Chain Of Command Analysis

Chain of command is important in a police agency and a must have. Without the chain of command I do not believe the structure and integrity of the department would be as thick with good officers and high moral standards. The leadership is placed in a position due to their experience and ability to lead by example. Our chain of command in Knox County, starts with the sheriff and then is followed by a number of chiefs, captains, lieutenants, sergeants, corporals, patrolman, and correction officers. For patrol on a shift we have four sergeants, one lieutenant, and a captain. Everything begins with the sergeant and is channeled up to the captain and funneled down, back to the patrolman. The function of a chain of command is, “It establishes a vertical flow of information, directives, and orders downward through an organization.” (Cordner, 2016,p.116).

“The principle of unity of command insists that the reporting between subordinate and superior be on a one-to-one basis.” (Cordner, 2016,p.119). This is to prevent confusion on direction or instructions within the department. I have four sergeants on the shift I work. There is a sergeant assigned to each zone. Each zone has a property watch list, sex offenders, and shocaps.
With the experience I have had so far, the employers that I worked for that I found myself somewhat successful had a military style structure within its organization. For the amount of work that is needed to be done as a police officer and the forever changing circumstances in law enforcement, I find that the chain of command and how police departments have their management structure modeled is perfect. I find nothing confusing about the instructions that I am given from a supervisor. I know where they come from and I understand what I need to do and how I need perform in order to complete the task at