TaftPDPolicyManual1743055921021621PM

Taft Police Department Taft PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Taft Police DepartmentChief's Preface - 1CHIEF'S PREFACE As the most visible symbol of the law, Taft Police Officers and employees must conduct themselves in a manner that inspires respect for the law. To be worthy of public trust, police authority must be exercised in a manner consistent with the highest principles of a free society. The nation's political system is founded on the belief that certain rights are inalienable and that government may not deny or abridge these rights. The departmental "Policy Manual" sets forth the limits of police conduct and the exercise of police power. The policies are designed to instill a high degree of public trust in the police while, at the same time, providing fair and reasonable standards of conduct for police officers and employees. Whenever there are such written policies, there is also police professionalism. Police professionals view standards of conduct as positive ethical goals that are basic and fundamental elements of an effective professional organization. An organization is a reflection of its leadership. Taft is a professional community police department staffed by individuals who cherish the highest standards of conduct and performance. This Policy Manual is a reflection of these concepts and, when fairly applied, the policies confirm this commitment to ourselves and to our community. Damon McMinn Chief of Police Taft Police Department Taft PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Taft Police DepartmentLaw Enforcement Code of Ethics - 2LAW 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. Taft Police Department Taft PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Taft Police DepartmentMission Statement - 3MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Taft Police Department is to protect and serve the citizens of the City of Taft by providing superior law enforcement service which includes the highest levels of patrol, investigative capabilities, and secure custody of prisoners. To strive for recognition as an outstanding, fiscally responsible law enforcement agency, maintaining excellence of performance in managing the range of services required to meet our responsibilities to the citizens of the City of Taft. Dedicated to achieve the highest possible community involvement in the team of Police and Citizens working together in solving problems that confront the citizens of the City of Taft today. Damon McMinn Chief of P olice Taft Police Department Taft PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Taft Police DepartmentPreface Title - 4PREFACE TITLE Taft Police Department Taft PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Taft Police DepartmentTable of Contents - 5Table of Contents Chief's Preface ........................ 1 Law Enforcement Code of Ethics .................. 2 Mission Statement ....................... 3 Preface Title ......................... 4 Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority ............ 9 100 - Law Enforcement Authority ................. 10 102 - Chief Executive Officer ................... 13 104 - Oath of Office ..................... 14 106 - Policy Manual ..................... 15 Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ............. 18 200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility ............ 19 204 - Departmental Directive ...................