NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

D. It is not mandatory for an officer to carry a firearm off-duty. If an officer decides to
carry a firearm off-duty, then he/she must also carry his/her badge and identification
card.
5.3.6 Collection of Notary Fees
While on duty, Departmental employees are prohibited from collecting any fees for service as a
notary public.
5.3.7 Confidentiality
Departmental personnel are prohibited from opening any desk, file cabinet, or locker assigned to
another for the purpose of reading, taking and/or disseminating any material not intended for their
viewing. Personnel are prohibited from opening any mail or other closed envelope without
permission from the addressee. Entry into the unoccupied office of the Chief of Police without
permission is prohibited.
5.3.8 Conflicting or Illegal Orders
Employees of the Police Department who are given an order which is in conflict with a previous
order, rule, regulation, or directive shall respectfully inform the supervisor issuing the order of the
conflict. If the supervisor issuing the order does not alter or retract the conflicting order, the last
given order shall stand. Under these circumstances, the responsibility for the conflicting order
shall be upon the highest ranking and/or senior supervisor. Personnel are not to obey any order
which they know or should know would require them to commit any illegal act. If in doubt as to
the legality of an order, request the issuing party to clarify the order or confer with a higher
authority, when possible.
5.3.9 Courtesy to Public
Employees shall initiate all contact with the public in a courteous and tactful manner remembering
our Departmental core values of professionalism, integrity, respect and compassion. Employees
should refrain from coarse, violent or profane language, and exercise patience and discretion.
Officers shall maintain control of their temper at all times. Officer initiated contact with the public
(i.e.; traffic stops, interviews, etc.) shall be recorded whenever possible (in-car video camera,
interview room, etc.).
5.3.10 Display of Material in Police Facilities
As a general rule, only authorized material is to be posted within or upon Police Department
property. Departmental personnel are prohibited from posting cartoons, drawings, or other
material that may be offensive or contain derogatory language. This includes any material that
contains sexual, ethnic, or racial slurs, or is demeaning to other protected class members (i.e.-
age, religion, handicap, or sexual preference). Departmental personnel are not to deface,
damage, destroy, or tamper with authorized posted material.
5.3.11 Drugs/Alcohol
Departmental personnel are not to be under the influence of intoxicants while on duty or in any
part of their uniform. Personnel are not to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages or
illegal drugs while on duty or in any part of their uniform except as required in the line of duty and
with prior approval of the Chief of Police. An employee, while off duty, shall refrain from
consuming intoxicating beverages to the extent that it results in impairment, intoxication, or
obnoxious or offensive behavior which discredits him/her or the Police Department or renders the
employee unfit to report for his/her next regular tour of duty. It is the responsibility of the
employee to notify his/her immediate supervisor if his/her ability to perform work duties has been
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