Chain of Command Police

Talking to your chain of command is very important. Through talking with your chain of command you ensure everyone stays in the loop and is well informed. As a policeman it is a important part of communication. In order for a team to work well it must be understood that everyone has a position and each persons position needs to be understood and respected. Furthermore to make the chain of command work you must effectively communicate with subordinates. 78

In order to further explain the importance of notifying your chain of command, you must first know what the chain of command is. The chain of command, sometimes called the scaler chain, is the formal line of authority, communication, and responsibility within an organization. The order in which authority and power in an organization is wielded and delegated from top management to every employee at every level of the organization. Instructions flow downward along the chain of command and accountability flows upward. According to its creator Henri Fayol, the more clear cut the chain of command, the more effective the decision making process and greater the efficiency. The chain of command is what outlines how the department is to be ran. The chain of command also helps to delegate authority and ensure everyone knows who to report to. Through the chain of command everyone is made certain of their position in the organization, who they are responsible for and who they report to. Reporting to the chain of command helps to ensure that everyone stays clear and does not lose focus. 181

A problem associated with the chain of command occurs when a subordinate bypasses a manager in either the giving of information or the requesting of a decision. This act undermines the authority and position of the manager who is bypassed. If this practice is allowed to continue in a organized company, morale of the managers will decline. The urgency and frequency of these situations may, of course, mitigate the impact and inappropriateness of such contacts. In order for commands to be passed down to you the manager must maintain a level of respect from all subordinates. Once the chain of command is no longer respected the manager loses respect and can not effectively lead the team. It is important that the manager maintains their position and stays in control because if their control is lost the group will go a stray. Through having the group report back through the chain of command the manager maintains his position and makes sure he is aware of every decision made and has a hand in all major issues that arise. A manager can not say that he is in control of his department if he doesn't even know what's happening around his department. 200

In order to stress the importance of notifying your chain of command you must next understand how important communication is in this environment. The work of a policeman takes a lot of teamwork to be done successfully and without interruption. Communication is a dramatic part of the job of being a policeman. Communication

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