|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standard 1.2.2 "A written directive defines the legal authority to carry and use weapons by agency personnel in the performance of their duties." The 4th Edition standard 1.2.2 is applicable to all agency personnel. The intent of standard 1.2.2 is to identify both sworn and civilian personnel who have been granted the authority to carry and use weapons in the performance of their duties. For example, some agencies have security guards, police aides, or other categories of civilians, either employees or volunteers, where this might be applicable. The previous 3rd Edition standard, 1.2.1 required the agency to identify multiple categories of sworn officers. This was most common in state police or large agencies. The combination of these two standards allow the assessors to evaluate the nature and extent of authorized weapons among agency personnel prior to evaluating subsection 1.3 Use of Force. Subsequent standards such as training will also be affected by these circumstances. However, training levels may differ significantly between sworn and civilian personnel. Training must be commensurate with the limits and scope of responsibility.
For the purpose of standard 1.2.2, the absence of specific law(s) granting the legal authority to carry and use a weapon in the performance of duty means legal authority should be established through a written directive from the agency’s chief executive officer. When this is done, the extent of the authority must be stated in writing clearly and unambiguously, including limitations. For most agencies, the law and agency uses of force directives establish authority for sworn officers to carry and use weapons. Written directives governing weapons carried by civilians should have clear parameters, including any limitations. For example, full-time sworn officers may be granted authority to carry and use a weapon on a 24-hour basis, while a security guard, police aide, or other personnel may be restricted to carrying the weapon only during duty hours or on specific premises.
To prepare compliance documentation for standard 1.2.2, pre-existing laws should be properly researched first. Some jurisdictions have laws governing the carrying and use of weapons by civilians such as security guards, while others may not. These laws can differ significantly from similar laws governing sworn law enforcement officers. A review of the agency’s file for standard 1.2.2 should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the authority and limits of authority regarding the carrying and use of weapons by all personnel.
Standard 53.2.1 "A written directive requires a staff inspection function and includes provisions for:
Staff inspections units are most common in larger agencies and compliance with this standard is quite straightforward. Since this standard is N/A by size for the smallest agencies, and other-than-mandatory for all other agencies, many agencies opt for the 20% category in this standard. With the exception of the large agencies with a staff inspection component, many agencies consider this standard too complex or cumbersome because agency personnel are already stretched thin. One frequently over-looked option is "outsourcing" staff inspection assignments. For example, some agencies have found their municipal risk manager quite willing to volunteer time for an occasional staff inspection within the agency. When the agency considers outside sources for conducting staff inspections, the process seems to become limited only by imagination. Police Accreditation Coalitions (PAC) and networks are sources for potential staff inspectors, as some PAC members are skilled in verifying compliance with CALEA standards and written directives. The staff inspection function can also help enhance community involvement concepts or community oriented policing by involving citizens from various groups in the inspection activities of the agency. Citizen police academy alumni, local community groups, criminal justice students, and others could be thought of as potential staff inspectors. Staff inspections provide the agency chief executive officer with information about the daily workings of the agency that might not normally be brought to his or her attention through the line inspection process. Persons from outside the agency can often provide a fresh and unique perspective to staff inspections. Consider the availability of volunteer staff inspectors in your area, give them some guidance in the staff inspection function, and evaluate the results of the information provided to your agency. You might be pleasantly surprised, others have been.
|
|
|
