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1.11 AUTHORITY & COMMAND Page 1 of 10 EDGEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER # 1. 11 AUTHORITY AND COMMAND Revised Date: March 13, 2023 The purpose of this policy is to define the lawful authority of the Chief of Police, sworn police officers and other employees, and to establish policy for command protocol. This General Order consists of the following numbered sections: I. Scope/Mission II. General I. SCOPE/MISSION A. The Edgewood Police Department is tasked with the responsibility of protecting and serving all the citizens wit hin its jurisdiction. B. Law enforcement response to emergencies shall be con tinuously available withi n the City of Edgewood. C. Edgewood Police Department officers have jurisdiction only within the city limits of the City of Edgewood. Agreements may be signed with othe r municipalities and/or Orange County granting limited authority/jurisdiction to offic ers outside the city limits of Edgewood. D. The Edg ewood Police Department is committed to serving our community through the philosophy of “Community Orie nted Policing”. E. The primary mission of the department is to provide a s afe and secure environment for the residents and visitors to the city through department programs and community policing efforts. This goal will be accomplished through a mutually cooperative relationship between department personnel and the community. Department personnel shall: 1. Work to enhance the enforcement, adjudication, prosecution and supervision of street crimina ls, drug traffickers, emerging gangs and other offenders . 2. Reduce crime through increased police visibility a nd cooperative relationships between department personnel, citizens and community business leaders . 3. Strive to develop partnerships with other law enf orcement agencies, community organizations, govern mental entities, etc. leading to collective 1.11 AUTHORITY & COMMAND Page 2 of 10 solutions resulting in enhanced public safety, reduced fear and improved quality of life . F. A goal of the department shall be to endeavor to understand and confront the underlying problems that lead to the major ity of the calls for service handled by department personnel. Through problem solving and community policing , department personnel will work to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the City of Edgewood. G. To be successful in its mission , the commitment of all department personnel i s required to work together with the citizens of the City of Edg ewood to maintain the Edgewood Police Department as a trusted source of assistance. H. All department personnel shall strive to make each contact w ith members of the community a positive contact that places the department a step closer to a partnership with every resident with whom they come into contact. I. When dealing with members of the community , department personnel shall be courteous and helpf ul at all times. II. GENERAL A. Organizational Chart The department shall depict its organizational structure on an Organizational Chart. The Organizational Chart is intended to reflect the chain of command and lines of authority and communication withi n the department . The Organizational Chart shall be posted within the police station and distributed through PowerDMS . B. Chief of Police 1. The Chief of Police has author ity and responsibility for the management, direction and control of the department ’s administration and operations. 2. The Chief of Police may authorize suspension of orders, procedures or other department directives when necessary to achieve department objectives. 3. The Chief of Police shall be notified when any of the following occur: a. Any time a department member is injured beyond basic first aid. b. Any significant crime occurring within the city including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Any Capital Felony . 2. Any crime/incident wherein the victim is a law enforcement officer . 3. Any crime/incident wherein the victim is an elected/governmental official . 4. Any crime/incident that is significant enough to be of interest to the press /media . 5. Any crime that is significant enough to necessitate the need to initiate a call out of any officer . c. Any time a department vehicle is inv olved in a vehicle crash, regardless of the extent of damage to the vehicle. 1.11 AUTHORITY & COMMAND Page 3 of 10 d. Any time a department member discharges his/her firearm. e. Any time a department member discharges his/her CEW. f. Any time a department member uses his/her baton. g. Any time a department member uses his/her chemical spray. h. Any time a department member is involved in a vehicle pursuit. i. Any time a department member makes contact with law enforcement in an off-duty capacity that requires law enforcement action . j. Any time a department member takes off duty law enforcement action. k. In the event of significant weather related problems, including, but not limited to the following: 1. Tree/s down blocking the road or causing damage to homes or businesses . 2. Power lines down . 3. Significantly flooded roadways . l. Any situation which wo uld necessitate the call -out of any special operations team from the Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement department including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Hostage/barricade scenario . 2. High risk warrant service . 3. Clandestine drug lab scenario .