Members of the Department shall obey the laws
of the United States and the State of Rhode Island, Town ordinances,
and court orders. If it is proved that a member has violated this
rule of conduct, the fact that no criminal prosecution was instituted
against the member shall not bar Department disciplinary action. A
conviction of the violation of any law shall be prima facie evidence
of a violation of this rule of conduct.
Members of the Department shall obey the Rules
and Regulations of the Barrington Police Department and any amendment
or additions thereto. A violation of these Rules and Regulations,
or of any Department policy, may be sufficient cause for disciplinary
action. Ignorance of these Rules and Regulations shall not be considered
a justification for any such violation.
A.
Members shall promptly obey all lawful orders given
to them by a superior officer. If an order is not understood, it is
the responsibility of the member to obtain clarification from the
superior officer. Members who are given orders which appear unlawful
or in conflict with previously issued orders, rules, or regulations
shall respectfully inform the superior officer who issued the conflicting
order. The responsibility for the conflict will then be assumed by
the superior officer. If the superior officer does not alter or retract
the conflicting order, the member shall promptly obey the order. After
the order is followed, if the members still believes it to be unlawful
or in conflict with previously issued orders, the member may report
the matter to a high-ranking officer up to the Chief of Police, if
necessary.
[Amended 5-4-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-1]
B.
All general or special orders, memorandums, notices
or other orders printed upon authorized Department forms, that have
been approved by the Chief of Police or authorized individual, shall
have the force and effect of a Department regulation.
Members of the Department shall accept the responsibilities
imposed upon them by law as to their duties and authority. They shall
preserve the public peace, detect and arrest violators of the law,
prevent crime, protect life and property, and enforce the criminal
laws of the State of Rhode Island.
A.
Every member, regardless of rank or assignment, shall
act instantly to protect life, liberty, or property; to enforce all
laws and detect the commission of crimes; and to apprehend law violators.
B.
When any person requests assistance or advice, makes
complaints, or reports either by telephone or in person, all pertinent
information shall be properly and judiciously acted upon consistent
with established Department procedures.
Members of the Department who observe or who
have knowledge of violations of laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
or official orders on the part of another member shall immediately
report such incidents to their superior officer.
A.
Members shall be courteous to the public. They shall
be tactful in the performance of their duties, shall control their
tempers, exercise the utmost patience and discretion, and shall not
engage in argumentative discussions even in the face of extreme provocation.
In the performance of their duties, members shall not use coarse,
profane, or insolent language or gestures, and shall not express any
prejudice concerning race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability,
religious belief, age, gender, politics or similar personal characteristics.
B.
Members shall be dignified in appearance and conduct
at all times. At times of stress or disaster, despite trying conditions,
they shall maintain their composure and perform their duties in a
manner which will inspire confidence and respect.
C.
When performing any official duty in public or in
the presence of other law enforcement officers, members shall address
superior officers by rank.
[Amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-9]
Members of the Department shall conduct themselves,
at all times, in such a manner as to reflect most favorably on the
Barrington Police Department. Conduct unbecoming in a member shall
include any conduct that brings or may bring the Department into disrepute
or reflects discredit upon the member or impairs the operation or
efficiency of the Barrington Police Department or the member. Some
examples of conduct unbecoming a police officer are as follows but
not limited to: neglect of duty, immoral conduct, or any violation
of Department rules and regulations.
A.
Members shall maintain a level of moral conduct in
their personal and business affairs that is in keeping with the highest
ethical standards of the law enforcement profession. Members shall
not participate in any incident involving moral turpitude that impairs
their ability to perform as law enforcement officers or causes the
Barrington Police Department to be brought into disrepute.
B.
To promote this Department's public image of morality,
fidelity, and stability, members of the Department shall continually
act in a civil, responsible, dignified, and professional manner in
their dealings with all persons. No member shall solicit or attempt
to solicit any personal favors while interacting with the public.
All members shall answer questions from citizens in a courteous manner
and, if unable to supply a responsive answer, shall make a reasonable
effort to direct the citizen to a person or agency who or which can
provide a responsive answer.
A.
Members shall not engage in conduct that has the effect
of discriminating or harassing other individuals because of race,
creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or any sensory, mental, or physical handicap.
[Amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-9]
B.
Any member of the Department who considers themselves
wronged by any other member may appeal to the Chief of Police to right
the wrong, and if a member considers themselves wronged by the Chief
of Police, they may appeal to the Town Manager, whose decision on
such appeal shall be final.
While on duty, members shall not become publicly
embroiled in any religious, racial, partisan political or other controversial
dispute in which their stand on the issue could be interpreted as
the official position of the Barrington Police Department.
A.
Whenever a male member of the Department appears before
a court or administrative hearing body as a representative of the
Barrington Police Department, he shall be attired in his uniform,
or neatly dressed in an appropriate shirt and tie with matching sport
coat or suit, and appropriate shoes and socks. However, uniform attire
shall not be allowed during Superior Court appearances.
B.
A female member shall be attired in her uniform or
neatly dressed in an appropriate pants suit, skirt and matching blouse
or an appropriate dress. However, uniform attire shall not be allowed
during Superior Court appearances.
C.
Members are required to attend scheduled court appearances
to testify or appear before any court of law, public agency or commission,
legislative body, or any other similar forum when properly notified.
Prior notice must be given for all appearances, whether or not the
member has been summoned to appear.
Members shall not consume intoxicating beverages
while on duty or while wearing any part of the uniform, unless they
are required to do so while conducting an investigation under the
specific authorization of their commanding officer. Members shall
not appear for work, nor be on duty while under the influence of alcohol
or illegal drugs to any degree.
Members, while off-duty, shall refrain from
consuming intoxicants to the extent that it could constitute unbecoming
conduct as described in these rules and regulations. Members shall
not consume any alcoholic beverage six hours prior to the start of
their regular tour of duty.
Members shall not possess, use, or store alcoholic
beverages in the Public Safety Facility or vehicle, unless such beverages
are being held as evidence.
A.
No member shall use or possess (outside of duty requirements)
any narcotic, dangerous drug, or controlled substance, whether on
or off duty, except for medical purposes as prescribed by a physician,
dentist, or other medical authority. Members who are directed by competent
medical authority to use a narcotic, dangerous drug, or controlled
substance shall not use such medication to the extent that their performance
is affected while on duty.
B.
Members directed by competent medical authority to
use a narcotic, dangerous or prescription drug, or a controlled substance
while on duty shall inform their superior officer or Chief of Police
about the medication prescribed and any probable side effects it may
cause that would impair their performance of duty. Any duty limitations
resulting from the use of the drug shall also be noted. The superior
officer shall determine whether the member will be allowed to perform
regular duties, be reassigned to other duty, or placed on sick leave.
If a superior officer has reasonable grounds
to believe a member is under the influence of an intoxicating beverage
and/or drugs while on duty, the member shall be immediately required
to submit to tests to determine intoxication. If a blood sample is
required, the member will be taken to a medical facility for extraction
of the sample by competent personnel. The time lapse between the initial
report of the member's condition and the intoxication tests shall
be accurately recorded.
Members of the Department shall not solicit
or accept any gratuity or any other item of value where there is any
connection, however remote, between such offer or solicitation and
the member's position with the Department, except as expressly approved
by the Chief of Police. Members shall neither directly nor indirectly:
A.
Solicit or accept any gratuities of merchandise, meals,
beverages, or any other item of value which is intended to influence
their or any other members' actions in any matter of police business,
or which might cast an adverse reflection on the Department or any
of its employees.
B.
Solicit any discounted services or merchandise offered
as a result of their employment with the Department, except as expressly
approved by the Chief of Police.
C.
Solicit or accept any gift or gratuity from other
members if such items would adversely affect the member's law enforcement
duties.
D.
Become financially or otherwise indebted to the extent
that work performance is affected.
E.
Solicit or accept any reward for services rendered
in the performance of law enforcement duties.
F.
Solicit free admission to places of amusement for
themselves or others, except as expressly approved by the Chief of
Police.
G.
Identify themselves as Barrington police officers
for the purpose of gaining personal advantages or avoiding the consequences
of illegal acts performed by themselves or by other individuals.
A.
Members shall not use their official position, official
identification cards or badges for:
B.
Members shall not lend to another person their identification
cards or badges or permit them to be photographed or reproduced without
the approval of the Chief of Police.
C.
Members shall not authorize their names, photographs,
ranks or official titles which identify them as members of the Barrington
Police Department for use in connection with testimonials or advertisements
of any commodity or commercial enterprise, without the approval of
the Chief of Police.
A.
Members of the Department shall not authorize any
individual to violate any law, ordinance, or court order under any
circumstance. When an individual requests permission to perform an
act of questionable legality, the member shall inform the individual
that they cannot authorize anyone to breach the law.
B.
Members shall not create the impression that an individual
may violate the law as long as the Department does not learn of the
violation.
A.
Insubordination or disrespect towards superior authority
is strictly prohibited. Insubordination is defined as a failure to
recognize the authority of any superior officer by disrespect or by
disputing the superior officer's lawful order.
B.
Members shall not publicly criticize the Department,
its policies, or other employees in speech, writing, or other forms
of expression, except with regard to matters of public concern. This
provision is not intended to preclude the exercise of members' rights
under state and/or federal law.
[Amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-9]
A.
A member is required to render the hand salute to
a superior commissioned officer only at the first meeting of the day.
B.
Members who are driving a vehicle are not required
to salute.
C.
Members shall render the hand salute to the Governor
of the State of Rhode Island in the same fashion and under the same
circumstances as the salute is rendered to a commissioned officer,
whether the member is in uniform or plain clothes.
D.
Saluting the colors. National colors are entitled
to the salute. A uniformed member salutes the colors with the hand
salute. If indoors and uncovered (no uniform hat), a member rises
to attention facing the colors and should place the right hand over
the heart. A member not in uniform or a Department civilian facing
the colors removes their headdress with the right hand and holds it
against their left shoulder.
E.
National Anthem. Whenever the National Anthem is played,
all members should come to attention and face the flag if it is displayed;
if no flag is displayed, they should face the music. Personnel in
uniform and covered will salute at the first note of the music and
hold the salute until the last note. If uncovered and indoors, the
salute is not rendered.
A.
Members shall not solicit the intervention or influence
of persons outside the Department for the purpose of obtaining a promotion,
advancement, change of assignment or change of duty station, for themselves
or any other member.
B.
Any such attempt to solicit outside aid, whether for
purposes of securing personal advancement or avoiding penalties for
reprehensible action or conduct, shall be considered equivalent to
insubordination and shall be treated accordingly.
No member shall recommend or suggest in any
manner, except in the transaction of personal business, the employment
or procurement of a particular product, professional service or commercial
service. In the case of ambulance or towing service when such service
is necessary and the person needing the service is unable or unwilling
to procure it or requests assistance, members shall proceed in accordance
with established Department procedures, i.e., rotating calls for tow
vendors.
A.
Members shall have no interest, financial or otherwise,
direct or indirect, nor shall they engage in any business, transaction,
or professional activity, or incur any obligation of any nature, which
is in conflict with the proper discharge of their duties in the public
interest.
B.
Members shall have no interest or association, financial
or otherwise, direct or indirect, with organized crime or any other
illegal activity, or with any individual and/or business in any way
associated with organized crime or any other illegal activity.
C.
All members, including the Chief of Police, may be
required to complete, sign and file with the Office of the Chief of
Police a financial statement as prescribed by the Chief of Police
in accordance to R.I.G.L. § 42-28.6-3, as a result of an
ongoing investigation of a possible conflict of interest with respect
to the performance of their duties. The contents of said financial
statements shall not be in conflict with the requirements of the Rhode
Island Conflict of Interest Law, R.I.G.L. § 36-14-16.
Members may not chew or smoke tobacco in any
form or chew gum when performing any official duty in direct or immediate
contact with members of the general public. When permitted to use
tobacco or gum, members must do so in a manner that will not offend
others or deter from the Department's public image. Furthermore, as
the Department promotes a smoke-free workplace, smoking or chewing
tobacco in the Public Safety Facility or in Department vehicles is
prohibited.
Members shall not incur excessive financial
obligations which may result from personal irresponsibility and which
could cause the member to engage in criminal conduct; i.e., larceny,
breaking and entering, embezzlement. Financial difficulties stemming
from unforeseen medical expenses or personal disaster shall not be
cause for discipline, provided that a good faith effort to settle
all accounts is being undertaken. Members shall not cosign a note
for any superior officer.
A.
Members shall never behave disrespectfully or use
threatening or insulting language toward any other employee. Members
shall not draw or lift a weapon toward, offer violence against, hand
cuff, nor strike or attempt to strike any other employee.
B.
In their dealings with employees of the opposite sex,
all members shall act in a professional, respectful manner befitting
individuals who share the common goal of safeguarding lives in the
public interest.
No member shall, directly or indirectly while in uniform or on duty, give, solicit, receive or be in any manner concerned with giving, soliciting, or receiving any assessment, subscription, or contribution for any political purpose whatsoever. No member shall, in his or her capacity as a Department member, orally or by letter, solicit or in any manner be concerned with soliciting, any assessment, subscription, or contribution, for any political party or purpose whatsoever, or from any other person holding a position in the Barrington Police Department. No member shall accept appointment to, or hold any Barrington public office, board, commission, tribunal or other similar body in violation of Section 1-3-17 of the Town Charter, entitled Dual Office Holding. Members can hand out leaflets or fliers off duty to support a candidate running for office but cannot identify their position within the Department when doing so.
[Amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-9]
No member shall aid, assist, or be an active
participant of any organization which advocates violence or the overthrow
of the government by force, or threatens the security and well-being
of the Town of Barrington, State of Rhode Island or the United States
of America.
A.
All members of the Department shall avoid regular
or continuous associations or dealings with persons who they know,
or should know, are under criminal investigation or indictment. Such
associations may be permitted when necessary for the performance of
official duties or where unavoidable because of family relationships
with a Department member.
[Amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-9]
B.
It is the duty of every member to familiarize themselves
with the activities and descriptions of prominent and habitual criminals
throughout the Town of Barrington.
No member of the Department shall visit, enter,
or frequent any establishment wherein the laws of the United States,
the state, or Town are regularly violated or suspected by the police
of being regularly violated; nor shall any member visit, enter, or
frequent any establishment where persons known to be or suspected
of being criminals are known to frequent, except in the performance
of duty or while acting under proper and specific orders from a superior
officer.
A member, when on duty, may enter or frequent
a public place only for the purpose of transacting official business
or taking an approved rest break or a regular meal.
A member, when in uniform, shall not enter any
place in which intoxicating beverages are furnished or sold, except
in the performance of official duty requiring such action. The provisions
of this regulation do not apply to members entering a restaurant or
other food establishment that serves intoxicating beverages incidental
to food services, when such employees are taking an approved meal
break during their tour of duty.
A.
No member of the Department shall participate in any
form of gambling while on duty, in uniform, or while in any police
vehicle. This includes buying lottery tickets on duty.
B.
No member shall participate in any form of illegal
gambling at any time except in the performance of duty and while acting
under direct and specific orders from a superior officer.
Members of the Department shall not read books,
magazines, newspapers or view televisions while in a police cruiser,
or carry packages, bundles, or any other article which may hamper
the performance of their duties, except when necessary in the performance
of duty. Members may engage in the above activities during official
meal breaks but not while in a cruiser.
Members shall complete and submit all reports
on time and in accordance with established Department procedures.
No member shall knowingly enter or cause to be entered any inaccurate,
false, or misleading information on a report.
A.
Members of the Department will speak the truth at
all times and tinder all circumstances. Members shall also be truthful
and honest in dealing with fellow members or members of the public.
B.
Upon the order of any superior officer, members shall
truthfully answer all questions asked of them which are specifically
directed to the scope of employment and operations of the Department.
C.
Members will truthfully state the facts in all reports
as well as when they appear before any judicial, departmental, or
other official investigation, hearing, trial, or proceedings.
The integrity and high moral standards of the
Barrington Police Department must be maintained; therefore, no person
shall procure employment by willfully misrepresenting their qualifications,
character, reputation, or physical condition.
[Amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-9]
Members of the Department, while on duty, shall
at all times remain alert and ready to respond to any situation requiring
police action. While on duty, members shall not sleep, conduct personal
business, attend to personal pleasures, engage in idle conversation
or gossip that causes dereliction in duty, or take part in any other
activities which would cause them to neglect or be inattentive to
duty. It is the obligation of all members to devote their on-duty
time to official matters only. Therefore, members shall not hinder
the performance of their duty by engaging in private business or personal
telephone/cellular calls during their tour of duty.
A.
Members shall not sleep or engage in any activities
or personal business that would cause them to neglect or be inattentive
to duty.
B.
Members shall not read books, magazines, newspapers,
or other materials while on duty, except as may be required in the
performance of duty. Where reading such materials is required in the
performance of duty, members may not read the materials while on patrol
or while otherwise in public view.
C.
Members must immediately notify their superior officer
if they are unable to continue to perform their duties or will be
unable to report for duty as scheduled or assigned.
Members shall maintain sufficient competency
to properly perform their duties and assume the responsibilities of
their positions. Members shall perform their duties in a manner which
will maintain the highest standards of efficiency in carrying out
the functions and objectives of the Department. Unsatisfactory performance
may be demonstrated by an unwillingness or inability to perform assigned
tasks; the failure to conform to work standards established for the
member's position; the failure to take appropriate action on the occasion
of a crime, disorder, or other condition deserving police attention;
or absence without leave. In addition to other indicators of unsatisfactory
performance, the following shall be considered prima face evidence
of unsatisfactory performance: repeated poor evaluations or a record
of repeated infractions of rules, regulations, directives, or orders
of the Department.
All members of the Department shall keep themselves
in such physical condition as will enable them to readily perform
any duties customarily assigned. When a member's physical condition
is such that they cannot efficiently perform those duties assigned
to similar ranks or positions, it is the duty of the commanding officer
to notify the Chief of Police accordingly.
A.
Off-duty members may be called back to work because
of emergency situations at any time. While on vacation or if a member
is temporarily staying at a location other than their residence, members
are responsible for furnishing the Chief of Police with a telephone
number where they can be reached, which shall have voice mail or messaging
capabilities. Members are responsible for promptly reporting changes
of address and telephone numbers within 10 days of such change.
B.
Although certain workday hours are allotted to every
member of the Department for the performance of specific workday duties,
a member of the Department shall be cognizant at all times for the
preservation of the peace and the protection of life, liberty and
property whether that member is on duty or not. A member shall be
prepared at all times and under appropriate circumstances to immediately
perform a police duty when the member is cognizant of a need for police
service.
A.
Members who are carried on sick or injured report
are required to remain in their homes, unless they are given specific
authorization to leave by the Chief of Police, or unless they must
leave the home for purposes of obtaining necessary medical care.
B.
Members on extended sick leave are required to provide
written documentation from their physician as to the nature of their
illness or injury.
C.
Members shall contact the Officer in Charge (OIC)
or Acting Officer in Charge when calling out sick and provide the
reason for calling out sick. Members shall not make notification with
the dispatcher when calling out sick. When a member uses family sick
leave, they shall notify the OIC or Acting OIC as to the illness of
the family member and the type of care the member will be providing
to the family member. The member may chose not to disclose the illness
and care of a family member to the OIC if it is of a personal nature,
but the member shall e-mail the Chief of Police immediately upon returning
to duty noting the illness and care that the member provided to the
family member.
Members shall not feign illness or injury, falsely
report themselves ill or injured, or otherwise deceive or attempt
to deceive any member of the Department as to the condition of their
health.
A.
Members shall not leave their assigned duty posts
during a tour of duty, except when authorized by proper authority.
B.
Members on patrol shall remain in their assigned patrol
areas while on duty, unless they are in pursuit of a suspect, dispatched
elsewhere by the Dispatch Center, directed or given permission to
leave by a superior officer, or in case of an emergency.
A.
Approved one-half-hour meal breaks shall not be taken
during peak traffic periods, during times of emergency, or at any
other times prohibited by the superior officer.
B.
Members shall not take their meal breaks at the same
time each day in areas where a pattern would be evident to the public.
Meal breaks shall not be taken in another town or city unless official
business is conducted in that town or city. Meals shall not be picked
up at any location exceeding one mile from the Barrington Town line.
C.
Members shall display a willingness to be of assistance
to the public during meal breaks. Members may stop for coffee only
at locations not to exceed a distance of one mile from the Barrington
Town line. Members may not stop at any location prohibited by the
Chief of Police.
D.
While on meal breaks, the patrol vehicle shall be
properly parked and, when possible, shall be positioned to facilitate
safe and easy departure in cases of emergency. Department vehicles
shall not be left running or unoccupied having keys left in them while
on meal breaks or coffee stops. No attempt shall be made to hide the
vehicle.
E.
During meal breaks, at least one member shall remain
on patrol during the first and second shifts and two members shall
remain on patrol during the third shift to ensure adequate patrol
coverage.
No member shall mistreat any persons who are
in custody. Members shall handle persons in custody in accordance
with the law and established procedures.
No member shall furnish bail or bond for any
person who has been arrested, except for members of their immediate
family.
Property or evidence which has been discovered,
gathered, or received in connection with Department responsibilities
shall be processed in accordance with established Department procedures.
Members shall not manufacture, conceal, falsify, destroy, remove,
tamper with, or convert to their own use any property or evidence
in connection with an investigation or other police action, except
in accordance with established Department procedures.
A.
Members shall not interfere with cases assigned to
other members for investigation, nor shall they interfere with any
arrest or prosecution brought by other members, persons, or agencies
without authorization of a superior officer.
B.
Members of the Department shall not undertake any
investigation or other official action outside their regular duties
without obtaining permission from their commanding officer, except
in exigent circumstances.
Members shall not make any unsolicited recommendation
to any court or other judicial agency regarding the disposition of
a pending criminal court case unless sufficient circumstances exist
that would benefit the Department's law enforcement mission, i.e.,
informant issues. However, in these instances, a commissioned officer
must provide prior approval for such recommendations. Members shall
refrain from making any recommendation or comment that might tend
to reflect the Department's official approval or disapproval of the
disposition of any case.
No member shall exert or attempt to exert any
influence on any of the participants in a Department disciplinary
procedure.
Members shall not testify in any civil case
in which the Department may have an interest without specific prior
approval from the Chief of Police, unless they are a party to the
action or have been legally summoned to testify.
Members appearing for the prosecution shall
not publicly discuss the testimony which they will give in any criminal
court action, nor shall they sign any statements concerning any criminal
case for a person not officially connected with the Department, except
at the direction of official agencies such as the prosecuting official
having jurisdiction of the case. Members subpoenaed by the defense
in a criminal case shall contact the prosecuting attorney handling
the case prior to the trial.
Members shall treat the official business of
the Department as confidential. Information regarding official business
shall be disseminated only to those to whom it is intended, in accordance
with established procedures. Members shall not divulge the identity
of persons giving confidential information except as authorized by
the Chief of Police.
A.
Although employees of the Department are encouraged
to participate in community activities, including public speaking
events, it must be remembered that the Chief of Police has the ultimate
responsibility for formulating and interpreting Department policies
and procedures. Members of the Department must therefore have authorization
from the Chief of Police or designee before engaging in public speaking
engagements on behalf of the Department.
B.
Members, while engaged in community relations activities
or public speaking events, shall be responsible for accurately relating
Department policy as outlined in these Rules and Regulations and other
Department procedures.
Members are prohibited from attending any of
the following functions while on duty without prior approval of the
Officer in Charge or the Chief of Police, unless their attendance
has been requested as part of their official duties:
Members shall not directly or indirectly seek
publicity for themselves through the press, radio, television, or
other news media; nor shall they furnish information to the public
or media for the purpose of gaining personal recognition as it relates
to Department matters.
Members shall carry their identification cards
on their persons at all times, except when impractical or dangerous
to their safety or to the success of an investigation. They shall
furnish their badge number to any person requesting that information
when they are on duty or while portraying themselves in an official
capacity, except when the withholding of such information is necessary
for performance of police duties or is authorized by a superior officer.
A.
Members shall maintain, in good condition, all property
and equipment assigned to them or under their control. They shall
immediately report to their superior officer any loss or damage of
Department property, equipment or vehicles assigned to them or under
their control. They shall also notify their superior officer of any
defects or hazardous conditions existing in any property or equipment
assigned to them. In those cases where Town property is found bearing
evidence of damage which has not been reported, the last person using
the property, equipment, or vehicle will be held responsible for said
damage.
B.
A member shall not appropriate for their own use any
lost, found, or stolen property nor convert to their own use any property
of the Town of Barrington or property held by the Department for evidence.
A.
Members shall operate official vehicles in a careful
and prudent manner and shall obey all state laws and the Rules and
Regulations of the Department pertaining to such operation.
B.
Loss or suspension of any driving license shall be
reported immediately to the Chief of Police.
C.
Members shall not allow a Department vehicle to continually
run unattended for the purpose of maintaining proper heat or air conditioning
settings.
A.
Whenever a member of the Department is involved in
an accident while operating a police vehicle, they shall immediately
notify their superior officer.
B.
The superior officer shall investigate said accident
themselves, or, if unable to do so immediately, cause the investigation
to be carried out by another available member.
Except in emergencies or other unusual situations,
the operator of a Department vehicle shall lock the ignition and the
doors and remove the key from their vehicle when leaving it unattended.
Department members shall not allow Department vehicles to run unattended,
expect when the overhead emergency lighting is in operation, i.e.,
use at construction details.
Expenditures of money shall not be made or liability
incurred in the name of the Department by a member unless previously
authorized by the Chief of Police.
A.
Violations of these Rules and Regulations or of any
policy, procedure, directive, order, or command given lawfully by
superior authority, may be grounds for disciplinary action. Appropriate
disciplinary action will be determined by the Chief of Police or designee
and approved by the Town Manager.
B.
Any member aggrieved by such disciplinary action shall
have the right to grieve such actions as set forth in the collective
bargaining agreement.
C.
Aggrieved members can appeal such disciplinary action
as set forth in the procedures of the collective bargaining agreement
and the Law Officer's Bill of Rights if applicable.
The Department shares responsibility with the
judiciary, prosecutors, and other law enforcement agencies in the
criminal justice system. Cooperative and harmonious working relationships
are essential and may be impaired by unnecessary criticism of others.
For that reason, employees should be aware that comments they make
might be interpreted as being critical of law enforcement, prosecuting
agencies, or individual members of the judiciary. However, it is not
intended that there be any infringement of right to express personal
views regarding the criminal justice system. It is most desirable
that employees exercise the right of expression in a thoughtful and
temperate manner.
Suspended employees are subject to all of the
Rules and Regulations of this Department. They shall not wear any
part of the official uniform or act in the capacity of, or represent
themselves as, employees of the Department in any manner. Members
shall not be allowed to work details or special assignments while
on suspension.
All sworn and civilian employees are responsible
for knowing and understanding all Department regulations, policies,
and directives. It is the responsibility of the sworn/civilian employee
to seek clarification of any order or material which is not clearly
understood.
A.
Every sworn member will report for duty and check
in with the dispatcher prior to the start of their shift. The dispatcher
shall log in the Department member on the day sheet when reporting
for duty. The sworn member will be properly equipped with the regulation
weapons, equipment, and prescribed uniform or business attire. Members
who do not report to duty on time shall be considered absent without
leave.
B.
Members reporting for duty must be physically and
mentally fit to perform all police duties.
A sworn member is responsible for the safekeeping
and security of their firearm at all times. A sworn member will not
leave their firearm unattended and unsecured. Members must adhere
to General Order 03-03, entitled Gun Locks, when securing a firearm
within the home. When a firearm is left in a police locker, the sworn
member will ensure that the locker is properly secured.
Sworn/Civilian employees of the Department will
answer questions from citizens in a courteous manner and, if unable
to provide an answer, will make every effort to obtain the answer
for the citizen, avoiding argument and unnecessary conversation. A
sworn member will give their name and badge number in a courteous
manner to any person who requests it. Sworn/Civilian employees of
the Department will address the public as “sir/madam”
when engaged in conversation.
Upon returning from any absence from duty, every
member will familiarize themselves with all new Department regulations,
policies, memoranda, emails and all matters concerning their assignment.
Every member will familiarize themselves with
all the laws, statutes, ordinances, and regulations necessary for
the proficient execution of their duty as a police officer.
Members will familiarize themselves with the
geography of the Town, including routes of public transportation,
the location of streets, highways, bridges, public buildings, and
places, prominent or important office buildings, large industrial
plants or commercial establishments, and such other information as
may be disseminated by superiors from time to time.
No sworn/civilian member will prosecute or enforce
any claim against any person for injuries or damages while on duty
until they have notified the Chief of Police of their intention. In
the event of such recovery for damages claimed, the sworn/civilian
member will reimburse the Town for wages and medical expenses paid
by the Town while they were in an "off-duty injured" status.
Members will carry themselves in a professional
and military manner, of as it befits an officer of the law and while
in public view.
A sworn/civilian member will not make false
official reports or knowingly or willingly enter or cause to be entered
into any Department books, records, or reports, any inaccurate, false,
or improper police information or material matter.
A sworn/civilian member will not appropriate
for their own use any lost, found, stolen, or Town property nor convert
to their own use any property held by the Department as evidence.
A sworn/civilian member will not mark, alter,
mar, or deface any printed or written notice, memorandum, general
order, or directive relating to police business. A sworn/civilian
member will not mark, alter, mar, or deface any notice posted on any
bulletin board or blackboard maintained by the Department. All notices
of a personal nature and/or of a derogatory character regarding any
sworn/civilian member or unit of the Department are prohibited.
A sworn member will not fabricate, withhold,
or destroy any evidence of any kind.
A sworn/civilian member will not make any oral
or written statements to anyone concerning liability in connection
with the operation of Department vehicles or performance of other
duties, unless specifically authorized to do so by the Chief of Police.
No sworn/civilian members will release to the
public or any public agency the home or personal telephone numbers
or addresses of any sworn/civilian member of the Department without
authorization.
Any sworn/civilian member who desires to peacefully
demonstrate, or picket, will not wear their uniform or any part thereof
while exercising this privilege without the Chief of Police's or their
designee's approval.
Sworn/Civilian members will not recommend or
suggest to anyone the employment or name of any attorney, towing service,
firm, bondsman, alarm company, undertaker, or other tradesman; or
inform any such person of any situation wherein their services might
be sought, except that nothing herein contained will be construed
as restricting the rights of sworn/civilian members from handling
their own private needs or prohibiting authorized official notifications
in such cases.
No member will perform any act or duty in such
a manner as to be construed as blatantly incompetent or malfeasant.
It will be the duty of all members to know the
identity of Department members and superior officers.
All members of the Department shall obtain the
approval of the Chief of Police before accepting employment outside
the hours of their regular Department duties. Approval of outside
employment shall not be unreasonably denied unless it interferes with
the mission and goals of the Department.
Visitors will not be permitted in the Dispatch
Center, cell block or booking area, nor shall they be permitted to
view the day sheet, teletype or other police documents without the
authorization of the Officer in Charge or Chief of Police.
