Sergeant exam failure rate a wake-up call for BPD

What are the reasons 241 of the 273 city police officers who took the recent sergeant’s test failed the exam? (“Only 11.7 percent of Baltimore police officers pass latest sergeant exam, leaving department short,” Oct. 11.) This is by far the lowest pass rate within memory. What does it tell us? What can be done to identify and remedy deficiencies in the 241 test takers who did not pass — and perhaps offer them a second chance?

The police officers tested had at least three years of experience. But policing is a difficult and complex occupation. Does the department provide ongoing professional development to improve officers’ skills in working with the community, their knowledge of city, state, and federal laws relating to police work, their leadership skills? For the benefit of our city we should nurture their energy and dedication and support their professional development.