civil service | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Introduction / Policing

The civil service is a system of government service employment based on merit and examinations rather than on political patronage.


The civil service system has had a significant impact on the policing profession in the United States. Prior to the implementation of civil service rules, policing jobs were often handed out based on political connections rather than merit. This led to corruption and ineffective policing, as officers were not necessarily qualified for their positions.

The first civil service rules for policing jobs were implemented in the early 20th century, and since then, civil service exams and merit-based hiring have become standard practice in many police departments across the country. These exams are designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of potential police officers and are often supplemented by other hiring requirements such as physical fitness tests and background checks.

Civil service rules also typically include provisions for promotions and disciplinary action. Police officers are often required to work their way up through the ranks, with promotions based on performance evaluations and other merit-based criteria. Similarly, disciplinary action is typically governed by strict rules and procedures, ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions and that discipline is administered fairly and consistently.

In addition to improving the quality and professionalism of the police force, these rules have also helped to ensure that policing is free from political influence. By basing hiring and promotions on merit rather than political connections, the rules have helped to prevent corruption and maintain public trust in the police.

However, these rules are not without their challenges. Some critics argue that the exams and other hiring requirements can be overly restrictive, limiting the pool of potential candidates and leading to a lack of diversity within police departments. Others argue that civil service rules can be overly bureaucratic and slow to adapt to changing circumstances.

Despite these challenges, civil service rules remain an important part of the policing profession in the United States. By promoting merit-based hiring, promotions, and disciplinary action, civil service rules help to ensure that police officers are qualified, accountable, and free from political influence.


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Last Modified: 04/10/2023

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