top of page

Policy
Manual

STANDARD
OPERATING
PROCEDURES

This manual of directives serves as a standard of conduct for all personnel. It consists of the rules, policies, and procedures which are necessary for the consistent and professional operation of the Division of Police. Modifications to this manual may be made when the chief of police feels that additional direction or guidance is required to ensure the efficient operation of the Lancaster, Ohio | Division of Police.

The Division of Police is constantly adapting to meet the needs of a changing society and to place members of this agency in the best position(s) to succeed. These directives are consistent with the standards of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and with input from the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board. The Division also strengthens policy by the direction obtained from the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing Pillars where applicable.

This manual is an important resource and all personnel are required to have a working knowledge of its contents. It is up to each individual to assist in accomplishing the Division’s goals. In doing so, the Lancaster, Ohio | Division of Police will continue to be a model organization.


By order of:




Nicholas H. Snyder
Chief of Police
FOREWORD
Section One: Administration
1.1    Mission Statement
1.2    Code of Ethics
1.3    Oath of Office
1.4    Duties of Police Personnel
1.5    Police Officer Job Description
1.6    Limits of Authority
1.7    Direction
1.8    Authority to Carry and Use Weapons
1.9    Home Address & Phone Number
1.10  Daily Time Records
1.11  Accepting Gratuities
1.12  Appearance and Uniforms
1.13  Hours of Work
1.14  Cellular Telephone Use
1.15  Long Distance Calls
1.16  Records Office Funds
1.17  Police Building Security
1.18  Use and Care of Equipment
1.19  Response to Resistance
1.20  Complaint Review
1.21  Release of Information to the Media
1.22  Chain of Command
1.23  Communications with the Chief of Police
1.24  Safety Hazards
1.25  Disposition of Rewards and Court Fees
1.26  Computer Voice Stress Analyzer
1.27  Scheduled Reporting
1.28  Civilian Employees
1.29  Uniform Inspections
1.30  Police Building Inspections
1.31  Police Radio Procedures
1.32  Transfers
1.33  Telephone Procedures
1.34  Public Speeches
1.35  Detective Bureau
1.36  Community Services
1.37  Off Duty Arrests
1.38  Response to Civil Liability
1.39  Aerosol Pepper Spray
1.40  Bias Crimes
1.41  Body Cavity and Strip Searches
1.42  Case Screening
1.43  Diversion Program and Bond
1.44  Communication Technician Job Description
1.45  Release of Public Records
1.46  Training
1.47  Political Activity Involving Staff
1.48  Municipal Property Outside of Corporation Limits
1.50  Removal of Social Security Numbers
1.51  Medical Treatment and Responsibility of Costs
1.52  Communication Technician Uniform Specifications
1.53  Conductive Energy Devices
1.54  Report Writing and Data Entry
1.55  Servicing of Accident Report Request
1.56  SRT HQ Building Security
1.57  Firearm Transition / Issuance Training Guide
1.58  Less Lethal Shotgun / Direct Impact Munitions
Section Two: Operations
2.1    Handling Domestic Violence Calls
2.2    Fairfield County Domestic Violence Protocol
2.3    Emergency Vehicle Warning Devices
2.4    Vehicular Pursuit Policy
2.5    Operation and Care of Police Motor Vehicles
2.6    Crime Analysis
2.7    Field Interviews
2.8    Missing Persons / Missing Children
2.9    High Risk Incidents
2.10  Serious Crime Scenes
2.11  Financial Institution Robbery Alarm Response
2.12  Mentally Ill Individuals
2.13  Prisoner Handling and Transports
2.14  Traffic Violations
2.15  Motor Vehicle Accidents
2.16  Accidents Involving Public Safety Vehicles
2.17  10 Code Manual
2.17a  Lancaster Police 10 Code Listing
2.18   Suspect / Witness Interviews at Schools
2.19   Handling Strikes and Labor Disputes
2.20   Impounding Motor Vehicles
2.21   Insufficient Funds Checks
2.22   Use of LEADS & NCIC
2.23   Special Response Team Assignments
2.24   Parking Enforcement
2.25   Property Room and Evidence Handling
2.26   Executing Search Warrants
2.27   Firearms Range
2.28   Warrantless Felony Arrests
2.29   Ride Along Program
2.30   Bicycle Patrol Unit
2.31   Referral of Complaints to the Prosecutor
2.32   Patrol Car Video Camera Systems
2.33   Officer Involved Shootings
2.34   Motor Vehicle Stops Policy
2.35   Death Notifications
2.36   Photographic Arrays, Showups, and Lineups
2.37   Civil Disturbances
2.38   Conducting Stakeouts
2.39   Assistance to Motorists
2.40   Processing Prisoners
2.41   Vehicle Lockouts
2.42   Directing Traffic
2.43   Request for Driver's License Re-examination
2.44   Fingerprinting Juvenile Arrestees
2.45   Miranda Warnings
2.46   Blood Draw Search Warrants
2.47   Temporary Holding Facility Standards
2.48   Landlord / Tenant Removal
2.49   Juvenile Detention Standards
2.50   Active Shooter Response
2.51   Forced Entry to Structure
2.52   Summons in Lieu of Arrest
2.53   Mobile Data Terminal
2.54   Voice Recordings of Custodial Interviews
2.55   Portable Breath Tester
2.56   Automated License Plate Reader System
2.57   Call Taking / Dispatch Protocols
2.58   DNA Collection for Felony Arrest
2.59   911 Hang-ups and Open Line 911 Calls
2.60   Emergency Road Closures
2.61   Prescription Drug Drop-off Box
2.62   Body Worn Cameras
2.63   Patrol Rifles / Carbines
2.64   Responding to Overdoses
2.65   Emergency Removal of Child
2.66   Drug Recognition Expert
2.67   Bias Free Policing
2.68   Detective Bureau Call-outs
2.69   Canine Unit
2.70   Use of OHLEG
2.71   LEADS Physical Protection
Section Three: Personnel
3.1    Standards of Conduct
3.2    Discipline and Termination
3.3    New Employee Orientation
3.4    Badge, ID Card, and Off Duty Firearm
3.5    Personnel Resignation and Retirement
3.6    Reporting Arrests, Citations, Lawsuits
3.7    Prevention of Infection
3.8    Smoking
3.9    Off Duty Employment
3.10   Overtime, Holidays, Vacation, Comp Time
3.11  Temporary Light Duty
3.12  Sick and Injury Leave
3.13  Probationary Employee Evaluation
3.14  Field Training Officer Program
3.15  Hiring and Background Investigations
3.16  Background Removal Standards
3.17  Employee Parking
3.18  Extra Time Off
3.19  Sexual Harassment
3.20  Specific Clerical Duties
3.21  Travel Time and Expenses
3.22  Recognition Through Awards and Citations
3.23  Vacation Scheduling
3.24  Retirement Badge and Identification Card
3.25  Temporary Work Day Trading
3.26  Social Networking and Social Utilities
3.27  Personnel Evaluation System
3.28  Police Reserve Unit
3.29  Police Chaplain Unit
Section Four: General Procedures
4.1    Vehicle Towing Service
4.2    Military Courtesy and Flag Etiquette
4.3    Inventory Requirements
4.4    Tornado Warning System Operation
4.5    Affirmative Action Plan
4.6    Records Retention Schedule
4.7    Publicly Owned Equipment / Software
4.8    Confidential Funds
4.9    Ammunition and Weapons Specifications
4.10  Law Enforcement Trust Fund / DEF
4.11  Disposition of Impounded Motor Vehicles
4.12  Taser and Air Cartridge Specifications
4.13  Ballistic Protection
4.14  Gymnasium Waiver Policy
4.15  Mourning Bands for Badges
4.16  Community Engagement
bottom of page