James: Use of alternate ID to enter gay-friendly spa doesn't matter

You are spot on. A merit Captain ran the district not appointed Majors. Captains for the most part earned that rank through hard work, good policing, proven leadership, and experience. Yes there were exceptions to this but for the most part Captains were seasoned veteran officers. Many Captains eventually became staff officers with years of experience. Others finished their careers as Captains. Today officers have two earned ranks Sergeant and Lieutenant. Having appointed rank serve as district commanders only gives the Chief group think input. Merit Captains ran their districts and provided the Chief with input that was truthful even when sometimes it wasn't what he wanted to hear. The way the structure is now Majors on up must conform to what the Chief thinks or risk being demoted to Lieutenant. One OP on this forum talked about lack of Leadership as being the primary problem and he/she is absolutely correct. Leaders take risks, think outside the box, back their people when they are right, hold people accountable, and treat them fairly. How can appointed rank do that at the risk of being demoted? Answer-they can't. When was the last time a division Major told his boss that something wasn't being handled correctly or that some directive should be looked at or some program simply wasn't working? Prior to merger both police departments had merit/civil service Captain rank and it served the departments well. Division Majors are nothing more than what the old Captain rank was with one huge difference and that is Captains could run their respective units without fear of political repercussions such as demotion without cause. Majors today go with the flow or face the consequences. Can't really blame them. Some of the finest men and women anywhere are wearing the LMPD uniform serving our community day in and day out but they are hurting due to the lack of LEADERSHIP.