Off-Duty_Law_Enforcement_Actions.pdf

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 341 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions 341.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The decision to become involved in a law enforcement action when off-duty can place an officer as well as others at great risk and must be done with careful consideration. T...

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 341 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions 341.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The decision to become involved in a law enforcement action when off-duty can place an officer as well as others at great risk and must be done with careful consideration. This policy is intended to provide guidelines for officers of the Des Plaines Police Department with respect to taking law enforcement action while off-duty. 341.2 POLICY Initiating law enforcement action while off-duty is generally discouraged. Officers should not attempt to initiate enforcement action when witnessing minor crimes, such as suspected intoxicated drivers, reckless driving or minor property crimes. Such incidents should be promptly reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Officers are not expected to place themselves in unreasonable peril. However, any sworn member of this department who becomes aware of an incident or circumstance that he/she reasonably believes poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death, or significant property damage may take reasonable action to minimize the threat. When public safety or the prevention of major property damage requires immediate action, officers should first consider reporting and monitoring the activity and only take direct action as a last resort. 341.3 FIREARMS Officers of this department may carry firearms while off-duty in accordance with federal regulations and department policy. All firearms and ammunition must meet guidelines as described in the Firearms Policy. When carrying firearms while off-duty, officers shall also carry their departmentissued badge and identification. Officers should refrain from carrying firearms when the consumption of alcohol is likely or when the need to carry a firearm is outweighed by safety considerations. Firearms shall not be carried by any officer who has consumed an amount of an alcoholic beverage or taken any drugs or medication or any combination thereof that would tend to adversely affect the officer’s senses or judgment. 341.4 DECISION TO INTERVENE There is no legal requirement for off-duty officers to take law enforcement action. However, should officers decide to intervene, they must evaluate whether the action is necessary or desirable, and should take into consideration the following: (a) The tactical disadvantage of being alone and the fact there may be multiple or hidden suspects. (b) The inability to communicate with responding units. (c) The lack of equipment, such as handcuffs, OC or baton. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions - 1 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions (d) The lack of cover. (e) The potential for increased risk to bystanders if the off-duty officer were to intervene. (f) Unfamiliarity with the surroundings. (g) The potential for the off-duty officer to be misidentified by other peace officers or members of the public. Officers should consider waiting for on-duty uniformed officers to arrive, and gather as much accurate intelligence as possible instead of immediately intervening. 341.4.1 INTERVENTION PROCEDURE If involvement is reasonably necessary, the officer should attempt to call, or have someone else call 9-1-1 to request immediate assistance. The operator should be informed that an off-duty officer is on-scene and should be provided a description of the officer, if possible. Whenever practicable, the officer should loudly and repeatedly identify him/herself as a Des Plaines Police Department officer until acknowledged. Official identification should also be displayed. 341.4.2 INCIDENTS OF PERSONAL INTEREST Officers should refrain from handling incidents of personal interest, (e.g., family or neighbor disputes) and should remain neutral. In such circumstances, officers should call the responsible agency to handle the matter. 341.4.3 NON-SWORN RESPONSIBILITIES Non-sworn personnel should not become involved in any law enforcement actions while off-duty, except to notify the local law enforcement authority and remain at the scene, if safe and practicable. 341.4.4 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS When encountering a non-uniformed officer in public, uniformed officers should wait for acknowledgement by the non-uniformed officer in case he/she needs to maintain an undercover capability. 341.5 REPORTING Any off-duty officer who engages in any law enforcement activity, regardless of jurisdiction, shall notify the Watch Commander as soon as practicable. The Watch Commander shall determine whether a report should be filed by the employee. Officers should cooperate fully with the agency having jurisdiction in providing statements or reports as requested or as appropriate. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions - 2