Policy Text
Revisions or additions are highlighted 1 (08/28/2017) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
Subject: NOTIFICATION 0F CIVIL ACTION
Index as: City Attorney, Notification Civil Summons for Police Department Employees
Civil Action, Notification Subpoena, Civil Action
Accreditation Standards: 16.3.7, 22.2.2
Cross Reference : Rules and Regulation of the Personnel Management System, Section 5 -12
Replaces: G.O. II-18, Notification of Civil Action (April 25, 2013)
This Order consists of the following sections:
I. Policy
II. Purpose
III. Notification Procedure
IV. Statements by Employees
I. POLICY
It is the policy of the City of St. Petersburg to defend and protect an employee from liability incurred in the performance of
their duties under circumstances established by law or other official documents of the City, and in accordance with the
interpretation of the City Attorney.
II. PURPOSE
This order establishes a procedure to notify the Department and City Attorney of a legal action against an employee as it
relates to their employment. Prompt notification is required to properly provide for legal representation of an employee
during all phases of the action and to protect the City's interest in the matter.
III. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE
A. Any employee who is served with or receives a civil summons, complaint or other notice in which they are named
as a defendant in an action arising from their duties as an employee of the City of St. Petersburg shall:
1. Within forty-eight (48) hours of service or receipt of a summons or notice, the employee shall prepare a
J:\Forms\Notice of Civil Summons Received.docx and submit it along with a copy of the summons or notice directly to the
City Attorney, 10th Floor, Municipal Services Center Building.
2. The City Attorney shall return a copy of the Notice of Civil Summons Received to the originator (employee)
acknowledging receipt.
3. The employee shall cooperate fully and immediately by completing any forms the City Attorney may request.
B. If the employee elects to have the City Attorney represent them, they shall comply in an expeditious manner with
all requests of the City Attorney (return phone calls, interrogatories, etc.) during the pendency of their suit. DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
August 2017 Immediately II-18
Distribution: All Employees
General Order II -18
Revisions or additions are highlighted 2 (08/28 /2017 ) IV. STATEMENTS BY EMPLOYEES
Should an employee receive either a request to make a statement or be subpoenaed by a private attorney in a work -related
civil matter, they shall first discuss the incident with their respective Assistant Chief and with t he Legal Division. Before
making any oral or written statements, the employee shall discuss the matter with the City Attorney assigned.
__________________________
Anthony Holloway
Chief of Police