When appearing in court, employees will be in
full uniform suitable for indoors or in civilian attire of a conservative
nature: suit and tie or sport jacket and tie. Female employees will
appear in uniform or civilian attire equivalent to that worn in a
business office. Members shall present a neat and clean appearance,
avoiding any mannerism which might imply disrespect to the court,
and be properly identified by wearing their badge on civilian clothing
when not in uniform. All nonuniformed attire is subject to approval
of the commanding officer.
Any member or employee subpoenaed to testify
for the defense in any trial or hearing or against the municipality
or Department in any hearing or trial shall notify his commander upon
receipt of the subpoena. The commander shall notify the Municipal
Attorney.
Any member or employee appearing as a witness
before any competent investigative body, a judicial tribunal, a hearing
board or a person authorized to take testimony who invokes constitutional
privilege and refuses to testify shall be subject to disciplinary
action.
Members and employees are required to answer
questions by or render material and relevant statements to a competent
authority in a Department personnel investigation when so directed.
Members and employees are required to be truthful
at all times, whether under oath or not.
A member or employee shall not volunteer to
testify in civil actions and shall not testify unless legally subpoenaed.
Members and employees will accept all subpoenas legally served. If
the subpoena arises out of Department employment or if the member
or employee is informed that he is a party to a civil action arising
out of Department employment, he shall immediately notify his commanding
officer and the Municipal Attorney of the service or notification
and of the testimony he is prepared to give. Members and employees
shall not enter into any financial understanding for appearances as
witnesses prior to any trial except in accordance with current directives.
Members and employees shall confer with their
commanders before giving a deposition or affidavit in a civil case.
If a commander determines that the case is of importance to the Borough,
he shall inform the Chief of Police before the deposition or affidavit
is given.
Members shall not serve civil process or assist
in civil cases unless the specific consent of the Chief of Police
is obtained. They shall avoid entering into civil disputes, particularly
while performing their police duties, but shall prevent or abate a
breach of the peace or crime in such cases.
