policy_manual.pdf

\n\n--- Page 1 ---\n\nInyo County Sheriff Department Policy SHERIFF'S PREFACE It is my pleasure to provide you the new manual of rules and regulations of the Inyo County Sheriff's Department. These rules and regulations are a living document and will routinely be updated with the most current standards, regulations and laws. Each employee is directed to read the enclosed material completely and routinely to become thoroughly familiar with all the rules and regulations set forth within this manual. Should any question arise concerning the rules, regulations, or other matters not covered in the manual, the employee should contact their supervisor. Employees of the department should understand that no preconceived set of rules can be established which will encompass all scenarios arising in the general discharge of duties. Some items must necessarily be left to the intuition and discretion of the individual. While the exercise of such discretion is encouraged when circumstances dictate, if this discretion is misused in a wanton or inconsistent manner, the individual will be held accountable. The rules hereinafter set forth were adopted and published by me and are for the guidance of all employees of the Inyo County Sheriff's Department. This compilation reflects only the basic rules governing behavior of employees of this department. In addition to these rules, employees are responsible for conforming to all published regulations, procedures, orders and directives promulgated by me as well as all lawful orders given by supervisory personnel and all standard operating procedures as dictated by departmental practice. In addition to these rules and regulations as adopted by the Inyo County Sheriff's Department, employees should be aware that we are also governed by the County of Inyo Personnel Rules and Regulations adopted by the Inyo County Board of Supervisors. If a rule or regulation of the Inyo County Sheriff's Department is in conflict with the County of Inyo Personnel Rules and Regulations, the County's personnel rules and regulation shall prevail. Law enforcement agencies are obligated to provide essential services to citizens which foster safe communities through crime reduction and deterrence. Law enforcement administrators are obligated to train, supervise, and guide personnel in performing a variety of tasks which helps create safe communities. At the same time, administrators seek to bolster employees' confidence and competence in performing tasks while reducing vulnerability to liability. To meet these obligations, agencies must manage themselves according to written orders. A manual of policies, rules, and procedures guides the day-to-day legal and ethical functioning of a law enforcement agency. To that end, this manual furnishes a blueprint for the performance of the personnel and activities of the Inyo County Sheriff's Department. Although the Code of Conduct is not intended as an all inclusive guide to proper conduct and may not anticipate all of the various situations and activities in which an employee may become involved, in every instance the member will be held accountable for one's conduct. Each member is to be responsible for one's own acts and shall not shift the burden of responsibility to another for improper performance or for failure to execute a lawful order or duty. I expect we will recognize that our sole purpose here is to well and faithfully serve the people whose laws we enforce, and in doing so we will never violate the public trust placed in our positions. I expect that we will treat each other and the people we serve with respect and dignity. All of our actions will be professional and without bias or personal prejudice. Never Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/19, All Rights Reserved. SHERIFF'S PREFACE - 1 Published with permission by Inyo County Sheriff Department\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\nInyo County Sheriff Department Policy SHERIFF'S PREFACE forget that as a public officer every person is entitled to receive from you, your whole hearted courtesy, consideration and such assistance as falls within the scope of your duties. Your conduct has much to do with the general impression in which the citizens have of the Sheriff's Department. Citizens very frequently gauge the whole department by the acts of one person. Law enforcement work properly performed is worthy of the highest respect from the citizenry but this respect can only exist when each member of the department maintains the highest standard of integrity and efficiency which will avoid all basis for criticism. All rules and regulations, procedures, order, and directives which are contrary to those embodied in this manual are hereby revoked. All rules, regulations, procedures, orders and directives which are not in conflict with those contained in this manual shall remain in force. The right is reserved to amend or revoke any of the rules and regulations or to make additions from time to time as circumstances or the good of the service may require. When reviewing the departments manual of rules and regulations and any omissions, corrections or errors are observed, it will be your responsibility to report them to the office of the Undersheriff via the chain of command immediately. In closing, I want you to remember that my commitment is to support and enhance each and every one of you and to serve this Department with dedication and honor. I ask that each of you make the same commitment. Sincerely, Jeff R. Hollowell, Sheriff Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/19, All Rights Reserved. SHERIFF'S PREFACE - 2 Published with permission by Inyo County Sheriff Department\n\n--- Page 3 ---\n\nInyo County Sheriff Department Policy LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession . . . law enforcement. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/19, All Rights Reserved. LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS - 3 Published with permission by Inyo County Sheriff Department\n\n--- Page 4 ---\n\nInyo County Sheriff Department Polic