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Guys,

Back in November we received a survey from reengineering regarding the Sgt and Lt's "All in" conference. This was my response at the time. Please, anyone, feel free to copy or edit this as a basis either in part or as whole, as a communication to any media outlet, firm etc. I believe it touches on a lot of the key points surrounding this test. Adding in the current sitting statistics of this test will do wonders to drive the point home. Thanks.

My response to the reengineering survey on 11/18/15:

The 2015 Lieutenant's promotional exam was an absolute abomination. One would think that those at an executive level in this department would have a vested interest in ensuring that only the best and the brightest advance through promotion. The 2015 exam touched on some of the  most obscure and insignificant procedures that this job has to offer. As a result, the genuinely bright guy, say someone who scored a 93 on their Sgt's promotional exam, failed this test. Of course, shortly after the official administration of the test, the military and religious test takers come equipped with nearly all the information concerning the test and place well. Ordinarily, it wouldn't concern me that the second batch of test takers (not all) more or less cheat their way on to the list. Typically, a smart person can still place better than one of the "cheaters" given that even remembering just 100 questions proves difficult for someone of that caliber. However, because this exam was so poorly written, the sharp guy didn't fair well. And so now you have a top heavy promotional list comprised of the those who were not truly vetted through the testing process, and of course a few genuinely  brilliant individuals who played fair. Speaking from my experience specifically, I took my Sgt's promotional exam as rookie cop, with no prior testing experience, and very little job experience at the time. I studied hard and placed very, very well. Fast forward five years, and applying the same, if not more dedication in studying, I came to the Lt's exam now armed with prior testing experience, job experience, and maturity. Now while its understood that no two tests are the same, given my approach, if this were a fair test, I would have done just as well if not better than I did on my Sgt's exam. This is the same story for a countless number of my co-workers. As mentioned, if change is what this job is looking for, more emphasis needs to be placed on the exam process. We want and need the brightest in management to take this department in the right direction. The test needs to be difficult, very difficult at that, but fair. Most importantly, the institutionalized practice of allowing for an alternate testing date for the "loophole" test cheaters takers must end. It completely undermines the legitimacy of the test. Apply this to a worldview and just imagine if 40% of practicing trauma surgeons in a given hospital obtained their position through illegitimate means. Donned in their medical attire and apparatus, there's no telling them apart from other actually qualified surgeons and the potential circumstances can be deadly. While this example may come off as a bit of a reach, putting a newly minted "loophole lieutenant" out in the public draws the same exact parallel if you ask me. This "loophole Lieutenant" will undoubtedly face life and risk situations of all sorts, without ever truly being qualified to do so. And what's most egregious; the public that we stand to serve will simply believe that this "loophole lieutenant" , while donned in his white uniform shirt, is qualified, vetted, and trusted to handle any situation at hand. Sadly, we know this is not true.

-My two cents