Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Table of Contents Title Section Page Authority and Purpose 100 2 Scope 200 3-4 Professional Conduct and Personal Bearing 300 5-7 Responsibilities and General Conduct on Duty 400 8-11 Public Activities 500 12-13 Protection of Prisoners, Their Rights & Their Property 600 14 Civil, Criminal, Judicial and Investigative Actions 700 15-17 Uniforms, Equipment and Appearance 800 18-19 Effective Date 900 20 Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |1 Section 100 Authority and Purpose 101. Authority and Purpose The Rules and Regulations of the Pocola Police Department are promulgated by the Chief of Police and approved by the legislative body of the Town of Pocola. 102. The Rules and Regulations of the Pocola Police Department are designed to promote efficiency, discipline, and good public relations by setting forth rules governing the conduct of every member (full-time officer, reserve officers, and dispatchers) of the police department, both on and off duty. The terms “sworn member” and “officer” refer to any person commissioned as a police officer pursuant to authority of state law and under the ordinances of the Town of Pocola. 102.1 Where reference is made to the “office of the Chief of the Police”, that term shall mean the Chief, and/or any staff officer/s designated by the Chief of Police. 103. The provisions of these Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, and written directives shall apply to all members of the Police Department. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |2 Section 200 Scope 201. The provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall be observed by all members of the department in order to maintain the confidence, respect and support of the community. 202. Violation of these Rules and Regulations, the ordinances of the Town of Pocola and/or laws of the State of Oklahoma or the United States, or Departmental orders, policies and directives shall subject the offender to disciplinary action which may take the form of a verbal or written reprimand, reduction in rank and/or suspension, or discharge from employment. Action taken will depend on the severity of the offense, the record of the offender, and the seriousness of the consequences of the violation. 203. Disciplinary action under these Rules and Regulations shall be in accordance with the Town of Pocola's Rules and Regulations. 204. It shall be the duty of all supervisors, officers, and members to take corrective action and submit a written report to an immediate supervisor whenever they learn through personal observation or report any violation of these Rules and Regulations, the ordinances of the Town of Pocola and/or laws of the State of Oklahoma or the United States by any member of the Department. 204.1 Should the violation involve an incident of a serious nature, the supervisor or commanding officer detecting the violation shall relieve the offender from duty and take custody of any credentials and firearms issued by the Department. Should the observing officer be of lesser rank than the offender, he/she shall notify a supervisor of equal or superior rank. The offender shall be instructed to keep himself/herself immediately available to the office of the Chief of Police and shall not perform any police duties while being relieved of duty. 204.2 A written report of the incident shall be submitted by the reporting supervisor, through the proper chain of command, to the Office of the Chief of Police. 205. When a violation does not involve gross misconduct but could cause discredit to the Department or any member thereof, an initial investigation and report shall be made in writing setting out the known facts of the case and a thorough investigation will be initiated to determine the nature and degree of the violation. 206. Minor violations which do not involve gross misconduct and which will not reflect discredit upon the Department but which indicate a need for some form of discipline and/or training may be handled by the offender’s supervisor. 207. Pursuant to the authority granted by the legislative body of the Town of Pocola, the Chief of Police shall have the right to suspend any employee who may be under his/her jurisdiction and control for failure or refusal to obey lawful orders given by proper authority or the orders, rules and regulations and directives promulgated by the Chief of Police. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |3 Scope- Continued 208. No member shall procure appointment in the Department by means of willful misrepresentation or omission of any material fact concerning his/her personal employment history, qualifications for employment, or physical condition. 209. Upon receipt of written notification from the Chief of Police of a dismissal and/or demotion or a qualifying suspension which has a length of time that is established by state law or town ordinance, the member shall have ten (10) days to exercise his/her right of appeal to the Town Council. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |4 Section 300 Professional Conduct and Personal Bearing 301. Dereliction of duty on the part of any member that is detrimental to the proper performance of the functions of the Department is cause for disciplinary action. The offender shall be punished according to the severity of the violation, the results brought by the dereliction, and the effect it has upon the discipline, good order, and the best interest of the Department. Although not an exhaustive list, the following described sections constitute dereliction of duty: 301.01 Failure of a supervisor to take immediate action when a violation of these Rules and Regulations comes to his/her attention, regardless of the supervisor’s or violator’s assignment or rank within the Department. 301.02 Failure to observe and adhere to the Rules and Regulations, Policies and directives of the Department. 301.03 Failure to deliver to the official departmental evidence custodian any property found or confiscated by or relinquished to officers of this Department without undue delay and, in any event, before the officer’s tour of duty ends. 301.04 Failure to place evidence in officially designated place for preservation and storage. 301.05 Failure to give name, badge number and/or employee number to any person upon request 301.06 To be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or to be a user of a controlled substance when such are not prescribed by a physician or dentist or to take drugs in a manner not prescribed by a physician or dentist. 301.07 Unnecessary violence toward any person 301.08 Disrespect shown towards any supervisory officer, any civilian supervisor or subordinate. 301.09 Use of unnecessarily loud, indecent, profane, or rude language in the performance of official duties or in the presence of the public. 301.10 To accept, agree to accept, or solicit a bribe. (A bribe shall be defined as a gift, money, thing of value, testimonial, appointment or personal advantage, or the promise or solicitation of same for the purpose of obtaining special privileges or personal gain by the donor or other person.) 301.11 Cowardice or failure to perform police duties because of danger. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |5 Professional Conduct and Personal Bearing- Continued 302. Officers shall not engage in any conduct which constitutes conduct unbecoming an officer or neglect of duty. 303. Members shall not engage in any personal act or conduct which, if brought to the attention of the public, could result in justified criticism of that member or the Department. No member shall be personally involved in disturbances or police incidents to his/her discredit. 304. Members shall treat supervisors, subordinates and associates with respect. Members shall be courteous and civil at all times in their relationships with one another. When on duty, in the presence of the public or other members, officers shall be referred to by rank or proper surname. 305. Members shall not publicly criticize or ridicule the Department, its policies or other employees by speaking, writing or expressing in any manner which: 305.01 Is defamatory. 305.02 Is obscene. 305.03 Is unlawful. 305.04 Tends to impair the operation of the Department by interfering with its efficiency, with the ability of supervisors to maintain discipline or by a reckless disregard for the truth. 306. Members shall not ridicule, mock, taunt, or belittle any person at any time. Neither shall he/she willfully embarrass, humiliate, nor shame any person nor do anything that might incite any person to violence. 307. Members shall not conduct himself/herself in the offices and buildings of the Department in a manner which would discredit the member or the Department. 308. Members shall not engage in any form of gambling in or upon any police facility. 309. Members shall not engage in "horseplay" or the playing of pranks while on duty. This conduct is prohibited while in any vehicle or upon any police facility. 310. Members shall not solicit any funds for the purpose of buying a gift for any member of the Department. However, members may solicit funds for retirement gifts or special circumstances with permission from the Office of the Chief of Police. 311. Members shall not receive any money or gifts from any type of solicitation except when retiring from the Department or for special circumstances previously approved by the Office of the Chief of Police. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |6 Professional Conduct and Personal Bearing- Continued 312. Members shall not under any circumstances solicit any gift, gratuity, loan, fee or other consideration where there is any direct or indirect relationship between the solicitation and their department membership except as provided by law and approved by the Office of the Chief of Police. 313. Members shall not use their position, badge or uniform or solicit or accept gifts or gratuities that could, in the public mind, be interpreted as capable of influencing his/her judgment in the discharge of his/her duties or that would reflect favoritism by the member or department towards any particular person, group, or business. This rule does not prohibit: 313.01 Unsolicited discounts or services offered to all members so long as the member does not profit by reselling the item or offering the service to another. 313.02 Acceptance of awards, including money, given to a member by a publicly recognized organization in recognition of outstanding service or achievement. 313.03 Acceptance by a member of any money or gifts on behalf of the department with approval of any command level supervisor. Such items accepted shall be of benefit to the department as a whole or for some worthy cause that is sponsored in whole or part by the department. 314. Disposition of Unauthorized Gifts: Any unauthorized gift, gratuity, reward, or other material benefit which comes into the possession of any employee shall be forwarded to the Chief of Police. 314.01 The Chief shall consult with legal counsel and a determination made whether to arrange for the return of the gift and/or initiate an investigation. 314.02 The member involved shall be notified in writing of the disposition. 315. Members shall not receive any gift or gratuity from members, junior in rank, without permission from the Office of the Chief of Police. 316. Members shall not purchase from or sell anything to any complainant, suspect, witness, defendant, prisoner or other person involved in any case which has come to their attention through their employment with the Department. Officers cannot act as intermediary in the payment of a reward for the return of stolen property without prior written authorization by the Chief of Police. This does not prohibit officers from dealing with legitimate businesses. 317. Officers in uniform shall render the proper military salute to the flag of the United States and the national anthem at appropriate times. Officer in civilian dress shall render proper civilian honors to the flag of the United States and national anthem at appropriate times. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |7 Section 400 Responsibilities and General Conduct on Duty 401. For the purpose of protecting life and property, officers shall always be considered on duty while in the Town of Pocola and shall be prepared to act any time circumstances indicate their services are required. 402. Officers shall respond without delay to all calls for police assistance. Emergency calls take precedence. However, all calls shall be answered as soon as possible, consistent with normal safety precautions and traffic laws. Except under the most extraordinary circumstances, officers shall not fail to answer any call for service directed to him/her. Should an officer be unable to respond to a call for service, the circumstances must be immediately reported to a supervisor for approval and the supervisor will then be responsible for the reassignment of the call. 403. Within the Town of Pocola, officers shall, at all times, take appropriate action to: 403.01 Protect life and property. 403.02 Preserve the peace. 403.03 Prevent crimes. 403.04 Detect and arrest violators of the law. 403.05 Enforce all appropriate federal, state and local laws and ordinances. 404. The ranking on-duty supervisor at the scene of any police incident shall be in charge and responsible for the proper conclusion of that incident. In the absence of a supervisor, the senior officer present shall be in charge and responsible for the handling of the incident. The supervisor or senior officer shall remain at the scene until such time as the incident is under control, and is being properly handled in accordance with existing policies and sufficient instructions have been issued to ensure proper conclusion of the incident. The arrival of an investigator does not relieve the on-scene supervisor from the proper conclusion of the incident. 405. Officers shall, at all times, respond to the lawful orders of supervisors and others in lawful authority as well as requests for police assistance from the public. The administrative delegation to particular agencies or departments of the enforcement of certain laws and ordinances does not relieve other officers from the responsibility of taking prompt, effective police action within the scope of those laws and ordinances when circumstances require. Officers assigned to special duties are not relieved from taking necessary enforcement action outside the scope of their special assignment. All members shall perform their duties as required or directed by law, departmental rule, and policy, directive or by order from a supervisory officer. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |8 Responsibilities and General Conduct on Duty-Continued 406. Failure or deliberate refusal of any officer to obey a lawful order given by a supervisory officer of this Department shall be considered insubordination. 407. Officers, while within their jurisdiction, are required to take appropriate action to aid any law enforcement officer exposed to danger or in a situation of impending danger. 408. The hours of all police employees shall be regulated by the Chief of Police, who has the authority to call any police member back to duty, regardless of the hours assigned that member. 409. Members shall not be absent without leave. (Absent without leave shall mean either a failure to report for duty at the time and place of duty or the leaving of a place of duty or assignment without the prior authorization of a supervisor.) 410. Officers shall be in the proper and complete assigned uniform and have all necessary equipment. They shall give careful attention to orders and instructions 411. It shall be the responsibility of members who cannot report for duty due to illness (personal or family) to notify an on-duty supervisor, within their division, at least one (1) hour prior to their scheduled reporting time. The supervisor shall contact the officer to confirm the nature of the illness and approve the type of leave for payroll purposes. 411.01 Where the pattern of sick leave usage indicates abuse of the Town’s sick leave policies, the Chief of Police or his/her designee may verify the illness of the member by telephone or personal visits. 412. When a member becomes sick while on duty to the extent that he/she must leave their assigned duties, the member shall notify his/her supervisor immediately, prior to leaving their assigned duties. 413. Any member of the Department who is absent from duty and reports sickness as the reason for such absence, shall at the discretion of the Chief of Police, submit to an examination by a physician selected by the Town of Pocola. 414. Supervisory officers shall make diligent inquiry into every case of unexplained tardiness and shall document such tardiness with a view toward possible disciplinary action. 415. In cases of extended illness, reports and statements from the physician attending the member shall be immediately furnished as to the member’s illness, condition and expected time to return to duty. It shall be the responsibility of the member concerned to ensure that this documentation is prepared and presented to the member’s immediate supervisor who will forward the documentation to the Office of the Chief of Police. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e |9 Responsibilities and General Conduct on Duty- Continued 416. Members shall furnish the Department an address and telephone number at which they may be reached in the event of an emergency. 417. Police members shall report changes in home address, telephone number, emergency phone number and name changes within seventy-two (72) hours of such change to their immediate supervisor for forwarding to the Office of the Chief of Police. 418. Officers shall not work at any outside or extra employment within twenty-four (24) hours from the end of a shift that they failed to report for duty due to illness, injury or sickness in the family. 419. Officers shall remain alert, observant, and occupied with police business during their tour of duty. While on duty, officers shall devote their entire time and attention to the business of the Department. 420. Officers are prohibited from engaging in the following activities while on duty: 420.01 Sleeping, loafing, or idling. 420.02 Recreational reading. 420.03 Conducting personal business. 420.04 Carrying any articles which distract from the proper performance of police duties. 420.05 Drinking intoxicating beverages or gambling. (Except in the performance of a police duty and then only with the specific prior written consent of the Chief of Police and never in uniform.) 420.06 Any sexual conduct or act. 421. Members are prohibited from participating in any other vocation or business activity which might conflict or interfere with their responsibilities to the Department. Members must receive permission from the Office of the Chief of Police before engaging in off-duty employment or business activities. 422. Officers shall promptly submit reports which are required by the performance of their duties, departmental policies and directives or by competent authority. 423. Members shall not consume intoxicants while off-duty to the extent that evidence of such consumption is apparent when he/she reports for duty or to the extent his/her job performance is impaired. 424. Members in uniform shall not drink intoxicants while on-duty or off-duty. 425. Members shall not be intoxicated while on-duty. They shall not, at any time, be intoxicated in public view. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 10 Responsibilities and General Conduct on Duty- Continued 426. Members shall not bring or keep intoxicating liquor on departmental premises, except for liquor brought to the Department in the furtherance of a police task and such shall be properly identified and stored according to policy. 427. Members on duty or in uniform shall not enter taverns, bars, lounges or other similar public places except to perform a police service. Loitering and unnecessary conversation are prohibited in such places. 428. Members shall not smoke, chew tobacco or gum while making personal contacts with the public in the performance of his/her duties. 429. No expenditure of money shall be made or liability incurred in the name of the Town of Pocola or the Department unless authorized by the Office of the Chief of Police. 430. Members shall not permit any person to enter any police facility whose purpose it is to sell goods, offer them for sale, canvas or solicit for any purpose without permission from the Office of the Chief of Police. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 11 Section 500 Public Activities 501. No member of the Department or person seeking admission thereto, shall be appointed, refused appointment, reduced, removed or in any way favored or discriminated against because of political or religious opinions or affiliations. 502. (A) Permitted Political Activities Members of the Pocola Police Department may engage in the following political activities: (a) Run for political office; (b) Contribute to and campaign for ballot issues during non-duty time ("ballot issues" include constitutional amendments, bond issues, and other such issue elections). (c) Participate, voluntarily, off-duty, in uniform, in campaigns for municipal ballot issues that have been officially endorsed by a majority vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pocola. (B) Prohibited Political Activities Members of the Pocola Police Department shall not engage in the following political activities: (a) Campaign at any time for elected political office, either on behalf of themselves or for others, when on duty, or in uniform, or when acting in an official capacity as a police officer; (b) Campaign for elected political office, either on behalf of themselves or for others, at anytime, anywhere, or in any manner which implies endorsement by the Town of Pocola or its Police Department; (c) Solicit campaign contributions while in uniform or by identifying themselves as a member of the Pocola Police Department, or by any other manner which implies endorsement by the Town of Pocola or its Police Department of any candidate or position; (d) Compel or otherwise place pressure of any kind upon a subordinate to contribute to, or campaign for, any ballot issue or candidate for public office; or (e) Place campaign material on any Town of Pocola property, including Pocola Police Department uniforms. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 12 Public Activities-Continued 503. If a member covered by these rules and regulations is elected to an office, or is appointed to complete the unexpired term of an elective office, which causes a conflict or negatively impacts the member’s performance with his or her town position, as determined by the Police Chief, the member will be required to either resign his or her position with the Police Department or the office to which he or she was elected or appointed. Additionally, such member shall not serve or perform in the elected or appointed position while in uniform or in any other way by identifying themselves as an employee of the Police Department or by any other manner which implies endorsement by the Town of Pocola or its Police Department. 504. Members shall not seek the influence or intervention of any person outside the Department for purposes of personal preferment, advantage, transfer or advancement. Should any member learn of any intervention in his/her behalf, he/she shall notify the Chief of Police of such in writing. 505. Members shall not become a member of any organization, association, movement or group that commits or advocates acts of force or violence to deny others their rights under the Constitution of the United States or which seeks to alter the form of government of the United States by unconstitutional means. 506. Members shall not participate in any type of disruptive protest demonstration nor shall any member act as a spokesman, representative or agent for any group engaged in or planning to engage in any type of disruptive protest demonstration. 507. Except for official police duties, no member shall knowingly associate with persons of immoral character, convicted felons, gamblers or other persons who habitually commit violations of the law. This does not exclude a member from associating with immediate members of his/her family if they fall within the aforementioned category. 508. Members shall not permit their name or photograph to be used to endorse any product or service which is in any way connected with law enforcement without permission from the Office of the Chief of Police. Members shall not, without permission from the Office of the Chief of Police, allow their name or photograph to be used in any commercial testimonial or endorsement which alludes to their position or employment with the Department. 509. Debts- Incurring and payment 509.01 Members shall not solicit subordinate members to co-sign or endorse any promissory note or other loan 509.02 Members shall pay all just debts and legal liabilities incurred by them. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 13 Section 600 Protection of Prisoners, Their Rights and Their Property 601. Officers shall not arrest any person or search any premises or person except with a warrant of arrest, a search warrant or where such arrest or search is authorized without a warrant under laws of the State of Oklahoma, the United States or ordinances of the Town of Pocola. 602. All officers shall protect the rights of any person held in custody and no officers shall verbally abuse or use any unnecessary violence against any person. 603. Officers shall not knowingly falsely arrest, imprison or direct any malicious prosecution against any person. 604. Members shall not willfully mistreat or give inhumane treatment to any person held in custody nor show conscious disregard for the obvious medical need of any prisoner in his or her custody. 605. Officers shall use only such force as is necessary to effect an arrest. 606. Officers shall not use deadly force in effecting an arrest except as justified by law and as prescribed by the policies and directives of the Department. 607. Any member who has lost, destroyed or damaged any property or equipment belonging to any person in custody or which has come into their possession by reason of his/her duties, may be required to make restitution if the loss or damage is the result of negligence on the part of the member. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 14 Section 700 Civil, Criminal, Judicial and Investigative Actions 701. The Department has jurisdiction in criminal cases only. Officers shall not render aid or assistance in civil cases except to prevent an immediate breach of the peace or to quell a disturbance actually existing. 702. Members shall not investigate any criminal case committed against him/her or any member of his/her family. Offenses that may be committed against him/her or members of his/her family shall be reported to the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall notify an officer who shall investigate and file such charges as may be proper. Once properly reported, the involved member shall neither request nor receive any preferential treatment of their case during the investigative or prosecution stages. 703. Members shall be truthful at all times, whether under oath or not, when conducting official police business. 704. Members shall answer questions; render material and relevant statements to a competent authority in a departmental personnel investigation, when directed. 705. Members shall not willfully misrepresent any matter, sign any false statement or report, commit perjury or give false testimony before any court, grand jury, commission, official hearing or departmental hearing or investigation. 706. Members of the Pocola Police Department shall not solicit, retain, or reproduce for their personal use or gain, any confidential information from another law enforcement agency. 707. Members shall not knowingly falsify or alter any report, document or record or cause to be entered any inaccurate, false or improper information on records, documents, or reports of the Department or of any court. No member shall remove or destroy or cause the removal or destruction of any report, document of record without prior written authorization from the Chief of Police. 708. Members must be present and available to testify in any court or before any grand jury when officially notified to appear. In all cases outside LeFlore County and in all civil cases, members shall notify their immediate supervisor, in writing, that they are responding to a legal subpoena. 709. Members who, for a valid reason, are unable to answer an official summons must be excused by the court or grand jury prior to the time they are scheduled to appear. 710. Any member who is subpoenaed or volunteers to testify for the defense in any criminal or civil trial or hearing or any case against the Town or Department shall notify the Chief of Police in writing upon receipt of the subpoena or of his/her intention to testify or his/her appearance as a witness. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 15 Civil, Criminal, Judicial and Investigative Actions- Continued 711. Members shall not engage in any of the following conduct: 711.01 Interfering with the service of lawful process. 711.02 Interfering with the attendance or testimony of witnesses through coercion, bribery or other means. 711.03 Attempting to have any Notice to Appear or traffic citation reduced, voided or stricken from the calendar without written approval from the Office of the Chief of Police. 711.04 Recommending a dismissal, reduction of charges or other disposition of a pending criminal or traffic case which has been previously filed in any criminal or traffic court or before any grand jury except by written approval of the Office of the Chief of Police. 711.05 Taking any other action which interferes with the efficiency or integrity of the administration of justice. 711.06 Having knowledge of such interference and failing to inform a supervisory member in writing. 712. Members shall not suggest, recommend, advise or otherwise counsel the retention of any specific attorney or bail broker to any person coming to their attention as a result of police business. This does not apply when a relative or personal acquaintance of the member seeks such advice. In no case may such advice be given where a fee, gratuity or reward is offered by, solicited or accepted from the attorney or bail bondsman. 713. Members shall not give any lawyer, bondsman, or the agent for either, or any other person unauthorized, information regarding prisoners, property in custody or records of the Department. 714. Members shall not furnish bail or act as principal or surety on any bail bond or bail bond application for any person charged with any type of criminal offense except members of their immediate family. 715. Members shall not reveal any confidential information to anyone unless properly authorized to do so, and then only to a person or persons authorized to receive such confidential information. 716. Members shall not make known any information concerning the progress of an investigation, a known or reported law violation, a condition against which action is to be taken at a future date or any other proposed police operation to any person not authorized to receive such information. 717. Members shall not communicate in any manner, either directly or indirectly, any information which may assist persons accused of or guilty of criminal or quasi-criminal acts to escape arrest or punishment or which may enable them to dispose of or secret evidence of unlawful activity, money, merchandise or other property unlawfully obtained. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 16 Civil, Criminal, Judicial and Investigative Actions- Continued 718. Members shall not release any police record, arrest report, prosecution report, criminal history file, mug shot picture or other record or report to any person or agency which does not have a criminal justice function except as provided by the Oklahoma Freedom of Information Act or approved by the Office of the Chief of Police. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 17 Section 800 Uniforms, Equipment and Appearance 801. Police officers of the Town of Pocola shall present a “neutral image” to effectively relate to all segments of the community they serve. Societal interest demands highly trained and motivated officers who demonstrate disciplined conduct, regimentation and strict adherence to Rules and Regulations and departmental directives. Therefore, officers shall be subject to and shall comply with the uniform and appearance standards prescribed by the Chief of Police. 802. Uniforms shall be kept neat, clean and in good repair at all times. While wearing the uniform, officers shall maintain a military bearing, avoiding mannerisms such as slouching, shuffling or keeping hands in the pockets. The uniform hat shall be worn at specified times as established by departmental orders. 803. Normally, officers shall wear the uniform of the day on their tour of duty. The Chief of Police may prescribe other clothing as required by the nature of the duty to which a particular officer is assigned. 804. No officer, while in uniform, shall carry an umbrella, cane, or similar object or wear on the uniform any item not specifically authorized by the Chief of Police. 805. Officers shall carry their identification card, identifying them as a law enforcement officer of this Department at all times, except when required to surrender such by these Rules and Regulations. 806. Officers may go armed at all times off duty except where prohibited by law. When an officer is on duty or off duty in uniform providing a police service, he/she shall not carry any shotgun, rifle or sidearm other than those issued and/or approved by the Department and using only issued ammunition. Officers shall not carry any other firearm unless previously approved by the Chief of Police. The use of a rifle requires prior approval from the Office of the Chief of Police. 807. Officers may not carry any impact weapon unless that officer has completed documented training directly addressing the weapon’s proper use and the weapon is one approved for use by the Department by the Office of the Chief of Police. 808. Officers dressed in civilian clothes and off duty, shall not wear a weapon in such a manner that it will attract attention or be open to the view of the public. Officers dressed in civilian clothes, as their assigned uniform, will conform to their assigned unit’s dress code. 809. Officers shall not wear the uniform, be armed, or carry his/her identification card while suspended or relieved of duty. Such officer shall immediately surrender his/her badge, identification card and issued weapon to the supervisor notifying the offender of his/her suspension or relief from duty. 810. Improper or negligent handling of or negligent damage to city property is a violation of these Rules and Regulations. Reckless handling of or reckless damage to city property is a serious violation of these Rules and Regulations and shall subject the offender to serve disciplinary action. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 18 Uniforms, Equipment and Appearance- Continued 811. Members who have lost, damaged, or destroyed any equipment issued to them by the Department shall immediately report such to their immediate supervisor. The officer may be required to make restitution if the loss or damage is the result of negligence on the officer’s part. 812. Members shall promptly report the need for repairs of any city owned property issued, used or possessed by them, to their immediate supervisor. 813. Members shall not alter, repair, or in any way change, add to, or remove any parts or accessories of any city owned property without permission from the Chief of Police. This includes buildings, office equipment, machines, firearms, communications equipment, and motor vehicles or any other city owned property. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 19 Section 900 Effective Date 901. These Rules and Regulations shall become effective November 12, 2012, at which time the previous Rules and Regulations and their amendments shall be superseded, except as provided in 901.00 of this code. 902. The previous Rules and Regulations and their amendments shall remain in full force and effect for any violations which occur prior to the effective date of this code. 903. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of these Rules and Regulations is for any reason held invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions. Pocola Police Department Rules and Regulations Effective November 12, 2012 P a g e | 20