1. PURPOSE

The chain of command provides order, accountability, and realistic leadership. Members shall use the chain of command unless immediate safety concerns require direct emergency action.

2. EXECUTIVE COMMAND

2.1 SHERIFF
The Sheriff is the highest-ranking authority in the department. The Sheriff sets department-wide policy, approves major organizational changes, appoints executive command, and has final authority over discipline, promotions, and department direction.

2.2 UNDERSHERIFF
The Undersheriff is second in command. The Undersheriff manages daily executive operations, ensures bureau compliance, coordinates Assistant Sheriffs, and acts for the Sheriff when authorized.

3. ASSISTANT SHERIFFS

3.1 ASSISTANT SHERIFF - COUNTY WIDE OPERATIONS
Responsible for all countywide and specialized operations, including:
A. Gang Suppression Unit.
B. OSS Detail.
C. Parole Compliance Team.
D. Sting operations.
E. Warrant operations.
F. SEB-style tactical response.
G. Major crime suppression.
H. Multi-station special enforcement.

3.2 ASSISTANT SHERIFF - PATROL OPERATIONS
Responsible for all patrol operations, including:
A. Patrol divisions.
B. Station operations.
C. Field deployment standards.
D. Watch commander expectations.
E. Patrol performance and response.
F. Patrol policy compliance.

3.3 ASSISTANT SHERIFF - TRAINING AND PERSONNEL
Responsible for deputies, training, and personnel standards, including:
A. Academy operations.
B. FTO program.
C. Remedial training.
D. Personnel files.
E. Ride-alongs.
F. Training standards.
G. Evaluation standards.

4. DIVISION CHIEFS

4.1 DIVISION CHIEF - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Oversees Internal Affairs, discipline review, policy compliance, administrative investigations, and professional conduct.

4.2 DIVISION CHIEF - NORTH PATROL
Oversees North Patrol operations, stations, staffing, patrol supervisors, and operational readiness.

4.3 DIVISION CHIEF - CENTRAL PATROL
Oversees Central Patrol operations, stations, staffing, patrol supervisors, and operational readiness.

5. COMMANDERS

Commanders manage bureaus or patrol areas under Division Chiefs. Commanders ensure Captains are following policy, evaluate operational performance, and handle major incidents when needed.

6. CAPTAIN - STATION CAPTAIN

The Captain commands a station. The Captain manages station personnel, activity standards, discipline, staffing, training compliance, and station-specific operational plans.

7. LIEUTENANT - WATCH COMMANDER

The Lieutenant acts as the Watch Commander during assigned shifts. The Watch Commander controls field operations, approves critical tactics, reviews major incidents, handles complaints, and ensures supervisor coverage.

8. SERGEANT - FIELD SUPERVISOR

Sergeants supervise deputies in the field. They respond to force incidents, pursuits, complaints, high-risk calls, deputy-involved incidents, and scenes requiring command presence.

9. BONUS DEPUTY SHERIFF / SENIOR DEPUTY

A Bonus Deputy or Senior Deputy is an experienced deputy who may assist with training, field guidance, and advanced patrol responsibilities. This rank does not replace a Sergeant unless formally assigned acting authority.

10. DEPUTY SHERIFF

Deputies conduct patrol, respond to calls, complete reports, make arrests, conduct investigations, and follow lawful orders.

11. PROBATIONARY DEPUTY

Probationary Deputies are entry-level sworn personnel. They must follow FTO guidance, avoid solo high-risk actions unless approved, and complete probation standards.

12. CHAIN OF COMMAND RULE

Members shall resolve issues at the lowest appropriate level. Skipping the chain of command is allowed only for:
A. Serious misconduct by the direct supervisor.
B. Emergency safety concerns.
C. Corruption complaints.
D. Staff-directed matters.