Who leads the entire police service?

• A. Deputy Chief
• B. Superintendent
• C. Commissioner
• D. Chief

Answer: (D)

The leader of the entire police service is the Chief of Police. This person holds the highest level of authority, setting the department’s strategic direction, major policies, and budget priorities, and serving as the public face of the force. The Chief oversees all divisions and ensures coordinated, effective policing across the whole service, answering to city officials or a police board.

The Deputy Chief acts as the top assistant, helping manage day-to-day operations and stepping in for the Chief as needed. A Superintendent is a high rank in some systems, typically responsible for a specific region or division rather than the entire service. In some jurisdictions, the top position is called Commissioner, but in many municipal departments the standard head of the service is the Chief.