Policy Text
BREAKS (GYM, MEAL, PERSONAL)
EFFECTIVE DATE: 02/01/96 STANDARD NO. 017 REVISED: 01/10/18
REPLACES: SOP Meal Breaks 02-06.1-2 – Rev. 01/01/03; Rev. 09/30/11;
OBJECTIVE: To establish a policy that will provide for each employee to take a break (i.e.
gym, meal, personal) during his or her duty shift.
POLICY: It is the policy of the Homestead Police Department (HPD) to make every effort
to ensure each employee is granted a specific period of time for a break during
their respective workday. Such allowance will be made when adequate coverage
can be provided for the position being vacated during the break.
SCOPE: All employees of this Department shall be governed by the procedures set forth
below.
I. PROCEDURES:
A. All sworn personnel below the rank of Captain will be limited to a 45-minute paid gym or
meal break, as part of their scheduled workday, as long as the workday is a minimum of
six (6) hours or more. Personnel will also be granted one (1) rest (personal) break of 15
minutes during each shift of eight (8) hours or more. Requests for either a gym, meal or
rest break(s) will be granted based on workload demands and available manpower.
B. HPD officers will take the signals “12” and “11” via the police vehicle radio and will
advise of the signal and exact address over the radio prior to entering the establishment.
HPD officers will refrain from taking signals “12” or “11” during the first or extend into the
last hour of their tour of active duty, unless approved by a supervisor.
C. Only two (2) uniform officers will be permitted at any food/coffee serving establishment
at one time. In addition, one (1) uniform supervisor may also be in attendance. An
officer/trainee riding with an FTO will not be considered as one (1) of the two (2)
aforementioned uniform officers and neither will officers assigned to the same vehicle as
partners.
D. No more than two (2) marked Police Department vehicles will be allowed at a particular
location for a meal or rest (personal) period. The only exception will be for a supervisor
to visit personnel on a break.
E. HPD officers will receive approval from their immediate supervisor for any deviations
from the above rules prior to taking a signal “12” or “11.”
F. HPD supervisors shall direct HPD officers back into service when necessary.
G. Employees on meal break may pick up food or dine in at establishments located within
one (1) mile of the City limits. Employees may also eat at their home if the home is
located within the one (1) mile limit.
Breaks (Gym, Meal, Personal) – SOP# 017
H. Lieutenants living within three (3) miles of the city limits may request permission from the
Police Chief, or designee, to drive to their home in a police vehicle during their assigned
lunch break.