I. AUTHORITY

This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to identify the role and responsibility of all sworn officers whose assistance is requested by another law enforcement agency or is self-initiated. Nothing in this policy requires an officer to respond to a request for assistance that requires a level of training, equipment and experience that the officer does not possess.  

 

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all sworn officers.

IV. BACKGROUND

In the course and scope of their duties, situations in the community arise which may require the assistance of sworn officers.  This policy provides direction to officers whose assistance may be requested or is self-initiated.

V. GENERAL POLICY

1.  Emergency Response: Officers are authorized to respond to any request for assistance to eliminate or mitigate the imminent threat of death and/or bodily injury to a member of the public or a law enforcement officer. It is the officer’s responsibility to take action based upon the situation, and the officer’s level of training, skills and equipment.
2.  Response to Request for Assistance: There may be times when a law enforcement or other public safety agency will request the assistance of a deputy probation officer.  When this occurs, it is the responsibility of the officer to respond appropriately, based upon the officer’s level of training, skills, and available equipment.
3. Self-Initiated Assistance:  When a deputy probation officer believes they can be of assistance to another law enforcement or public safety agency, they may offer assistance and, only if their offer is accepted, respond to provide support based upon the following:
   1.  the nature of the event;
   2. the officer’s level of training and experience, and the availability of necessary equipment.

VI. EXCLUSIVITY

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.