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.