What rank must one of the Hearing Review Board members have to serve as chairperson?

• A. Lieutenant (Lt) or higher
• B. Sergeant
• C. Captain
• D. Detective

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the chairperson for a Hearing Review Board needs formal supervisory authority and broad administrative experience to run hearings, ensure due process, and interpret department policies. In many agencies, this level of responsibility begins at the rank of Lieutenant, who sits above frontline sergeants and has the authority to oversee investigations, assign staff, and issue formal decisions. A Sergeant typically functions as a frontline supervisor and may not have the scope of authority required to chair a review board. A Detective, while skilled, is a specialty assignment and not inherently a supervisory rank. A Captain is certainly eligible, but the minimum requirement is Lieutenant or higher, so Lieutenant is the baseline, with higher ranks also permissible.