Sheriff's Policy Manual: Undercover Operations

Divulging Identity of Undercover Law Enforcement Officers

• Employees are prohibited from revealing the identity of undercover law enforcement officers without proper authorization.
• Employees are not allowed to address plain clothes law enforcement employees in a way that may expose their undercover identity, under any circumstances.

Conduct While Attending Training Schools

• Employees are required to attend in-service training if scheduled.
• Official uniforms or civilian clothing conforming to BSO standards must be worn during training.
• Employees must comply with all rules and instructions regulating their conduct during training and follow the firearms instructor's directions on the range.
• Employees attending approved training are not allowed to leave the training unless excused by the instructor.
• Employees must immediately notify their supervisor of any absences during scheduled training hours.

Subordinate/Supervisory/Co-Worker Conduct

• Employees are prohibited from engaging in conduct deemed disrespectful, insolent, or abusive towards a supervisor.
• Supervisors are prohibited from engaging in conduct deemed abusive, oppressive, or tyrannical towards a subordinate.
• Employees are prohibited from engaging in conduct deemed disrespectful, insolent, or abusive towards a co-worker.
• Employees are required to promptly obey a supervisor's lawful orders, which include orders relayed from a supervisor by an employee of the same or lesser rank and an Internal Affairs investigator during an official internal investigation.
• A lawful order is one that employees should reasonably believe to be in keeping with the performance of their duties.
• Insubordination includes disobeying a lawful order and conduct directed at a supervisor that is disrespectful, mutinous, insolent, or abusive.

Attentiveness to Public

• Employees must not engage in activities or personal business that may cause them to neglect or be inattentive to their duty.
• Employees must not give the impression or display an appearance that they are sleeping on duty, except for fire rescue station shift employees (firefighters, emergency medical technicians, etc.).
• If an on-duty employee is unable to stay awake and alert, they must advise their supervisor, who will determine the proper course of action.
• Exceptions may be made during a state of emergency or exigent circumstances with the consent of executive/senior staff.

Professional Demeanor

• Employees must not demonstrate a lazy disposition, such as lounging about or placing their feet on desks or other furniture.

Courtesy to the Public

• Employees must be courteous when dealing with the public, avoiding conduct that conveys disinterest or disrespect.
• Employees must not attempt to deter persons from lodging complaints against an employee, but must take appropriate action pursuant to the "Employee Complaint and Disciplinary Process" policy.

Taking Suitable Action

• Employees must be attentive and take suitable action in all situations where some official action would reasonably be appropriate, including reports, complaints, inquiries, and requests for service.

This quiz covers Sheriff's policy on divulging the identity of undercover law enforcement officers and plain clothes employees. It outlines the rules and guidelines for employees to follow.