What happens to a police officer's rights to their position if they return from military leave?

A police officer who returns from military leave is guaranteed the same or a similar position due to provisions established by laws such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This legislation protects the employment rights of individuals who serve in the military, ensuring that they cannot be discriminated against for their service and that they can return to their position after completing their military obligations.

As part of this protection, the law stipulates that returning service members must be reinstated to the position they would have occupied had they not been absent due to military service, or to a similar position with equivalent pay, benefits, and working conditions. This assurance helps maintain job security for those who have fulfilled military duties, allowing them to transition back into civilian employment without the fear of losing their career or being demoted as a consequence of their service.