Operative; pointer (4)
I believe the answer is:
hand
I believe this is a double definition.
'operative' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in other clues)
'pointer' is the second definition.
(hand is a kind of pointer)
(Other definitions for hand that I've seen before include "audience response?" , "Manual worker" , "Given cards" , "Script" , "See 12" .)