What is the term for the number of officers a supervisor can oversee?

The term for the number of officers a supervisor can oversee is known as "Span of Control." This concept is crucial in law enforcement and management as it helps to define the number of direct reports that a supervisor can manage effectively. A proper span of control allows for efficient communication, supervision, and task completion without causing bottlenecks or overwhelming the supervisor.

When the span of control is appropriate, it ensures that supervisors can devote sufficient attention and resources to each officer, supporting their development and the overall productivity of the unit. If the span is too wide, it can lead to inefficiency, lack of oversight, and inadequate support for the officers under their command.

Other terms such as hierarchy, command structure, and chain of command refer to the organizational structure and relationships within law enforcement or military organizations but do not specifically address the number of individuals a single supervisor can effectively manage. Therefore, the choice relating to the number of supervised officers directly corresponds to the concept of span of control, making it the correct answer.