POBAR Flashcards
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Can you be involved in political activity?
Yes, but not while you’re on duty or in uniform
Can you run for a school board position ?
YES
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
What is punitive actions?
Actions that may lead to dismissal, demotion, suspension, reduction in salary, written reprimand or transfer for the purposes of punishment.
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
When can interrogations take place?
Within a reasonable hour, preferably on duty, or waking hours for the officer, unless seriousness requires otherwise.
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
What information must be given to the officer who is being interrogated?
You must inform the officer of the rank, name, and command of the officer in charge of the interrogation, the interrogating officers, and all other persons present during interrogation.
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
How long can an interview be?
Interrogation time shall be for a reasonable period (taking into consideration the gravity and complexity of the issue being investigated), and he or she can attend to their personal necessities (potty breaks, snacks, etc.).
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Does the officer have to be informed of the nature of the investigation prior to questioning?
YES
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Can the department give the officer’s home address or photograph to the press without the officer’s permission?
No
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Does an employee have a right to have access to his or her employee file?
Yes
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Does the employer have to keep a “true and correct copy” of the employee’s file?
YES
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Does the officer have the right to request removal of any material mistakenly or unlawfully placed in his or her file?
Yes, after the employee examines his or her file and makes the request in writing. The department has 30 days to grant request or notify the officer of the decision to refuse.
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
How much time is the department allowed to elapse between the discovery of alleged misconduct and the punitive action?
One year
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
How long does the department have to give punitive action, denial of promotion (on grounds other than Merit), for an act, omission or other allegations of misconduct?
One year
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Does the fact that the alleged misconduct is also subject to criminal investigation affect the one-year statute of limits?
Yes, the one year time limit is tolled during the duration of the criminal investigation.
POLICE OFFICERS BILL OF RIGHTS
Can an officer waive this one-year statue of limits?
Yes, must be done in writing, for the period of time specified in the written waiver.