Promotions + Administration's Waning Days = Skepticism
The Street Administration has just approved 178 promotions in the Police Department. It's a big number, and given that Mayor Street is on his way out, some find the timing fishy.
But with the exception of five new captains, most of the officers moving into new pay grades are relatively low-ranking: sergeants, lieutenants and detectives. According to both the Street Administration and the Fraternal Order of Police, there's a massive need for patrol supervisors, and that's what a lot of these newly promoted officers will become. City Councilman Frank Rizzo - a guy with a real interest in the police departments - also thinks the promotions seem reasonable.
Still, mayoral nominee Michael Nutter wishes the Street administration had held off the next mayor takes office.
"We need lieutenants and seargants," Nutter said. "At the same time, I don't know that the upper level promotions are completely necessary."