minimum time for detective nypd
The strengths of the NYPD are the potential to specialize in may areas (which may be done without making detective) and the relative fairness of the promotion process. The job is what you make of it and going for either Detective or Boss is the way to go for most. However, as it stands, it takes a minimum of 9 years to reach top pay as a Sgt. This is assuming the test is timed right, you pass it and are promoted at five years (the minimum time required in grade to make Sgt.). Those are BIG assumptions. Even if you accomplish this you will essentially make a cops salary until your 9th year. Detectives wait longer.