PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION 1.02
TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION
GENERAL ORDER: 2.2
EFFECTIVE: October 1, 1998
RESCINDS:
ACCREDITATION
STANDARDS: CFA 1.02
PAGES: 2
CONTENTS:
This order consists of the following numbered sections:
I. UNITY OF COMMAND
II. SPAN OF CONTROL
III. GLOSSARY
PURPOSE:
To establish and define the agency’s policy on the span of control and unity of command.
SCOPE:
This order applies to all Police Department members.
DISCUSSION:
In law enforcement service, it is important that only one person be in direct command and control of
each situation and that each member is supervised by only one supervisor. Unity of command assures unity of effort by
coordinating the actions of all forces toward a common goal.
Span of control is determined by such factors as the complexity of tasks to be performed by subordinates, the separation
of superiors from subordinates by time or geography, and the time required for other functions not related to supervision.
POLICY:
All members and organizational components will adhere to the principles of organization described in this
order.
PROCEDURE:
I. UNITY OF COMMAND:
The organizational structure of the agency shall provide clear-cut channels of authority.
A.
Each member shall be accountable to only one supervisor at any given time.
\[CFA 1.02\]
B.
Every supervisor, regardless of assignment, is responsible for taking action in emergencies requiring immediate
supervisory attention.
II. SPAN OF CONTROL:
Span of control is dictated, in part, by the competency of immediate subordinates. Highly
qualified and competent subordinates usually require less guidance and supervision, thus providing Administrators or
Supervisors additional time for the discharge of other duties or assignments. The span of control shall be authorized by
the Chief of Police for the various units, squads and/or divisions. To achieve effective direction, coordination, and
G.O.2.2
control, the number of employees under the immediate control of a supervisor will not be excessive. The exact number of
employees supervised by any one (1) supervisor will be dependent on experience
(knowledge, skill, and ability), the nature of the job being performed, the complexity of the task, the size of the area to be
supervised, and other factors having a bearing on the work environment, but should not be more than eight (8).
III. GLOSSARY:
COMPONENT - A subdivision of the agency established and staffed on a full time basis to provide a specific function.
INDEXING:
PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION
SPAN OF CONTROL
UNITY OF COMMAND
DRAFTED:
RLG/February 1, 1998/Filed: Org2.2
APPROVED:
Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011
Tequesta, Florida
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