Town of Southold, NY Chief of Police

The Chief of Police shall:

Enforce the rules and regulations of the Police Department and be responsible for the discipline and efficiency of the members of the Department.

(2)

Provide each member with a copy of the rules and regulations and properly instruct him in his duties in such a manner as to render effective police service, that he is instructed with regard to his conduct, on and off duty, so that his conduct will not be detrimental to the good order and efficiency of the Police Department.

(3)

Assure accuracy in the preparation, maintenance and forwarding of reports and records.

(4)

Assure that all books and records required to be kept are in conformity with the laws of the State of New York and the rules and regulations of the Department and that entries therein are properly made.

(5)

As directed, take inventory, inspect and maintain department buildings, property and equipment, and forward a report to the Town Board.

(6)

Account for the property assigned to and issued for the use of members of the Department and the proper care, economical use, sufficiency and serviceability thereof and shall cause frequent inspections thereof.

(7)

Submit estimates to the Town Clerk for the preparation of the annual budget by the Town Board.

(8)

Frequently visit every building or parts thereof assigned to the Department and all parts of the territory within the boundaries of the Town and take, or direct to be taken, such action as may be required to render effective police service and to maintain proper discipline of the members.

(9)

When on patrol, and when absent, except with leave, shall keep the Department informed of his whereabouts.

(10)

Carefully investigate the following occurring within the Department and forward a written report in full detail to the Town Board:

(a)

The reported death of any member of the Department, while acting in the discharge of duty.

(b)

Cases of special faithfulness to duty, exceptional skill and bravery in the performance of duty and police service of an exceptional nature rendered by any member of the Department.

(c)

Cases of civilians assistance to the Police Department or any member thereof.

(11)

Carry out the following, in addition to all other reports, when a member of the Department is injured or a member of the public is injured by a member of the Police Department:

(a)

Make a careful investigation of the circumstances of the injury and cause witnesses to be interviewed and written statements obtained.

(b)

Make a report of the results of the investigation. This report shall show whether or not, in his opinion, such injury was sustained in the performance of police duty, whether or not negligence on the part of the injured member contributed to the injury and the names and addresses of all witnesses.

(12)

At his discretion, personally inspect the uniform and equipment of members of the Department. He shall at all times give particular attention to the uniforms, equipment and general appearance of the members of the force.

(13)

Carefully observe the police duty performed by probationary patrolmen and report thereon to the Town Board at a meeting previous to the expiration of the probationary period.

(14)

Obtain or cause to be obtained all Police Department property, including all revolvers and pistols, in the possession of a member of the force who resigns, retires, is dismissed or enters active military service and obtain all Police Department property and all revolvers and pistols from among the effects of a member who dies, as required by law.

(15)

Divide the territory within the police jurisdiction of the Town into posts, to be divided into such operational patrol sectors or posts as needed for continuous patrol functions.

(16)

Issue written and verbal orders to attain department goals.

(17)

When a burglary or other serious crime is committed or a serious accident occurs under circumstances which indicate that the member of the Department on post might have prevented it, the Chief of Police shall cause an investigation to be made, and if the investigation reveals neglect on the part of the member, he shall prefer written charges against the member.

(18)

Cause duty charts to be established, such charts to have the force and effect of rules and regulations when authenticated with the original signature of the Chief of Police.

(19)

Evaluate programs.

(20)

Draft specifications for equipment, uniform and insignia.

(21)

Develop plans to meet department needs.

(22)

Control department expenditures.

(23)

Maintain suitable relations with mass communications media.

(24)

Cooperate with all law enforcement agencies and officers in matters of mutual interest.

(25)

Provide leadership and guidance in developing loyalty and dedication to the police profession.

(26)

Promulgate procedures for the direction, supervision and evaluation of members in their assigned duties. Recommend remedial or disciplinary action for inefficient, incompetent or unsuitable conduct and/or behavior of members.

(27)

Support a member of his command who is properly performing his duty.

(28)

Correct subordinates in a dignified manner.

(29)

Ensure the security and care of prisoners and sick, injured or unconscious persons and obtain medical care when needed.

(30)

Deal fairly and equitably with subordinates.

(31)

At all times, conduct himself in a manner which will provide leadership and guidance to the members of the Department and enhance the public image of the police in general.

(32)

Cause the vacation list for the following year to be prepared.

The Chief of Police may excuse for one tour of duty a member of the Department who performs any exceptional act or deed of particular merit, which in his opinion deserves recognition, provided that the exigencies of the service permit. A brief but comprehensive report of the act or deed for which he rewards such member shall be forwarded to the Town Board, and he shall file a copy in the member's service record.