chief deputy
Leader's right hand
A chief deputy is the second-in-command in an organization, typically a government agency or law enforcement department.
The chief deputy serves directly under the head official and assumes authority in their absence: The chief deputy runs day-to-day operations while the sheriff handles public relations.
The title is most common in sheriff's offices, where the chief deputy often manages personnel and administrative functions.
- second-in-commandImmediate subordinate to leader
- number twoDeputy or runner-up
- right-hand manIndispensable assistant
- lieutenantJunior commissioned officer
- second bananaSupporting performer, not lead
aide · assistant · understudy · right-hand · marshal · law enforcement · command · authority · badge · rank · hierarchy · successor · appointee · delegation · office · bureau · enforcement · precinct
- policeofficer, cop, officers, patrol, cops
- law enforcementFBI, police station, patrolmen, police officer, cop
- Police Rankspolice commissioner, sheriff, captain, lieutenant, sergeant
- county officialssheriff, commissioner, county clerk, county attorney, assessor
chief deputyhead honcho
Chief in charge
chief · sheriff · commander-in-chief · director · principal
chief deputysuperior
Higher in rank
boss · commanding officer · supervisor · master · overlord
chief, deputy, chiefs, chiefly, chieftain, chieftaincy, deputies, deputize, deputized