I am tired of the fake Jamie plot. They continue to come up with lame excuse after lame excuse why Jamie does not want to advance in the Police department, and it just makes Jamie look like an idiot. I KNOW why the producers are doing this, it is because they want one of the Reagans to be a lawyer, one to be the boss, one to be a detective and one be a beat cop. But keeping Jamie a regular police officer with zero promotion is just stupidity.
First off before I explain why its stupid, understand that most police officers remain beat cops and don't get promotions, but this is because these exams are not easy and not everyone that becomes a police officer can pass them. Also, as Frank said, they dont offer them all the time, but only when they need someone.
So why is it stupid, because Jamie is not thinking of the future. First off there is substantial pay raises and benefits to being a sergeant, as well as more oportunities. He is not always going to be in the condition and physical shape he is in and may one day want that desk job or to be a detective and getting a leg up never hurts. Also, as Frank said, Sergeants still go out on the street and patrol just like everyone else. Some are relegated to desk duty yes, but there are more than one at every precinct. I have the same issue with Danny not taking the sergeants exam either, it would change NOTHING in his job but give him more money, which he has needed lately since he lost his wifes income. Something they only adressed in one episode.