Span of command
A term from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP), reproduced under the Open Government Licence with a link back to the authoritative source.
Definition
The hierarchy within command and control, clarifying reporting and accountability relationships.
This definition is drawn from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice. For the full operational guidance and current wording, read it at source.
Related terms
Command resilience
The ability of the command structure to function effectively over extended periods.
Integrity of command
The principle that each emergency service retains command of its own personnel.
Memorandum of understanding
An agreement between organizations providing guidelines for local implementation.
Planned operations
Police operations developed in advance with strategies and tactics.
Rising tide incidents
Incidents that evolve from steady state into emergencies.
Span of control
The number of lines of communication one individual can maintain.
Definition reproduced from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. See the source link above for the authoritative, current wording.