Hello everyone,

I am taking the NYPD exam #8050 this October, once I finish my BA and my goal is to become a homicide detective and maybe a captain someday. I am from NJ and yes, I understand the cops in my state are better paid but I am not joining the NYPD to get rich. I understand that a detective promotion is a privilege based on meritous service, not an exam, and that I have to prove myself on the beat first, but still I am pretty curious as to how some things like the pay and bureaucracy work, so I have questions.

1. Once a Lt-Det becomes a Captain, do his/her responsibilities shift from investigative to administrative, or are there 'Captain-Detectives' out there working crime scenes? Or does a newly promoted precinct Captain rescind his Detective status? Can Detective's in the Detective Bureau transfer to higher ranks in the Patrol Bureau or do they stay in their Bureau for the remainder of their careers?

2. Is pay based solely on rank/grade, or can one earn a higher salary because of a high level of competence or meritous service? For example, can a Sgt-Det 1st grade with an outstanding track record earn an equivalent or higher salary that a Lt-Det 3rd grade? Or a Lt-Det 1st grade higher than a Captain? In other words, is there a maximum as to how much someone of a certain rank/grade can earn?

3. Are NYPD detectives allowed to wear shoulder-holsters or is that just for TV shows and movies?

Sorry, I know that's a lot of questions on one post, thanks for bearing with me. Can someone in the NYPD reply? Thanks