2006 New York Code - Procedures.

 
    § 83-f. Procedures. a. In  making  recommendations for the appropriate
  rank  to  which  present  police  officers  will  be  assigned  to   the
  consolidated  department, consideration will be given to the examination
  from which the present incumbents received their permanent civil service
  status, the length of time served in their present  position  and  other
  related factors which will be established and promulgated by the board.
    b. Where  there may not be sufficient vacancies in the organization of
  the consolidated police department for all persons  to  be  assigned  to
  their  rank  as  determined  by  the board, the board will determine the
  persons to  be  selected  for  existing  vacancies  in  accordance  with
  criteria  established  by the board.   Those persons not selected to the
  rank to which their previous position has been declared equivalent  will
  be placed on a preferred list for that specific rank.  Such persons will
  have  priority  in  appointment  for the next lower rank position in the
  organization.   Such appointment will not affect  their  status  on  the
  preferred list in the higher rank when subsequent vacancies develop.