Members and employees are responsible for the proper care of Department property and equipment assigned to them. Damaged or lost property may subject the responsible individual to reimbursement charges and appropriate disciplinary action.
Members and employees shall immediately report to their commanding officer in writing any loss of or damage to Department property assigned to or used by them. The immediate superior will be notified of any defects or hazardous conditions existing in any Department equipment or property.
Members and employees shall not mar, mark or deface any surface in any Department building. No material shall be affixed in any way to any wall in Department buildings without specific authorization from a commanding officer.
Members and employees shall not alter or deface any posted notice of the Department. Notices or announcements shall not be posted on bulletin boards without permission of a commanding officer.
Members shall not use any Department vehicle without the permission of a superior officer. Department vehicles shall never be used for personal business or pleasure.
Members and employees, when driving vehicles of any description, private or of the Department, shall not violate the traffic laws except only in cases of absolute emergency, and then only in conformity with the law regarding same. They shall set an example for other persons in the operation of their vehicles.
Members driving any Department vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, shall exercise judgment and care, with due regard to the safety of life and property. They shall slow down at all street intersections to such a degree that, when crossing same, they will have safe control of their cars, especially when crossing street intersections where the traffic signal lights are against them or where there are stop signs. They shall use the red light and sound the siren on such calls and take the utmost precaution. They shall limit use of red flashing lights where safe to do so, using alternating lights and/or the vehicle's four-way flashers after the vehicle has come to a full stop.
Citizens will be transported in Department vehicles only when necessary to accomplish a police purpose. Such transportation will be done in conformance with Department policy or at the direction of a command officer, immediate supervisor or communications center.
Accidents involving municipal personnel, property and equipment must be reported in accordance with Department procedures.
In the event that municipal property is found bearing evidence of damage which has not been reported, it shall be prima facie evidence that the last person using the property or vehicle was responsible.