Selecting leaders in a police environment is a complicated issue that is viewed differently by most police agencies. In the past, qualified leaders came from within the ranks of the police force and were promoted because they showed an interest in leadership and because they demonstrated leadership qualities. More often than not today, police officers are promoted into leadership roles because they can pass a written test and not because they have displayed leadership qualities. 1. Share your view t on how a leader in the police community should be selected and promoted to a leadership role.