Police ranks are a system of hierarchical relationships in police organizations.[1] The rank system defines authority and responsibility in a police organization,[2] and affects the culture within the police force.[3] Police ranks, dependent on country, are similar to military ranks[4][5] in function and design due to policing in many countries developing from military organizations and operations,[6] such as in Western Europe,[7][8] former Soviet countries,[9] and English-speaking countries.[10][11] Usually, uniforms denote the bearer's rank by particular insignia affixed to the uniforms.[12][5]
Rank is not only used to designate leadership, but to establish pay-grade as well.[13] As rank increases, pay-grade follows, but so does the amount of responsibility.[14]