Our current system of promoting sucks!!!!
Questions are often thrown out so a friend, family member, suck-ass, or political pawn can be promoted.

I completely agree with merit raises, but PROMOTIONSbased on "merit" are where we need to start.
Once promoted, evaluations during probationary periods should mainly come from those under his/her supervision.
Raise the "road patrol" requirement to 10 years experience and we will have more qualified candidates, and more scum off the streets.