What term describes informal networks formed between lower and higher ranking officers in police organizations?

The term that accurately describes informal networks formed between lower and higher-ranking officers in police organizations is "Vertical Cliques." These networks typically arise outside the formal hierarchy and are characterized by relationships that cross ranks, allowing for communication, mentorship, and mutual support between officers at different levels. Vertical cliques can enhance organizational cohesion by fostering collaboration and understanding between ranks, but they also can lead to informal power dynamics that may influence decision-making and resource allocation.

In contrast, horizontal communication refers to interactions among officers at the same rank, while the chain of command denotes the official pathway for authority and communication within the police organization. Informal networks, while a broader term, do not specifically capture the nature of interactions between different levels of hierarchy as precisely as vertical cliques do.