A Basic Command Unit (BCU) is the largest unit into which territorial British Police forces are divided. This may actually be called a BCU or may have another designation, such as Division or Area.

Most forces are divided into at least three BCUs and some have many more. Most BCUs are further subdivided into smaller units. The BCU is usually commanded by a Chief Superintendent.

The term is a fairly new one. Until the 1990s most forces were divided into Divisions.