Command Structure
In order to ensure clear understanding, efficiency, and accountability, each member shall be aware of one's position in the chain of command. The command structure is based on the principle that each member has a specific supervisor, to whom that member is responsible, each supervisor reports to a specific commander, and so on to the top of the chain (the Sheriff of Ontario County.)
A member must also be aware that under certain circumstances, particularly when availability is a factor, that one may receive and must carry out an order given by a supervisor who is outside one's normal chain of command. In this case, the latter is accountable for the action, and the member's responsibility to the regularly assigned supervisor is in no way lessened.
Individual Authority
Individual members and employees are encouraged to exercise their authority to make decisions necessary for the effective execution of their responsibilities. Members should take full advantage of the training and experience resources available to them to become more proficient in their duties. No one is perfect and despite the best effort, mistakes are bound to occur; but, as Santayana wrote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Delegating Authority
The effective manager soon discovers that one can cope with increasing responsibilities only by delegating portions of one's authority to those supervised. While this is encouraged, it shall be clearly understood that the delegation of authority does not provide an escape from responsibility. Each employee is fully accountable for the use of delegated authority, as well as for the failure to use it appropriately.