A police officer of a rank superior to that of a constable may perform any duty assigned by law or by a lawful order to any officer subordinate to him, and in the case of any duty imposed on such subordinate, a superior may aid, supplement, supersede, or prevent any action of such subordinate by his own action or that of any person lawfully acting under his command or authority, whenever the same shall appear necessary or expedient for giving more complete or convenient effect to the law or for avoiding any imprisonment thereof.