A LSA/LCD in a detail who has extensive training or high levels of responsibility holds much more weight then Captain Fluff n Butt. The take rank and retire does nothing I agree.
Sure! If you're a LSA/LCD in a unit like bomb squad or ESU. That holds true regardless of rank.
But a LSA/LCD in an admin gig at 1PP isn't going to impress anyone in the corporate world.
SonsOfXavier1997 said
Mar 25, 2025
True. I agree w you on that PD2FD
Lowtidesmell said
Mar 25, 2025
Who the hell wants to rejoin the rat race after doing 20+ in the nypd? Resume can suck my ass. Im leaning towards capt to build time and get out of this shit hole.
Spanish mama said
Apr 28, 2025
PD2FD wrote:
Jibberjab wrote:
Honestly it depends where you are in your career. If you are somewhere making steady ot (yes I know nothing is guaranteed) and tours/days off are flexible and you have young kids, thats where it gets tough. If you are doing patrol, no brainer take the promotion.
If you are miserable going to work everyday, that extra Captain money isnt worth it. Every year will feel like 5 as an XO.
Just my opinion.
Agreed! On patrol take the promotion.
Not on patrol and in a good unit, you have to be an EDP to agree to take the promotion and destroy your quality of life.
What's a typical schedule of newly promoted Captain. Can any actual captains advise, not he says/she says people. no offense.
Jibberjab said
Apr 29, 2025
Spanish mama wrote:
PD2FD wrote:
Jibberjab wrote:
Honestly it depends where you are in your career. If you are somewhere making steady ot (yes I know nothing is guaranteed) and tours/days off are flexible and you have young kids, thats where it gets tough. If you are doing patrol, no brainer take the promotion.
If you are miserable going to work everyday, that extra Captain money isnt worth it. Every year will feel like 5 as an XO.
Just my opinion.
Agreed! On patrol take the promotion.
Not on patrol and in a good unit, you have to be an EDP to agree to take the promotion and destroy your quality of life.
What's a typical schedule of newly promoted Captain. Can any actual captains advise, not he says/she says people. no offense.
Not a Captain but are around enough to get a good idea. As far as xo schedule, I dont think anyone can give you an accurate answer on that because its always changing. Some could be slightly normal and some could be an absolute disaster. You got your stats/council meetings/whatever other meetings/MFF/duty coverage. You are getting last pick on everything to start so whatever is the worst choice you will get it. Its going to suck for minimum 1 year but Im pretty sure everyone already knows that, unless you got a crane.
TenNinetyUnion said
September 17th
Can anyone provide a fall 2025 update on the rank ?
Thank you
Theforceisstrongwiththisone said
4 days ago
The choice is plain and simple. if you value quality of life and money stay a Lieutenant. If you like daily/weekly challenges with less money (no cash OT) become a captain. Some people prefer the challenge over quality of life/money.
22nhalf said
4 days ago
Who says a Captain makes less money, yes thats true only at the beginning. But once a Captain makes top pay at 3 years, that individual will be making about 235k just walking in the door by only doing 8hrs tour and not having to worry about chasing OT every month. The OT in any rank is not guaranteed, today you might be making 50 to 60 hrs every month, but remember who knows if that will be around always especially with a new mayor coming around next year.
Edubz said
3 days ago
Another thing to consider is that half the Captain rank is not playing the CO/XO game. There are roughly 350 Captains, and 100 XOs. Maybe another 75 as CO of Pct, TD, PSA (the rest are DI's or a few INSP). So half the Capt rank is in details with better QOL (DB, IAB, etc)
Tunit said
2 days ago
Edubz wrote:
Another thing to consider is that half the Captain rank is not playing the CO/XO game. There are roughly 350 Captains, and 100 XOs. Maybe another 75 as CO of Pct, TD, PSA (the rest are DI's or a few INSP). So half the Capt rank is in details with better QOL (DB, IAB, etc)
This is a very solid point. And there is huge turn around and movement at the Capt rank now. You may be in the shit for a bit at first, but unless youre a complete tool, you can likely get somewhere better in a couple years.
PD2FD said
6h ago
TenNinetyUnion wrote:
Can anyone provide a fall 2025 update on the rank ?
Thank you
Still sucks, but sucks less due to the Summer Violence Executive Coverage ending.
-Schedule will always be terrible it changes weekly (you get used to it after a while)
-Endless meetings will always exist (Compstat/Traffic-Stat/Compliancestat/Q-Stat/DVstat/Borostat)
-Duties/MFF will be plentiful when you're new
**DISCLAIMER** This for a new Captain on Patrol/Housing/Transit
Any questions, feel free to ask on this forum.
-- Edited by PD2FD on Sunday 26th of October 2025 05:03:20 PM
The benefit is that you don't have to worry that the guy feeding you all the OT retires before you do.
-- Edited by Leslie on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 01:30:47 PM
Yea dont bother, you definitely couldn't handle it
1. cat 1 car is a huge benefit
2. good for resume
3. you will speak at many meetings, your public speaking ability will improve alot
4. your skills on the analysis of problems and plans to fix them will greatly improve just through the sheer amount of meetings you will attend
5. guaranteed DI pension after 5 years in rank
6. opportunity to build time (think years)
7. Opportunity to rub elbows with higher ups, if thats your thing
8. you can improve morale with the people you work with by being a solid and fair leader. if you truly like cops, this is a big benefit in my opinion
9. training and educational opportunities are better as an executive
-- Edited by Tommy Salami on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 02:25:01 PM
You sound like a Kool aid drinker Tommy lol your public speaking will improve lol I never had any problems speaking in front of a crowd or group of people and I'm not a captain and most captains I have experienced could care less they are trying to move up in their career they don't build morale or do anything to help cops. They care about traffic stat and the Numbers and don't want to get chewed out etc etc
-- Edited by Sgtnogood on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 06:35:13 PM
Thanks for your opinion
I agree with all of this except #3 & #4...we have a ton of executives on this job that are terrible at public speaking (including some at the very top).
Depending on your personal situation you may be able to give back your personal car and save yourself the payment plus insurance.
PM sent.
If you're not a bootlicker in a gig where you're getting free overtime (ie 1PP) then your best bet to maximize your salary and pension is to get promoted. $209,000 top base and with everything added on you'll be in the $240,000-$250,000 range. If you can make that as a LT, then god bless.
The pay is great at top pay and you never have to worry about getting or losing overtime again. You can also make a positive and big morale change on cops who work for you as you have a tremendous amount of say in the command obviously.
However your schedule and quality of life will take a giant hit. You will spend more time with your department phone than your significant other and children.
With that being said, is the juice worth the squeeze?
The take home car is great but your savings on miles and gas isnt pensionable. Its thousands of dollars in your pocket today, but not the rest of your life.
You go from the top rung of lower management to the lowest rung of upper management.
If youre a true believer youre probably more inclined to take the promotion. If youve come to the realization that no one gives two shits about what you are doing and youre just a warm body filling a seat, youll probably think why bother.
Plus the cost of gas and car repairs you dont have to worry about.
Correct! Tolls, gas, and car maintenance. That's probably close to $10k per year. It's also better to retire as a Captain than a Lieutenant. The Captain rank is more universally known and will benefit you more when you retire.
The Detective rank and Captain rank carry more weight than the Sgt/Lt/DI rank. No one knows WTF, a Deputy Inspector is outside this job.
Yeah I remember being a rookie cop and saying wth is an Inspector? The only one i heard of was Gadget.
If you are miserable going to work everyday, that extra Captain money isnt worth it. Every year will feel like 5 as an XO.
Just my opinion.
Agreed! On patrol take the promotion.
Not on patrol and in a good unit, you have to be an EDP to agree to take the promotion and destroy your quality of life.
A Captain, who was just promoted on 2/28/25, did just that. Took the promotion and walked out the door.
Agreeeeeedddddd........
Ive seen more than a few people do this. Get that retired captain ID card and an extra title on your resume.
Smart man! Very smart man
1 day in captain rank. Responsible for supervision of? Looks great on resume. Something extra to hang on the wall I guess.
-- Edited by Spanish mama on Monday 24th of March 2025 11:05:17 PM
-- Edited by Spanish mama on Monday 24th of March 2025 11:05:48 PM
No one is going to ask them how many Compstat meetings did Chief Chell yell at you for.
What's important is being able to put retired Captain on your resumé.
Sure! If you're a LSA/LCD in a unit like bomb squad or ESU. That holds true regardless of rank.
But a LSA/LCD in an admin gig at 1PP isn't going to impress anyone in the corporate world.
What's a typical schedule of newly promoted Captain. Can any actual captains advise, not he says/she says people. no offense.
Not a Captain but are around enough to get a good idea. As far as xo schedule, I dont think anyone can give you an accurate answer on that because its always changing. Some could be slightly normal and some could be an absolute disaster. You got your stats/council meetings/whatever other meetings/MFF/duty coverage. You are getting last pick on everything to start so whatever is the worst choice you will get it. Its going to suck for minimum 1 year but Im pretty sure everyone already knows that, unless you got a crane.
Can anyone provide a fall 2025 update on the rank ?
Thank you
This is a very solid point. And there is huge turn around and movement at the Capt rank now. You may be in the shit for a bit at first, but unless youre a complete tool, you can likely get somewhere better in a couple years.
Still sucks, but sucks less due to the Summer Violence Executive Coverage ending.
-Schedule will always be terrible it changes weekly (you get used to it after a while)
-Endless meetings will always exist (Compstat/Traffic-Stat/Compliancestat/Q-Stat/DVstat/Borostat)
-Duties/MFF will be plentiful when you're new
**DISCLAIMER** This for a new Captain on Patrol/Housing/Transit
Any questions, feel free to ask on this forum.
-- Edited by PD2FD on Sunday 26th of October 2025 05:03:20 PM