Chain of Command in Law Enforcement

Chain of Command in Law Enforcement

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The Purpose of the Command Structure in a Police Department

The Purpose of the Command Structure in a Police Department
By Tanya Gulliver, eHow Contributor

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The police command structure helps maintain order.

The command structure in a police department is an important component of maintaining order. Policing is based on a military hierarchical system which recognizes levels of authority, leadership and management. Each police force -- city, county, state and sheriff -- is able to set its own command structure to suit the needs of their own community. Most forces have a civilian component that deals with administrative functions and a sworn command system that does the actual policing.
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Chain of Command

A command structure creates an organized method of supervision, working relationships, leadership, task division and system of responsibility. In large departments, the chief of police is the most active duty officer, while there is often a police commissioner which is a more political, policy position. Some departments have large boards or group of commissioners that provide oversight and provide direction.

In smaller departments, the chief or sheriff is the most senior member and all responsibility will stop at that level. However, there is usually a relationship with political counterparts on city council or local government.

The number of layers between the officer on the street and the individual at the top is determined by the size of the department. A very small rural police force may only have a handful of employees....

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