Data used in developing the guidelines were gathered from a literature review covering performance appraisal, promotion, and placement functions as well as a survey of personnel procedures followed by over 200 police departments throughout the country. While the emphasis here is on the patrolman position and his promotion either to corporal or sergeant, or his transfer to a lateral position to investigations or technical support, the guidelines are applicable to other police positions. The three substantive areas covered in the guidelines include performance appraisal, promotion, and placement; each section contains information on existing technologies and practices and specific recommendations for procedural improvements. 7 figures and 14 references