A. 
Standard of conduct. Members and employees shall conduct their private and professional lives in such a manner as to avoid bringing the Department into disrepute.
B. 
Loyalty. Loyalty to the Department and associates is an important factor in Department morale and efficiency. Members and employees shall maintain loyalty to the Department and their associates as consistent with the law and personal ethics.
C. 
Cooperation. Cooperation between the ranks and units of the Department is essential to effective law enforcement. Therefore, all members are strictly charged with establishing and maintaining a high spirit of cooperation within the Department.
D. 
Assistance. All members are required to take appropriate police action toward aiding a fellow peace officer exposed to danger or in a situation where danger might be impending.
E. 
General responsibilities. Members shall at all times take appropriate action to:
(1) 
Protect life and property.
(2) 
Preserve the peace.
(3) 
Prevent crime.
(4) 
Detect and arrest violators of the law.
(5) 
Enforce all federal, state and local laws and ordinances coming within Department jurisdiction.
F. 
Duty responsibilities. Members of the Department are always subject to duty although periodically relieved of its routine performance. They shall, at all times, respond to the lawful orders of superior officers and other proper authorities as well as calls for police assistance from citizens. Proper police action must be taken whenever required. The administrative delegation of the enforcement of certain laws and ordinances to particular units of the Department does not relieve members of other units from the responsibility of taking prompt, effective police action within the scope of those laws and ordinances when the occasion so requires. Members assigned to special duties are not relieved from taking proper action outside the scope of their specialized assignment when necessary.
G. 
Neglect of duty. Members and employees shall not commit any act nor shall they be guilty of any omission that constitutes neglect of duty.
H. 
Performance of duty. All members and employees shall perform their duties as required or directed by law, Department rule, policy or order or by order of a superior officer. All lawful duties required by competent authority shall be performed promptly as directed, notwithstanding the general assignment of duties and responsibilities.
I. 
Questions regarding assignment. Members and employees in doubt as to the nature or detail of their assignment shall seek clarification from their supervisors by going through the chain of command.
J. 
Insubordination. Members or employees shall not commit acts of insubordination. The following specific acts are prohibited by this section:
(1) 
Failure or deliberate refusal to obey a lawful order given by a superior officer.
(2) 
Any disrespectful, mutinous, insolent or abusive language or action toward a superior officer.
K. 
Obedience to laws and regulations. Members and employees shall observe and obey all laws and ordinances, all rules and regulations and orders of the Department.
L. 
Criticism of official acts or orders. Members and employees shall not criticize the official actions, instructions or orders of any Department member in a manner which is defamatory, obscene, unlawful or which tends to impair the efficient operation of the Department.
M. 
Conduct toward superior and subordinate officers and associates. Members and employees shall treat superior officers, subordinates and associates with respect. They shall be courteous and civil at all times in their relationships with one another. When on duty and particularly in the presence of other members, employees or the public, officers should be referred to by rank.
N. 
Manner of issuing orders. Orders from superior to subordinate shall be in clear, understandable language, civil in tone and issued in pursuit of Department business.
O. 
Unlawful orders. No command or supervisory officer shall knowingly issue any order which is in violation of any law or ordinance or Department rule.
P. 
Obedience to unlawful orders. Obedience to an unlawful order is never a defense of an unlawful action; therefore no member or employee is required to obey any order which is contrary to the federal or state law or local ordinance. Responsibility for refusal to obey rests with the member. He shall be strictly required to justify his action.
Q. 
Obedience to unjust or improper orders. Members or employees who are given orders which they feel to be unjust or contrary to rules and regulations must first obey the order to the best of their ability, and they may proceed to appeal as provided in Subsection S hereof.
R. 
Conflicting orders. Upon receipt of an order conflicting with any previous order or instruction, the member or employee affected will advise the person issuing the second order of this fact. Responsibility for countermanding the original instruction then rests with the individual issuing the second order. If so directed, the latter command shall be obeyed first. Orders will be countermanded or conflicting orders will be issued only when reasonably necessary for the good of the Department.
S. 
Reports and appeals of unlawful, unjust and improper orders. A member or employee receiving an unlawful, unjust or improper order shall, at first opportunity, report in writing to the Chief of Police through official channels. This report shall contain the facts of the incident and the action taken. Appeals for relief from such orders may be made at the same time. Interdepartment action regarding such an appeal shall be conducted through the office of the Chief of Police.
T. 
Soliciting gifts, gratuities, fees, rewards or loans. Members and employees shall not under any circumstances solicit any gift, gratuity, loan, reward or fee where there is any connection between the solicitation and their Department membership or employment.
U. 
Acceptance of gifts, gratuities, fees or loans. Members and employees shall not accept, either directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, loan, fee or any other object of value arising from or offered because of police employment or any activity connected with said employment. Members and employees shall not accept any gift, gratuity, loan, fee or other object of value, the acceptance of which might tend to influence the actions of said members or employees or any other member or employee in any matter of police business or which might tend to cast an adverse reflection on the Department or any member or employee thereof. No member or employee of the Department shall receive any gift or gratuity from other members or employees junior in rank without the express permission of the Chief of Police.
V. 
Rewards. Members and employees shall not accept any gift, gratuity or reward in money or other compensation for services rendered in the line of duty to the community or any person, business or agency, except lawful salary and that which may be authorized by law.
W. 
Other transactions. Members and employees are prohibited from buying or selling anything of value from or to any complainant, suspect, witness, defendant, prisoner or other person involved in any case which has come to their attention or which arose out of their Department employment, except as may be specifically authorized by the Chief of Police.
X. 
Disposition of unauthorized gifts or gratuities. Any unauthorized gift, gratuity, loan, fee, reward or other object coming into the possession of any member or employee shall be forwarded to the office of the Chief of Police, together with a written report explaining the circumstances.
Y. 
Free admissions and passes. Members and employees shall not solicit or accept free admission to theaters and other places of amusement for themselves and others, except in the line of duty.
Z. 
Incurring and payment of debts.
(1) 
Members and employees shall not solicit other members or employees to cosign or endorse any promissory note or other loan, except for those members associated together in a business enterprise and for which the note or loan is being negotiated, which business enterprise has previously been approved by the Mayor and Council for the member or employee for engagement by the member or employee, and further except for those members or employees who are related by blood or marriage.
(2) 
No member or employee shall offer to act as a cosignatory or endorser of any promissory note or other loan for another member or employee, except for those members associated together in a business enterprise and for which the note or loan is being negotiated, which business enterprise has previously been approved by the Mayor and Council for the member or employee for engagement by the member or employee, and further except for those members or employees who are related by blood or marriage.
(3) 
Members and employees shall pay all just debts and legal liabilities incurred by them.
AA. 
Soliciting for intercession. Members and employees shall not solicit anyone to intercede with the Chief of Police, Police Committee, Mayor or members of the Council in relation to promotion, assignment, disposition of pending charges or findings in a Department trial or other related matter. This shall not preclude their right to counsel.
BB. 
Disreputable conduct. No member or employee of the Department shall act, behave or conduct himself in a manner which shall bring disrespect or disrepute to himself or the Department.
CC. 
Withholding information. Members and employees shall not at any time withhold any information concerning criminal activity.
DD. 
Reporting violation of law, ordinances, rules or orders. Members and employees knowing of other members or employees violating laws, ordinances or rules of the Department or disobeying orders shall report same to the Chief of Police through official channels. If the member or employee believes the information is of such gravity that it must be brought to the immediate personal attention of the Chief of Police, official channels may be bypassed.
[Amended 12-19-2005 by Ord. No. 919]
A. 
Prohibited activity on duty. Members and employees are prohibited from engaging in the following activities while on duty:
(1) 
Sleeping, loafing or idling.
(2) 
Conducting private business.
(3) 
Gambling, unless to further a police purpose.
B. 
Alcoholic beverages and drugs.
(1) 
No member or employee of the Department will appear for or be on duty under the influence of liquor or drugs or be unfit for duty because of their excessive use.
(2) 
Members or employees of the Department shall not drink any kind of intoxicating beverage while on duty or take any drugs not duly prescribed and necessary for health at any time.
(3) 
Members or employees of the Department shall refrain from drinking intoxicating beverages for a reasonable period before going on duty.
(4) 
Intoxicating beverages may not be consumed at any police station.
(5) 
No member of the Department shall, at any time when in uniform, except in the performance of duty, enter any place in which intoxicating liquor is served.
(6) 
Members and employees shall not bring into or keep any intoxicating liquor or drugs on Department premises except when necessary in the performance of a police task. Liquor or drugs brought into Department premises in the furtherance of a police task shall be properly identified and stored according to Department policy.
C. 
Absence from duty. Every member or employee who fails to appear for duty at the date, time and place specified without the consent of competent authority is absent without leave. Such absence within the period of one day must be reported in writing to the commanding officer. Absences without leave in excess of one day must be reported to the Chief of Police.
D. 
Roll call. Unless otherwise directed, members shall report to daily roll call at the time and place specified, properly uniformed and equipped. They shall give careful attention to orders and instructions, avoiding unnecessary talking or movement.
E. 
Physical fitness for duty. Members shall maintain good physical condition so that they can handle the strenuous physical contacts often required of a law enforcement officer.
F. 
Loitering. Members on duty or in uniform shall not enter theaters or other public places except to perform a police task. Loitering and unnecessary conversation in such locations are forbidden.
G. 
Smoking while on duty. Members shall not smoke on duty while in direct contact with the public nor while in uniform in public view, except that smoking is permitted in public view at mealtimes and while patrolling in police automobiles, at which times it shall be as inconspicuous as possible.
H. 
Relief. Members and employees are to remain at their assignments and on duty until properly relieved by other members or employees or until dismissed by competent authority.
I. 
Suspending patrol for lunch or coffee break.
(1) 
Members will be permitted to suspend patrol, subject to immediate call at all times, for the purpose of having one meal during their shift. However, at no time shall such member leave his beat to go out of service for such purpose, and he shall arrange to suspend patrol only at such time as it will cause the least interference with his regular duties.
(2) 
Members are to arrange to take meals and coffee breaks at times during shift so that not more than one unit is at any one location at the same time.
J. 
Training. Members shall attend in-service training in the theory and practice of law enforcement at the direction of the Chief of Police or commanding officer. Such attendance is considered a duty assignment.
K. 
Inspections. From time to time the Chief of Police may call for full-dress inspections of the Department or any part thereof. Members directed to attend such inspections shall report in the uniform prescribed, carrying the equipment specified. Unauthorized absence from such inspection is chargeable as absence without leave.
L. 
Military courtesy. When meeting in public, members shall conform to normal courtesy standards and refer to each other by rank.
M. 
National colors and anthem. Uniformed members will render full military honors to the national colors and anthem at appropriate times. Members and employees in civilian dress shall render proper civilian honors to the national colors and anthem at appropriate times.
N. 
Possession of keys. No member shall possess any keys to any premises not his own on or near his beat unless authorized by his commanding officer, owner or authorized agent of said premises.
O. 
Address and telephone numbers. All members and employees shall record their correct residence, addresses and telephone numbers with the commanding officer. Members and employees are required to have telephones in the place where they reside. Changes in address or telephone number shall be reported to the commanding officer within 24 hours of the change. This shall be done in writing on the appropriate form and within the specified time, whether the member or employee is working or on leave.
A. 
Regulation uniform required. All members shall maintain regulation uniforms. Uniforms shall be kept neat, clean and well-pressed at all times.
B. 
Manner of dress on duty. Normally members will wear the duty uniform on a tour of duty; however, commanding officers may prescribe other clothing as required by the nature of the duty which a particular member is assigned. Employees will wear and maintain employee uniforms when so directed by the Chief of Police.
C. 
Wearing or carrying a badge. A member, when in uniform, shall wear the regulation badge on the outside of the outermost garment over the left breast and always in sight. When not in uniform or off duty, he shall carry his badge in his pocket.
D. 
Altering style of uniform. Uniforms shall be made of the material and the style prescribed in Police Department orders, and such style shall not be altered or changed in any manner whatsoever unless authorized by the Chief of Police.
E. 
Equipment supplied by Borough. Members of the Department shall be supplied with the following regulation equipment:
(1) 
Badge.
(2) 
Locker.
(3) 
Firearm fully loaded.
(4) 
Twelve extra cartridges and necessary replacements.
(5) 
Summons book.
F. 
Carrying required equipment when in uniform.
(1) 
While on duty, except when assigned to office duties, members who are required to wear the specified uniform shall always carry as full equipment the following:
(a) 
Badge.
(b) 
Police Department identification card.
(c) 
Firearm and ammunition issued or approved by the Department.
(d) 
Whistle.
(e) 
Handcuffs.
(f) 
Flashlight, as necessary.
(g) 
Pen and notebook.
(h) 
Summons book.
(i) 
Baton, to be carried at the discretion of the shift commander.
(2) 
A member shall also carry specially issued equipment and forms necessary for performing his duties.
G. 
Equipment in civilian clothes and on duty.
(1) 
While on duty, members who are required to wear civilian clothes shall carry as full equipment the following:
(a) 
Badge.
(b) 
Firearm and ammunition issued or approved by the Department.
(c) 
Handcuffs.
(d) 
Police Department identification card.
(2) 
The exception to the above may be where the members are assigned to station office duties.
H. 
Carrying equipment off duty. When off duty, each member will carry or have in his immediate possession his badge, firearm of a caliber as authorized for off-duty use by the Department and the identification card. This rule shall not apply when members are engaged in sports and activities of such a nature as to make it impractical.
I. 
Civilian clothing: manner of dress. Male members and employees permitted to wear civilian clothing during a tour of duty shall wear either a business suit or sport coat and slacks. A dress-type shirt with tie shall be worn. Commanding officers may prescribe other types of clothing when necessary to meet a particular police objective. All members and employees permitted to wear civilian clothing shall conform to standards normally adhered to by office personnel in private business firms unless otherwise directed. All articles of clothing shall be of a conservative nature.
J. 
Equipment. All equipment must be clean, in good working order and conform to Department specifications.
K. 
Uniform and equipment damage claim. Any claims for damage to clothing, equipment and eyeglasses caused by performance of duty shall be made in accordance with current Department directives.
L. 
Personal appearance. Every member and employee of the Department while on duty must at all times be neat and clean in person, his clothes must be clean and pressed and his uniform must be in conformity with the rules and regulations. He shall, as often as necessary, examine and clean his equipment and keep it always in good serviceable condition. Male members and employees shall conform to the following additional standards of appearance:
(1) 
Hair shall be neatly trimmed at all times while on duty. The hair shall at no point extend downward over the shirt collar in normal posture.
(2) 
Sideburns shall be neatly trimmed. The maximum width at the bottom of the sideburns shall not exceed 1 3/4 inches.
(3) 
A clean-shaven appearance is required, except that mustaches are permitted. Mustaches shall be neatly trimmed and shall not extend more than 1/2 inch beyond the corners of the mouth nor more than 1/4 inch below the corner of the mouth. The remainder of the face shall be clean-shaven.
(4) 
Beards shall not be permitted for uniformed personnel.
(5) 
Personnel with a medical condition which precludes shaving shall be required to present a written statement signed by a medical doctor verifying such condition.
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.
A. 
Damaged or inoperative property or equipment. Members and employees shall immediately report to their commanding officer 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.
B. 
Care of Department buildings. 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 superior officer.
C. 
Notices. Members and employees shall not mark, 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.
D. 
Use of Department vehicles. Members shall not use any Department vehicle without the permission of a commanding officer.
E. 
Operation of motor vehicles. 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.
F. 
Emergency calls and use of red light and siren. 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 streets intersections to such 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.
G. 
Transporting citizens. 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 commanding officer, immediate supervisor or communication center.
H. 
Reporting accidents. Accidents involving municipal personnel, property and equipment must be reported in accordance with Department procedures.
A. 
Restrictions. Members and employees shall:
(1) 
Not use Department letterheads for private correspondence.
(2) 
Only send correspondence out of the Department over the signature of the Chief of Police or as authorized by the Chief of Police.
B. 
Forwarding communications to higher commands. Any member or employee receiving a written communication for transmission to a higher command shall, in every case, forward such communication. A member receiving a communication from a subordinate directed to a higher command shall endorse it, indicating approval, disapproval or acknowledgment.
C. 
Private use of Department address. Members and employees shall not use the Department as a mailing address for private purposes. The Department address shall not be used for any private motor vehicle registration or driver's license.
D. 
Telephones. Department telephone equipment may not be used for the transmission of personal messages involving toll charges without the express approval of a commanding officer.
E. 
Radio discipline. All members of the Department operating the police radios shall strictly observe regulations for such operations as set forth in Department orders and by the Federal Communications Commission.
A. 
Command of scene. At the scene of any crime, accident or other police incident, the ranking officer present shall assume command and direction of police personnel to assure the most orderly and efficient accomplishment of the police task. When two or more officers of the same rank are present and one of these is assigned to the investigative detail that will follow up the investigation, that ranking officer will be in charge. This provision coordinates the efforts of the several subordinate members who may be assigned to the incident; therefore it is incumbent upon the ranking officer assuming such control to become acquainted with the facts and ensure that appropriate action is being taken or is initiated.
B. 
Responsibilities of members arriving at crime scenes. The first member to arrive at the scene of a crime or other police incident is responsible for the following actions as they may apply to the situation:
(1) 
Summoning medical assistance and administering first aid as required to prevent further injury or loss of life.
(2) 
Arrest of violator(s).
(3) 
Security of the scene.
(4) 
Conducting a preliminary investigation.
C. 
Responsibilities of assigned members at crime scene. The members officially assigned to perform the preliminary or other investigation of an alleged crime or other incidents are responsible for the duties in Subsection B and the completion of the preliminary or other investigation as directed. This shall include securing statements and other information which will aid in the successful completion of the investigation; locating, collecting and preserving physical evidence; and identifying, locating and apprehending the offender.
D. 
Identification as police officer. Except when impractical or where the identity is obvious, officers shall identify themselves by displaying the official badge or identification card before taking police action.
E. 
Release of information at crime scene. Unauthorized persons, including members of the press, shall be excluded from crime scenes. Information which will not hinder or nullify an investigation shall be given to the press by the superior officer in charge of the investigation in accordance with Department policy.
F. 
Confidential information.
(1) 
Members and employees shall not reveal any confidential business of the Department. They shall not impart confidential information to anyone except those for whom it is intended or as directed by their commanding officer.
(2) 
Members shall not make known to any person any Department order which they may receive, unless so required by the nature of the order.
(3) 
Contents of any Department record or report filed in the Police Department shall not be exhibited or divulged to any person other than a duly authorized police officer, except on approval of the Chief of Police or under due process of law or as permitted under Department regulations.
G. 
Compromising criminal cases. Members and employees shall not interfere with the proper administration of criminal justice.
(1) 
Members and employees shall neither attempt to interrupt the legal process, except where a manifest injustice might otherwise occur, nor participate in or be connected with any activity which might interfere with the process of law.
(2) 
Members and employees shall not attempt to have any traffic summons or notice to appear reduced, voided or stricken from the calendar.
(3) 
Any member or employee having knowledge of such action and failing to inform his superior officer thereof shall be subject to disciplinary action.
A. 
Arrests. In making arrests, members shall strictly observe the laws of arrest and the following provisions:
(1) 
The arresting officer shall employ only such force and necessary restraint to assure the safety of other persons, other police officers and himself.
(2) 
Every member shall refrain from using unnecessary force or violence in making arrests, and no member must strike a prisoner or any other person except when necessary in self-defense or to overcome actual physical resistance in making an arrest. However, he must be firm, resolute and energetic, exercising the necessary means to perform his duty properly. When it is necessary to use force, the circumstances shall be included in the arrest report on the case.
(3) 
The arresting officer is responsible for the safety and protection of the arrested person while in his custody. He shall notify the supervisory officers of any injury, apparent illness or other conditions which indicate that the arrested person may need special care.
(4) 
The arresting officer is responsible for the security of the personal property in possession or under the control of the arrested person at the time of arrest.
B. 
Assisting criminals. Members and employees shall not communicate any information which might assist persons guilty of criminal or quasi-criminal acts to escape arrest or punishment or which may enable them to dispose of or secrete evidence of unlawful activity or money, merchandise or other property unlawfully obtained.
C. 
Complaints by members for assault against themselves. Members shall arrest perpetrators of assaults, assaults and batteries and criminal offenses directed against them. The perpetrators shall be charged accordingly. Whenever it is impossible to consummate the arrest at the time of the offense, the members shall make a complete report of the incident to his commanding officer with the request that he be allowed to make a complaint in the proper court at the next session. A warrant which may be issued as a result of filing such a complaint shall in no case be served by the aggrieved member.
A. 
Custody of prisoners. Members charged with the custody of prisoners shall observe all laws and Department orders regarding this activity. Prisoners shall be kept securely, treated firmly and humanely and shall not be subject to unnecessary restraint.
B. 
Transportation of prisoners. Members transporting prisoners shall do so in accordance with Department policy.
(1) 
Prisoners requiring medical attention shall be delivered to the appropriate emergency hospital, and the transporting officers shall be responsible for the security of the prisoners until properly relieved unless otherwise directed by a superior officer.
(2) 
Prisoners and their property shall be surrendered at the jail to custodial officers or as otherwise directed by competent authority.
(3) 
Any prisoner transported to a hospital in a private ambulance shall be accompanied and guarded by an officer unless police exigencies dictate otherwise. In the latter case, a guard will be arranged for the prisoner as soon as possible.
C. 
Use of derogatory terms. Members or employees shall:
(1) 
Neither speak disparagingly of any race or minority group nor refer to them in insolent or insulting terms of speech, whether prisoners or otherwise.
(2) 
Neither use uncomplimentary terms of speech when referring to any prisoner or other person nor willfully antagonize any person with whom they come in contact.
D. 
Reports and bookings. No member or employee shall knowingly falsify any official report or enter or cause to be entered any inaccurate, false or improper information on records of the Department.
E. 
Recommending attorneys and bail bond brokers prohibited. Members and employees shall not suggest, recommend, advise or otherwise counsel the retention of any attorney or bail bond broker to any person coming to their attention as a result of police business. Any person requesting this information shall be referred to the telephone directory.
F. 
Acting as bailor prohibited. Members and employees cannot act as bailors for any person in custody, except relatives, and in no case where any fee, gratuity or reward is solicited or accepted.
Departmental regulations concerning the care and use of firearms are designed to protect the lives of police officers and the lives and property of the public.
A. 
Handling of firearms. Police officers shall exercise caution and the utmost care in handling firearms on and off duty.
B. 
Official police firearm. The official police firearm shall be the firearm issued to each police officer by the Department. Carrying of personal firearms on duty is prohibited.
C. 
Off-duty firearm. The Chief of Police may authorize a police officer to carry an off-duty firearm other than the official police firearm, provided that the police officer follows the steps prescribed herewith:
(1) 
He observes and is bound by any part of or any section of these rules and regulations which pertains to the official police firearm.
(2) 
He understands that these same rules and regulations also apply to the use of any off-duty firearm which may be authorized by the Chief of Police.
D. 
On-duty holsters. The official police firearm shall be carried only in Department-issued holsters or in authorized holsters which conform to Department specifications.
E. 
Nonregulation firearms prohibited. Police officers who carry and employ weapons other than those that have been inspected and approved by the Police Department shall be subject to disciplinary action.
F. 
Tampering with police firearm. All repairs and adjustments to the official police firearm shall be made by the superior officer in charge of firearms training. Police officers shall not use unauthorized molded grips, special-type grips or pearl-handled grips. Also, they shall not make any change in the trigger pull mechanism or effect any other unauthorized alteration or addition. Grip adapters may be used in special cases but only after the police officer first has obtained the approval of the superior officer in charge of the firearms section.
G. 
Care of firearms when off duty outside the home. A police officer shall keep his firearm in a secure place, readily available in case of emergency.
H. 
Removing firearm from belt. When removing a firearm from his person, a police officer shall keep the firearm holstered. A police officer shall not remove the firearm from its holster except when he intends to clean or fire it. However, when circumstances require, a police officer may unload his firearm before storing it in a secure place, provided that he observes all the safe practices prescribed and taught by authorized Department firearms instructors for the unloading of the weapon.
I. 
Discharge-of-firearm report. Whenever a firearm is discharged by a police officer either in the performance of police duty or accidentally the police officer shall:
(1) 
Promptly notify the superior officer on duty in the command of the occurrence.
(2) 
Be guided by the instructions of the superior officer.
(3) 
Submit reports as required by Department order.
J. 
Unauthorized discharge of firearms. Examples of instances in which firearms shall not be discharged are cases involving the following:
(1) 
The commission of a misdemeanor.
(2) 
A violation of any Borough ordinance.
(3) 
A violation of the Disorderly Persons Act.
(4) 
A violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.
(5) 
A fleeing motor vehicle when the occupant is a minor offender and is not wanted by the authorities for a grave high misdemeanor.
(6) 
A person called to halt on mere suspicion and who, without resisting, simply runs or drives away to avoid arrest. Neither shall a police officer shoot at a person who is running or driving away to avoid arrest for a minor offense.
K. 
Authorized discharge of firearms. A police officer may discharge his firearm in the performance of police duty only under the provisions prescribed by state law.
L. 
Firing of weapon under other circumstances. A police officer may fire his firearm to dispose of an animal that is dangerous or that is seriously injured when other means of disposition are unavailable.
M. 
General regulations for carrying firearms. Police officers shall carry their official police firearms or authorized off-duty firearms fully loaded and in serviceable, operating condition so that they may be prepared when called upon to carry out a police duty, service, function or responsibility. Police officers who may be sick, injured or on vacation leave may, but are not required to, carry a firearm. Police officers who are suspended or whose weapons have been officially taken from them for other reasons shall not carry a firearm under any condition.
N. 
Carrying firearms when on duty. Police officers in uniform shall carry their firearms in holsters attached to their uniform belts or to supplementary belts beneath the blouses or overcoats when these garments are worn. Detectives and other police officers not in uniform shall carry their firearms in authorized holsters. When in plain clothes, they shall carry their firearms securely but readily accessible to use. Detectives and other police officers not in uniform shall also carry at least six extra rounds of ammunition.
O. 
Ammunition issue. The initial issue and the replacement of ammunition for Department firearms shall be made by the Department without expense to the police officer. The Department shall replace rounds of ammunition for Department-issued firearms that have become unserviceable and rounds that have been expended in the line of police duty. Only Department-issued ammunition shall be used.
P. 
Firearms qualification. All members shall be required to qualify with their on-duty firearm and approved off-duty firearm at least once a year.
A. 
Conduct toward public. Members and employees shall be courteous and orderly in their dealings with the public. They shall perform their duties quietly, avoiding harsh, violent, profane or insolent language, and shall always remain calm, regardless of provocation. Upon request, they are required to supply their names and badge numbers in a courteous manner. They shall attend to requests from the public quickly and accurately, avoiding unnecessary referral to other parts of the Department.
B. 
Impartial attitude. All members, even though charged with vigorous and unrelenting enforcement of the law, must remain completely impartial toward all persons coming to the attention of the Department. Violations of the law are against the people or the state and not against the individual officer. All citizens are guaranteed equal protection under law. Exhibiting partiality for or against a person because of race, creed or influence is conduct unbecoming an officer. Similarly, unwarranted interference in the private business of others when not in the interest of justice is conduct unbecoming an officer.
C. 
Disparaging nationality, race or creed. Courtesy and civility toward the public is required of all members of the Department. Members shall not use words which humiliate, disparage, demean, degrade, ridicule or insult a person because of his race, creed, color, national origin or ancestry.
D. 
Public statements. Members of the Department shall not make public statements concerning the working plans, policies or affairs of the Department or which may impair or disrupt the operation of the Department or which are obscene, unlawful or defamatory.
E. 
Subversive organizations. No member or employee shall knowingly become a member of or connected with any subversive organization, except when necessary in the performance of duty and then only under the direction of the Chief of Police.
F. 
Affiliation with certain organizations prohibited. Police officers shall not join nor shall they affiliate themselves with any organizations whose constitution embraces provisions which might in any way exact prior consideration and prevent the proper and efficient functioning of the Department. This prohibition does not apply to the active military or naval service of the United States or of the state in time of war or an emergency or for or during any period of training or pursuant to or in connection with the operation of any system of selective service.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 38:23.4.
G. 
Affiliation with radical groups. No police officer or civilian employee, except in the discharge of police duties, shall knowingly associate with or have any dealing with any person or organization which advocates or which is instrumental in fostering hatred, prejudice or oppression against any racial or religious group.
H. 
Commercial testimonials. Members and employees shall not permit their names or photographs to be used to endorse any product or service which is in any way connected with law enforcement without the permission of the Chief of Police or allow their names or photographs to be used in any commercial testimonial which alludes to their positions or employment with the Department.
I. 
Public appearance requests. All requests for public speeches, demonstrations and the like will be routed to the Chief of Police for approval and processing. Members and employees directly approached for this purpose shall suggest that the party submit his request to the Chief of Police.
A. 
Partisan political activities prohibited. Police officers shall not actively engage in Demarest partisan political campaigns and activities. This prohibition shall not preclude attendance at political social functions.
B. 
Nonpartisan political activities limited. Police officers may engage in nonpartisan political activities, except when such activities will impair or harm the operation or discipline of the Department.
C. 
Election to public office. Police officers may run for public office but may not campaign nor engage in any activity connected with candidacy for such office during any tour of police duty.
D. 
Soliciting prohibited. Members of the Department shall not solicit contributions for political purposes nor shall they interfere with or use the influence of their office for political reasons.
A. 
Court appearance. Attendance at a court or quasi-judicial hearing as required by subpoena is an official duty assignment. Permission to omit this duty must be obtained from the prosecuting attorney handling the case or other competent court officials. When appearing in court, either the official uniform or a business suit with shirt and tie shall be worn. Members shall present a neat and clean appearance, avoiding any mannerism which might imply disrespect to the court.
B. 
Testifying for the defendant. 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 Borough Attorney.
C. 
Refusal to testify. 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 his constitutional privilege and refuses to testify shall be subject to disciplinary action.
D. 
Testifying at Department investigations. Members or 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.
E. 
Truthfulness. Members and employees are required to be truthful at all times, whether under oath or not.
F. 
Testifying at civil actions; court appearances. 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 Borough Attorney of the service or notification and of the testimony he is prepared to give. Members and employees shall not enter into any trial except in accordance with current directive.
G. 
Civil depositions and affidavits. Members and employees shall confer with their commanders before giving a deposition or affidavit on 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.
H. 
Civil cases. 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.