200 Series Flashcards
200-01
Requesting Legal Opinions Requests for legal opinions from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, the City of Houston Legal Department, or the County Attorney’s Office may be made by only the Chief of Police, the Director of Legal Services, or their designees.
200-02
Employees Facing Legal Action Employees notified of any civil or criminal action pending against them as a result of their employment with the City of Houston, shall immediately inform the Chief of Police in writing. Employees shall also notify Chief of Police in writing of any pending criminal action against them that is not a result of their employment with the City of Houston. Officers shall notify the Chief of Police in writing of any civil action that arises from their actions at any extra employment or while taking action in their capacity as a peace officer.
200-03
Investigation of Employee Misconduct The department shall investigate all incidents of alleged misconduct brought to its attention. All employees, regardless of rank, assignment, or function, are required to cooperate in the investigation of complaints. The department’s disciplinary system shall be governed in accordance with all applicable state and federal law and shall be guided by the Houston Police Department Corrective Action Manual.
200-04
Assistance to Employees Involved in Critical Incidents The Houston Police Department is concerned about the well-being of all of its employees and recognizes that the psychological impacts of a critical incident may extend beyond the moment of the actual incident. The Departments Psychological Services Division provides post-critical incident intervention for any employee who sustains a serious injury, is exposed to a critical incident, or causes death or serious injury to another, or for any other circumstances as determined by the Chief of Police. In addition, the Psychological Services Division provides voluntary counseling for employees and their family members including significant others.
200-05
Employee Parking Regulations All employees shall adhere to the regulations outlined in this General Order regarding parking at the Edward A. Thomas building (Police Headquarters), the Central Police Complex, City Hall, metered parking spaces, the airports, and other official locations.
200-06
Political Activities This General Order provides guidelines for all employees to follow regarding involvement in political activities. It is not the intent of this General Order to restrict any employee’s right to lawfully participate in the political process as a citizen of the United States.
200-07
Grants Administration The Houston Police Department shall apply for funds from external sources to enhance law enforcement and community service efforts. Only the Mayor of he City of Houston or the Chief of Police may apply for, accept, decline, modify, or cancel a grant application. Also, the Chief of Police is the final authority on any action taken to satisfy grant application and receipt requirements.
200-08
Conduct and Authority Officers, regardless of rank or assignment, while in the state of Texas are required to take prompt, effective, and appropriate police action with respect to violations of he law coming to their attention. Officers shall adhere to this policy, whether they are on or off duty unless doing so would compromise the safety of an employee or citizen.
200-08
Employees are held accountable for the manner in which they exercise the authority of their office or position. Reasonableness and sound judgement shall dictate the actions of all employees along with the boundaries of authority provided by federal, state, and local law, and the policies and procedures of the Houston police Department.
200-08
Certain provisions of this General order may not be applicable in undercover police assignments specifically authorized by supervisors in accordance with divisional standard operating procedures. However, in determining such applicability, officers shall be strictly accountable for justifying their actions. Violations of this policy may result in discipline up to and including indefinite suspension
200-09
Line Inspections Command Staff members of the Houston Police Department shall conduct regular line inspections (those carried out by personnel in charge of the employees, facilities, or procedures being inspected) using procedures appropriate to the structure and mission of their respective office, command, division, or unit. Command Staff members and supervisors at all levels shall participate in the responsibility for such inspections and for the correction of conditions discovered by the inspections.
200-10
Emergency Management This General Order and the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) establish procedures and responsibilities for emergency management and required notifications. The Crime Analysis & Command Center (hereinafter referred to as Command Center is responsible for ensuring emergency management procedures are invoked and required notifications are made. During alerts and emergencies, employees shall take reasonable steps to monitor the various media outlets for announcements concerning when to report for duty.
200-11
Employee Integrity and Verifications Program The integrity of the employees of the Houston Police Department is paramount. That integrity shall be maintained by an annual review of each employee through the Employee Integrity and Verifications Program as outlined in this General Order. Employees shall keep all related state and department records current and valid. Employees shall complete all annual requirements as outlined by department directives.
200-12
Purchasing Process Unauthorized expenditures shall not be made. All employees shall adhere to the procurement procedures of the City of Houston, Strategic Procurement Division, unless otherwise directed by HPD’s Office of Budget and Finance.
200-13
Polygraph Examinations Employees shall follow the procedural guidelines outlined in this General Order to ensure compliance with rules and regulations of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the polygraph Law Enforcement Accreditation (PLEA) program.
200-14
Telephone Regulations The City of Houston’s long-distance telephone service and cellular telephones, including smartphones and similar devices, are for official use only to assist employees in performing their assigned duties.
200-15
Employee Group Organizations Recruiting Cadets Business for or in the name of any employee group organization shall not be conducted with or in the presence of any Houston Police Department cadet except as allowed by this General Order. The Training Division, Cadet Training Unit, shall invite employee group organizations via letter to make a single presentation during the normal curriculum for each class of cadets. Employee group organizations shall not cater lunches or provide any other gratuity or inducements to cadets.
