Order 120: Legal Assistance

Question 1

What is the purpose of this order?

Answer 1

To identify the appropriate individual to provide legal counsel and guidance to assist members, as needed, in their performance of official duties.

Question 2

Definitions: Office of General Counsel (OGC)

Answer 2

The chief legal officer for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
(JSO), as established by Jacksonville Municipal Code (MC), Sec. 7.02

Question 3

What are the OGC’s responsibilities?

Answer 3

a. Making legal decisions on the merits for the consolidated government of the City of
Jacksonville without preference to any official or agency;

b. Advising members of the agency on new or existing state laws, ordinances, and
resolutions; and

c. Educating members on conflicting legal issues and how to amicably resolve them.

Question 4

Definitions: Legal Advisor –

Answer 4

A designated Deputy, Chief, or Assistant General Counsel from the OGC who
is available to provide legal counsel and assistance concerning JSO policies/procedures and
other criminal and/or civil matters related to the performance of official JSO duties.

Question 5

Definitions: State Attorney’s Office (SAO) Liaison

Answer 5

A designated Assistant State Attorney (ASA) from the
Office of the State Attorney (SAO 4th Judicial Circuit) who is available to provide legal
assistance on criminal cases.

Question 6

JSO members who have legal questions related to the performance of their duties may contact the Legal Advisor during normal business
hours by calling OGC at (904) 255-5100 with the approval of who?

Answer 6

Their commanding officer (lieutenant)

Question 7

The on-call ASA is available after office hours to provide assistance concerning matters
relating to criminal law and SAO procedures, as well as obtaining arrest and search warrants,
if exigent circumstances exist. Who may contact the on-call ASA via the Investigative
PECO?

Answer 7

A supervisor