Appraisals of promotability should not be confused with performance evaluations. Performance evaluations identify or measure how well you are doing at your current position. An appraisal of promotabilty identifies or predicts how well you will perform at the next level/rank based on your current performance and a variety of factors. Without going through a long dissertation, here are some basic things you need to understand in order to ensure your success:

1. Time in grade, i.e., make sure you have completed enough time as a deputy or a sergeant to qualify for the next rank/level

• To become a sergeant you usually need 2 - 3 years experience beyond the completion of the probationary period of an LASD deputy sheriff
• To become a lieutenant, you need 2 years experience as a sergeant
• Even if you exceed the minimum requirements, don't expect to get a high AP just because you have 25 years on the department

2. Meet with your supervisors well before it is time to prepare your AP

• your AP starts the day you arrive at your unit, not the day the exam is announced nor the day you pass the written exam
• knowing what to expect before you are rated will really help you meet your goals
• meeting with your supervisor (captain) will let you know what he/she expects of you and vice versa

3. At a minimum, your supervisor (captain) is going to rate or appraise the following areas of your performance

• knowledge & skills
• adaptability
• productivity
• dependability
• written & oral communication
• supervision (if applicable)
• adherence to the Core Value

4. Based on your performance in the aforementioned areas, your supervisor may rate you as follows:

• exceptionally qualified
• well qualified
• qualified
• limited
• not qualified

5. Another method used to rate you requires your supervisor (captain) to respond to a series of statements that indicate your work ethic, your ability to get along with others, or your overall experience. For example, your AP may include a series of items such as the following:

Statement			Maintains focus and sustains effort on a difficult, tedious, or protracted task until completion. always frequently sometimes rarely never unable to rate
Statement			Encourages and listens to the input of co-workers with receptiveness. always frequently sometimes rarely never unable to rate
Statement			In a tactical incident calls for resources that are appropriate to the situation - air, K-9, additional radio cars, psychological services etc. always frequently sometimes rarely never unable to rate

6. Be the "go to" employee at your unit; your captain (supervisor) is looking for a self-starter who:

• has plenty of initiative
• gets things done
• keeps his/her superiors informed
• completes his/her assignments in a timely fashion

7. Make sure your work is flawless.

• as a man/woman writes, so he/she is
• absent your physical presence, your written product may be the first and only opportunity you have to make a good impression or maintain one

8. Always convey a positive "can-do" attitude and be pro-active

• don't get bogged down with negative behavior/talk
• bring solutions to your captain, not just problems
• motivate and energize your subordinates; be a role model

9. Try to "think" above your rank and act accordingly

• don’t be afraid to take the lead
• build consensus through action
• learn how to delegate and cooperate
• listen to others and communicate effectively

10. Whether you are preparing to become a sergeant or a lieutenant, it’s important for your supervisor (captain) to know the values, morals, and ethics you bring to the table. He/she needs to know that you are conversant with the following concepts:

• risk management
• accountability
• ethical behavior
• leadership
• quality of life