The structure of the average law enforcement agency has always been a well-defined hierarchy. With the leader at the top making all the calls down to the many officers carrying out orders barking down the line. Although this worked for many years, is it really the right way for departments today? Or is there a more effective structure that can be used?Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Pyramid of Power Modeled after the military, the ranks within a police department's hierarchy are highly structured and very specific. It has been this way for many years. The average structure from top to bottom is generally: Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective and finally Officer. Although a few extra rows may be added here and there, this is generally the basic structure (Browne, C.). The further we go, the more people there are in these positions. Like a pyramid. The Chef, who is at the top of the food chain, has the final say on everything that happens within the department. More of a figurehead, they generally liaise with the public on behalf of the ministry (Browne, C.). Rather, captains are the ones in charge of all personnel. They are usually designated in certain departments of the organization. Lieutenants are generally responsible for a group of officers, such as an entire team. Sergeants are generally considered supervisors of lesser officers. Detectives are primarily involved in investigations while officers are the front-line law enforcement officers to the public (Browne, C.). This structure has proven to be very effective over the years. This produces a hierarchical structure of authority and delegation throughout the organization. However, this type of system also generates some internal problems. These may include, but are not limited to, respect and trust between different levels and the duty to follow policies set by those “behind a desk” and not on the front lines (Wuestewald, T. 2006 ). A newer, more revised system. so-called participatory management helps to resolve these problems. Organizations create “steering committees” made up of all levels. These committees work together for the benefit of the entire organization. Issues such as policies and procedures to discipline and hiring techniques are examined and re-evaluated to operate effectively and efficiently (Wuestewald, T. 2006). Knowing that the entire department is working together to achieve the same common goal helps build morale and respect among all ranks. The correctional department I currently work for has begun to become increasingly participatory in the ways described above. Although we still operate under a hierarchical structure that I never see any department completely abandoning, we have a steering committee that has reviewed all of our policies and procedures and asked for your input on what changes should and are necessary. to be carried out at all levels of staff. They focus primarily on officers because they are the frontline forces within the facility, know what needs to be done, and may have better ideas on how to execute them. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper. now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayIn conclusion, although there is a rigid hierarchical structure within organizations..