Policy Text
Policy
200Fremont Police Department
Organizational Structure and Responsibility
200.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The organizational structure of this department is designed to create an efficient means to
accomplish our mission and goals and to provide for the best possible service to the public.
200.2 DIVISIONS
The Chief of Police is responsible for administering and managing the Fremont Police Department.
There are three divisions in the Police Department as follows:
•Administrative Operations Division
•Patrol Division
•Special Operations Division
200.2.1 ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS DIVISION
The Administrative Division is commanded by a Captain, whose primary responsibility is to provide
general management, direction, and control for the Administrative Division as specified within the
department's table of organization.
200.2.2 PATROL DIVISION
The Patrol Division is commanded by a Captain, whose primary responsibility is to provide general
management, direction, and control for that Division as specified within the department's table of
organization.
200.2.3 SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
The Special Operations Division is commanded by a Captain, whose primary responsibility is
to provide general management, direction, and control for that Division as specified within the
department's table of organization.
200.2.4 OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The Office of Professional Standards and Accountability is classified as an office rather than a
division, functioning under the authority of the Office of the Chief. This office is led by the Deputy
Chief, who is primarily charged with providing comprehensive management, strategic direction,
and oversight for the office, as delineated within the department's organizational structure.
200.3 COMMAND PROTOCOL
200.3.1 SUCCESSION OF COMMAND
The Chief of Police exercises command over all personnel in the Department. During planned,
unanticipated absences, or unavailability, the Chief of Police may designate the Deputy Chief to
serve as the acting Chief of Police. During planned absences of both the Chief of Police and
Deputy Chief the Chief of Police may designate a Division Commander to serve as the acting
Chief of Police.
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Organizational Structure and Responsibility
Except when designated as above, the order of command authority in the absence or unavailability
of the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police is as follows:
(a)Patrol Division Commander
(b)Special Operations Division Commander
(c)Administrative Division Commander
(d)Patrol Division Adjutant Lieutenant
(e)Special Operations Division Adjutant Lieutenant
(f)Administrative Division Adjutant Lieutenant
(g)Watch Commander
200.3.2 UNITY OF COMMAND
The principles of unity of command ensure efficient supervision and control within the Department.
Generally, each employee shall be accountable to one supervisor at any time for a given
assignment or responsibility. Except where specifically delegated authority may exist by policy or
special assignment (e.g., K-9, SWAT), any supervisor may temporarily direct any subordinate if
an operational necessity exists.
(a)Commensurate authority accompanies the delegation of supervisory/command
responsibility. Relief command personnel and acting supervisors assume the same
respect and response to command as the regular supervisor. It is not mandatory that
the supervisors always designate the senior employee as the acting commander/
supervisor. The appointing authority must assign the employee they feel can best carry
out the responsibilities of the position.
(b)If a supervisor or commander is absent without having appointed an acting
commander/supervisor and a supervisory decision becomes necessary, the senior
highest-ranking employee assumes authority and becomes responsible accordingly.
(c)Each employee is given the authority to make decisions necessary for the effective
execution of their responsibilities, and they are fully accountable for the use of
delegated authority.
200.3.3 ORDERS
Members shall respond to and make a good faith and reasonable effort to comply with the lawful
order of superior officers and other proper authority. This includes any order relayed from a
superior by an employee of the same or lesser rank.
200.4 ACTING ASSIGNMENTS
At the discretion of the Chief of Police, if a supervisor, manager, or division commander will be
absent from work for more than two (2) calendar days, the Chief may appoint a qualified employee
to an acting assignment until the return of the permanent employee. A Personnel Order will be
issued announcing the temporary appointment and anticipated duration. The appointed acting
employee will have the full authority of the rank while assigned that capacity. Unless directed
otherwise by the Chief of Police, the appointed acting employee will not wear the uniform insignia
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Organizational Structure and Responsibility
of the appointed higher rank. At the discretion of the Chief of Police, the authority to appoint acting
assignments may be delegated to the Deputy Chief of Police or a Division Commander.
200.4.1 ACTING ASSIGNMENTS CONSIDERATIONS
When deciding to appoint an employee to an "acting" position, Division Commanders should
be thoughtful and consider a structured process based on the interests of our community and
department.
Division Commanders are responsible for ensuring consistency in our established expectations
and providing staff appointed to acting positions with relevant information that aligns with
organizational objectives and anticipated outcomes. In addition to delivering the highest level of
service to our community, it is imperative to mitigate unintentional errors that may give rise to
negative administrative issues, such as safety concerns