MOR (Manual of Regulations Flashcards
1
Q
A geographic area of responsibility to an employee during a tour of duty
A
Beat
2
Q
The unbroken line of authority extending from the chief of police through a single subordinate at each level of a command down to the level execution. Conversely, in keeping with the concept of unity of command, each subordinate employee will be directly accountable to only one supervisor within that line of authority.
A
Chain of Command
3
Q
Any officer assigned to exercise command over a division, bureau, unit or uniformed shift.
A
Commanding Officer
4
Q
The degree of requisite qualifications and capabilities required for the successful completion of function assigned to a department employee.
A
Competence
5
Q
Pending file entry, or guidance in either verbal or written communication, utilize as a training tool to modify or improve an individual’s performance or conduct. Counseling will be considered as progressive discipline.
A
Counseling
6
Q
A change from a position in a higher rank to a position in a lower rank
A
Demotion
7
Q
The involuntary termination of the service of a department employee.
A
Discharge (Dismissal)
8
Q
A unit composed of uniform or plainclothes officers and detectives whose commanding officer reports directly to a deputy chief of police.
A
District
9
Q
Any employment of a TPD Officer, while not on duty, which predicated on the actual or potential use of the police officer’s law enforcement powers.
A
Extra Duty
10
Q
A written order issued by the chief of police relating to a specific matter affecting the whole department.
A
General Order
11
Q
The downtown police building located at 411 N. Franklin Street
A
Headquarters
12
Q
A document which provides duties and responsibilities for all positions, identifies procedures, and delineates functions that are normally restricted to a particular major component of the department. IDP’s are maintained in the administrative officers of the affected components for reference purpose subsequent to initial training.
A
Intra-Division Procedure:
13
Q
Hours not specifically assigned as on-duty.
A
Off-Duty
14
Q
Any outside employment of a police officer which is not predicated on the actual or potential use of the officer’s law enforcement powers.
A
Off Duty Employment
15
Q
Through the hands of the superior officer’s in the chain of command.
A
Official Channel
16
Q
Engaged in specifically assigned duties during assigned times (including police services necessitated by emergency circumstances ).
A
On Duty
17
Q
A manual prepared under the direction of the chief of police to define the organizational structure of the force and the specific duties of its organic units and employees, and to outline in detail the Standard Operating Procedures, and Policy Statements of the department.
A
Operational Manual
18
Q
An instruction given by a superior officer to a subordinate. It may be either oral or written.
A
Order
19
Q
A statement of general guidelines which shall be followed in activities directed toward the attainment of departmental objectives.
A
Policy
20
Q
An appointment to a position subject to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Article IV, Section 4.17 City of Tampa Code
A
Probationary Appointment
21
Q
A change fro a position in a lower rank to a position in a higher rank.
A
Promotion
22
Q
An appointment to a position subject to the Civil Service Act, made after an employee has successfully
A
Regular appointment
23
Q
Directions issued by the chief of police with the approval of the Mayor, to define the police purpose and the duties and conduct of all employees.
A
Regulations
24
Q
The act of instructing a member or employee not to report for normal duties when it is in the best interest of the city. The employee continues to receive full pay and benefits during this status.
A
Relief From Duty
25
A written or oral communication, relating to police matters.
Report
26
A written report that admonishes the misconduct of an employee. It constitutes one form of disciplinary action.
Reprimand
27
Directions issued by the chief of police with the approval of the Mayor that governs the conduct and behavior of all employees. Rules allow little deviation other than for stated exceptions.
Rules
28
Is established (in the department) first by rank, second by aggregate time served in rank and third by total in the department. In situations where officers are of equal rank, the senior officer (ranking officer) will make the decision and exercise control unless otherwise directed by a higher supervisory officer.
Seniority
29
The personnel of a division assigned to one sergeant under the direction of a lieutenant of shift commander who reports directly to the division commander.
Squad
30
A directive which addresses certain situations to ensure that all employees will be prepared to handle such matters in a prescribed manner approved by the chief of police.
Standard Operating Procedures
31
An employee responsible for the performance of duty and the conduct of other employees.
Supervisor
32
The act of temporarily denying a member or employee the privilege of performing normal duties in consequence of dereliction or other violation of departmental regulation or misconduct. Suspension may be the first step in the disciplinary process or the penalty assessed. An employee does not receive any part during a period of suspension.
Suspension
33
An employee who is under oath to professionally uphold law enforcement and who possess the power to arrest.
Sworn employee
34
Department employees shall not drink intoxicating beverages while on duty except when expressly necessary to obtain evidence and upon the order of.
Their supervisor.
35
Department employee shall not otherwise appear for duty or be on duty, while under the influence of intoxicants
to any degree whatsoever.
36
Consumption of alcoholic beverages by off duty department employees
Shall not be such to render them so intoxicated that they discredit the department or unable to report to duty.
37
Department employees shall not use any controlled substances except:
when prescribed by a physician or dentist.
38
Dept employees when in uniform may not use chewing or smoking tobacco or dip snuff while engaged:
In investigations, traffic directions, or visible law enforcement functions or in violation of non smoking areas or the Clean Air Act.
39
Department employee shall not engage in any
| form of illegal gambling at any time, except
As performance of duty and while acting under a proper or specific order from a supervisor.
40
Is crucial to effective discipline within the Tampa Police Department
First Line Supervisor
41
Who have the best opportunity to observe appearance and conduct of officers and detect those instances when commiunication or disciplinary actions are warrante
First Line Supervisors
42
Have the authority and responsibility to recognize employees for commendable performance and counsel employees verbally or in writing.
All supervisors
43
Has the authority to initiate written reprimands for violations of department policy.
The immediate supervisor
44
Has responsibility for punitive disciplinary actions resulting in suspensions, demotions, or terminations.
The chief of police or his designee
45
No department employee shall bring into, possess or store alcoholic beverages in any police facility or vehicle except
in the line of duty during which such beverages are seized and held as evidence.
46
Department employees shall avoid regular and continuous association or dealings with persons they know, or should know, are racketeers,
gamblers, felons, persons under criminal investigation or indictment, or who have a reputation in the community for felonies or criminal behavior,
except as directed by a supervisor.
47
An employee may be subject to suspension or termination in accordance with city policy for the violation of any law,
whether or not an indictment or information has been filed by the State Attorney’s Office.
48
All extra-duty law enforcement assignments
| and non-law enforcement employment must conform to existing departmental policies and procedures and
shall be properly authorized by the division/bureau
| commander.
49
Department employees may conduct or maintain a non-law enforcement business
provided that the business does not bring discredit to the department or constitute a conflict of interest.
49
Department employees may conduct or maintain a non-law enforcement business
provided that the business does not bring discredit to the department or constitute a conflict of interest.
50
Any relationship originating from on-duty contact is subject to scrutiny to
ensure no improper coercion or other misconduct has occurred.
50
For each violation committed, consideration should be given, but not limited, to the following factors:
Length of service
2. Time interval between offenses
3. Documented efforts toward improvement
4. Previous disciplinary action for the same or similar violations
5. Intent of the officer
51
Department personnel shall not commit any acts or omissions which would constitute a violation of any rules, regulations, directives, or orders of the
Tampa Police Department,
whether stated in the Rules and Regulations or elsewhere.
52
In order to ensure compliance with these standards, the department will follow the concept of .
progressive discipline
53
Involves the implementation of corrective action by the department to ensure that employees recognize and do not repeat violations of the rules and regulations.
Progressive discipline
54
This corrective action may begin with
Remediation through referral to various Employee Assistance Programs, additional training of employees, and verbal counseling.
55
Includes letters of counseling, written reprimands, suspensions, demotions, and dismissal. Progressively increased penalties will result for repeated offenses.
Formal discipline
56
In certain situations, may be used in progressive discipline administration.
Demotion
57
When multiple violations occur
The most severe violation will be used to determine the level of discipline.
58
An assessment of fees will be made for lost or damaged equipment due to negligence or
preventable traffic crashes
Up to the maximum amount agreed upon through Collective Bargaining.
59
The payment will be assessed
On the second and subsequent occurrences.
| There may be some instances where an assessment will be made on the first occurrence
60
Department employees shall not apply for or serve a search or arrest warrant
without compliance with established procedures
61
Department employees shall not apply for a criminal warrant for an action against them that is frivolous or, retaliatory in nature and arising out of a
previous legal incident,
Except upon approval by the appropriate
| division/bureau commander.
62
Department employees shall not use police authority to resolve personal matters nor the matters of friends, relatives, or neighbors serious
except under circumstances as would justify them using self defense, preventing injury to another, or conducting an interview when a offense has been
committed.
63
Such matters involving a department employee shall be brought to the attention of the
Division/bureau commander or superior
| officer who shall then take the necessary action.
64
Department employees are strictly prohibited from using their official position, identification card, or badge
For personal or financial gain; for obtaining privileges not otherwise available for that individual; for purposes of intimidation; or for avoiding the consequences of illegal acts.
65
Department employees shall not lend their identification card or badge to another person, or permit it to be photographed or reproduced
Without the approval of the Chief of Police.
66
Department employees shall not involve themselves in any promises or arrangements between criminals and victims
Intended to allow the offenders to avoid the full penalty provided by law.
67
Department employees shall not take part, either directly or indirectly, in negotiating a compromise for the purpose of allowing offenders to avoid
the full penalty of the law or complete responsibility for their acts unless such action is,
Upon determination by the division/bureau commander, in the best interest of law enforcement.
68
Department employees shall not request that charges against a defendant be dismissed
Unless there is sufficient cause and then only with the knowledge and consent of the commanding officer of the division responsible for the arrest.
69
Exceptions exist only when such action enables officials to obtain convicting evidence against a more serious offender,
and then only with the knowledge and approval of the division/bureau commander of the division charged with its final disposition, or when justice requires such action under the full authority of the Chief of Police.
70
No department employee shall interfere with cases assigned to sworn members for investigation
Except by order of a division/bureau commander, nor shall they interfere with the operation of any division, bureau, or unit.
71
No department employee shall interfere with the investigation, arrest or prosecution brought by other officers of the department or by any other agency or person
Except by order of a division/bureau commander.
72
Department employees shall not solicit, seek, or accept any gift or gratuity, including food or drink, for themselves or others, from any individual, business establishment, or merchant
when it provides the appearance of improperly affecting the employee’s positions as representatives of law enforcement.
73
An employee shall not receive, seek, ask for, or share in any fee, reward, or other reimbursement or gratuity for the performance of or failure to perform official duties,
Except as required in the line of duty or while acting under a proper and specific order from the Chief of Police.
74
Department employees shall immediately report to their supervisor
Any offer or attempt to offer any gift or gratuity which may be made in an effort to compromise their official conduct.
75
Police officers may accept free or discounted apartments
providing the officer performs a service in return for the discount. In that instance, the rent reduction constitutes a payment for services and not a gratuity.
76
The apartment complex must be the officer’s primary residence in order to qualify for this exception.
Additionally, officers must notify the Assistant Chief of Operations of the details of any rent discount arrangement. Otherwise, the provisions of the legal bulletin #03-08 on this issue
published on June 21, 1993, continue to apply.
77
Police officers and employees may also accept special event discounts
upon the approval of the Chief of Police or designee when the event is advertised as recognizing law enforcement employees and their families or when tickets are provided through the department.
78
Department employees shall not feign illness or injury, falsely report themselves ill or injured, or otherwise deceive or attempt to deceive any
officials of the department as to the condition of their health.
79
Department employees shall not knowingly make false or otherwise untrue statements
in any communication verbal or written, concerning
| departmental matters.
80
No employee shall fail to submit a required report, withhold a report from timely submission, omit information or otherwise cause any official report
to contain false information,
when such is done with knowledge that act is wrongful and with improper motives, or when such action is a corrupt intent to benefit the employee or another.
81
Any reports, written or oral, submitted by department employees
shall be truthful and complete and no employee shall knowingly enter or cause to be entered, any inaccurate, false, or improper information.
82
Department employees shall not knowingly make false or otherwise untrue statements
to a supervisor, an Internal Affairs investigator, or to
| any official of a government agency during an official or administrative inquiry.
83
Department employees shall not knowingly make false statements
while under oath during an official proceeding.
84
Department employees shall not make warrantless or frivolous allegations against other employees
that are retaliatory in nature, are aimed at
| corrupting the disciplinary or supervisory processes or otherwise serve to impede the functions of the department.
85
Department employees shall not make warrantless or frivolous allegations against other employees
that are retaliatory in nature based upon personal
| dislike for other employees or resolving personal issues.
86
Department employees shall maintain sufficient competency to properly perform their duties and the responsibilities of their position. They shall
perform in a manner, which will tend to establish and maintain the highest standards of efficiency in carrying out the functions and objectives of the
department.
87
The following are examples of what shall be considered prima facie evidence of incompetence:
Three or more unsatisfactory evaluations served on the employee in a oneyear period; or
.02 Four or more documented and sustained violations of Tampa Police Department Regulations, General Orders, Standard Operating Procedures, or other written directives within a two-year period (date of occurrence within two year period); or
.03 Any combination of four or more of the foregoing (.01 and/or .02) occurring within two-year period would also be considered evidence of
incompetence.
88
Sworn employees are not expected or required to enter imminently hazardous situations without assistance;
however, they shall not fail to come to the aid of another sworn employee or citizen who is already engaged in an imminently hazardous situation.
89
Department employees shall at all times be attentive to their assigned duties and responsibilities and,
by their alertness and observation, reflect an interest in their work. They shall not convey a lazy disposition such as lounging in public view or sleeping on duty.
90
Department employees shall report to their supervisor
all information that comes to their attention concerning organized crime, racketeering, vice conditions, or violation of any law.
91
Department employees shall not read non-work related newspapers, periodicals, or similar materials in public view. Further, employees shall
not play games, watch television or movies, or otherwise engage in entertainment while on-duty
except as may be required in the performance
| of such duty.
92
Employees shall not participate in any activity or personal business,
which could cause them to neglect or devote inadequate attention to their duties.
93
Employees shall submit all required reports
on a timely basis and in accordance with department procedures.
94
Employees will competently investigate all matters which require police attention
and write reports when needed.
95
Reports and investigations will be complete
and shall be accomplished in such a manner as to not convey an indolent disposition on the part of the investigator.
96
Department employees shall not authorize, instigate, condone, excuse, ratify, or support any strike,
any organized slow-down, or work stoppage likely to interfere with the efficient operation of city affairs.
97
Department employees who work extra-duty assignments at strike locations shall ensure
the rights of participants to protest, but shall at no
time actively participate in the strike. The employees shall enforce all applicable laws and avoid any appearance of favoritism
98
Department employees shall have the same right to vote and to take part in political campaigns as any other citizen,
except that they shall not engage in campaign activities while on-duty.
99
Department employees may become candidates to any political office by
complying with the requirements of Florida Statute §99.012 as amended.
100
No department employee shall use their position
to influence others in their support or opposition to candidates.
101
In addressing or referring to ranking officers while in public,
employees shall use their full title and shall not omit or alter such title while on or off-duty.
102
Department employees shall promptly obey lawful orders of a supervisor.
This shall include orders relayed to an officer of the same or lesser rank.
103
Is an order which officers should reasonably believe to be consistent with the requirements of their duties.
A “lawful order”
104
Shall include, but not be limited to, conduct directed at a supervisor which is either disrespectful, insolent, or abusive.2
Insubordination
105
Department employees, while on duty, shall
not enter or visit any cocktail lounge, liquor store, or bar where alcoholic beverages are sold and, there at, purchase or consume an alcoholic beverage,
unless on official police business.
106
Department employees shall be courteous in all aspects of their relations with the public and
strive to avoid any conduct which would convey disinterest or disrespect.3
107
Department employees shall not
attempt to dissuade any citizen from lodging an allegation or complaint against any department employee, but shall take the action required by departmental directives.
108
When appearing in court or at depositions, department employees shall
present a neat and clean appearance.
109
They shall thoroughly prepare and familiarize
| themselves with the facts of the case
and testify with the greatest accuracy and truthfulness, confining themselves to the case before the court.
110
They shall neither suppress nor overstate the slightest circumstances
with a view toward favoring or discrediting any person.
111
Department employees shall wear either
the official uniform or civilian clothing which conforms to the employee dress code standards.
112
Acceptable male plainclothes attire shall consist of sport coat combinations, or suits, worn with dress shirt and tie as well as other specified attire in Section 1304 of this manual.
Acceptable plainclothes female attire shall consist of pantsuits, dresses, or jackets with dress slacks
or skirts
113
Officers conducting official agency business in courthouse facilities
must have proper identification and are permitted to carry agency-authorized weapons into the courthouse facilities.
114
Officers are not permitted to carry
| weapons into courthouse facilities
when they are appearing as a litigant or
witness in a personal matter, accompanying a friend or family member, conducting personal business, or conducting any business or activity other than official law enforcement business.
115
If an officer is in doubt about carrying a weapon into courthouse facilities,
the officer should contact his or her supervisor or the Administrative Office of the Courts for the
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
116
Any exception to this regulation
must be at the direction of the Chief of Police or his designee.
117
Weapons shall only be displayed
in accordance with court directives, unless the official uniform is worn.
118
Department employees shall while in attendance at training locations as well as comply with the rules and regulations of the firearms instructor while at the range.
comply with the rules and instructions regulating their conduct
119
Due to the nature of undercover investigations, department employees will
not divulge the identity of any undercover police officer in any manner without proper authority.
120
Department employees shall
not speak to or acknowledge an officer in
| plain-clothes unless first addressed.
121
Hairstyle: All department employees’ hair
shall be neat, clean, and present a groomed, conservative appearance.
122
Sculpted or “lined” hairstyles
are prohibited.
123
The altering of hair color in a pronounced or unnatural manner is also prohibited.
Unnatural hair color is described as green, maroon, purple, etc.
124
Sideburns: If an individual elects to wear sideburns,
they shall be neatly trimmed, and well groomed
125
Sideburns may extend to the bottom of the earlobes
with a width of up to two inches measuring from the rear of the natural beard line forward to the extreme front of the sideburn.
126
The bottom of the sideburns shall
end with a clean-shaven horizontal line.
127
The moustache shall not
extend downward beyond the line separating the skin and the vermilion of the lip.
128
Handle Bar” and “Fu Man Chu” moustaches are
prohibited.
129
When beards and goatees are permitted,
they must be clean, neatly trimmed, and reflect a professional image.
130
Authorized wigs or hairpieces
shall conform to hairstyle regulations.
131
Wigs and hairpieces should only be worn in uniform
for medical or cosmetic reasons to cover natural baldness or physical disfiguration.
132
Cosmetics shall be worn
in moderation.
133
Personal Appearance: Clothing shall be
clean, pressed, and not noticeably patched, torn, or worn.
134
No employee will report for duty
wearing soiled, worn, or wrinkled clothing or shoes or leather equipment that is not shined.
135
The supervisor noticing the violations
shall require the employee to correct the appearance problem and report for duty as directed.
136
Failure to correct the problem in a timely
| manner,
may justify disciplinary action.
137
Visible jewelry shall be limited to a
wristwatch, medical alert bracelet, necklace, earrings, and rings.
138
Watchbands shall not be
wider than the outer limits of the watchcase and shall be of a conservative, business-like color.
139
Loose fitting, ornamental “bracelet” style watches
shall not be worn while in uniform.
140
The wearing of body piercing jewelry, .
such as an earring on tongue, nose, etc., while
| in uniform, or on-duty in any capacity is prohibited
141
Glasses/Sunglasses:6 Multi-colored frames and/or iridescent or mirrored lenses
shall not be worn in uniform.
142
Eyeglass frames shall be
conservative, and business-like.
143
Sunglasses
shall not display advertisement of any kind.
144
If frame “catches” or bands are worn around the neck to secure the sunglasses,
they shall be black in color.
145
Sworn personnel will not wear sunglasses in
formations such as inspections.
146
Knit skullcaps
shall only be worn during inclement weather
147
Knitt skullcaps shall be
black in color without any logo’s or designs other than the TPD badge embroidered on the front, in either gold or silver, depending on rank.
148
Red skullcaps are
authorized for training personnel only during training purposes and not when wearing the regular police uniform.
149
Baseball style caps
can be worn during inclement weather, traffic control and assignments which are outdoors and expose an officer to the sun for a prolonged period.
150
Baseball caps shall be black in color
without any logos or designs other than the TPD badge embroidered on the front, in either gold or silver, depending on rank.
151
The authorized baseball style cap
will not be an issued uniform item and if desired, will be purchased at the expense of the individual officer.
152
However, the wearing, condition, and appearance of the baseball style cap,
will be regulated by department supervision.
153
Any exceptions to appearance must be authorized
by the Chief of Police or the affected employee’s division commander.
154
Uniform male officers: Regardless of style, the hair
shall lie above the shirt collar when the employee assumes the military position of attention.
155
Hair may touch the top of the ear
but shall not cover any portion of the outer ear.
156
Females, the hair may not extend
below shoulder length.
157
Shoulder length is defined .
as the bottom of the collar when standing in the
| military position of attention
158
Ponytails
are permissible.
159
However, ponytails must be worn
so as not to interfere with the wearing of the uniform hat or fall below the collar.
160
Hair accessories are permissible
but shall be midnight blue or black in color.
161
Uniform officers are
exclusively prohibited from wearing beards and
| goatees.
162
Plainclothes officers must have the authorization
of the division commander to wear beards and goatees.
163
While in uniform, sworn female employees may wear
small non-lock or break free hoop earrings.
164
The earrings for females shall be
silver, gold, or diamond no larger than 25 mm (the approximate dimension of an U.S. quarter) in
diameter, and no greater 5 mm in width.
165
Sworn female employees
may also wear post-style earrings.
166
The post earrings shall be
silver, gold, diamond, or pearl, no larger than 6mm in size, and have non-locking backs.
167
Authorized earrings .
must be worn as a set with one earring in each ear.
| The earring shall be worn in the ear lobe only
168
Male employees shall not wear earrings
while on-duty, or during extra duty assignments, unless approved by their division commander.
169
While in uniform,
visible necklaces shall be prohibited.
170
While in uniform, .
```
rings shall be no larger than the standard class or
fraternal size ring and limited to one ring per hand
```
171
A wedding set,
consisting of two rings, shall be considered as one ring.
172
Employees are discouraged .
from wearing expensive items of jewelry because of the probability of loss and/or damage. Also, officer safety is a factor that limits the wearing of jewelry
173
Tattoos: No tattoo or decal or any portion thereof
shall be visible to the public on sworn personnel wearing the uniform.
174
Effective November 30, 2002, Sworn personnel .
shall not obtain any tattoo or decal of which any portion would be visible to the public when in normal uniform
175
The normal uniform shall not be modified
in order to cover a tattoo obtained by an employee after November 30, 2002.
176
For example, employees may not obtain tattoos expecting to cover them
.
while in uniform with sweat bands, gloves, bandages, wide watch bands or anything else not part of the traditional TPD uniform
177
However, tattoos or decals existing on current employees prior to this regulation need not be removed and shall be exempted, provided,
however, that no existing tattoos may be re-inked,
| colored, enlarged or otherwise modified in any way to be more prominent
178
All clothing .
shall be clean and neatly pressed
179
Appropriate undergarments are required but should not be visible,
with the exception of black crew neck tee shirt (optional wear), pantyhose, kneehighs, and socks.
180
Officers in plainclothes, regardless of on or off-duty, shall not expose their weapon, badge, handcuffs, or any other such equipment to the general
public,
unless the situation dictates in the performance of one’s duty, i.e., making an arrest.
181
Headquarters and other police facilities
are the only exception to this rule. sufficient identification for recognition as a police officer should be exposed.
182
Male Employees On-Duty: Acceptable male plainclothes attire shall consist of
a suit or sport coat combination, worn with a dress shirt and tie.
183
Male Employees On-Duty:
Attire shall have a conservative and business-like appearance that projects a professional image to the public.
184
Pullover polo style or knit shirts
shall not be worn.
185
Female Employees On-Duty: Acceptable female plainclothes attire shall
consist of suits, dresses, or jackets with dress slacks or skirts.
186
The skirt length may conform to current fashion; however,
the skirt length shall have a conservative and business like appearance.
187
Split skirts may be worn; however,
they must resemble a skirt and comply with all other dress code standards.
188
Dress shoes appropriate for business shall be worn.
Shoes with heels greater than three inches in height will not be worn.
189
Employees Off-Duty: Off duty employees who represent the Tampa Police Department in an official capacity
shall adhere to the dress code.
190
Employees operating marked police vehicles while off-duty shall adhere to the prescribed dress code or
shall dress in a suitable manner to take police action if necessary during such operation. The utility uniform shall be considered
appropriate attire.
193
Non-sworn Female Employees Hairstyle: Employees’ hair shall be neat, clean, and present a groomed, conservative appearance
Sculpted or “lined” hairstyles are prohibited. The
altering of hair color in a pronounced or unnatural manner is also prohibited. Unatural hair color is described as green, maroon, purple, etc.
194
Non sworn Employees Hairstyle: Male employees’ hair may not extend below shoulder length.
In those cases where the length of hair extends below the collar, the hair should be worn back and contained in a fashion similar to a ponytail.
195
Non sworn employees Beards and Goatees: Beards and goatees may be worn, even while wearing the uniform,
provided they are clean, neatly trimmed and reflect a professional image.
196
Uniform Non sworn employees: When the wearing of a uniform is appropriate for a department employee’s assignment only departmentally issued and/or approved uniforms shall be worn.
Additional patches or decorative items shall not
| be attached to the uniform unless authorized by the Chief of Police.
197
Non-sworn employees that have been issued uniforms shall wear the uniform and comply with the dress code.
Exceptions must be authorized by the Chief of Police or the employees’ division commander.
198
Uniform attire, including jackets, shall only be worn while on duty or when otherwise authorized by the
Chief of Police or the employees’ division commander.
199
Non-sworn female employees shall wear the uniform skirt
hemmed at a minimum length of 1” above the top of the kneecap.
200
Uniform shoes or boots shall have a conservative black appearance, round toe, and a smooth grain leather/leather-like finish.
Buckles, straps, and/or ornaments are prohibited. Heels shall not exceed 1 ¾” in height.
201
If a high top boot is worn, .
the height of the boot shall not preclude the
| trouser from catching on the top of the boot
202
Socks worn in uniform with uniform shoes
shall be black or navy blue in color. Pantyhose shall be worn with the uniform skirt.
203
Jewelry may be worn in moderation;
however, due to safety issues with some assignments, the jewelry worn may be restricted.
204
Jewelry may be worn in moderation;
however, due to safety issues with some assignments, the jewelry worn may be restricted.
205
Earrings, if worn,
shall have a professional appearance.
206
Dress Code, Non-Sworn Employees: Employees shall report for duty .
dressed and groomed appropriately for busines
207
Non sworn The following is the dress code for employees who
| are on duty or otherwise representing the Tampa Police Department.
Exceptions may be made with supervisory consent based upon the nature of the assignment
208
Non sworn Appropriate undergarments are required but should not be visible, with
the exception of ladies’ hosiery, knee-highs, and socks.
209
Non sworn Prohibited clothing shall include, but not be limited to,
spandex or form fitting fabrics, tight fitting and low cut (front or back) blouses/dresses, casual attire, and ultra-dressy apparel.
210
Male Employees On-Duty
Attire shall have a conservative and business-like appearance that projects a professional image to the public.
211
Attire shall have a conservative and business-like appearance
that projects a professional image to the public.
212
Attire shall have a conservative and business-like appearance
that projects a professional image to the public.
213
Pullover or knit shirts
shall be permitted.
214
Female Employees On-Duty The skirt length
may conform to the current fashion. However, the skirt length shall have a conservative and business-like appearance.
215
Split skirts may be worn;
however, they must resemble a skirt and comply
| with all other dress code standards.
216
Slacks shall have a
conservative and business-like appearance.
217
Pullover polo style or knit shirts
shall be permitted.
218
Dress shoes appropriate for business shall be worn. Open toe shoes may
be worn
at the discretion of the Bureau Commander. Consideration shall be given to safety and the nature of the assignment when making this
decision.
219
Acceptable attire for female employees
shall consist of suits, dresses, or jackets with dress slacks or skirts.
220
Acceptable attire for female employees
shall consist of suits, dresses, or jackets with dress slacks or skirts.
221
Training Programs, Dress Code13: While attending training programs, sworn and nonsworn
employees shall
adhere to the department dress code unless specifically directed otherwise by a representative of the training facility or the Chief of Police.
222
Light Duty Assignment14: Officers assigned to light duty will comply with plainclothes dress and appearance standards. .
Any deviation due to medical conditions must be by
| written orders from the attending physician
223
Use of Department Equipment:2 Department employees shall utilize and maintain
departmental equipment
in accordance with established departmental procedures and shall not abuse, intentionally damage, or lose departmental equipment through neglect.
224
Departmental Property, Restriction of Use:3 All physical objects issued by the Tampa Police Department to its employees
shall remain the property of the department and shall be subject to all policies and procedures relating to departmental property.
225
All employees are responsible for
the safekeeping, maintenance, and care of any departmental property that they use
226
Property shall only be used for
official purposes in the capacity for which
| it was designated.
227
Property shall not be loaned or permanently transferred to any employee
without the explicit permission of the employee’s division/bureau commander.
228
Department employees shall not tamper with or misuse any computer software applications.
All computer software applications are the property
| of the City of Tampa and will be used only for official departmental matters.
229
Department employees shall not tamper with or misuse any computer software applications.
All computer software applications are the property
| of the City of Tampa and will be used only for official departmental matters.
230
No personal or unauthorized software applications
will be used, stored, or saved on any departmental computer, screen savers excepted.
231
Department employees shall not misuse or abuse any pager device issued by the City of Tampa.
This includes the transmitting device or software
application that can access any pager of an employee. Misuse includes sending messages of a personal and private nature but does not include the
occasional personal page.
232
Department employees shall not misuse or abuse any pager device issued by the City of Tampa.
This includes the transmitting device or software
application that can access any pager of an employee. Misuse includes sending messages of a personal and private nature but does not include the
occasional personal page.
233
Use of Confiscated Property:7 Department employees shall not take or borrow any
confiscated property for their personal use
without authorization from the Chief of
| Police.
234
Operation of Vehicles:8 Department employees shall operate an official vehicle
in a careful and prudent manner and shall comply with all laws of the state, county, and city and all department directives relating to such operation.
235
Employees shall at all times set a proper example .
for other persons by the operation of official
| vehicles
236
Body Armor:9 All sworn personnel will be offered a department issued ballistic vest (body armor). .
Officers who initially decline a department issued vest may subsequently request a vest at any time
237
All sworn personnel are authorized to wear personally owned body armor.
Authorization is contingent upon approval of the Personnel & Training Unit. All such armor must meet or exceed current department specifications.
238
All body armor must comply with the current
minimum protective standards prescribed by the National Institute of Justice.
239
Type: Sworn employees who are on duty shall carry department issued or approved firearms/weapons/ammunition and holsters as may be necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.
Exceptions shall be made for certain assignments when approved by a Division Commander.
240
Any firearms, which are department issued or approved, shall not be altered
without the approval of a person authorized by the department to inspect and/or repair duty firearms and is a certified armorer.
241
Officers utilizing privately owned weapons will not be reimbursed for damage or loss.
Any required repairs or maintenance are solely the responsibility of the owner.
242
Carrying: Off-Duty: Sworn employees are authorized, .
not mandated, to carry a firearm when off-duty
243
Officers traveling outside the jurisdiction of the city of Tampa are
not required to carry a firearm; however it is permissible where authorized by law.
244
When wearing civilian clothes,
sworn employees shall conceal the firearm from public view.
245
Off-duty sworn employees, while operating a department vehicle,
shall be armed with a firearm approved by the department.
246
Only department issued or approved ammunition will be carried in primary and off-duty firearms.
Any modifications to department issued or approved
| ammunition are prohibited.
247
Display (Line of Duty): Firearms shall never be displayed or taken from holsters in public
except in the line of duty.
248
Sworn employees are specifically warned against any
“dryfiring” of weapons when on duty, except by direction of the Training Unit.
249
Officers will at all times
exercise common firearm safety rules and are responsible for the discharge of firearms, either intentionally or unintentionally.
250
Officers coming into contact with firearms with which they are not familiar
will not attempt to safe the firearm but will contact a person approved by the department to safe the firearm. The Training Unit will maintain a list of approved armorers.
251
Secure Storage of Firearms: Department employees shall exercise all reasonable
precautions in securing their issued/authorized firearms .
from unwanted access, including those provisions contained in F.S. § 790.174
252
Discharge of Firearms: Officers shall make an immediate oral and subsequent written report,
of each instance of the discharge of a firearm, other than for training or recreational purposes including any unintentional discharge.2
253
Knives: Knives are
not considered authorized weapons
254
however, knives
may be carried for utility purposes (i.e., cutting seat belts).
255
Officers may carry folding knives on their gun
| belt .
as long as the case matches the color and design of the existing issued equipment
256
The carrying of these knives is optional and officers will not be reimbursed for damage or loss. “
Boot” or “sheath” knives are not authorized and will not be worn by any on-duty personnel.3
257
Authorized Weapons: The High Liability Training and Evaluation Committee .
will generate and maintain a list of approved firearms and firearms related equipment, including holsters and ammunition, authorized for on-duty and off-duty use
258
The Authorized Weapons/Ammunitions List
is found in SOP 643.1.
259
The use of firearms, ammunition or related equipment not specifically approved and authorized
is prohibited
260
Treatment of Persons in Custody:2 A department employee shall not mistreat persons who are in custody.
The department employee shall treat such persons in accordance with established departmental procedures.
261
Use of Force:3 Department employees shall not use excessive force
in making an arrest or in dealing with a prisoner or any other person.
262
Reporting Use of Force:4 Department employees shall report each instance of use of force or deployment of any less than lethal system,
which shall include the pointing of a weapon and submit a written report or recorded statements containing detailed information relating to the type and degree of force used.
263
Use of force reports will be submitted
no later than the end of the shift in which the
| force was used.
264
Use of force incidents that occur in an extra-duty capacity .
will be reported no later than the end of the extra-duty assignment
265
Officers utilizing force in connection with an off-duty exercise of police authority
will submit proper reports before returning to off-duty status.
266
Officers shall immediately report and document as required any injury or complaint of injury that results from a use of force contact, to themselves or the suspect,
to their immediate supervisor.
267
In the case of extra-duty contacts,
each incident shall be reported immediately to the supervisor or area supervisor and the
shift commander of the affected division and document as required.
268
Area of Search:5 After an arrest, the arresting sworn employee shall
search the area of the arrest for weapons or evidence that may have been concealed, dropped, or thrown away by the accused.
269
Examination of Police Vehicles:6 All sworn operator(s) are responsible for thoroughly searching the vehicle for weapons, contraband, or other items,
upon taking possession of the vehicle. The condition of the vehicle shall also be examined, including the proper inflation of tires, as well as fuel, oil, and other fluid levels
270
When transporting a prisoner, sworn operator(s) shall
search the vehicle prior to transport, and immediately after transport, for weapons, contraband, or other items.
271
Transporting Prisoners:7 A department employee shall not transport, or cause to be transported, prisoners to their home, room, or elsewhere
without the consent of a superior officer.
272
However, an exception shall exist for the prisoner who,
due to a medical emergency, must be transported to an appropriate medical facility under supervision
273
The transportation of juveniles shall be conducted pursuant to
Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, the “Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1990.”
274
Responsibility1: Supervisors shall be responsible
for compliance with departmental rules, regulations, orders and procedures.
275
The supervisors are
responsible and accountable for the maintenance of discipline and shall provide leadership, supervision, and continuing training to ensure the efficiency of unit operations.
276
Supervisors have responsibility for directing the performance of all subordinates assigned to them. While they can delegate authority and functions to
subordinates,
supervisors cannot delegate responsibility.
277
Supervisors shall:
Provide leadership and guidance;
278
Supervisors Shall:Maintain a professional relationship with subordinates at all times and shall not
engage in any sexual or romantic encounter or relationship with a subordinate that constitutes unprofessional conduct or the perception of
impropriety;
279
Supervisors Shall
Perform specific duties and functions as assigned by a superior officer
280
Supervisors Shall
Uphold department employees who are properly performing their duties; deal fairly and equitably with all employees; and when necessary, correct
subordinates in an appropriate manner;
281
Supervisors Shall
Request or initiate remedial or disciplinary action when necessary;3
282
Supervisors Shall
Accept, discuss, and handle grievances in accordance with departmental policy;
283
Supervisors Shall
Ensure that all policies, rules, regulations, orders and directives of the department are communicated to, implemented by, and enforced by their
subordinates; and
284
Supervisors Shall
Remain accountable for failure, misconduct, or omission of their subordinates.4
285
Commanding Officers: Commanding officers are majors, captains, lieutenants, or sergeants designated
by the chief of police to command a division, bureau, or unit. They or their designees are directly responsible through the chain of command to the head of their area of responsibility.
286
The commanding officers shall keep the chief of police advised through the chain of command as to the orderly operation of their assignment.
They shall maintain general supervision over the operation of their assignment and the personnel
under their command.
287
Subordinates: Supervisors who observe or are informed of improper action, willful neglect of duty or misconduct by a department employee, whether
assigned or not to their command,
shall take immediate corrective action and provide verbal or written notification as deemed appropriate, to the employee’s immediate supervisor or bureau commander.
288
Disciplinary Decision: Responsibility Any supervisor who chooses to discipline a subordinate
shall be held responsible for that decision.
289
A superior officer holding the rank of at least lieutenant or a non-sworn supervisor, or any department employee acting in the capacity of
commanding officer on duty at that time,
can immediately relieve a department employee from active duty without pay, without the prior
approval of a commanding officer if the superior officer or non-sworn supervisor: reasonably believes that the employee has violated the law; has
reasonable suspicion that the department employee is intoxicated; reasonably believes that the employee is exhibiting emotional instability
or irrational behavior; or for other causes when such action is required by exigent circumstances.
290
Any such supervisor who so relieves a department employee of duty
shall immediately notify the commanding officer of the employee, who shall immediately notify the appropriate assistant chief.
291
Department Employees – Duty Status: Department employees who are technically off duty shall always be subject to orders from superior officers regarding police matters and
are fully responsible for assisting in any investigation in which they are involved. They shall take necessary action in any matter that would require the same response from an on-duty sworn employee except as prohibited under Section 1101, Misuse of Authority.
292
Reporting to Duty upon Request: Department employees who are off-duty shall report for
duty immediately upon receipt of a superior officer’s order to do so,
upon knowledge of a major emergency or disaster or otherwise in accordance with Standard Operation Procedure 382 or procedures governing callback. Extenuating circumstances, which would prevent an employee from obeying such an order, shall be considered by the superior officer
293
Reporting Illness or Injury: All department employees who are unable to report for duty
due to illness or injury
must notify their supervisor, supervisor’s designee, or other commanding officer at least one hour prior to their scheduled reporting time.
294
Identification1 .01 Department employees shall carry their badge and identification card on their
person,
both on and off-duty within their jurisdiction of authority.
295
Department Employees – Duty Status: Department employees who are technically off duty shall always be subject to orders from superior officers regarding police matters and
are fully responsible for assisting in any investigation in which they are involved. They shall take necessary action in any matter that would require the same response from an on-duty sworn employee except as prohibited under Section 1101, Misuse of Authority.
296
Reporting to Duty upon Request: Department employees who are off-duty shall report for
duty immediately upon receipt of a superior officer’s order to do so,
upon knowledge of a major emergency or disaster or otherwise in accordance with Standard Operation Procedure 382 or procedures governing callback. Extenuating circumstances, which would prevent an employee from obeying such an order, shall be considered by the superior officer
297
Reporting Illness or Injury: All department employees who are unable to report for duty
due to illness or injury
must notify their supervisor, supervisor’s designee, or other commanding officer at least one hour prior to their scheduled reporting time.
298
Identification1 .01 Department employees shall carry their badge and identification card on their
person,
both on and off-duty within their jurisdiction of authority.
299
Department employees shall furnish their name and badge number or employee number; whichever is applicable,
to any person requesting such information. An exception shall be made when necessary in the performance of police duties and they are properly authorized not to do so.
300
Relief: All department employees shall remain at their on-duty assignment until
properly relieved by another employee or until dismissed by a supervisor.
301
Failure to Comply: Departmental Policies: Failure to comply with established, documented departmental policies, general orders, special orders, and standard operating procedures
shall constitute a violation of the Tampa Police Department’s regulations.
302
Failure to Report Violation of Departmental Regulations: Department employees having
knowledge of a violation of the departmental regulations
shall report the violation to their immediate supervisor.
303
Failure to Report Damage, Loss or Theft of City Property: Department employees who damage, lose or have city property stolen or have knowledge of damaged, lost or stolen
city property shall immediately report the circumstances in writing to their immediate
supervisor.
304
```
Police Investigation (Self-Assigned): Sworn department employees shall not undertake
any investigations or other police action not part of the sworn employee’s regular police duties
```
without obtaining permission from a superior officer, unless the situation requires immediate police action. The sworn employee shall file a written report with the superior officer immediately thereafter.
305
Accepting Payment for Personal Injury or Property Damage: Department employees shall not accept or agree to accept anything as payment for personal injury or property damage incurred in the line-of-duty
without first notifying the chief of police.
306
Safety and Attention to Duty: Department employees shall perform their duties and
responsibilities
in a careful and prudent manner. They shall comply with all laws of the state, county, and city as well as all departmental directives.
307
Cooperation with Departmental Investigations: Department employees shall cooperate
with all departmental investigations as set forth in departmental policies and procedures
and in accordance with law.
They shall truthfully answer questions regarding any matter, and shall never knowingly provide false, inaccurate, or misleading information, or
withhold information related to investigations.
308
Restriction on Revealing Information: Department employees shall keep the official
business of the department
confidential.
309
They shall not divulge the following information unless required by law:
Any orders they have received unless required by the nature of the orders. Any information relative to an arrest or investigation except as approved by
departmental policy.
310
Destruction of Official Documents: Department employees shall not destroy or permanently remove from its file, or any other location, any department record or police report,
except pursuant to state statute.
311
Assuming Command at a Crime Scene2: In the event that several ranking department
employees respond to the scene of any police incident,
the ranking department employee shall assume command and direction of police personnel.
312
When two or more superior officers of equal rank are present at the scene of the police incident,
the superior representing the unit responsible for continuing the investigation shall assume control and ensure that appropriate action is initiated.
313
Conflicting Orders3: A department employee who is given a proper order that conflicts with a previous order, regulation, directive, or standard operating procedure .
shall respectfully so advise the supervisor who issued the conflicting order
314
Under the circumstances, the responsibility shall be upon the supervisor; the individual obeying the
conflicting order shall not be held responsible for disobedience of the previously issued order. When an order is given that conflicts with a standard operating procedure,
the individual shall comply with the order unless it is a violation of law or reasonably believed to be a threat to safety. The department employee shall thereafter submit a report containing the facts and circumstances to the commanding officer through the chain of command.
315
Failure to Secure Departmental Vehicles: Department employees shall be required to
properly secure their assigned vehicles
while left unattended when time and the situation
| permits.
316
Meals: Department employees shall be permitted to suspend patrol or other assigned activity, subject to immediate call pursuant to the existing labor contract, for the purpose of having meals during the tour of duty,
but only for such reasonable time that is required
| to consume the meal.
317
Employees who stop to eat shall so advise the Communications Bureau of their location and their status as being out of service subject to call.
This shall be accomplished by radio communication only, through the dispatcher of their assigned frequency.
318
No more than two units with a combined total of four employees
shall be out of service, subject to call at the same location at the same time.
319
Department employees shall not stop to eat
during peak times for calls or when there are insufficient units available to handle calls.
320
Sworn employees shall utilize those eating establishments as are located within their assigned area
unless otherwise approved by their supervisor.
321
Assisting Prisoners in Obtaining Attorneys and Bondsmen: Department employees shall
not assist in obtaining attorneys or bondsmen for prisoners
unless the prisoner requests that a designated attorney or bondsman be notified. Such a request shall be handled in accordance with court rulings and department policy.
322
Subpoenas: A department employee who is legally subpoenaed shall be responsible for:
Punctual attendance in court or any such other location directed by the subpoena
Proper preparation and presentation of relevant information
323
Civil Suits: Department employees, who do not institute or are otherwise not a party to a civil action involving the City,
shall not testify in any action unless subpoenaed.
324
Any change in phone, name , address, shall be
reported within twenty-four hours.
325
Such reports of name and address change shall be submitted to .
their immediate supervisor who shall forward them through channels to the Personnel and Training Unit
326
Employees are responsible for submitting any changes to their time cards,
in accordance with department procedures in place, in a timely manner.
327
Upon signing timecards, employees and supervisors will
record the date the card was actually signed and not a future or past date.
328
Knowingly or intentionally submitting false information on time cards
could result in termination.
329
Public Statements: Department employees shall not, , engage in any public statements, interviews, activities, deliberations, affidavits, or discussions pertaining to the Tampa Police Department which reasonably can be foreseen to impair the discipline, efficiency, public service, or public confidence in the department or its personnel by:
without authority
330
Public Appearances/Speeches: Department employees shall not address a public gathering, appear on radio or television, prepare any article for publication, act as a correspondent to a newspaper or a periodical, or release or divulge investigative information or any other matters of the department
except for protected speech, without official sanction or proper authority, when they are identified as department employees in the express or implied role as spokesman for the department.
331
A sworn employee may lecture on “police subjects” or other related subjects only
with the prior approval of the chief of police.
332
Supplying Official Information: Department employees shall not discuss, publicly or for publication, matters pertaining to individual police personnel or make available official personnel photographs
without the written authority and prior
| approval of the chief of police.
333
Use of Name, Photograph, or Title: Department employees shall not permit or authorize the use of their name, photograph, or official title which identifies them as department employees in connection with testimonials or advertisements of a
commodity or commercial enterprise or for any personal reasons,
without the prior approval of the mayor.
