Sterling Heights Police Department Manual of Rules PDF

**STERLING HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT** **MANUAL OF RULES** **VISION STATEMENT** We envision a community that is not only safe, but welcoming to all who live, work or visit our city to experience an enhanced quality of life through proactive and professional policing. **MISSION STATEMENT** The S...

**STERLING HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT** **MANUAL OF RULES** **VISION STATEMENT** We envision a community that is not only safe, but welcoming to all who live, work or visit our city to experience an enhanced quality of life through proactive and professional policing. **MISSION STATEMENT** The Sterling Heights Police Department vows to provide progressive police services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all citizens. Our promise is to deliver dedicated customer service with transparency, integrity and fairness. Through enhanced training, the acquisition of ever evolving technology, and continuing a cohesive relationship with the community; we take pride in offering dependable, unbiased security and protection. **CORE VALUES** The Sterling Heights Police Department\'s core values are to provide police services that are: - **Progressive**: The department aims to provide modern police services to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. - **Transparent**: The department promises to provide dedicated customer service with transparency, integrity, and fairness. - **Unbiased**: The department aims to offer dependable, unbiased security and protection.  The department\'s vision is to create a community that is safe and welcoming to all who live, work, or visit the city.  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Dale Dwojakowski Chief of Police **CODE OF ETHICS** AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, MY FUNDAMENTAL DUTY IS TO SERVE MANKIND, 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 MEN TO LIBERTY, EQUALITY, AND JUSTICE. I WILL KEEP MY PRIVATE LIFE UNSULLIED AS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL, 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 IN BOTH MY PERSONAL AND OFFICIAL LIFE, I WILL BE EXEMPLARY IN OBEYING THE LAWS OF THE LAND 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, 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 AS LONG AS I AM TRUE TO THE ETHICS OF POLICE SERVICE. I WILL CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES AND IDEALS, DEDICATING MYSELF BEFORE GOD TO MY CHOSEN PROFESSION---LAW ENFORCEMENT. **TABLE OF CONTENTS** DEFINITIONS 1 ARTICLE I AUTHORITY 5 ARTICLE II ORDERS 6 ARTICLE III PERSONNEL 9 ARTICLE IV PERSONAL APPEARANCE 11 ARTICLE V PERSONAL CONDUCT 13 ARTICLE VI PERFORMANCE OF DUTY 18 ARTICLE VII PUBLIC ACTIVITY 23 ARTICLE VIII COMPLAINTS AGAINST DEPARTMENT MEMBERS 24 ARTICLE IX CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ACTION 25 ARTICLE X COMMUNICATION AND CORRESPONDENCE 26 ARTICLE XI DEPARTMENT PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 28 ARTICLE XII FIREARMS 29 ARTICLE XIII SEVERABILITY CLAUSE 31 **DEFINITIONS** The following words and phrases when used in this manual shall, for the purpose of the manual, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this chapter. 1\. **CITY** City shall mean the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan. 2\. **DIVISION** 3\. **BUREAU** A bureau is a major specialized group within a division. 4\. **TEAM** A team is a specialized group consisting of members from multiple bureaus or divisions. 5\. **UNIT** A unit is a specialized group within a bureau or division. 6\. **SHIFT** 7\. **COMPETENT AUTHORITY** 8\. **COMMANDING OFFICER** 9\. **SUPERVISOR** 10\. **SUBORDINATE OFFICER** 11\. **SENIOR OFFICER** 12\. **POLICE OFFICER** 13\. **ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER** 13\. **OFFICER** An animal control, police, senior, or command officer. 14\. **MEMBER** 15\. **LAWS** 16\. **ORDER** 17\. **ORDINANCE** A law established by authority; by the legislative body of a municipal corporation. 18\. **GENERAL RULES** Rules established to regulate the conduct of officers of the Department. 19\. **GENERAL ORDERS** 20\. **POLICY** 21\. **PROCEDURE** 22\. **SPECIAL ORDERS** 23\. **REGULATE** 24\. **GRATUITIES** 25\. **MALFEASANCE** 26\. **MISFEASANCE** 27\. **NON-FEASANCE** 28\. **RELATIVE** A kinsman; a person connected with another by blood or affinity. 29\. **OFF DUTY** 30\. **ON DUTY** 31\. **UNIFORM** Prescribed manner of dress. **ARTICLE I -- AUTHORITY** 1\. [AUTHORITY] 2\. [CITY MANAGER] 3\. [CHIEF OF POLICE] **ARTICLE II -- ORDERS** 1\. [KNOWLEDGE OF RULES] 2\. [GENERAL ORDERS] 3\. [SPECIAL ORDERS] 4\. [TRAINING ORDERS] 5\. [ORDERS EMANATING FROM THE CHIEF] 6\. [BULLETINS] 7\. [MANNER OF ISSUING ORDERS] 8\. [LAWFUL ORDERS] 9\. [CONFLICTING ORDERS] 10\. [UNLAWFUL ORDERS] 11\. [IMPROPER OR UNJUST ORDERS] 12\. [REPORTS AND APPEAL -- UNLAWFUL, IMPROPER, UNJUST ORDERS] 13\. [QUESTIONS REGARDING ASSIGNMENTS] 14\. [VIOLATION OF GENERAL ORDERS] 15\. [INSUBORDINATION] **ARTICLE III -- PERSONNEL** 1\. [INTERVIEW WITH THE CHIEF OF POLICE] 2\. [EMERGENCY] 3\. [OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT] 4\. [GRIEVANCES] 5\. [TRANSFER REQUESTS] 6\. [RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS] Residency is to be governed by the City Charter and/or by contractual language. 7\. [TELEPHONE] 8\. [CHANGE OF ADDRESS, MARITAL STATUS AND DEPENDENTS] 9\. [UNABLE TO REPORT FOR DUTY] 10\. [FICTITIOUS ILLNESS OR INJURY REPORTS] **ARTICLE IV -- PERSONAL APPEARANCE** 1\. [PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND GROOMING] 2\. [MAINTAINING A UNIFORM] 3\. [WEARING THE UNIFORM] 4\. [PARTIAL UNIFORMS] 5\. [MANNER OF DRESS WHILE ON DUTY] 6\. [CIVILIAN CLOTHING -- MANNER OF DRESS] 7\. [COURT ATTIRE] 8\. [DAMAGE TO CLOTHING] 9\. [INSPECTIONS] **ARTICLE V -- PERSONAL CONDUCT** 1\. [VIOLATION OF RULES] 2\. [CONFORMANCE TO LAWS] 3\. [TRUTHFULNESS] 4\. [CONDUCT TOWARD SUPERIOR AND SUBORDINATE OFFICERS AND PEERS] 5\. [CONDUCT TOWARD PUBLIC] 6\. [CONDUCT REFLECTING ON THE DEPARTMENT] 7\. [IMMORAL CONDUCT] 8\. [ASSOCIATIONS] 9\. [FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS] 10\. [GIFTS, GRATUITIES, OR BRIBES] a. Seeks to influence action of an official nature or to affect the performance or non-performance of an official duty: or b. As an interest which may be substantially affected by the performance or non-performance of an official duty. 11\. [ABUSE OF POSITION] a. Officers shall not use their official position, identification cards, uniform, or badges: (1) for personal or financial gain, (2) for obtaining privileges not otherwise available to them except in the performance of their duty, or (3) for avoiding the consequences of illegal acts. Officers shall not lend to another person their identification cards or badges or permit them to be photographed or reproduced without the permission of the Chief of Police. b. Officers shall not authorize the use of their names, photographs, or official titles which identify them as officers in connection with testimonials or advertisements of a commodity or commercial enterprise without the approval of the Chief of Police. 12\. [ABUSE OF PROCESS] Officers shall not make false accusations of a criminal or traffic charge. 13\. [PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT] 14\. [INTERVENTION] a. Ordered to intervene by a superior officer, or b. The intervening officer believed, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a manifest injustice would result from a failure to take action. 15\. [ENDORSEMENTS OR REFERRALS] 16\. [REWARDS] 17\. [USE OF ALCOHOL ON DUTY OR IN UNIFORM] a. Officers shall not consume intoxicating beverages while in uniform or on duty except in the performance of duty, and while acting under proper and specific orders from a superior officer. b. Officers shall not appear for duty, or be on duty, while under the influence of intoxicants to any degree whatsoever, or with an odor of intoxicants on their breath. 18\. [USE OF ALCOHOL OFF DUTY] 19\. [POSSESSION AND USE OR DRUGS] 20\. [ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND DRUGS IN POLICE FACILITIES] 21\. [USE OF TOBACCO] 22\. [GAMBLING] 23\. [GAMES OF AMUSEMENT] 24\. [CRITICISM -- DEPARTMENT POLICIES OR EMPLOYEES] **ARTICLE VI -- PERFORMANCE OF DUTY** 1\. [KNOWLEDGE OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS] 2\. [REPORTING FOR DUTY] 3\. [COURT APPEARANCES - NOTIFICATION] 4\. [IDENTIFICATION] 5\. [AVAILABILITY WHEN ON DUTY] 6\. [RESPONDING TO CALLS] 7\. [REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE] 8\. [ASSISTANCE -- FELLOW OFFICERS] 9\. [KEEPING COMMAND OFFICERS INFORMED] 10\. [SENIOR OFFICERS] 11\. [DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS] 12\. [USE OF DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT] 13\. [OPERATING VEHICLES] 14\. [USE OF FORCE] 15\. [USE OF WEAPONS] 16\. [ARREST, SEARCH, AND SEIZURE] 17\. [TREATMENT OF PERSONS IN CUSTODY] 18\. [SEIZED OR RECOVERED PROPERTY] 19\. [CARING FOR LOST, HELPLESS, INJURED OR ILL PERSONS] 20\. [DANGEROUS CONDITIONS] 21\. [SUSPECTED PLACES] 22\. [MEALS] 23\. [NEGLECT OF DUTY] 24\. [LOITERING] 25\. [SLEEPING ON DUTY] 26\. [LEAVING DUTY POST] 27\. [TO REMAIN ON DUTY UNTIL RELIEVED] 28\. [TRAINING] 29\. [PATRIOTIC COURTESIES] 30\. [UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE] 31\. [RESPONSIBILITY] **ARTICLE VII -- PUBLIC ACTIVITY** 1\. [CONTRIBUTIONS AND SOLICITATIONS] 2\. [COLLECTIONS] 3\. [SERVING CIVIL PROCESSES] 4\. [COMMERCIAL TESTIMONIALS] 5\. [PUBLIC APPEARANCE REQUESTS] 6\. [PUBLIC SPEAKING] 7\. [POLITICAL ACTIVITIES] **ARTICLE VIII -- COMPLAINTS AGAINST DEPARTMENT MEMBERS** 1\. [CITIZEN'S COMPLAINTS] 2\. [FAILURE TO ACT ON COMPLAINTS] 3\. [INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS] **ARTICLE IX -- CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ACTION** 1\. [COMPROMISING CRIMINAL CASES] Members shall not engage in the following conduct: a. Interfere with the service of lawful process. b. Interfere with the attendance or testimony of witnesses through coercion, bribery, or other means. c. Attempt to have any complaint citation or notice to appear reduced, altered, destroyed, voided, or stricken except as provided for by departmental procedures. 2\. [INITIATING CIVIL ACTION] 3\. [COMPENSATION FROM DAMAGES] 4\. [CIVIL ACTION, COURT APPEARANCE, AND SUBPOENAS] 5\. [FINANCIAL UNDERSTANDINGS] 6\. [ACTING AS A BAILOR PROHIBITED] Officers shall not act as bailors for any persons in custody except relatives. **ARTICLE X -- COMMUNICATION AND CORRESPONDENCE** 1\. [FALSE STATEMENTS] 2\. [OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT BUSINESS] 3\. [SIGNATURE OF OFFICERS] 4\. [USE OF PROFANITY] 5\. [RADIO DISCIPLINE] 6\. [USE OF DEPARTMENT TELEPHONES] 7\. [ANSWERING TELEPHONES] 8\. [INFORMATION TO CITIZENS] 9\. [DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENCE] 10\. [PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE] Members shall not use departmental letterhead for private correspondence. 11\. [SUGGESTIONS] 12\. [REPORTING INFORMATION] 13\. [FORWARDING COMMUNICATIONS] 14\. [CARE OF DEPARTMENTAL NOTICES] 15\. [NEWS MEDIA] **ARTICLE XI -- DEPARTMENT PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT** 1\. [CARE AND USE OF PROPERTY] 2\. [CARE OF DEPARTMENT BUILDING] 3\. [REPORTING DAMAGED PROPERTY] 4\. [SURRENDER OF DEPARTMENT PROPERTY] 5\. [DEPARTMENT VEHICLE USE] 6\. [EQUIPMENT] 7\. [MAINTENANCE OF MANUALS] **ARTICLE XII -- FIREARMS** 1\. [CARE OF FIREARMS] 2\. [HANDLING OF FIREARMS] 3\. [DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS] 4\. [STORAGE OF FIREARMS] 5\. [SERVICEABILITY OF FIREARMS] 6\. [REPAIR OF FIREARMS] 7\. [ALTERING OF FIREARMS] 8\. [ALTERNATE OR AUXILIARY FIREARMS] 9\. [REGISTERING OF FIREARMS] All personally owned firearms shall be registered as required by state law. 10\. [TRAINING IN FIREARMS] 11\. [APPROVED AMMUNITION] 12\. [CARRYING OF FIREARMS] **ARTICLE XIII** SEVERABILITY CLAUSE If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Manual of Rules is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Manual of Rules.  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Dale Dwojakowski Chief of Police \_[November 3, 2024]\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Date