As used in this chapter, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
BUREAU
A unit immediately subordinate to a division.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
The unbroken line of authority extending from the Chief of
Police through a single subordinate at each level of command down
to the level of execution, and vice versa.
COMMANDING OFFICER
Any rank of Detective/Lieutenant and above.
[Amended 9-20-1983 by Ord. No. 83-16]
DAYS OFF
Those days, determined by the Chief of Police, on which a
given member is excused from duty.
DETAIL
A temporary assignment of personnel for a specialized activity.
DIVISION
A functional unit having jurisdiction-wide coverage whose
commanding officer reports directly to the Captain of Police.
EMPLOYEE
A civilian employee of the Department.
GENERAL ORDERS
Written directives issued by the Chief of Police. General
orders remain in full force and effect until amended, superseded or
canceled by the Chief of Police. Department general orders establish
policy, procedure or regulations governing matters which affect the
entire Department or two or more subordinate units. They are the most
authoritative directive issued in the Department and may be used to
amend, supersede or cancel any other order.
HEADQUARTERS
The police buildings that house the headquarters' staff and
the members of the Department.
INCOMPETENCE
Incapability of satisfactory performance of police duties.
INSUBORDINATION
Failure or deliberate refusal of any member or employee to
obey a lawful order given by a superior officer; ridiculing a superior
officer or his order, whether in or out of his presence; and disrespectful,
mutinous, insolent or abusive language directed toward a supervising
officer.
INVESTIGATOR
A police officer assigned to conduct criminal investigations
while in civilian clothing.
LAWFUL ORDER
Any written or oral directive issued by a superior officer
to any subordinate or group of subordinates in the course of police
duty which is not in violation of any law, ordinance or any Department
rule or regulation.
MEMBER
Any duly appointed police officer of the Department.
MEMORANDA
Information bulletins which are primarily designed to inform
and secondarily to direct issues at departmental and divisional level.
Such memoranda are not official orders, but express the thinking of
the issuing authority on the subject under consideration.
MILITARY LEAVE
The period of time during which an officer is excused from
duty by reason of serving the Armed Forces of the United States in
an active capacity as provided by law.
NEGLECT OF DUTY
Failure to give suitable attention to the performance of
duty. Examples include, but are not limited to, the failure to take
appropriate action on the occasion of a crime, disorder or other act
or condition deserving police attention; absence without leave; failure
to report to duty at the time and place designated; unauthorized absence
from the beat during a tour of duty; failure to perform duties or
comply with provisions prescribed in the Police Manual; and failure
to conform to the Department operating procedures.
OFF DUTY
The status of a member during the period he is free from
the performance of specified duties; also may be known as "rest period,"
"day off" or an "annual vacation."
OFFICIAL CHANNELS
Through the hands of the superior officers in the chain of
command.
ON DUTY
The status of a member during the period of the day when
he is actively engaged in the performance of his duties. Technically,
a police officer is subject to call at all times.
ORDER
Any written or oral directive issued by a superior officer
to any subordinate or group of subordinates in the course of police
duty.
PERSONNEL ORDERS
Appointment, assignment or any other status change of personnel
within the Department accomplished by Department personnel orders
issued by the Chief of Police.
POLICE MANUAL
Reference guide specifying the rules and regulations governing
the conduct of personnel and the operation of the Department as well
as specifying Department policies and procedures. Department orders
will be incorporated into the Police Manual after a provisional period
of operation. This Manual is issued by authority of the Chief of Police
and carries the weight of a general order.
PROCEDURE
The official method of dealing with any given situation prescribed
by the Chief's order or procedural guide.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Department legislation consisting of detailed directives
binding members and employees of all ranks in terms of authority,
responsibility and conduct.
SECTION
A functional unit subordinate to a bureau or under the immediate
direction of the Chief of Police. It may be commanded by any rank,
depending on its size and the nature and importance of its function.
SHIFT
A daily tour of duty.
SICK LEAVE
The period of time during which an officer is excused from
active duty by reason of illness or injury.
SPECIAL DUTY
Police service the nature of which requires that the member
be excused from the performance of his regular duties.
SPECIAL ORDERS
Written directives issued by the Chief of Police. They specify
instruction governing particular situations. Special orders are automatically
canceled when their objectives are achieved.
SUPERVISORY OFFICER
A member of the Department assigned to a position requiring
the exercise of immediate supervision over the activities of other
members and employees.
TOUR OF DUTY
The number of days of work on a given shift during which
an individual member is on duty.
TRAINING BULLETIN
Bulletins published and designed to keep officers of the
Department abreast of current police techniques and procedures. The
bulletins and their presentation act as a continuous training program
and as a stimulus for further study. The information contained therein
constitutes official Department policy on the subject matter under
consideration in the absence of other instruction to the contrary.