Public Services Level 3
Unit 13 – Command and Control in the Uniformed Public Services
P1 – Identify the rank structure in two contrasting uniformed public services including
responsibilities.
Introduction
In this task, I am going to identify the rank structures in the Police and the British Army, I will also
add the roles of each rank in each service.
The Police Service (United Kingdom)
In the Police Service, there are ten main ranks in
the structure. These ranks will be gained from
experience. For example, you must spend two
years as a Police Constable before you can
specialise in a specific role such as Dog Handling,
Armed Police, Tactical Support Teams, Traffic Unit,
Airborne Operations and Protection Command.
Constable – A Police Constable is the starting role in the Police. Constables will uphold law
enforcement and will have certain powers granted, including the power to arrest and obtain a
warrant from the court. Constables can also specialise in many roles within the Police.
Sergeant –Sergeants are very similar to Constables and still work out in the streets responding to
calls and emergency incidents. However, Sergeants have extra management responsibilities,
including the mentoring of Constables to assist them with any troubles.
Inspector – Inspectors in the Police Service are like normal Sergeants. However, they are mainly
involved in overlooking activity from the Constables and Sergeants, making sure that everything is
going well. If there are any problems, the Inspector will bring it up with the Sergeant.
Chief Inspector – Chief Inspectors in the Police Service manage large groups of Constables,
Sergeants and Inspectors. Similar to an Inspector, the Chief Inspector will overlook all activity from
the lower ranks to ensure that everything is going well. Mainly, Chief Inspectors are put in charge of
specialist investigations such as robberies, murders and other large-scale crimes.
Superintendent –Superintendents are the senior managers in the Police Service, this rank doesn’t
involve much basic policing and more office-based work. Superintendents are in charge of
maintaining the personal security of all workers in the Police. Superintendents also organise
fundraising and charitable operations to bring in additional finance.
, Chief Superintendent – Chief Superintendents are also known as Commanders of the Police Service,
they specialise in the management of divisions within the Police. For example, within the Criminal
Investigations Department, a Chief Superintendent will be in charge of a division within it.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner - The Deputy Assistant Commissioner is the person who assists the
Commissioner in taking charge. The Commissioner will visit the other ranks in the Police such as the
Chief, Superintendent and Inspector to ensure the Commissioner’s order are being followed.
Commissioner –Only large cities such as London have a Commissioner. The Commissioner is the
person who is in charge of all operations. If there has been a rise in terrorist threat, the
Commissioner will be the person to ensure that Police Officers are deployed to specific areas.
Sources: Met Police Careers, Wikipedia
THE BRITISH ARMY
In the British Army, there are two sets of ranks.
Commissioned ranks and non-commissioned ranks. I am
going to be identifying the non-commissioned ranks and
the roles of each rank starting with a Volunteer and ending
with a Regimental Sergeant Major.
Volunteer - In the British Army, the Volunteer rank is given to anyone who is currently volunteering
in the British Army. For example, a reserves Intelligence Corps member will have this rank.
Private - A Private is the first rank given to a full-time serving soldier. This is the most common rank
amongst infantry soldiers. However, after experience has been gained, a Private may be promoted
to a Lance Corporal. Privates follow orders made by Lance Corporals and any ranks above.
Lance Corporal - Lance Corporals lead small units when deployed and when training. The LC will
ensure that everyone is fit and healthy when in battle and ensure that the task at hand is completed
successfully and that everyone is doing their part.
This picture shows a British Army Lance
Corporal in the Medical Corps. He was
promoted to Lance Corporal for his effort and
experience and this was shown when he was
later awarded the Military Cross.
