What is the appropriate next step if a demotion is upheld by the city manager?

Challenging the decision in a law trial board is the appropriate next step if a demotion is upheld by the city manager because this option provides a formal avenue to contest the ruling. A law trial board typically serves as a mechanism for addressing grievances within law enforcement organizations, allowing an officer to present their case, offer evidence, and potentially reverse or mitigate the demotion.

This process is important because it not only ensures that the officer’s perspective is heard but also allows for a review of the circumstances surrounding the demotion. Utilizing the law trial board can possibly lead to a more favorable outcome by scrutinizing the decision-making processes of upper management.

Other choices may not provide the same level of due process or formal review needed in these situations. Accepting the decision without further action may lead to feelings of injustice or resentment, while filing an appeal with the Internal Affairs Division might not be appropriate as that division usually deals with complaints against officers rather than internal disciplinary actions. Asking for a meeting with the chief of police could be seen as informal and may not affect the outcome compared to a structured legal challenge in the form of a law trial board.