STURBRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT MANUAL
Chapter #1 ORGANIZATION AND CHAIN OF COMMAND
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ORGANIZATION AND CHAIN OF COMMAND
I.
II.
III.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES
A.
To ensure that officers and employees have a clear understanding of the organizational structure of the
department. This includes the chain of command, unity of command and supervisory authority. The
intent of this chapter also is to promote adequate supervision, guidance and coordination for members
and employees in delivering law enforcement services.
B.
The quasi-military nature of a police agency is one of its time-tested traditions. A rank structure and a
chain of command have proven an essential component, especially in an organization involved in
dangerous and even life-threatening activities. Our distinctive appearance, including a uniform and
grooming standards, help foster esprit de corps and security among members of the Sturbridge Police
Department, as well as recognition and confidence among the general public.
POLICY
A.
All members and employees of the Sturbridge Police Department, (Sworn and Non-Sworn), will
follow the chain of command, organizational structure and supervisory authority as outlined in this
chapter.
B.
No member or employee shall deviate from, fail to follow or circumvent the chain of command,
organizational structure or supervisory authority as outlined in this chapter by any means: written or
verbal with the intent to avoid, hinder or violate the spirit of these sections for inappropriate personal,
professional or political influence or reasons.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
Rule: Chain of Command – The unbroken line of authority extending from the Chief of Police through the officer in
command at each level of department operations.
A.
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The Sturbridge Police Department chain of command is as follows:
1.
Chief of Police is the executive head of the Sturbridge Police Department.
2.
Lieutenant is the Executive Officer who has been promoted to administrative or supervisory
responsibilities. He/she will be second in command of the department.
3.
Sergeants in line of seniority will be third, fourth, fifth, sixth, in command of the department,
unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police.
4.
A Sergeant assigned as a Shift Commander is in total control of the shift he or she is working,
and is responsible for notification of specialists and Superior Officers when necessary. If two
(2) Sergeants are on duty at the same time, the junior Sergeant shall defer to the command
authority of the senior Sergeant.
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6.
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When no ranking officer is on-duty the senior officer shall have the authority and responsibility
of notification to Superior Officers in the event of an incident requiring the services of a
Supervisor unless instructions from the Chief of Police dictate otherwise.
The Lead dispatcher is the immediate Supervisor of Communications personnel. The Lead
dispatcher will be responsible to the Lieutenant as assigned by the Chief of Police.
NOTE: These provisions do not replace or amend the overall responsibility of authority of the Shift Commander or
Officer-in-Charge during the course of his/her duties. The Shift Commander or Officer-in-Charge is in complete
control of all operations of the department during his/her assignment unless relieved or counter-ordered by a Superior
Officer.
B.
Officers in command of specialty units including:
1.
Arson;
2.
Accident Reconstruction;
3.
Special Operation Unit (SOU);
4.
Sexual Assault Unit (SAU);
5.
Photography;
6.
Crime Scene;
7.
Evidence Collection;
8.
Canine Handler (K-9);
9.
Hostage Negotiator and
10.
Marine Services.
These officer(s) shall respond to a scene when notified by Sturbridge Communications. Specialists,
who have been trained in any of the above specialties, will be subject to twenty-four (24) hour recall.
They will have command authority for the scene, but the authority shall not extend beyond the limits of
their particular specialty.
C.
Command Protocol:
1.
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In the absence of the Chief of Police due to incapacitation, off duty, out of Town, anticipated
absences for extended periods of time or if the Chief of Police is otherwise unable to command,
the Lieutenant will be the Acting-Chief of Police unless otherwise directed by the Chief of
Police or lawful appointing authority.
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2.
IV.
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In the event the Chief of Police and Lieutenant become unavailable for duty simultaneously
the most Senior Sergeant, if any, will assume command of the Department as Acting-Chief of
Police unless otherwise assigned by the Chief of Police or by the lawful appointing authority.
3.
Regular on-duty Sergeant (Shift Commander) will be in command of department operations if
the above officers are not available, when he or she is on duty.
4.
When no duty Supervisor is on duty the senior patrol officer is in command of the station
unless otherwise assigned by the Chief of Police.
DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
RULE: Organization – The organic structure of the department consisting of major functional units and subdivisions
grouped according to similarity of purpose and operational responsibilities.
V.
VI.
A.
The department’s organizational chart shows the unbroken line of authority, extending from the Chief
of Police through the officer in command at each level of department operations.
B.
The organizational chart is included in this chapter. It shows the official channels and chain of
command for this department.
C.
This chart is also depicted graphically on the Roll Call room wall.
D.
The chart will be reviewed and updated as needed.
UNITY OF COMMAND
A.
Officers will be accountable to only one Supervisor at any given time.
B.
Only one officer will be in charge of an organizational component (Specialty Unit) at any given
incident. He or she will have command authority, which will not extend beyond the limits of that
particular specialty.
C.
Regular on-duty Commanding Officers shall retain authority on deciding which specialty shall be
performed, and hold corresponding responsibility for the overall incident.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
A.
In the absence of an on-duty Supervisor, the Senior Officer on-duty shall have the authority and
responsibility of notifying a departmental Supervisor, when in the officer’s opinion, or as required by
policy or statute, such Supervisor is required to be present at a particular incident.
B.
The last regularly scheduled Supervisor on-duty shall be the first Supervisor notified, unless a
Supervisor is scheduled to report for duty within the next three (3) hours. In that event, the Supervisor
scheduled to report at that time should be the first Supervisor notified.
C.
In the event the last Supervisor on-duty and the next scheduled Supervisor cannot be reached, the
Lieutenant should be notified by the Senior Officer.
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D.
Should all of the above personnel be unavailable, the Chief of Police should be notified by telephone,
radio or pager.
E.
Officers who are in command, either in a Specialty Unit or Senior Officer on-duty, shall be
accountable and responsible for the use of delegated authority.
F.
All supervisory personnel are responsible for personnel under their immediate control.
SPAN OF CONTROL
A.
Under regular operating conditions no single Supervisor shall be in command of more than nine (9) on
duty personnel at any one time, unless directed otherwise by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
B.
In exceptional situations, either emergency or unusual occurrences, a Supervisor may be in command
of additional officers above the limit referred in paragraph “A” of this section.
C.
When an incident requires personnel of various specialty functions to engage in a single operation, the
Incident Commander shall coordinate and approve all operations.
D.
Command staff, including the Lieutenant and the Chief of Police shall retain full authority to take
command of any incident and issue any orders he or she deems necessary.
E.
The Lieutenant of the Sturbridge Police Department shall be responsible for maintaining updated
planning for responses to unusual occurrences.
VIII. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
A.
Organizational Structure
1.
The Chief of Police is the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Sturbridge Police
Department and the final departmental authority in all matters of policy, operations and
discipline. The Chief of Police supervises the Office of the Chief of Police, and two (2)
Divisions:
a.
Operations Division; and
b.
2.
Each Division is under the direction of the Lieutenant.
a.
The Lieutenant is second in command of the Sturbridge Police Department.
b.
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Administrative & Services Division.
He/she is an administrative officer who has administrative and operational authority.
The Lieutenant is responsible to support and assist the Chief of Police in the
administration of the department. The chief of police will designate duties as needed to
members of the department as they pertain to the administration and operation of the
department.
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B.
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All Sergeants may be assigned, directly to or as responsible for oversight for, as the
Chief of Police deems necessary to oversee operations pertaining to administration,
services, patrol, investigation, various units of the department, personnel etc.
Administration & Services Division
1.
The Administration & Services Division unit function is responsible for overseeing the
Administration and Training Units, Planning and Research, Accreditation, Professional
Standards, Records, Manager of Informational Systems, Finance, Departmental Property and
Licensing and Permits Units.
2.
The Administration Unit function is responsible for coordinating various elements including
the recruitment, hiring and personnel management, human resources function and employee
benefits management, sick leave and vacation leave management, department organization,
staffing, coordination of department activities and reporting of department activities to lawful
authority.
3.
The Training Unit is responsible for coordinating various functions including recruit training,
specialized training, in-service or roll-call training, which are designed to enhance a member’s
or employee’s ability to perform the functions demanded in police work in today's society. The
Unit will maintain all records related to training.
4.
The Planning and Research Unit provides assistance in the areas of research, analysis of
criminal and operational data, writing and programmatic implementation of grants, distributes
analytical data to police personnel affected by the data and other related technical and
informational processes. Crime analysis is a function of the Planning and Research Unit.
5.
The Accreditation Unit is responsible for reviewing, establishing and amending department
rules and regulations, policy and procedures, written directives, etc., as deemed necessary to
comply with accreditation standards. The Unit also maintains the required compliance
documentation to guarantee accreditation certification at all times.
6.
The Professional Standards Unit is to respond to allegations of misconduct against police
department’s members or employees. The Unit will be responsible for recording, registering,
and controlling the investigation of complaints against officers and employees; supervising and
controlling the investigation of alleged misconduct, and maintaining the confidentially of the
investigations and records. The Unit will ensure that the integrity of the department is
maintained through an internal system where objectivity, fairness and justice are assured by
intensive and impartial investigation and review.
7.
Manager of Informational Systems Unit is responsible for maintaining the functionality of the
various computer systems used within the Sturbridge Police Department. The Unit shall also
be responsible for the acquisition, installation, de-installation, maintenance and use of
departmental computer hardware and software.
8.
The Records Unit of the Sturbridge Police Department has the responsibility for the general
handling and security of all department records. The Unit maintains all necessary files on
criminal offenses and any statistical information as may deemed necessary.
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C.
10.
The Departmental Property Unit is responsible for maintaining control and charge of all police
property and equipment. It will coordinate the various elements of the property administration
to include purchasing and distributing of property. The Unit will also be responsible for
causing an inventory to be taken on all departmental property, equipment and other assets.
11.
The Licensing and Permits Unit is responsible for the issuance of all licenses and permits to
include: firearms, taxis, hawkers and peddlers. The Unit will also maintain all records of this
function as required by law.
Operations Division
1.
The Operations Division is responsible for the field operations of the Sturbridge Police
Department. The Operations Division is separated into three (3) sub-divisions which are
supervised by the:
2.
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The Finance Unit is responsible for the fiscal management of the Sturbridge Police Department
including budgeting, purchasing, accounting, inventory and their controls. The Unit maintains
a system of fiscal management that is compatible with the accounting and purchasing
procedures of the governing agencies with the Town of Sturbridge and the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
a.
Shift Commander;
b.
Lead Dispatcher;
c.
Criminal Investigations Division; and
d.
Special Operations Commander (Lieutenant).
The Shift Commander, (Sergeant), is the first level of supervision in the Sturbridge Police
Department. Their primary responsibility is exacting the proper performance of police duty
from the officers assigned to his or her supervision. The Shift Commander is responsible for:
a.
The Patrol Unit is responsible for the general purpose of crime prevention and law
enforcement. This includes responding to calls for service, maintaining order, enforcing
the laws of the Commonwealth and Sturbridge Town By-Laws and maintaining a
feeling of security in the community.
b.
The Traffic Unit through traffic law enforcement, investigation, direction and control
attains specific safety goals. Among those goals is the reduction of traffic collisions,
fatalities and injuries. Other goals are to facilitate the safe and expeditious movement
of vehicular and pedestrian traffic through the public’s voluntary compliance with
traffic regulations.
c.
Community Policing and Crime Prevention Unit has the responsibility to act as a liaison
between the Sturbridge Police Department and the total community. The Unit
communicates with various community groups and social agencies to identify areas of
potential friction and conflict, promotes and encourages responsible interaction and
cooperation, and administers programs and activities. The Unit also promotes safety
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and crime prevention programs that will use crime analysis, which will identify the
location of crimes, types of crimes and the impact of these crimes on the community.
3.
d.
The Juvenile Unit actively cooperates with all agencies, public and private, that can be
of assistance in deterring and controlling juvenile delinquency. The Unit investigates
and maintains records of all juvenile incidents or offenses.
e.
The Dare Officer has the primary responsibility to cooperate with school officials in the
Town of Sturbridge for the purpose of establishing and coordinating an accepted
curriculum targeting drug abuse and violence. The Unit will also establish certain
programs that will foster an enhanced relationship between the youth of Sturbridge and
the Sturbridge Police Department.
f.
The Court Prosecution Unit is responsible for the preparation and presentation of
criminal cases in Dudley District Court and for the review, assistance and preparation of
cases for Superior Court. The Unit also coordinates the scheduling of cases in behalf of
officers, victims and witnesses.
The Lead Dispatcher is the coordinator of communications personnel. He or she is responsible
for planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating and maintaining control of the Public
Safety Centers. He or she is responsible for:
a.
4.
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The Police and Fire Communications Unit is responsible for receiving all oral
communications from the public and public safety personnel. The Unit will dispatch
the appropriate personnel and resources when requested for service and record all
incidents or calls in the in-house computer system.
Criminal Investigation Division comprises various investigative specialty units as follows,
under the command of the Criminal Investigation Commander and directed by each specialist.
The Criminal Investigation Commander is responsible for:
a.
The Criminal Investigators Unit, (Detectives), responsible for the further investigation
and prosecution of all major crimes or misdemeanors that require extended
investigations. The Unit will also conduct criminal investigations for the purpose of
clearing crimes by arrest and/or complaint, to prosecute criminal offenders and to
recover stolen property.
b.
The Accident Reconstruction Unit responsible for investigation of traffic collisions.
The Unit is responsible for the collecting, analyzing and evaluating information in order
to determine how a crash occurred based on the information available subsequent to the
crash.
b.
The Fire/Arson Investigation Unit responsible for the investigation of fires to determine
the origin and cause. The Unit will act as a liaison with other interested professionals
during an investigation.
c.
The Crime Scene Unit responsible for the preservation and reconstruction of crime
scenes, processing of evidence, and the collection of evidence.
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d.
The Evidence Collection Documentation Unit is a function of the Property and
Evidence Unit and is responsible for filing, storage and security of all property and
evidence in a criminal investigation.
e.
The Photography Unit responsible for photographing major crime scenes, accident
scenes and suspects for the successful prosecution of offenders.
g.
The School Resource Officer or Youth Liaison Officer, has the primary responsibility
of being a visible and active law enforcement figure on campuses dealing with any lawrelated issues. He/she will work closely with the faculty and administration to solve
problems within the school community.
Special Operations is any officer who has been trained in a specialty field and that officer will
have command authority for the specialty of a particular scene, but that authority shall not
extend beyond the limits of their particular specialty. The Special Operations officer is
responsible for:
a.
The Property and Evidence Unit is responsible for the effective and efficient
management and control of all found, recovered/stolen, safekeeping, evidentiary
property and/or any other property type that comes into the custody of the Sturbridge
Police Department. The Unit shall maintain a strict accountability for all property
and/or evidence and will maintain departmental records.
b.
The Sexual Assault Unit is responsible for the handling of preliminary and follow-up
investigations in all cases of actual or attempted rapes or sexual assaults. The Unit shall
maintain all records and reports in a confidential manner as required by Massachusetts
General Law.
c.
The Special Operations Unit has the responsibility of handling unusual occurrences
requiring the specialty skills of this Unit. Incidents include: hostage, barricaded subject,
high-risk warrant service or arrest, armed suicidal subject or high-risk entry.
d.
The Canine Unit is responsible for the specialized services it can provide to assist the
Patrol Unit. The Canine Unit shall assist in searches, crowd control, the location and
apprehension of suspects and items of evidence that may be of value in a criminal case.
e.
The Marine Unit shall have the duty and responsibility of handling enforcement of all
applicable Town Ordinances and State Laws congruent to the waters in the Town of
Sturbridge. The Marine Unit shall also promote water and boating safety practices.
The marine unit shall be responsible for aiding the Fire Dept. dive rescue team with
conducting underwater searches for missing person(s) and physical evidence in all
bodies of water within the Town.
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