The Federal Minister of the Interior controls the Federal Office of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Border Police, police attached to the administration of the Federal parliament, and the railroad police. The police forces differ somewhat in tasks, organization, equipment, and training from State to State. The police applicant's educational level determines the amount of training necessary. Following their training and examination, the recruits receive either a regular or a criminal rank; they serve one to two years in a barracks before transfer to a police department. Additional training, tests, and time-in-grade requirements determine further promotions. Lower ranked officers are promoted according to a civil service scale, which stresses ability and efficiency rather than merit. Punishments are decided by a police tribunal and include reprimand, loss in rank, fine, or dismissal. Unlike American officers, West German police often pursue careers spanning 40 years or more; instead of retiring at patrolman rank, they serve in positions of increasing responsibility and commitment, a concept the author believes could influence the problems of productivity and ethics plaguing many U.S. police departments.