Under the so‑called prisoner government, this was the term for the supervisor of a Kommando. Its etymology derives from “capo,” the Italian word for head or boss. Responsible for maintaining discipline and the work rate of the prisoners in his charge, the Kapo had almost unlimited power and could punish, whip, and even kill prisoners as he saw fit. Many Kapos were distinguished by particular cruelty intended to intimidate and terrorize the prisoners. Their duties also included forming up the Kommandos, reporting on the number of prisoners, and preventing escapes. After the prisoners returned from work and stood for evening roll call, the Kapo handed them over to the block elder. Kapos lived apart, usually with other privileged prisoners.

(Mini dictionary of terms from the history of Auschwitz)