Direct supervision implies that an authority person is physically close to his or her subordinates. Indirect supervision implies the presence of an authoritative figure who may or may not be seen or heard.
In a jail context, direct supervision necessitates the presence of correctional officials in the residential unit with direct physical contact with convicts. In order to implement indirect supervision in a jail, correctional staff must monitor inmates from enclosed stations. Occupational therapy and dentistry require direct supervision, which necessitates daily, on-site contact with clients and patients and the capacity to meet their demands. Multiple workplaces and households utilise direct and indirect supervision to satisfy the demands of consumers and families.
