Which of the following defines the right to command and control lower-level employees?

The correct answer is the concept of authority, which refers to the legitimate power that an individual holds to direct and manage the actions of others within an organization. In the context of law enforcement or any hierarchical organization, authority allows a supervisor or manager to give orders, enforce rules, and guide subordinates in their tasks and responsibilities. This structure is crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that operations run smoothly.

Authority encompasses the formalized duties and rights associated with a position within an organization, empowering individuals to make decisions and utilize resources effectively. This is fundamental in law enforcement agencies, where clear lines of authority ensure that directives are followed efficiently and that accountability is maintained throughout the ranks.

The other terms like security authority, command responsibility, and unity of command have distinct meanings but do not specifically describe the concept of the right to command and control subordinates in the same broad sense as authority does. Security authority pertains more to specific powers regarding safety and protection, command responsibility relates to the obligations of a leader to ensure that subordinates perform their duties properly, and unity of command refers to the principle that a subordinate should have only one direct supervisor to avoid confusion in orders. While these concepts are relevant to organizational dynamics, they do not encapsulate the overarching right to command like authority