Law Enforcement AdministrationLesson summary - Reader format
A compact command-structure lesson for LEA items on supervision, accountability, and where operational orders should flow.
Command is authority to direct
Command means lawful authority over personnel and operations. In board stems, distinguish command authority from staff advice, technical support, or coordination with outside units.
Line and staff roles differ
Line units carry direct operational responsibility. Staff offices support planning, logistics, personnel, or intelligence, but support work does not automatically make them the command channel.
Use the stem's verb
Words like direct, supervise, coordinate, recommend, and report point to different organizational answers. The correct choice usually matches the verb more than the office name alone.