police code of ethics

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve society,
to safeguard lives and property, to protect the innocent against
deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful
against violence or disorder, and to respect the constitutional rights of
all people to liberty, equality, and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain
courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop selfrestraint; and be constantly mindful to the welfare of others. Honest in
thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be
exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my
department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or what is
confided to me in my official capacity will be kept secret unless
revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no
compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals. I
will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear of favor,
malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and
never accepting gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and accept
it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the
police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and
ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession–law
enforcement.
CODE OF ETHICS
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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GENERAL ORDER SECTION: 100.00 ORGANIZATION
101.00 CHARTER AND ORDINANCE PROVISIONS
101.01 ESTABLISHMENT
101.02 DUTIES
101.03 CHIEF OF POLICE
101.04 HIERARCHY
101.05 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DEFINITIONS
102.00 SUPPORT BUREAU
102.01 SUPPORT BUREAU
102.02 TACTICAL COMMAND
102.03 INVESTIGATIVE AND SUPPORT COMMAND
103.00 PATROL BUREAU
103.01 PATROL BUREAU
103.02 PATROL COMMAND
104.00 FINANCE AND PERSONNEL BUREAU
104.01 FINANCE AND PERSONNEL BUREAU
104.02 POLICE ADMINISTRATION
104.03 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT COMMAND
104.04 OPERATIONAL COMMAND
GENERAL ORDER SECTION: 200.00 ADMINISTRATION
201.00 DEPARTMENT ORDERS AND DIRECTIVE SYSTEM
201.01 WRITTEN DIRECTIVE SYSTEM DEFINED
201.02 GENERATING WRITTEN DIRECTIVES
201.03 AMENDMENT RESPONSIBILITY
201.04 FORMAT OF SPECIAL ORDERS AND DIRECTIVES
201.05 DISTRIBUTION
201.06 CONTROL OF GENERAL ORDERS, SPECIAL ORDERS AND
DIRECTIVES
201.07 POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
201.08 FORM DEVELOPMENT
202.00 POLICE TRAINING STANDARDS
202.01 STANDARDS FOR IN-SERVICE TRAINING
202.02 FIREARMS QUALIFICATION
202.03 TRAINING FOR PERSONNEL
203.00 TIME CONVERSION
203.01 24-HOUR TIME
203.02 CONVERTING TO/FROM DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
204.00 ACCIDENT REVIEW BOARD
204.01 DEFINITIONS
204.02 FUNCTIONS
205.00 INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
205.01 COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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206.00 EMERGENCY INTERPRETING SERVICES
206.01 INTERPRETING SERVICE FOR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CITIZENS
206.02 LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
207.00 RIDE-IN PROCEDURES
207.01 RIDE-IN REQUESTS
207.02 RIDE-IN REQUIREMENTS
207.03 SPECIAL PROVISIONS
207.04 EXPLORER POST RIDE-INS
208.00 CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION
208.01 COLLECTION AND EXCHANGE OF INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION
208.02 MAINTAINING CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE DATA
208.03 INTERCEPTIONS OF WIRE AND/OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
208.04 RESTRICTED
209.00 CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS
209.01 RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS
209.02 VICTIM ASSISTANCE SECTION
209.03 NOTIFICATION OF VICTIMS
209.04 FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION OF VICTIMS
210.00 BUDGETARY TRANSACTIONS
210.01 CITY-WIDE PURCHASING GUIDELINES
210.02 DEPARTMENTAL PURCHASING GUIDELINES
210.03 GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR USE OF PROCUREMENT (CREDIT)
CARDS
210.04 EQUIPMENT AND FACILITY REQUESTS
210.05 DEPARTMENT USE OF PROPERTY
210.06 TRAVEL/TRAINING REQUESTS
210.07 COLLEGE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
210.08 INVESTIGATIVE IMPREST FUNDS
210.09 BUDGET COMMITTEE
211.00 EMPLOYEES’ PERSONAL INFORMATION
211.01 EMPLOYEES’ HOME ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
211.02 EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL RECORDS
211.03 RELEASE OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF POLICE OFFICERS
212.00 PUBLIC RELATIONS
212.01 PHILOSOPHY
212.02 RELEASE OF INFORMATION
212.03 MAJOR INCIDENTS
212.04 CRIME SCENE
212.05 INFORMATION FROM POLICE FILES
212.06 PHOTOGRAPHS AND INTERVIEWS
212.07 INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
212.08 CONTACT WITH PUBLIC
213.00 RESERVED
214.00 PARKING REGULATIONS
214.01 DOWNTOWN PARKING
214.02 POLICE PARKING GARAGE USE
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215.00 USE OF DEPARTMENT VEHICLES
215.01 BASIC RULES GOVERNING THE USE OF DEPARTMENT VEHICLES
215.02 CRITERIA FOR TAKING VEHICLES HOME OR PARKING OFF-SITE
AFTER NORMAL WORKING HOURS
215.03 MONTHLY REPORTS ON AFTER-HOURS USAGE OF DEPARTMENT
VEHICLES
215.04 LIST OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS HAVING TAKE-HOME CAR
PRIVILEGES
216.00 PRIVATE AUTOMOBILE USE ON CITY BUSINESS
216.01 USE OF PRIVATE AUTOMOBILE
217.00 POLICE RESERVES
217.01 REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATION
217.02 RESERVE OFFICER STATUS
217.03 TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
217.04 CHAIN OF COMMAND AND OPERATIONS
217.05 ORGANIZATIONAL FUNCTION
217.06 UNIFORM AND HANDGUN
217.07 DISCIPLINARY ACTION
217.08 DUAL COMMISSION
218.00 RESERVED
219.00 DUTY DEPUTY CHIEF
219.01 DUTY DEPUTY CHIEF
220.00 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
220.01 MOTTO OF THE DEPARTMENT
220.02 DEPARTMENTAL FLAG
220.03 DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT
220.04 HONOR CODE
220.05 ORAL TRADITION
220.06 PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
221.00 RESERVED
222.00 LEGAL CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY AND/OR EMPLOYEES
222.01 PERSONAL LIABILITY INDEMNITY PLAN (PLIP)
223.00 RESERVED
224.00 DATA PROCESSING AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
224.01 REQUESTS FOR DATA PROCESSING SERVICES
224.02 COMPUTER SECURITY
244.03 USE OF COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
DEVICES
224.04 SOCIAL MEDIA
224.05 RESTRICTED
224.06 RESTRICTED
225.00 ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTIONS AND SEARCHES
225.01 DEFINITIONS
225.02 NOTIFICATION TO EMPLOYEES
225.03 INSPECTIONS
225.04 SEARCH FOR WORK-RELATED PURPOSE
225.05 SEARCH FOR INVESTIGATION OF MISCONDUCT
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225.06 CRIMINAL EVIDENCE DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR
ADMINISTRATIVE SEARCH
225.07 SEARCH FOR INVESTIGATION OF CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT
GENERAL ORDER SECTION: 300.00 OPERATIONS
301.00 PATROL
301.01 STAFFING AND DUTIES
301.02 ROLL CALL
301.03 INSPECTION OF VEHICLES
301.04 EQUIPMENT LOG
301.05 CITATION BOOKS
302.00 ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE
302.01 RESTRICTED
302.02 RESTRICTED
302.03 RESTRICTED
302.04 RESTRICTED
302.05 RESTRICTED
303.00 EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION
303.01 PURPOSE
303.02 SPECIAL PROCEDURES REQUIRED FOR ILLITERATE PERSONS,
PERSONS WHO POSSESS LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, OR
PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
303.03 FEEDBACK DURING ANY OF THE PROCEDURES
303.04 SELECTION OF IDENTIFICATION METHODS
303.05 DESCRIPTION OF EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION METHODS
303.06 RESTRICTED
303.07 RESTRICTED
303.08 RESTRICTED
303.09 RESTRICTED
303.10 RESTRICTED
303.11 RESTRICTED
304.00 HOSTAGE SITUATIONS
304.01 RESTRICTED
304.02 RESTRICTED
305.00 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION
305.01 RESTRICTED
305.02 RESTRICTED
305.03 RESTRICTED
305.04 ESCORTS
306.00 USE OF FORCE
306.01 PHILOSOPHY
306.02 STIPULATIONS
306.03 DEFINITIONS
306.04 DE-ESCALATION
306.05 FORCE OPTIONS
306.06 USE OF DEADLY FORCE
306.07 REPORTING USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS
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306.08 USE OF FORCE TRAINING
307.00 SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICAL (SWAT)
307.01 INITIAL RESPONSE
307.02 OPERATIONS DEVELOPMENT
308.00 STOPPING AND APPROACHING VEHICLES
308.01 RESTRICTED
308.02 RESTRICTED
308.03 RESTRICTED
308.04 RESTRICTED
309.00 CITATIONS AND COURT SETTINGS
309.01 PARKING AND TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
309.02 ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS
309.03 DIRECT MAILING OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS
309.04 DISABLED PERSONS PARKING ZONES
309.05 COURTESY WINDSHIELD HANGTAGS
309.06 MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION CERTIFICATE
310.00 RESERVED
311.00 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
311.01 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
311.02 ACCIDENT CITATIONS
311.03 ACCIDENT REPORT/CITATION SUBMISSION
311.04 HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS ON PUBLIC STREETS
311.05 ACCIDENTS INVOLVING POLICE VEHICLES
311.06 COMPLETION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORM P106
311.07 LATE ACCIDENT REPORT
311.08 PROOF OF AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY
311.09 SEIZURE OF AUTOMOBILES BY PROPERTY DAMAGE VICTIMS
311.10 ACCIDENT RE-INVESTIGATION
312.00 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) INVESTIGATION
312.01 INITIAL STOP AND FIELD SOBRIETY EVALUATION
312.02 ARREST AND VEHICLE DISPOSITION
312.03 PUBLIC INTOXICATION IN A CAR
312.04 VIDEO RECORDING AND INTERVIEWING THE DWI SUSPECT
312.05 INTOXILYZER TEST AND BOOKING THE DWI SUSPECT
312.06 REQUESTS FOR CHEMICAL TESTS
312.07 JUVENILE DWI ARREST
312.08 DWI REPORT COMPLETION AND SUBMISSION
313.00 FOREIGN NATIONALS AND UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS
313.01 ARREST/DETENTION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS AND
UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS
313.02 U VISA REQUESTS
314.00 ARREST PROCEDURES
314.01 AUTHORITY TO ARREST
314.02 DUTY TO PROTECT
314.03 SEARCHING OF PRISONERS
314.04 PRISONER PICK UPS
314.05 HANDCUFFING PRISONERS
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314.06 FIELD WARNING PROCEDURE
314.07 TRANSPORTING PRISONERS
314.08 ARRESTS BY OFFICERS ENGAGED IN OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT
314.09 GENERAL COMPLAINT CITATION
314.10 PRESENCE OF UNIFORMED OFFICERS DURING SERVICE OF ARREST
AND/OR SEARCH WARRANTS
314.11 PLAINCLOTHES AND UNIFORMED OFFICERS AT UNPLANNED
ARRESTS
314.12 CASH BONDING/TRAFFIC ARRESTS
314.13 DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID
314.14 RESISTING ARREST CHARGE
315.00 BOOKING PROCEDURES
315.01 JAIL SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
315.02 FULL CUSTODY ARREST PROCEDURE
315.03 CLASS C MISDEMEANOR WARRANT ARRESTS
316.00 PRISONER CHECKOUT
316.01 DETECTIVE CHECKOUT OF PRISONERS
316.02 PRISONER WARNING AND JAIL DOCKET
316.03 PRISONERS REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION
317.00 PRISONER DISPOSITION
317.01 WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
317.02 BOND RELEASES
317.03 CHARGES DISMISSED OR NOT FILED
317.04 COUNTY CASES FILED
317.05 OUTSIDE AGENCY WARRANT ARRESTS
317.06 HEALTH OR MEDICAL RELEASES
318.00 REDUCTION/SPECIAL HANDLING OF CLASS C AND OTHER
CRIMINAL CASES
318.01 MITIGATION IN MUNICIPAL COURT CASES
318.02 REDUCTION OF OFFENSES TO A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR
318.03 REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL HANDLING OF CRIMINAL CASES
318.04 REFRAINING FROM ISSUING CLASS C MISDEMEANOR CITATION
319.00 PROPERTY/EVIDENCE
319.01 PROPERTY/EVIDENCE SUBMISSION
319.02 PROPERTY REPORTING
319.03 PROCESSING STOLEN PROPERTY IN POSSESSION OF PAWN
BROKERS
319.04 DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY/EVIDENCE
319.05 RESTRICTED
319.06 FIELD TESTING DRUG EVIDENCE
320.00 VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT PROCEDURES
320.01 MOTOR VEHICLE SEIZURES
320.02 ARRESTED PERSON’S VEHICLE
320.03 WRECKER SELECTION AND PROPERTY FORM
320.04 TOW AWAY ZONES
320.05 MOTOR VEHICLES WHICH CREATE A DANGER OR HAZARD
320.06 RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLES
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320.07 STORED, ABANDONED, AND JUNKED VEHICLES
320.08 VEHICLE HOLDS
320.09 IMPOUNDED VEHICLE STORAGE FEES
320.10 RELEASE OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLE WITHOUT FEE
320.11 DISTURBANCES INVOLVING REPOSSESSION OF AUTOMOBILES
320.12 ABANDONED BICYCLES
321.00 INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
321.01 NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN
321.02 COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CASE FILES
321.03 PROBABLE CAUSE WARRANTS
321.04 CANADIAN WARRANTS
321.05 CONSENT SEARCHES AND SEARCH WARRANTS
321.06 RESTRICTED
321.07 ELECTRONIC LISTENING DEVICES
321.08 INVESTIGATION OF CASES
322.00 INVESTIGATIVE AIDS
322.01 ALIAS DRIVER’S LICENSES
322.02 USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS
322.03 ADMINISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF OATH
322.04 INFORMANTS
322.05 DPS IMAGE RETRIEVAL SYSTEM ACCESS
323.00 SPECIAL ASSIST ELEMENTS
323.01 POLICE AVIATION DIVISION
323.02 CRIME SCENE SEARCH UNIT
323.03 CANINE UNIT
323.04 SCHOOL RESOURCE UNIT
324.00 HOMICIDES, SUICIDES, AND SUSPICIOUS DEATHS
324.01 INITIAL POLICE ACTION
324.02 DISPOSITION OF THE VICTIM
324.03 WITNESSES
324.04 DISPOSITION OF WEAPONS
324.05 OTHER POLICE RESPONSIBILITIES
324.06 DECEASED PERSONS
324.07 DEATHS INVOLVING PATIENTS ENROLLED IN HOSPICE PROGRAM
325.00 AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
325.01 INITIAL POLICE ACTION
325.02 OTHER POLICE RESPONSIBILITIES
326.00 ASSAULTS
326.01 ASSAULTS
326.02 AGGRAVATED ASSAULTS AGAINST A PEACE OFFICER
326.03 SEXUAL ASSAULTS
327.00 BURGLARY, THEFT, AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
INVESTIGATION
327.01 SILENT ALARM
327.02 AUDIBLE ALARM
327.03 BURGLAR IN A BUILDING
327.04 BURGLARY, THEFT, OR CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
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327.05 OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS
327.06 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/THEFT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
328.00 DISTURBANCES
328.01 DISTURBANCES
328.02 LANDLORD AND TENANT DISPUTES
328.03 PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS AND CHILD CUSTODY MATTERS
328.04 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
328.05 PROTECTIVE ORDERS
328.06 CIVIL DISTURBANCES/PROTESTS
328.07 DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES
328.08 HATE CRIMES
328.09 CRIMINAL TRESPASS WARNING
329.00 PERSON WITH A GUN
329.01 RESTRICTED
329.02 RESTRICTED
329.03 RESTRICTED
329.04 RESTRICTED
330.00 MENTALLY DISTURBED PERSONS
330.01 INITIAL POLICE ACTIONS
330.02 POLICE ACTIONS WHERE NO CRIMINAL OFFENSE IS INVOLVED
330.03 POLICE ACTIONS WHERE AN OFFENSE IS INVOLVED
330.04 REPEATED DEALINGS WITH MENTALLY DISTURBED PERSONS
331.00 EXPLOSIVES
331.01 EXPLOSIVES, BOMBS, AND BOMB THREATS
332.00 PUBLIC INTOXICATION
332.01 PUBLIC INTOXICATION
332.02 PUBLIC INTOXICATION OTHER THAN ALCOHOL
332.03 RESTRICTED
332.04 RESTRICTED
332.05 RESTRICTED
333.00 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
333.01 EMERGENCY AMBULANCE PROCEDURES
333.02 INJURED PERSONS
334.00 MISSING PERSONS
334.01 MISSING PERSONS
334.02 MISSING CHILDREN
334.03 MISSING ADULTS
334.04 ACTIVATION OF THE AMBER PLAN OR SILVER ALERT
335.00 STOLEN VEHICLES
335.01 STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLES
335.02 FAILURE TO RETURN RENTAL VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT
335.03 FAILURE TO RETURN LOANED/BORROWED VEHICLES
336.00 ANIMAL AND FOWL COMPLAINTS
336.01 ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS
336.02 LOOSE LIVESTOCK
336.03 ANIMAL CALLS
337.00 RESERVED
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338.00 STRANDED MOTORISTS
338.01 TRANSPORTING STRANDED MOTORISTS
338.02 OFFICER AND MOTORIST SAFETY
338.03 VULNERABLE PERSON ACCOMPANYING ARRESTED PERSON
339.00 MINOR POLICE RESPONSES
339.01 MEET COMPLAINANT/UNIT/PERSON
339.02 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND PROWLERS
339.03 FIGHTS
339.04 INVESTIGATION CALLS
339.05 RESTRICTED
339.06 RESTRICTED
339.07 RESTRICTED
339.08 RESTRICTED
339.09 RESTRICTED
340.00 SERVICE CALLS (MARKOUTS)
340.01 COFFEE AND MEAL BREAK
340.02 COURT CALLS
340.03 FLAT TIRE
340.04 GARAGE CALL
340.05 RADIO REPAIR
340.06 REPORT TO HEADQUARTERS
340.07 UNIT SECURED
340.08 CALL FOR CRIME SCENE SEARCH UNIT
341.00 JUVENILE
341.01 CHILD ARREST PROCEDURE
341.02 JUVENILE TRAFFIC OFFENDERS
341.03 WANTED JUVENILES TAKEN INTO POLICE CUSTODY
341.04 NEGLECTED, ABANDONED, OR ABUSED CHILDREN
342.00 HOSPITALS
342.01 POLICE RESPONSIBILITY
343.00 POLICE ASSISTANCE TO OUTSIDE AGENCIES
343.01 ASSISTANCE TO OUTSIDE DEPARTMENTS OR AGENCIES
344.00 REPORTING SYSTEM
344.01 OFFENSE/INCIDENT REPORT PROCEDURES
344.02 SUPPLEMENT REPORTS
344.03 IDENTIFYING PERSONS BY RACE/ETHNICITY
344.04 FIELD INTERVIEW CARD
344.05 CONTAMINATED REPORTS/DOCUMENTS
345.00 RESERVED
346.00 VIN VERIFICATION AND SALVAGE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
346.01 VIN VERIFICATIONS
346.02 SALVAGE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
347.00 COMMUNITY POLICING STRATEGIES
347.01 POLICE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
347.02 RACIAL PROFILING
347.03 BIAS-FREE POLICING
347.04 NUISANCE ABATEMENT
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348.00 RESERVED
349.00 RESERVED
350.00 RESERVED
351.00 SPECIALIZED PATROL UNITS
351.01 BICYCLE PATROL UNIT
351.02 MOUNTED PATROL UNIT
352.00 SECURITY AT MEACHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
352.01 RESTRICTED
352.02 RESTRICTED
352.03 RESTRICTED
352.04 RESTRICTED
352.05 RESTRICTED
352.06 RESTRICTED
352.07 RESTRICTED
353.00 RESERVED
354.00 EMERGENCY CONTROL PROCEDURES
354.01 PURPOSE
354.02 DEFINITIONS
354.03 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
354.04 RESTRICTED
354.05 RESTRICTED
354.06 RESTRICTED
354.07 RESTRICTED
354.08 RESTRICTED
354.09 GREATER DALLAS/FORT WORTH REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
INTERLOCAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
355.00 RESERVED
356.00 CRITICAL POLICE INCIDENTS
356.01 DEFINITIONS
356.02 INVESTIGATION TEAM
356.03 INVOLVED EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
356.04 POLICE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION RESPONSIBILITIES
356.05 FIELD UNIT RESPONSIBILITY
356.06 INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
356.07 DIVISION CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITIES
356.08 GRAND JURY REVIEW
356.09 CRITICAL POLICE INCIDENT TACTICS REVIEW BOARD
GENERAL ORDER SECTION: 400.00 PERSONNEL
401.00 EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
401.01 CIVILIAN VACANCIES
401.02 IN-HOUSE VACANCY SELECTION OF SWORN PERSONNEL
401.03 OUT-PROCESSING PROCEDURE FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
401.04 REEMPLOYMENT OF POLICE PERSONNEL
401.05 PREVIOUSLY TERMINATED POLICE APPLICANTS
401.06 PRE-DECISION MEETINGS – CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES
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402.00 EMPLOYEE COUNSELING PROCEDURE
402.01 COMMENDATIONS
402.02 SUPERVISOR’S COACHING SESSIONS
402.03 CAPTAIN’S COACHING SESSIONS
402.04 WRITTEN REPRIMANDS
402.05 VERBAL COUNSELING
403.00 EVALUATION PROCEDURES
403.01 EVALUATION PROCEDURES
404.00 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
404.01 SCOPE OF GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
404.02 TIME LIMITATIONS
404.03 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE STEPS
405.00 RESERVED
406.00 SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY COMPENSATION
406.01 DEFINITIONS
406.02 OVERTIME COMPENSATION
406.03 COMPENSATORY TIME
406.04 COURT APPEARANCE AND HEARINGS
406.05 STANDBY COURT NOTIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
406.06 COURT APPEARANCE OVERTIME REPORT
406.07 HIGHER CAPACITY PAY
406.08 CALL-BACK PAY
406.09 BILINGUAL SKILLS
406.10 ATTENDANCE AT OUT-OF-TOWN FUNERALS
406.11 HONOR GUARD
406.12 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER ASSIGNMENT PAY
407.00 OFF-DUTY POLICE EMPLOYMENT
407.01 OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT
407.02 POLICE RESERVES
408.00 RESERVED
409.00 RESERVED
410.00 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
410.01 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: SCOPE
410.02 DISCIPLINARY ACTION: CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES
410.03 DISCIPLINARY ACTION: NON-CIVIL SERVICE PERSONNEL
410.04 PERSONNEL COMPLAINT
410.05 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: SENSITIVE INVESTIGATION
410.06 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: COMMAND RESPONSIBILITIES
410.07 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
RESPONSIBILITIES
410.08 ARRESTED DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEE
410.09 DISPOSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATIONS
411.00 RESERVED
412.00 RESERVED
413.00 PEER SUPPORT TEAM
413.01 PEER SUPPORT TEAM
413.02 RECALL FOR PEER SUPPORT GROUP COUNSELORS
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413.03 REASSIGNMENT OF PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN A MAJOR INCIDENT
414.00 SERVICES OF POLICE CHAPLAIN
414.01 VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS
415.00 RESERVED
416.00 USE OF TRAINING CENTER FACILITIES
416.01 USE OF TRAINING CENTER FACILITIES
417.00 RESERVED
418.00 SENIORITY PROCEDURES
418.01 SENIORITY PROCEDURES
419.00 POLICE OFFICERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
419.01 POLICE OFFICERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
420.00 VACATION, COMPENSATORY, AND HOLIDAY LEAVE
420.01 VACATION LEAVE
420.02 COMPENSATORY AND HOLIDAY LEAVE
421.00 TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS
421. O1 TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS
421.02 DEFINITIONS
421.03 TRAUMATIC INCIDENT LEAVE
421.04 SUPERVISORY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
421.05 THE ROLE OF THE TRAUMATIC INCIDENT COORDINATOR
421.06 RETURN TO REGULAR DUTIES
421.07 CONFIDENTIALITY
422.00 CALL-OFF PROCEDURES
422.01 CALL-OFF PROCEDURES
423.00 MILITARY LEAVE/LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
423.01 MILITARY LEAVE/LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
424.00 SICK, FAMILY ILLNESS OR OCCUPATIONAL INJURY LEAVE
424.01 GENERAL PROVISIONS
424.02 ACCUMULATION AND PAYMENT OF SICK LEAVE: SWORN
EMPLOYEES
424.03 USE OF SICK LEAVE
424.04 REQUESTING SICK LEAVE
424.05 NON-OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS/INJURY
424.06 OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS OR INJURY
424.07 FIRST REPORT OF INJURY FORM DWC-1 AND FORT WORTH POLICE
DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR’S ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT
424.08 EMPLOYER’S SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF INJURY FORM
424.09 LEAVE FOR FAMILY ILLNESS
424.10 FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
424.11 TEMPORARY TRANSITIONAL DUTY
424.12 OCCUPATIONAL LEAVE
425.00 MATERNITY
425.01 ASSIGNMENT OF PREGNANT EMPLOYEES
425.02 MATERNITY LEAVE OF ABSENCE
426.00 OFF-DUTY BENEFITS FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
426.01 PURPOSE
426.02 BENEFIT COVERAGE
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427.00 CIVIL SERVICE NOTICES OF PROMOTIONAL
EXAMINATIONS
427.01 POSTING OF EXAMINATION NOTICES
428.00 PERSONNEL ORDERS – SWORN EMPLOYEES
428.01 PERSONNEL ORDERS – SWORN EMPLOYEES
429.00 PERSONNEL STRUCTURE
429.01 PERSONNEL DEFINITIONS
429.02 POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
430.00 SPECIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
430.01 DETECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
431.00 HEALTH AND SAFETY-EXPOSURE AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
431.01 GENERAL INFORMATION
431.02 EDUCATION
431.03 CONTROL METHODS FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
431.04 GENERAL PREVENTIVE MEASURES
431.05 EXPOSURE INCIDENT PROCEDURES
431.06 COMMUNICABLE DISEASE STATUTES
GENERAL ORDER SECTION: 500.00 UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
501.00 DRESS CODE
501.01 WEARING OF THE POLICE UNIFORM
501.02 NON-UNIFORMED ASSIGNMENTS: APPEARANCE
502.00 HAIR AND MUSTACHES
502.01 HAIR AND MUSTACHES
503.00 UNIFORM ITEMS FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
503.01 UNIFORM ITEMS FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
503.02 UNIFORM ACCESSORIES
503.03 BADGES AND CAP SHIELDS
503.04 IDENTIFICATION CARDS FOR HONORABLY RETIRED OFFICERS
504.00 POLICE WEAPONS AND LEATHER GOODS
504.01 RESTRICTED
504.02 RESTRICTED
505.00 MISCELLANEOUS UNIFORM ITEMS
505.01 MISCELLANEOUS UNIFORM ITEMS
506.00 PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
506.01 PORTABLE RADIOS
506.02 CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
506.03 RESTRICTED
506.04 IN-CAR RECORDING SYSTEM
507.00 USE OF THE POLICE VEHICLE
507.01 CHECKING OUT MARKED UNITS
507.02 OPERATION OF THE POLICE UNIT
507.03 AUTOMATED FUELING SYSTEMS
507.04 VEHICLE GASCARD
507.05 USE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
507.06 FUEL CONSERVATION
507.07 VEHICLE CONTAMINATION
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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507.08 PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS ON PATROL VEHICLES
507.09 SPEED ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS
508.00 AWARDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
508.01 AWARDS COMMITTEE
508.02 AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACTS
508.03 SERVICE AWARDS
508.04 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT AWARDS
508.05 WEAPONS PROFICIENCY AWARDS
508.06 SPECIAL UNIT OR ASSIGNMENT PINS
508.07 MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS
508.08 POLICE AWARDS FOUNDATION
509.00 CHECKOUT, REPLACEMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
509.01 BODY ARMOR
509.02 REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
509.03 ASSET MANAGEMENT
509.04 LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION
510.00 EQUIPMENT & UNIFORM COMMITTEE
510.01 EQUIPMENT & UNIFORM COMMITTEE
510.02 EQUIPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
511.00 SPECIALIZED UNITS UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
511.01 K-9 (CANINE) UNIT UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
511.02 BICYCLE PATROL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
511.03 MOUNTED PATROL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
511.04 MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS
511.05 HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR’S VEST
511.06 SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
511.07 TACTICAL MEDIC UNIT UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
511.08 ALTERNATE UNIFORM
512.00 PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL
512.01 FORMAL FUNCTION PROTOCOL
GENERAL ORDER SECTION: 600.00 COMMUNICATIONS
601.00 RADIO PERSONALITIES/TALK GROUPS, CODES, SIGNALS, AND TEN
(10) SERIES
601.01 RESTRICTED
601.02 RESTRICTED
601.03 RESTRICTED
601.04 RESTRICTED
601.05 RESTRICTED
602.00 RADIO CALL NUMBER ASSIGNMENTS
602.01 RESTRICTED
602.02 RESTRICTED
602.03 RESTRICTED
602.04 RESTRICTED
603.00 ASSIGNED RADIO TALK GROUP USAGE
603.01 RESTRICTED
604.00 RADIO PROCEDURES
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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604.01 RESTRICTED
604.02 RESTRICTED
604.03 RESTRICTED
604.04 RESTRICTED
604.05 RESTRICTED
604.06 RESTRICTED
605.00 DISPATCHING AND PRIORITIZING OF RADIO CALLS
605.01 RESTRICTED
605.02 RESTRICTED
605.03 RESTRICTED
605.04 RESTRICTED
605.05 RESTRICTED
605.06 RESTRICTED
605.07 RESTRICTED
605.08 RESTRICTED
605.09 RESTRICTED
606.00 NOTIFICATIONS AND CALL BACKS
606.01 RESTRICTED
606.02 RESTRICTED
606.03 RESTRICTED
606.04 RESTRICTED
606.05 RESTRICTED
606.06 RESTRICTED
606.07 RESTRICTED
606.08 RESTRICTED
607.00 POLICE INFORMATION CENTER
607.01 RESTRICTED
607.02 RESTRICTED
607.03 RESTRICTED
607.04 RESTRICTED
607.05 RESTRICTED
607.06 RESTRICTED
607.07 RESTRICTED
608.00 CRIMINAL HISTORY AND ARREST RECORDS
608.01 STORAGE OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS
608.02 DISSEMINATION OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS
608.03 ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION
608.04 EXPUNCTION OF RECORDS OF ARREST
609.00 REPORT REVIEW
609.01 OFFENSE REPORT SUBMISSION
609.02 PENDING OFFENSES
609.03 SUPERVISORY REVIEW
609.04 COLOR STANDARDIZATION
610.00 POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING ALARM SYSTEM
610.01 RESTRICTED
610.02 RESTRICTED
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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611.00 HAZARDOUS LOCATION FILE
611.01 RESTRICTED
611.02 RESTRICTED
611.03 RESTRICTED
611.04 RESTRICTED
GENERAL ORDER SECTION: 700.00 CODE OF CONDUCT
701.00 AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE
702.00 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
703.00 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
704.00 CIVIL, CRIMINAL, JUDICIAL, AND INVESTIGATIVE
ACTIONS
705.00 PUBLIC ACTIVITIES
705.01 PUBLIC ACTIVITIES, REWARDS
705.02 ETHICAL STANDARDS
706.00 DEPARTMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS
706.01 PROCEDURES
706.02 PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
706.03 FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
706.04 BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
706.05 EMPLOYEE APPLICANTS, TRAINEES, AND PROBATIONARY
EMPLOYEES
707.00 DIVERSE WORKFORCE
707.01 DIVERSE WORKFORCE POLICY
707.02 DIVERSE WORKPLACE RESPONSIBILITIES
708.00 HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE
709.00 SEXUAL HARASSMENT
709.01 SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
709.02 SEXUAL HARASSMENT DEFINITIONS
709.03 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
709.04 FEMALE EMPLOYEES COORDINATOR
709.05 REPORTING PROCEDURES
709.06 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL PERSONNEL
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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101.01 ESTABLISHMENT
A. The establishment and regulation of the Fort Worth Police Department are mandated by the
Charter of the City of Fort Worth as follows:
1. CHAPTER XI. DEPARTMENT OF POLICE. The City Council shall provide by
ordinance the establishment and regulation of a department of police.
101.02 DUTIES
A. The Fort Worth City Code, as amended, Chapter 27, Article II, establishes and sets the duties
of the Fort Worth Police Department as follows:
1. Section 27-21. A police department is hereby established, charged with maintaining peace
and order in the community and protecting the citizens of the city. The department shall
provide continuous patrol services, response to citizens’ calls for assistance, investigate
criminal offenses, apprehend offenders, provide traffic enforcement and enforce all
municipal ordinances and laws, state and federal, the enforcement of which it is charged
with.
101.03 CHIEF OF POLICE
A. Chief of Police
The general duties and responsibilities of the office of the chief of police are ordained by the
Fort Worth City Code, as amended, Chapter 27, Article II.
1. In the event of a short-term absence of the chief of police, unless otherwise directed by
the city manager, an assistant chief shall assume command based upon a schedule
determined by the Chief of Police’s office.
101.04 HIERARCHY
A. The order of rank as established by the Fort Worth City Council for employees of the
department is:
1. Chief of Police
2. Assistant Chief
3. Deputy Chief/Police Assistant Director
4. Commander
5. Captain/Division Manager
6. Lieutenant/Support Manager
7. Sergeant/Supervisor
8. Corporal/Detective
9. Police Officer
101.05 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DEFINITIONS
A. The magnitude of tasks imposed upon the office of the chief of police necessitates the
establishment by the police chief of functional and geographical entities, and assignment of
personnel to these entities, that together encompass the Fort Worth Police Department.
101.00 CHARTER AND ORDINANCE PROVISIONS (Revised 5/9/18)
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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1. Bureau
a. The major functional segment for the tasks and objectives of the department.
b. A bureau shall be under the command, control, and direction of an assistant chief.
2. Command
a. The primary functional or geographical subdivision of activities within the
department and/or bureau.
b. A command shall be under the command, control and direction of a deputy chief or
civilian employee of equivalent authority.
NOTE: The rank of commander is not to be confused with the term command used in
the department’s operational command organization structure.
3. Division
a. The primary functional or geographical subdivision of activities within a bureau or
command.
b. A division shall be under the command, control and direction of a captain or civilian
employee of equivalent authority.
NOTE: An exception shall be within the Patrol Bureau in which each patrol division will
be under the leadership of a commander with an assigned captain.
4. Section
a. A major activity within a bureau, command, or division.
b. A section shall normally be under the command, control, and direction of a lieutenant
or civilian employee of equivalent authority.
5. Shift
a. Any subdivision of activity made on the basis of time within any departmental
segment.
b. A shift shall be under the command, direction, and supervision of a person of the
appropriate rank or classification commensurate with the function performed and
placement within the organizational structure.
6. Unit
a. A distinctive function or endeavor within a bureau, command, division, or section.
b. A unit shall normally be under the control, direction, and supervision of a sergeant
or civilian employee of equivalent authority.
7. Detail
a. A specific and concentrated functional activity and/or segment.
8. Zone
a. A specific geographical subdivision of activity within a division.
9. Beat
a. A specific geographical subdivision of activity within a zone.
B. Functional entities within the department shall adhere to these definitions of nomenclature.
No operational entity shall be formed, enact a name change, or be transferred, without the
written authority of the chief of police and the issuance of a general order.
C. The organizational structure of the police department shall be illustrated in an organizational
chart posted on the internal police portal and the department’s official website. The
organizational chart will be reviewed and updated annually or at the direction of the Chief of
Police. TBP 1.01
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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102.01 SUPPORT BUREAU
The Support Bureau is responsible for the direction and coordination of the Tactical Command
and the Investigative and Support Command.
102.02 TACTICAL COMMAND
Tactical Command shall be responsible for:
A. Tactical Operations Division
1. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Section – responsible for responding to hostage
situations, barricaded persons, sniper incidents, or other incidents which require the
utilization of personnel specifically equipped and trained to function in support of the
patrol operations division.
2. Special Response Section – primary responsibility is to address citywide crime trends,
accomplishing their mission by utilizing an intelligence driven model that focuses on the
most prolific offenders affecting the community; responsible for working with patrol and
other divisions to develop comprehensive plans to reduce crime trends throughout the
City; respond to situations that require tactical support; and augment the SWAT Section
as needed.
a. K-9 Unit – features an officer paired with a specially trained dog to provide assistance
to narcotics and field officers in building searches, locating missing persons, locating
narcotics, and conducting specialized maneuvers.
3. Special Operations Section
a. Mounted Patrol Unit – provide specialized patrol on horseback to selected areas of
the city, assistance in crowd control for special events, and may assist in searches for
missing persons.
b. Special Events/Emergency Response (SEER) – provide department and officer
compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications
and training; guidelines for deploying resources; researching and developing
necessary programs and equipment for emergency preparedness; and has primary
responsibility for coordination of special and/or large-scale events as the designee
for the Chief of Police, defined and outlined in the City of Fort Worth Outdoor Event
Ordinance #1925508-2010.
B. Tactical Investigations Division
1. Narcotics Section
a. Narcotics – responsible for the investigation of all narcotic offenses and the execution
of related search warrants. The Narcotics Section includes DEA Task Force, the
HIDTA Task Force, three (3) Complaint Teams, an Interdiction Team, and the
Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).
(1) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) – a federally funded multiagency narcotic task force with enforcement responsibility at the organized
crime level within an eleven (11) county area of North Texas. Responsible for
the disruption of illicit drug trafficking, gathering and reporting intelligence
data, and conducting undercover operations.
(2) Criminal Investigative Unit (CIU) – detectives tasked with the responsibility of
coordinating drug/vice offenses, communicating with Forensic Science
102.00 SUPPORT BUREAU
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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personnel for lab analysis, monitoring prisoner detention and submission of
criminal cases to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
(3) Vice Unit – responsible for the detection and suppression of criminal activities
including, but not limited to, gambling, prostitution, public lewdness, obscenity
law violations, alcoholic beverage code, nuisance abatement, and any crimes
against public morals. Gathering and dissemination of criminal intelligence
information while conducting specialized investigations to deter criminal
activity as well as organized crime in the City of Fort Worth crimes consisting
of bookmaking, escort services, child pornography, dog fighting, and civil
injunctions.
2. Gang Section – responsible for the detection, suppression and disruption of criminal street
gang activity; successfully identifying, targeting and presenting for criminal prosecution
those who are involved in illegal gang activity; gathering criminal intelligence
information relating to a criminal combination or a criminal street gang for the purpose
of investigating or prosecution criminal offenses; and providing a prevention/intervention
program in an effort to direct potential gang members away from a gang lifestyle.
C. Tactical Intelligence Division
1. Intelligence Section
a. Homeland Security Unit – provide the Chief of Police intelligence information
regarding terrorist and subversive group threats to citizens, key resources, and venues
in the City of Fort Worth; provide criminal intelligence to the department’s
investigative sections and special events occurring within the City; provide and
coordinate with respective agencies and the Police Administration Lieutenant for the
security of dignitaries visiting the City of Fort Worth. The Intel Section lieutenant
shall be the department’s Homeland Security liaison.
b. Electronic Surveillance Unit – provide technological support and electronic
surveillance to departmental investigative sections and special events within the City
of Fort Worth.
c. Criminal Intelligence Unit – gather, investigate, share and disseminate criminal
intelligence information in furtherance of identifying and apprehending violent and
prolific offenders and groups involved in organized crime within and impacting the
City of Fort Worth.
d. Hostage Negotiation Unit – respond to critical incidents for the purpose of negotiating
the safe surrender of hostage takers or barricaded suspects and the safe release of
hostages, through effective employment of the negotiation process using Texas
Association of Hostage Negotiators (TAHN) recognized law enforcement
negotiation techniques.
e. Dignitary Protection Detail – provide executive protection for the Mayor of the City
of Fort Worth.
2. Information Management Section
a. Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) – non-sworn analysts focusing on crime statistics and
identifying emerging crime trends. The CAU shall systematically collect, research,
analyze and disseminate crime information that describes crime patterns, trends,
target areas and offender data. Analytical products and statistics will be provided to
the department in an effort to help commanders deploy their resources with the goal
of assisting departmental personnel in their efforts to prevent, disrupt and reduce
crime.
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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b. Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) – designed to serve as the information and
intelligence hub of the Police Department by providing actionable intelligence to
officers and investigators within the department in addition to assisting external law
enforcement agencies in furtherance of criminal investigations. The RTCC will be
responsible for collecting information, conducting real-time tactical analysis, and
disseminating accurate actionable intelligence to investigative units and officers in
the field.
c. Criminal Intelligence Analysis Unit (CIAU) – non-sworn analysts focusing on issues
of homeland security, intelligence and in depth research of long term projects. The
CIAU will systematically collect, analyze, research all sources of data available to
them be it open source or secured source data. Intelligence products will be
disseminated to the appropriate departmental function to assist in departmental
operations. CIAU personnel shall ensure precursor crimes are screened and analyzed
for linkages to larger scale organized criminal efforts and terrorist activities.
102.03 INVESTIGATIVE AND SUPPORT COMMAND
Investigative and Support Command shall be responsible for:
A. The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for technical support, follow-up
investigation, and case filing for all offenses investigated by the following sections:
1. Violent Personal Crimes Section
a. Homicide Unit – investigate murders, suicides, and incident reports concerning
deceased persons.
(1) Cold Case Detail – review, analyze, and prioritize unsolved cases for potential
leads for follow-up investigation.
b. Robbery Unit – investigate all robbery offenses, to include financial institution and
armored vehicle robberies.
c. Major Case Unit – investigate Critical Police Incidents as outlined in General Order
356.00; murder for hire; kidnapping; offenses designated as “Hate Crimes” and
special investigations/assignments as directed by the chain of command.
(1) Missing Persons Detail – investigate all missing and runaway juveniles and the
investigation of all adults who are missing under suspicious circumstances.
(2) Human Trafficking Detail – identify and rescue victims of human trafficking
leading to the prosecution of human traffickers and to promote public awareness.
d. Fugitive Unit – assignment of probable cause arrest warrants generated by members
of the department and the service of these warrants; assist other agencies with arrests
within the city to include teletype warrants from other agencies; and, transportation
of persons arrested by other agencies on our warrant.
(1) Crime Stoppers Detail – collect information from anonymous callers; provide
computer investigations in relation to the tips, verifying the information given
by the tipster; and prepare and complete television reenactments of unsolved
felonies.
2. Special Victims Section
a. Domestic Violence Unit – investigate domestic violence threats, assaults, retaliations,
protective order violations, other family-related offenses, and stalking.
b. Crimes Against Children Unit – investigate sexual assaults of victims sixteen (16)
years of age and younger, injury to a child, abandoning/endangering a child,
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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indecency with a child to include incest, child deaths under six (6) years of age, child
pornography, and interference with child custody.
c. Sex Crimes Unit – responsible for investigating and filing cases on all sex related
offenses within the City of Fort Worth that have victims aged 17 years and older
including Sexual Assaults, Attempted Sexual Assaults, Public Lewdness, Indecent
Exposure, Burglary with intent to commit Sexual Assault, Injury to Elderly in Care
Facilities and Invasive Visual Recording/Photography
(1) Sex Crime Cold Case/CODIS Hits Detail – investigate unsolved sex crime
cases in response to Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) notifications;
review, analyze and prioritize information received from local, state or federal
entities as potential leads for follow-up investigations; and confirm CODIS hit
with DNA comparison from suspect’s buccal swab.
d. Sex Offender Registration and Monitoring Unit – responsible for sex offender
registration; monitoring of registered sex offenders, and follow-up investigation on
failure to register as sex offender offenses. This unit will ensure departmental
compliance with Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and with Texas
Department of Public Safety requirements regarding sex offender registration.
3. Forensics and Economic Crimes Section
a. Fraud Unit – investigate forgery offenses, excluding forged prescriptions; credit and
debit card abuse; and fraudulent destruction, removal, or concealment of writing.
b. Commercial Auto Theft Unit – inspect, monitor and enforce the Transportation Code
Chapter 501 and Occupations Code Chapter 2302 covering automotive salvage
yards, repair shops, and body shops; target organized auto theft activities; investigate
theft of motor vehicles, including trailers, boats, and airplanes; unauthorized use of
motor vehicles; and burglaries committed for the purpose of stealing a vehicle. If the
vehicle is taken in a robbery, the Robbery Unit shall have responsibility for the
investigation of the offense.
c. Crime Scene Search Unit – identify, collect, and process evidence of all homicides,
suicides and other deaths under suspicious circumstances, sexual assaults, critical
police incidents, visible bodily injury to a child fourteen (14) years of age or younger,
visible bodily injury to a person sixty-five (65) years of age or older, visible bodily
injury to a disabled person, and requests from on scene supervisor of the division
concerned. The Crime Scene Search Unit may be requested for property crimes only
when the collection of physical evidence exceeds patrol capabilities.
d. Digital Forensic Lab – responsible for providing technical assistance to investigators
who are investigating computer-related offenses; forensically examine all seized
computers, media or other devices that may contain digital or electronic evidence in
criminal or administrative cases; and assist other sections of the department in the
investigation of computer-related offenses.
4. Victim Assistance Section – process appropriate letters to victims of violent personal
crimes; assist with Crime Victim Compensation applications; and conduct victim followup by telephone or in person and refer to appropriate community resource.
B. Forensic Science Division – has responsibility for evaluation and testing of physical evidence
including DNA/serology, drugs/blood alcohol, and firearms examination/range
determinations. The Forensic Science Laboratory staff is responsible for providing expert
testimony on the test/evaluation results, and for assisting in the training of department
personnel on the proper procedures for the collection and preservation of physical evidence.
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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C. The Community Programs Division is responsible for crime prevention and interaction with
the community through the Crime Intervention Services and the technical support for
detectives and officers on all offenses investigated involving child actors.
1. Youth Section
a. School Resource Unit provides general police services for the school districts located
within the city. The officers assigned to the section serve as School Resource Officers
whose primary function is to create a safe environment in schools through efforts in
crime prevention, intervention with students, and enforcement of the law.
b. Youth Services – act as a resource for procedures unique to handling cases involving
children for any Fort Worth officer, detective, or specialized unit; provide a secure
holding and interview area; administrate the First Offender Program; records
retention/management of all filed cases involving child actors; liaison with Texas
Juvenile Justice Department, Tarrant County Juvenile Services, Denton County
Juvenile Services, and various school districts inside the city of Fort Worth;
administrate the school crossing guard program; and ensure the City Manager’s
review of section 23-19 ‘Curfew for Minors’ in accordance with the City Ordinance.
2. Crime Intervention Services – involved in the community through programs in crime
prevention, partnerships with the clergy and citizens; and, the coordination of the jail
operations. TBP 2.24
a. Jail Operations
(1) Jail Unit – is responsible for the intake of arrested individuals by the Fort Worth
Police Department and the Fort Worth City Marshals, operating the central
holding facility, acting as a liaison with Mansfield Law Enforcement Center for
jail services, and coordinating the transfer of custody or release of those arrested
individuals.
(2) Intoxilyzer Detail – the administering of all intoxilyzer tests for individuals
arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
b. Community Volunteer Programs – provide coordination and training for:
(1) Volunteer Patrol Programs
• Citizens on Patrol Program (Code:Blue)
• Hispanos Unidos (Spanish-Speaking Citizens on Patrol)
• Code Blue at the School
(2) Citizen Education Programs
• Citizens Police Academy
• Spanish-Speaking Citizens Police Academy
• Citizens Police Academy Alumni Program
(3) Police/Clergy Programs – a coalition of pastors working in partnership with the
police department to serve the citizens of Fort Worth. The Clergy Program
includes the Ministers Against Crime (M.A.C.) and Clergy And Police Alliance
(C.A.P.A.).
(4) Community Emergency Response Teams (C.E.R.T) – educates citizens about
disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their neighborhoods and
educates citizens in basic disaster response skills.
D. Property and Records Management Division
1. Police Records Management Section
a. Records Unit – process all citizen requests for police reports, from origination to
archival of completed reports; process accident reports electronically and fill
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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requests for accident reports; and process requests from law enforcement/other
governmental agencies for records held by the department.
(1) Police Record Management Center (PRMC) – oversee the records center for
police department, both criminal and administrative; retain records in warehouse
and database to ensure the timely retention schedules have been met; and assist
the department liaisons on incoming and outgoing records.
(2) Records Management System (RMS) – oversee and coordinate the security,
training, updates, and daily usage of the Tiburon RMS system to ensure timely
processing of police reports and dissemination of information entered into the
system.
(3) Accident Report System – oversee and send out notices for electronic accident
reporting corrections; review all accident reports entered into the system and
send to Texas Department of Transportation (TX DOT); ensure that all accidents
are reviewed and reported in by the ten (10) day deadline for certain grant
funding (i.e. Commercial Motor Vehicle); communicate with officers’ chain of
commands on rejected reports and reports not entered into the system; and
communicate and be the liaison with TXDOT and Report Beam (software
vendor) to address any issues with electronic reporting as well as provide and
enter the security needed by department personnel to access the system.
b. Property and Evidence Unit – coordinate the protection, preservation, storage and
disposal of evidence and property in the custody of the department.
2. Warrant and Data Collection Section
a. Data Collection and Reporting Unit (DRU) – review and distribute all police reports
entered into the Records Management System; process the reports of non-consent
wrecker towing and repossessions within the corporate limits of the City of Fort
Worth; and, process all dispatched calls and online reporting of offenses made by
citizens as well as supplemental information for police reports.
b. Warrant and Identification Unit – maintain all departmental arrest fingerprint and
criminal history records; assist with the identification of criminal offenders through
fingerprint classification; maintain original warrant files and confirm Class B and
above misdemeanor and all felony warrants; and maintain and confirm both
protective order and emergency protective order files.
c. National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Unit – oversee and review all
arrests for proper coding into the RMS system; oversee and review all offenses for
proper NIBRS coding and data; review the NIBRS error log and correct data in RMS;
report crime statistic data to Texas Department of Public Safety for the department;
review all aggravated assault, sexual assaults, drug classifications, robberies, theft
from and inside motor vehicles, hate crimes, and offenses involving officers injured
or killed in the line of duty; and, review all FBI audits and statistics and make
corrections in the department database to properly code and report based on NIBRS
guidelines.
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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103.01 PATROL BUREAU
The Patrol Bureau is responsible for Patrol Command, Air Support, Tactical Medic, Reserves, and
Traffic Division. Patrol is divided into two commands, the North Command and South Command
which are responsible for directing and coordinating the respective Patrol Operations Divisions.
103.02 PATROL COMMAND
North Command shall consist of North Division, Northwest Division, Central Division, and West
Division. South Command shall consist of South Division, East Division, Traffic Division, and
Air Support.
A. Each patrol division has a Community Operations Section including:
1. Criminal Investigation Unit – responsible for the investigation of all offenses not
covered by special units, including but not limited to, auto theft, burglary, theft, and
general assignments.
2. Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) – incorporates non-traditional methods of crime
prevention aimed at the inclusion of neighborhoods and the community, promoting
an open channel of communication between the police department and the
community to effectively eliminate or reduce crime.
3. Crime Prevention Unit – provides support to each of the division crime prevention
specialists and neighborhood police officers; designs, researches, and produces crime
prevention literature; and coordinates various crime prevention programs.
B. Included within the Central Division patrol:
1. Downtown Traffic Control – responsible for traffic control within the central business
district.
2. The Court Liaison Detail – provide assistance to the Municipal Court and Tarrant
County District Attorney’s Office in the notification to police personnel of scheduled
court appearances, subpoenas, and other court-related activities.
3. Bicycle Patrol Unit – provide concentrated patrol to deter street crime and increase
the public perception of safety for citizens in the downtown business district of
Central Division.
C. Traffic Division
The Traffic Division shall have primary responsibility for follow-up investigation of traffic
accidents to include hit and runs; enforcing traffic laws, and regulating traffic movement;
direct, coordinate, and supervise the activities of assigned traffic control technicians; provide
follow-up investigation and case filing for traffic offenses; and responsible for
breath/blood/urine tests on all fatality accidents involving a city vehicle driven by an on-duty
or off-duty police department employee.
1. Enforcement Section
a. Traffic Enforcement
b. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
c. Motors
2. Traffic Investigations Section
a. Traffic Investigation Unit
b. DWI
c. Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement
103.00 PATROL BUREAU
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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3. Patrol Support Section
a. Sworn Flight Officers assigned to Air Support.
b. Tactical Medic – departmental support element which provides emergency medical
services in a dynamic and austere environment. The Tactical Medic provides
immediate medical care to injured or ill police officers or any civilians who require
emergent or urgent medical attention during the course of the police mission.
c. Crisis Intervention Team – responsible for reducing the hazards associated with
interactions between law enforcement and people suffering from mental illness as
well as proactively engaging mental health consumers who pose a threat to the
community as a whole.
4. Fleet and Auto Pound
a. Fleet Services – manage the annual purchase of fleet vehicles and establish vehicle
specifications addressing the specific needs of the department’s specialized units;
administer the police department’s vehicle lease program; provide management and
accountability of the fleet’s maintenance and fuel expenditure; and, maintain the
appropriate database to ensure accountability of designated equipment.
b. Vehicle Impound Unit – coordinate the impoundment, protection and preservation of
vehicles in the custody of the department; manage the disposal of vehicles
impounded and associated property through semi-monthly vehicle auctions; and
manage the lawful disposition of vehicles and associated property awarded to the
department.
5. Air Support – Air Support is under the supervision of the civilian chief helicopter pilot
and is responsible for providing support to patrol ground units, aerial surveillance, and
aerial preventative patrol.
104.01 FINANCE AND PERSONNEL BUREAU
The Chief of Police has the ultimate authority and responsibility for the fiscal management of the
department. As the Chief of Police’s designee, the Assistant Chief over the Finance and Personnel
Bureau will oversee the financial administration responsibilities for final budget preparation and
fiscal management functions for the department. TBP 1.02
A. The Finance and Personnel Bureau will have four (4) areas of responsibility: the
Administrative Sergeant, Police Administration, Administrative Support Command and
Operational Command.
B. Responsibilities of the Administrative Sergeant
1. Peer Support
a. The Peer Support Coordinator may be requested by the command staff to provide
assistance to an officer or employee who is undergoing a disciplinary action, to
determine if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed outside the scope
of discipline.
b. The Peer Support Team, which is under the supervision of the City of Fort Worth
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Police Department Peer Support
Coordinator, shall provide assistance for officers and civilian employees of the
department; provide early intervention, preventive education, and assistance in any
necessary referral; in the event of a major incident or disaster, provide support as
104.00 FINANCE AND PERSONNEL BUREAU
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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designated; and due to the advent of the Incident Command System and the National
Incident Management System, peer support may find it necessary to send assistance
to local, regional or national agencies that request assistance.
2. Police Chaplain – responsible for providing counseling and assistance to any employee or
their family; officiating at police funerals; and monitoring of personnel on extended sick
leave.
104.02 POLICE ADMINISTRATION
Police Administration is under the command of a lieutenant who reports to the Assistant Chief of
Finance and Personnel and is responsible for assisting with administrative responsibilities of the
Chief of Police and coordinating the activities of the Public Relations Office, the Centralized
Police Payroll Team (CPPT), and Labor/Management.
A. Public Relations Office TBP 5.04
1. The Public Relations Office responds to requests in relation to public information by
citizens and/or the media; coordinates activities related to press releases, press
conferences, and media events involving the police department; and coordinates
community forums, town hall meetings, and other public events initiated by the Public
Relations Office.
2. Public Information Officer(s) shall serve as official spokesperson(s) for the department
in the release of information to department personnel, the public, and to media outlets.
B. Labor/Management
The Administrative Lieutenant shall have the responsibility to liaison with the police
associations in matters concerning the police department. Additionally, the lieutenant shall
have the responsibility to liaison specifically with the Fort Worth Police Officers Association
(FWPOA) concerning the Meet and Confer Labor Agreement between City of Fort Worth and
Fort Worth Police Officers Association. The President of the FWPOA is assigned to the Police
Administration Office.
C. Centralized Police Payroll Team (CPPT)
The Centralized Police Payroll Team (CPPT) is responsible for the collection of time sheets
from police employees who are not authorized to enter their own time into the PeopleSoft
payroll system. CPPT is also responsible for entering the data from these time sheets into the
PeopleSoft system, handling paycheck inquiries, correcting paycheck errors, and acting as
liaison to other city departments regarding ERP and paycheck issues.
104.03 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT COMMAND
The Administrative Support Command shall be the responsibility of a Police Assistant Director
and has responsibility to manage budget planning and management, finance, employment services,
strategic and facility planning, technology services, grants, and procurement and contract
management, and Crime Control and Prevention District budget. The Administrative Support
Command is responsible for the Financial Management Division, Employment Services, Quality
Assurance Unit, and Program Support Division. The Police Assistant Director is the Budget
Director for the Crime Control and Prevention District Fund.
A. The Financial Management Division TBP 1.03
1. Budget Section – Develop and manage the police department’s annual operating budgets
including general fund and the Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD); prepare
initial setup and monitoring on all capital projects and with the fiscal planning process;
oversee and provide assistance to the police department budget committee; prepare and
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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provide justification for all variances on quarterly reports related to budget; prepare and
provide backup documentation for improvements, reductions and exception packages for
the police budgets; and oversee and develop decision packages based on the Annual
Needs Assessment requests.
a. Asset Forfeiture Unit – Manage all asset forfeiture funds and expenditures and
research proposed asset forfeiture purchases to confirm permissibility with
directives; manage and process all task force agreements and reimbursement; oversee
Imprest funds for each unit to ensure compliance with Federal and State guidelines;
and research proposed asset forfeiture purchases to confirm permissibility with State
and Federal guidelines. TBP 7.12
2. Finance Section – Process all payables for the department to ensure invoices are paid in
a timely manner; process all Travel and Training Authorization Request forms and Travel
Expense Report forms validating rates and meeting guidelines; process all accounts
receivable and other revenue received by the department, prepare Mayor and Council
(M&C) actions for any fiscal related items; conduct internal audits of a financial nature
to confirm department compliance; reconcile all grant overtime and personnel related
costs to ensure compliance with all directives; and other financial-related duties as
required or requested.
a. Grant and Program Management is responsible for researching, developing and
submitting applications, and managing funding received through federal, state and
local grants; and serves as a liaison with the Crime Control and Prevention District
Board and all Partners with a Share Mission and School Security Initiative program
agencies and is responsible for the program management of these funds in
compliance with local government code chapter 363 and the CCPD Financial
Management Policy.
B. The Employment Services Section
1. Employment Services Unit
a. Maintain department personnel files, including performance reviews and officer
efficiencies; facilitate department out processing paperwork; setup and/or remove
assignment pays; ensure employment-related compliance with department, city, state
and federal employment policies; and provide employment-related training as
necessary.
(1) Polygraph Detail administers employment polygraph examinations for
department applicants when requested by Employment Services or the Training
Academy, a supervisor or detective; and, when requested by the Chief of Police,
administers polygraph examination to any departmental employee. TBP 4.04
b. Civil service
(1) Request promotional exams, certified lists and process promotions, military
overages and demotions.
(2) Responsible for the Civil Service G Files. Provide Unit information to the Civil
Service Director for maintenance of A File.
(3) Assist with updating or initiating employment ordinances and policies.
(4) Manage staffing projections for attrition.
c. Civilian
(1) Facilitate civilian hiring, to include job postings, interviews, conditional offers
of employment and background screening process.
(2) Participate in the employment selection and process of civilian police personnel.
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(3) Assist in employee relations issues and provide guidance in discipline and
termination procedures.
2. Position Management Unit
a. The unit is responsible for coordinating all personnel moves, pay, hire and
termination; monitoring position alignment; and producing the Personnel Orders.
b. Processing and monitoring military leaves for sworn and civilian employees
participating in military training and/or deployment.
c. Entering staffing and benefits for annual budget preparation.
3. Medical Records Unit
a. Responsible for compliance with all procedures, policies and filing related to
occupational and non-occupational illnesses, Major Medical Sick Leave, Family
Medical Leave Act (FMLA), limited duty, and voluntary leave.
C. Quality Assurance Unit – manages Asset Management which oversees the inclusion in a
database of equipment in excess of a specified amount.
D. Program Support Division
1. The Research and Planning Section is responsible for strategic planning; serving as a
liaison to the Property Management Department in coordinating and implementing
facility capital improvement projects; overseeing and tracking data and measures used
for operational decisions; research projects; reporting crime statistics to the public;
updating the department’s website; developing departmental reports and plans; providing
departmental Geographic Information System services; and providing support to the
Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors.
2. Technology Services is responsible for researching and project management of
technology advancements; application development and support; user support; master
data management; capital project planning; budget planning of technology related assets
and services; assisting with and supporting technology-related facility improvements and
hardware moves; and ensuring compliance with technology-related federal, state and
local regulations and policies including CJIS, HIPPA, Privacy Policy, etc.
3. Procurement and Contracts is responsible for managing, supporting and administering the
contract process including developing, negotiating and executing contracts in support of
the Police Department; and managing, supporting and administering the procurement
process including requisitions, purchase orders, and all bids in support of the Police
Department.
104.04 OPERATIONAL COMMAND
The Operational Command shall be the responsibility of a Deputy Chief and shall include
Professional Standards, Training Division, Communications Division, and Policy Management
and Safety.
A. Professional and Accountability Standards
1. Special Investigations Section – responsibilities include conducting administrative
audits and/or inspections of police department operations to ensure the goals and
objectives of the City of Fort Worth, as it pertains to public safety, are being met in an
efficient and effective manner; audit and inspections conducted at the direction of the
Chief of Police; and the investigation of criminal allegations involving a person
employed by the City of Fort Worth, i.e., Police, Fire, Water, etc. that meet the
following criteria:
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a. Class B Misdemeanor offenses and above with exception to misdemeanor Driving
While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence offenses.
b. Any allegation involving a criminal offense, regardless of classification, or family
violence.
c. Criminal allegations involving City of Fort Worth employees if it is directly related
to public integrity.
2. Internal Affairs Section – responsibilities include ensuring the complete and impartial
investigation of all complaints against police department employees; maintaining
records of investigations of allegations of misconduct and any action taken as a result of
the investigation; conducting administrative investigations on all Critical Police
Incidents; and conducting investigations affecting department personnel at the direction
of the Chief of Police. Internal Affairs is responsible for administration and monitoring
of the off-duty employment program.
a. Police Open Records under the Internal Affairs has the following responsibilities:
assist the Department of Law with document collection related to requests for police
records; process legal requests to include expunctions, open records requests,
subpoenas, disciplinary hearings, lawsuits, and court orders; provide support
information to other departmental divisions and outside criminal justice agencies;
maintain records of all requested information; and appear at legal hearings as
required.
B. Training Division – responsibilities include developing, evaluating, and supervising all inservice training programs for members of the department and maintain records of such
training; developing, evaluating, and providing recruit and entry level training for all sworn
job classifications in the department; coordinating state licensing and higher education as
required by the Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission and the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE); responsibility for the Weapons Range; and
coordinating all aspects of background investigations, hiring, coordinating all aspects of
recruitment for cadets, explorers, interns and police applicants; and, coordinating the
department’s Explorer Program.
1. Career Development
2. Enhanced Skills
3. Backgrounds and Recruiting
C. The Communications Division has responsibility for:
1. Communications Unit – Directs the flow of information from complainants through voice
and data transmission to officers in the field. The Communications Unit is comprised of
the following functions:
a. Call Taking – Citizens call 911 or the Non-Emergency number for police
assistance. The calls are then routed from the call center to the dispatch center for
processing.
b. Dispatch – Calls are dispatched to patrol officers using Cad System and police radio
systems.
(1) DC1/DC2 – Assist officers with call backs to citizens; information look-up to
assist officers; orders wreckers; monitors multiple radio channels (i.e. Air One,
Crime Scene, Traffic, Medstar, etc.); also monitors Inter-Op channels (other
cities/law enforcement agencies).
(2) COPS Channel/DC3 – Assist the COP Program by providing patrollers services
that help ensure their safety.
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(3) Broadcast Channel – Enhance officer safety by broadcasting significant events
on all patrol channels.
2. Police Information Center – Process request for information from field officers. Specific
staff processes include but are not limited to: process stolen vehicle reports; run-a-way
reports; processing teletype transmissions to other agencies; confirming warrants and
EPOs; Process Omnix system requests; Animal Control dispatch; and TPW notifications.
3. Call Center Analyst – Analyze call volume and average handle time as a means to
establish staffing levels to effectively handle call volume. Analyst generates staff
schedules using analytic software.
4. Quality Assurance – ensures quality service is delivered to our citizens/patrol officers by
monitoring calls/radio transmission on a routine basis.
5. Custodian of Records – Maintain, locate and provide records created in police
communications (911 call audio, police call sheets, MDC messages, GPS data, police
radio traffic etc.). Custodian provides various statistics for the Division; provides data
for all open records request for the Division; Testifies in court for the records created in
Police Communications on behalf of the Call-Takers and Dispatchers.
D. Policy Management and Safety is responsible for assisting the command staff with policy
decisions; researching, developing and distributing the General Orders and Special Orders;
administration, development and maintaining the document management system for all
policies and procedures (PowerDMS); assuring compliance of policies and procedures with
applicable local, state, and federal laws, in addition to any other sanctioned entities; program
management and monitoring for the Texas Police Chief’s Best Practices Program; monitoring
and maintaining the police department website email; coordinating all notifications, programs,
information, and instruction for the department health and safety program, including but not
limited to, infectious disease or chemical exposures; developing safety plans; and coordinating
the employee safety program, including training, investigation, and recommendations for
situations impacting the safety of all employees. TBP 1.13
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201.01 WRITTEN DIRECTIVE SYSTEM DEFINED
The purpose of a written directive is to provide procedures, guidelines, rules and regulations that
formulate the department’s policy and employee conduct. All employees shall read, adhere to, and
be held accountable for all directives, policies, rules, regulations and training material. Any
statement in a written directive, including Special Order, General Order or bureau directive, found
to be illegal, incorrect, or inapplicable shall not affect the validity of the remaining contents. The
police department written directive system provides for the issuance of General and Special Orders
at the department level and Directives and Standard Operating Procedures at the bureau level.
Orders of lasting application affecting two (2) or more bureaus shall be department-level General
or Special Orders. Directives of a temporary nature shall be rescinded as necessary. Authorized
orders shall be classified as:
A. General Orders
If any procedures affect another bureau in whole or part, it will be proposed for inclusion in
the General Orders Manual. General Orders shall apply throughout the department and are
issued for the purpose of establishing or revising departmental organization, procedure or
guidelines on matters involving general application. In order of precedence, General Orders
shall stand over other departmental directives, unless amended by subsequent Special Order.
General Orders shall be authorized only by the Chief of Police and shall remain in effect until
rescinded, amended, or revised.
B. Personnel Orders
Personnel Orders are prepared at the direction of the Chief of Police. Personnel Orders are
issued for the purpose of announcing appointments, assignments, transfers, promotions,
demotions, dismissals, restorations to duty, retirements, and resignations of sworn personnel.
Personnel Orders are self-canceling as they take effect.
C. Special Orders
Special Orders are used to establish a temporary, emergency, or interim procedure or guideline
at the departmental level on a formal basis and are issued, authorized, or directed by the Chief
of Police. Special Orders of lasting nature shall be developed as a General Order.
D. Training or Procedural Manual or Department Directives
Written manuals or directives provide extensive guidance and detailed procedural information
in relation to specific operations or activities. Departmental Directives shall be issued only by
the Chief of Police. Deputy Chiefs and above have the authority to approve procedures related
to their respective areas of command.
E. Inter-office correspondence or bureau directive
Directives below the department level are subject to the approval of the appropriate assistant
chief. Inter-office correspondence or bureau directives shall be used to establish rules,
guidelines or procedures below department level which apply only to a specific operational
segment or activity of the department. Inter-office correspondence or bureau directives of a
short-term nature and for a specific circumstance shall designate a date of cancellation. Orders,
rules, and regulations of any supervisor/manager must be consistent with the written directives
issued by a higher authority.
201.00 DEPARTMENT ORDERS, DIRECTIVE SYSTEM, AND
FORMS (Revised 8/25/16)
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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F. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Captains and above have the authority to approve standard operating procedures related to
their respective areas of command. Procedures contained in a SOP shall not conflict with the
policies, procedures or rules established in General Orders, Special Orders, laws or contracts.
Standard Operating Procedures shall be maintained by the originating entity, with a copy on
file with Policy Management and Internal Affairs.
201.02 GENERATING WRITTEN DIRECTIVES
A. General Orders
When initiating a new General Order, persons requesting the order shall first obtain approval
through their chain of command then submit a draft proposal of the order to the Assistant
Chief of the Finance and Personnel Bureau for assignment to Policy Management. Policy
Management shall be responsible for research, development, command staff and legal review
and, upon approval of the Chief of Police, distribution and publication as a General Order. All
General Orders shall require an employee’s documentation of receipt.
B. Special Orders
When necessity requires the establishment of a departmental Special Order prior to
advancement to a General Order, persons generating the procedure shall follow the same
process as a General Order. All Special Orders shall require an employee’s documentation of
receipt.
C. Inter-office correspondence or bureau directive
When necessity requires establishing a guideline or procedure to be followed for personnel
below the department level, the authorized person shall forward the proposed directive to
Policy Management to review the document for conflicts with General Orders, other policies,
law, or contracts. If the directive conflicts or violates existing procedures, it shall be returned
to the submitting party with the areas needing change highlighted. If no changes are necessary,
it shall be returned noting that no conflicts exist.
1. Directives shall be furnished to employees within the bureau with a required
documentation of receipt to be filed and maintained in the bureau.
D. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Standard Operating Procedures will be developed by the unit, section, division, or bureau, and
forwarded to Policy Management for review for conflicts with other written directives, laws,
and contracts. Once returned by Policy Management to the requesting organizational segment,
the SOP will be approved through the submitting party’s chain of command. Standard
Operating Procedures shall be reviewed annually by the affected unit, section, division, or
bureau.
1. All Standard Operating Procedures will include sections on statement of purpose;
organization; personnel duties, authority and responsibilities; operations; and any other
areas as determined by the commander.
2. All approved Standard Operating Procedures shall be on file with Policy Management
and with Internal Affairs. Any revision to Standard Operating Procedures by the issuing
organizational segment shall be submitted to Policy Management and Internal Affairs
prior to utilization.
3. Standard Operating Procedures shall be furnished to employees within the unit, section,
or division with a required documentation of receipt to be filed and maintained by the
supervisor of the level issuing the procedure.
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201.03 AMENDMENT RESPONSIBILITY
General Orders and Special Orders will be issued, modified, or withdrawn only by the Chief of
Police. All requests for amending a General Order or Special Order shall follow the procedures in
General Order 201.02A. The authority of a person to rescind or amend a bureau directive is
restricted to those orders that the person is authorized to issue.
A. Definitions
1. Revisions – Refers to replacing an existing General Order or a portion thereof with a
revised order or the insertion of a new procedure into the General Orders Manual.
2. Rescindments – Refers only to the removal of a procedure from the General Orders
Manual or the cancellation of a Special Order.
3. Mandatory and Permissive verb forms
a. The words “shall” “will” and “must” are mandatory in intent.
b. The word “may” is permissive in intent.
c. The word “should” is advisory in intent.
4. General Orders Manual – Refers to the complete document containing all seven (7)
chapters with a table of contents in the format as stated in General Order 201.04 and
having been distributed as either hard copy, electronic copy posted on PowerDMS, or as
distributed in another medium authorized by the Chief of Police (i.e. flash drive, portable
drive, or other electronic methods as future technology may dictate).
B. Inter-office correspondence
Inter-office correspondence bureau directives shall be amended, rescinded or revised with the
issuance of a new inter-office correspondence which shall delineate the changes, including
self-canceling provisions, if applicable.
C. The General Orders Manual shall be reviewed annually and updated as necessary by Policy
Management.
201.04 FORMAT OF ORDERS AND DIRECTIVES
A. General Orders and Special Orders shall be issued with a pre-printed heading and bearing a
facsimile of the police badge in the following manner:
1. General Orders shall have a decimal number followed by a title indicating the subject
matter. A new General Order will be issued with the date of approval, and the authorizing
signature.
2. Special Orders shall have a similar appearance to a General Order and shall be numbered
indicating the related General Order or provide a title if not related to an existing
procedure or directive.
3. Personnel Orders shall be numbered in chronological sequence according to the number
of orders and the year of issue.
B. Inter-office correspondence shall be prepared using the official departmental style as
authorized by the Chief of Police.
1. The numbering and filing system for directives below department level shall be the
responsibility of the issuing captain/division manager or above.
201.05 DISTRIBUTION
A. Distribution of approved General and Special Orders shall be the responsibility of Policy
Management and shall be issued through PowerDMS and maintained on that software.
B. Upon employment, all sworn personnel are issued a General Orders Manual and shall be
responsible for updates to the manual and all civilian employees shall be made aware of the
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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General Orders and how to access them. Personnel shall provide documentation of receipt for
General Orders and any subsequent Special Orders or revisions to the General Orders through
PowerDMS. Accountability for compliance with all orders rests with the employee.
C. Physical Distribution of General Orders and Special Orders.
1. Upon the issuance of a new General or Special Order, Policy Management will notify the
appropriate classification(s) of personnel by email.
2. The division commander/manager or designee shall be responsible for ensuring that each
of their employees has accessed the PowerDMS software to read and document by
signature the receipt of the order. Maintenance of electronic documentation of receipt will
be the responsibility of Policy Management through the use of the PowerDMS software.
D. Policy Management will ensure all General Orders and Special Orders are posted on the
internal police website (fwpd/portal) in a timely manner.
E. Employment Services Section will ensure all Personnel Orders are posted on the internal
police website (fwpd/portal) in a timely manner.
201.06 CONTROL OF GENERAL ORDERS, SPECIAL ORDERS AND DIRECTIVES
A. Policy Management shall maintain a master file of all General Orders, Special Orders, Bureau
Directives, and Standard Operating procedures and shall be responsible for ensuring the orders
are in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, in addition to any other
sanctioned entities.
B. Employment Services shall maintain a master file of all Personnel Orders.
C. All bureau commanders/managers shall maintain a master file of all Standard Operating
Procedures and all directives, including Training and Procedural Directives, issued within
their bureau.
201.07 POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Added 2/18/16)
A. The responsibilities of the Policy Advisory Committee shall be to consider any policy which
has direct influence on the police department’s service to the community, and to provide
recommendations to the Chief of Police relative to:
1. The need for development of a specific policy not already addressed in the General
Orders.
2. Revisions to a current policy which has a direct influence on the police department’s
service to the community.
3. Elimination or cancellation of a current policy that has a direct influence on the police
department’s service to the community.
B. All proposed policies, research documentation, and supporting documentation shall be
gathered and presented by either the committee Chair or Vice-Chair.
1. Policies that will not be reviewed by the Policy Advisory Committee include, but are
not limited to, the following:
a. Policies that are protected from public disclosure under the Texas Government
Code section 552,
b. Policies that are protected from public disclosure pursuant to Open Records
Rulings and Decisions issued by the Texas Attorney General,
c. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) topics,
d. Policies required by the City of Fort Worth (such as City of Fort Worth Personnel
Rules and Regulations),
e. Policies required under the current Meet and Confer Agreement,
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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f. Policies or training required under TCOLE,
g. State and Federal requirements, and
h. City of Fort Worth Ordinances.
C. The committee shall consist of commissioned personnel desiring to serve an appointment as
volunteers. Personnel serving on the committee shall vary depending upon each individual’s
expertise to effectively evaluate policy and procedures. The committee shall also have
community members who, after a successful background investigation, will be recommended
by the executive command staff. The Chief of Police shall approve all final appointments of
the committee members.
D. The committee shall be comprised of no more than thirteen (13) members. The goal is for
committee members to represent the different assignments in the department and viewpoints
from the community. The committee shall include:
1 Assistant Chief Chair Finance and Personnel Bureau
1 Policy Analyst Vice-Chair Policy Management
3 Officers, any rank Department Recognized Police
Associations’ Designees
1 Supervisor, Sergeant or Lieutenant Patrol Bureau
1 Officer Patrol Bureau
1 Supervisor, Sergeant or Lieutenant Support Bureau
1 Officer Support Bureau
1 Representative Business Community
1 Representative Community-at-large
1 Representative Youth Community (age 18-25)
Note: Additional subject matter individuals may be asked to attend a meeting on a
specific topic when their expertise may be of benefit to the committee.
E. Each member shall be appointed for a two (2) year tenure as a voting member, except for the
Chair and Vice-Chair who are permanent non-voting members as long as they are assigned to
the designated positions above.
F. Committee meetings shall be held twice a year. The Chair shall preside over meetings and is
responsible for ensuring that meetings are conducted orderly and properly. The Chair may
cancel meetings if there is no agenda to discuss or call more frequent meetings if
circumstances warrant. Minutes of the meetings shall be maintained by the Vice-Chair.
G. In order for business to be conducted, a quorum of at least seven (7) members must be in
attendance for the entirety of the meeting. If there is a vacancy of the committee, then the
quorum will be reduced by the number of vacancies on the committee.
H. Attendance, participation, and respect through the discussions by each committee member is
paramount in providing the department and the community with policies that reflects the best
interest of both the community and the department; therefore, any committee member can be
replaced by the Chair for lack of participation or commitment to the overall goal of the
committee.
I. Nothing in this policy shall preclude the Chief of Police:
1. From approving a department policy without the recommendation of the Policy
Advisory Committee, or
2. Appointing experts or a focus group to review any policy revision and provide feedback
in those areas where there is no consensus, the issues are complex, and/or exigent
circumstances exist.
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J. The Vice-Chair shall ensure there are no conflicts between the proposed changes and existing
policies, procedures, department directives, or applicable laws.
201.08 FORM DEVELOPMENT (Added 8/25/16)
A. Any functional entity within the department may initiate the design of a form to be used within
the department. New forms shall be reviewed and approved by the functional entity’s
Captain/Manager. Forms to be used within an individual bureau shall be approved by the
Assistant Chief over the bureau, and forms to be used throughout the department shall be
approved by the Chief of Police.
B. Prior to generation of a new form, employees of the department shall check with Policy
Management to determine if a form currently exists which may serve in the place of an
additional form.
C. Persons requesting a new form to be used throughout the department shall forward the
approved form to Policy Management for assignment of a department form number.
D. Limited use forms, i.e., those that are restricted solely to within a bureau and do not require
long-term storage, may be generated within the requesting entity using available equipment.
A copy of the approved form shall be sent to Policy Management for archive purposes.
E. Policy Management is responsible for the maintenance and archival of all forms utilized by
the department. Assistance for design and production from Policy Management may be
requested.
202.01 STANDARDS FOR IN-SERVICE TRAINING
A. All TCOLE training files shall be maintained by the Police Training Academy and will be
stored either on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Data Distribution System
(TCLEDDS) server or a secure city server. Training files for communications-related training
will be maintained by the Communications Division in coordination with the Police Training
Academy.
B. All training provided at the Training Division shall conform to current standards set by the
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
1. Each sworn officer, regular and reserve, must attend forty (40) hours of training during
each biennium as prescribed by TCOLE. Officers failing to attend this training are subject
to license revocation by TCOLE.
2. Successful completion of in-service training shall consist of the following:
a. A score of 70% or higher on all written tests given during the in-service school.
b. Successful re-qualification of prescribed defensive tactics techniques.
c. Successful qualification of new defensive tactics techniques.
d. Attendance rate of 90% or higher in all training.
3. An officer who fails to successfully complete an in-service course may be required to
repeat the school at the discretion of the Captain of the Training Division in its entirety
and take all associated testing with the following exceptions:
a. An officer who scores less than 70% on the final examination of a course will be
allowed to repeat the written test a second time. An officer who scores less than 70%
on the second attempted examination will be required to repeat the entire course of
instruction.
202.00 POLICE TRAINING STANDARDS
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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b. An officer who fails to successfully demonstrate the defensive tactics techniques due
to injury received in the class will be allowed to attempt to qualify upon being
released to full duty status by a physician.
4. Officers who fail to successfully complete an in-service course shall be referred to the
appropriate deputy chief for disciplinary action.
5. Officers who fail to successfully complete a course of instruction on the second attempt
shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
C. It is the goal of the Training Division that all information and materials presented conform to
proper standards of professional ethics.
1. Information and material presented shall be free of discriminatory, prejudicial, biased,
insulting, defamatory, sexually harassing, or unethical statements, actions, or innuendoes.
2. Training Division staff shall be responsible for monitoring all presentations to ensure
conformity to professional standards. Appropriate warning and/or disciplinary action will
be taken in all cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior.
3. Any instructor presenting a class at the Training Academy shall ensure that all instruction
is free from statements which might be construed as unprofessional conduct by
criticizing, deriding, belittling, or defaming any citizen or group of citizens, any sworn or
civilian employee of the City of Fort Worth, or any departmental entity of the city.
D. Students are encouraged to ask questions and offer relevant comments. However, students
shall not challenge a course instructor in any belittling manner. Challenges of an instructor’s
credibility shall be addressed through the Captain of the Training Division.
E. Officers attending in-service training shall wear appropriate clothing. Prior to in-service
training, the Captain of the Training Division will announce the standards of clothing.
F. During classroom presentations, all cell phones and electronic devices shall be on silent mode.
If the device does not have this feature, it shall be turned off unless an emergency exists and
the instructor has approved the device remaining turned on. Any form of personal electronic
communication (i.e., texting, email, etc.) is prohibited while the instructor is presenting a class
unless authorized by the instructor prior to the start of the course.
G. The staff at the Training Division will prepare alternative in-service training for officers with
occupational or non-occupational injuries that meet the medical restrictions.
H. An officer who violates TCOLE rules and regulations shall be subject to disciplinary action
up to and including termination. Ignorance of the regulations shall not be justification for
violating the requirements.
1. An officer whose peace officer license is suspended, revoked, surrendered, or fails to be
renewed shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
2. The Chief of Police shall determine the duty status of an officer who fails to meet TCOLE
standards or whose peace officer license is suspended, revoked, surrendered, or inactive
for any reason.
202.02 FIREARMS QUALIFICATION
A Definitions
1. Primary weapon – A weapon approved by the Chief of Police as an on-duty weapon. The
weapon is carried in the uniform duty holster when the officer is in uniform. An officer
may also carry this weapon while in plainclothes or off-duty.
2. Back-up or Secondary Weapon – A back-up or secondary weapon is concealed and is
carried in case the primary weapon fails mechanically or if control of the primary weapon
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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is lost. Some weapons on the approved back-up list are approved for carry as primary
weapons for plainclothes officers.
3. Off-duty Weapon – Any approved primary or back-up weapon is authorized for off-duty
carry while carrying a weapon as a commissioned peace officer for the City of Fort Worth.
B. Each sworn officer shall be required to qualify with their primary weapon a minimum of two
(2) times and with their back-up and off-duty weapons a minimum of one (1) time during
every calendar year with additional qualifications as determined by the Chief of Police based
on budgetary considerations. A sworn officer who fails to attempt to qualify, absent a
documented medical limitation or an approved leave of absence, will be subject to disciplinary
action. Once each calendar year, officers shall be required to qualify with the shotgun if their
duty assignment provides for the use of a shotgun. If an officer has designated a personal
shotgun or carbine for duty use, that shotgun or carbine must be fired for qualification. A
firearms qualification schedule denoting the dates and times that qualifications are held shall
be distributed bi-annually.
C. The following shall apply to all qualifications.
1. Each officer must bring a weapon and holster. The qualification scores are as follows:
a. Handgun 85%
b. Patrol carbine 95%
c. Shotgun 80%
2. Speed loaders are required for revolvers.
3. Three (3) magazines are required for all on duty, off duty, or backup auto pistols for
qualification.
4. Officers shall shoot with no warm-up or practice rounds and shall shoot duty rounds as
part of the qualification course.
D. The rangemaster shall generate a list of officers identified as having repeated problems during
firearms qualification and ensure that the list is forwarded to the division commanders. The
officer’s immediate supervisor shall schedule firearms retraining for the officer. Any officer
who fails the uniform duty weapon qualification twice shall be scheduled for remedial
training.
E. Computerized records shall be maintained to record who has qualified and the weapons that
were utilized during qualification.
F. Officers in specialized units that utilize additional or specialized weapons shall qualify with
those weapons as required by the unit’s standard operating procedures. In all cases, every
officer in a specialized unit shall qualify at least once a year with every weapon an officer
intends on using while on duty.
G. The course of fire is determined by the rangemaster and the Chief of Police in accordance
with criteria established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
H. The rangemaster shall be in control of all activities on the range and shall be considered the
senior officer in charge.
I. Each supervisor has the responsibility to ensure their subordinates have successfully
completed the required firearms training or remedial training in a timely manner.
J. If an employee notifies the department of medical reasons preventing the employee from
qualifying, such reasons shall be forwarded to the department’s Medical Records Custodian
and the Human Resources Coordinator. The officer shall be placed on light duty by the
Medical Records Custodian while fitness for duty issues are addressed. In cases where no
medical reason is offered for the repeated failure, any officer who fails to qualify after three
(3) attempts with the uniform duty weapon shall be subject to disciplinary action. Any officer
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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who fails to qualify after three (3) attempts with their back-up or secondary weapon shall not
be allowed to carry the back-up or secondary weapon while in uniform either on or off duty.
1. The rangemaster shall prepare an inter-office correspondence identifying any officer who
fails after three (3) attempts to qualify on the department-approved course. The
rangemaster shall forward the correspondence through the chain of command for review
by the Chief of Police.
2. Officers out on medical leave or light duty during qualifications must qualify as soon as
they are released to do so by their physician.
K. Each officer is provided 100 rounds of ammunition per month for practice.
202.03 TRAINING FOR PERSONNEL
A. Employees shall attend or complete all classes, tests and/or exercises required by the
department at the designated time and place for which they are scheduled. Supervisors are
responsible to monitor employee completion of required training.
B. Officers on full medical leave for an occupational or non-occupational injury cannot be
required to attend training until the officer is released to return to work with or without
restrictions.
203.01 24-HOUR TIME
A. Police department personnel shall use twenty-four (24) hour time for all radio communications
and official police reports, including inter-office correspondence.
B. Twenty-four hour time is based on a 24-hour clock beginning with one (1) minute after
midnight. Hours shall be listed as hundreds and minutes following the hour designated.
203.02 CONVERTING TO/FROM DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
A. General Procedure
1. Spring (Converting to Daylight Savings Time)
All divisions in the department, except those in the Patrol Bureau and Communications,
whose work schedules are affected by converting to Daylight Savings Time, shall adjust
their work schedules to prevent personnel from working less hours than their normal shift.
NOTE: To avoid overstaffing, it may be necessary to allow employees to use one (1) hour of
appropriate leave if they so desire.
2. Fall (Converting From Daylight Savings Time)
All divisions in the department, except those in the Patrol Bureau and Communications,
whose work schedules are affected by converting from Daylight Savings Time, but whose
schedules cannot be adjusted without impacting operational effectiveness, shall pay all
personnel overtime pay for all hours worked in excess of their normal work shift.
B. Patrol Bureau and Communications
All divisions in the Patrol Bureau and Communications whose work schedules are affected by
converting to/from Daylight Savings Time shall adjust their work hours to prevent personnel
from working more or less hours than their normal watch. Division captains/managers shall
be responsible for informing all affected personnel of changes in work schedules, including
reporting times, when time conversions occur.
203.00 TIME CONVERSION
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204.01 DEFINITIONS
A. The Accident Review Board is responsible for reviewing all police vehicle accidents or
incidents for the purpose of determining all relevant facts relating to cause and a ruling of
chargeable or non-chargeable.
1. A vehicle accident is defined as any collision between any two (2) or more vehicles, a
vehicle and an object, or a vehicle and a pedestrian.
2. The accident review board coordinator is the Law Enforcement Driver Training
(L.E.D.T.) Coordinator, a sworn officer assigned to the Training Academy. The
equipment coordinator is a civilian employee assigned to the Fleet and Auto Pound
Division.
3. An incident is defined as any action other than a vehicle accident, resulting in damage to
the police vehicle, or any other property damaged by the police vehicle. The supervisor
having such damage reported shall complete form P106 and any necessary attachments
concerning the damage and distribute as directed. The accident review board coordinator
shall determine which incidents shall be reviewed by the Accident Review Board for a
ruling of chargeable or non-chargeable, and preventable or non-preventable.
4. The Accident Review Board may change an accident ruling to an incident, based on the
totality of circumstances of the accident and only if minor damage or a natural event i.e.,
a tornado or hail has occurred.
B. The Accident Review Board shall consist of one (1) lieutenant, who will serve as the chair,
one (1) sergeant, one (1) corporal, and two (2) police officers.
C. Members of the board shall be briefed by the accident review board coordinator in the
operational procedures of the board before being given the responsibility of reviewing
accident/incident packets or serving as chair.
D. The chair shall be responsible for conducting the board meetings and ensuring that all aspects
of the accident/incident cases are reviewed. It shall be the accident review board coordinator’s
responsibility to prepare documentation relating to findings of the board on each
accident/incident reviewed. Such documentation shall contain the board’s conclusions and
recommendation as to the classification of the accident, and evidence and explanations to
support these findings.
E. The accident review board coordinator shall be responsible for maintaining a records system
on all decisions and recommendations of the board. The accident review board coordinator
shall serve as the administrative aide for the Accident Review Board and shall:
1. Attend all meetings as a non-voting member.
2. Serve as liaison for the Accident Review Board.
3. Serve as liaison to the City of Fort Worth Occupational Health and Safety representative.
F. The Equipment Coordinator is responsible for the administrative duties and shall:
1. Ensure that board meetings are scheduled and all affected persons notified.
2. Inform affected employee when their accident will be reviewed and that, at their
discretion, they may attend the hearing.
3. Ensure that all information relating to the accident is available to board members.
204.00 ACCIDENT REVIEW BOARD
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204.02 FUNCTIONS (Revised 1/25/18)
A. The Accident Review Board shall meet monthly at a location, time, and date set by the
accident review board coordinator. Members shall not be required to attend while off duty and
no overtime shall be paid.
B. The Accident Review Board shall classify all accidents and incidents investigated for
classification purposes as follows:
1. Chargeable – the employee is found to be in violation of a traffic law or departmental
regulation which is a contributory factor in the accident. Consideration will be given to
whether the vehicle was being operated in such a way as to make reasonable allowances
for prevailing road, weather, and traffic conditions, light variables, vehicle condition,
driver condition, and the mistakes of others in an effort to avoid involvement in an
accident. The Accident Review Board shall include the specific law violated by using the
Texas Transportation Code, current city ordinance, and/or the police department
regulations.
2. Non-Chargeable – the employee is found not to be in violation of any traffic law, city
ordinance, and/or departmental regulations.
3. The Accident Review Board shall further classify accidents and incidents as:
a. Non-Preventable – the employee has done everything reasonably expected to avoid
the accident.
b. Preventable – the employee has failed to do everything reasonably expected to avoid
the accident.
C. Damages to Vehicles:
Amount of damages shall be determined by the Fort Worth Equipment Services Division’s
body shop supervisor and/or outside adjuster, if necessary. It shall be the responsibility of the
reporting officer/supervisor to personally deliver the vehicle, if driveable, to the body shop
immediately after any accident/incident. If the vehicle is not driveable, it will be towed to the
body shop. The fleet manager or designee shall obtain damage estimates and repairs. Release
of the vehicle will require the approval of the Fleet and Auto Pound Division and Equipment
Services. The officer/supervisor shall notify the equipment coordinator and fleet manager by
telephone of information pertaining to the accident/incident either upon arrival at the body
shop if during business hours or by the next working day if after business hours. When
mechanical failure is suspected to be the cause of an accident/incident, the supervisor will be
responsible to ensure that the vehicle is towed to the James Avenue service center and a
written report is forwarded to Fleet and Auto Pound Division. An inspection shall be
performed by Equipment Services and a written report confirming or denying the failure shall
be submitted by Equipment Services through the proper channels. The equipment coordinator
will place a copy of the report in the officer’s accident packet before the Accident Review
Board convenes for that specific case.
D. Accident Review Board findings:
1. In accidents in which an officer’s conduct makes it evident that the department’s safety
rules and regulations have been intentionally disregarded, removal from driving status as
well as other appropriate corrective action shall be considered as potential
recommendation to the officer’s supervisor. Examples:
a. Drinking; Illegal drug use; legal drug use without regard for the side effects of the
medication.
b. Irresponsible action – when it pertains to the lack of proper amounts of rest.
c. Misuse or destruction of police equipment.
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d. Failure to report an accident/incident.
e. Misstatement of facts concerning an accident or incident.
f. When a competent medical opinion indicates that a physical or mental condition
exists that would render an individual unsafe to operate a vehicle for the department.
g. Flagrant disregard for the law, public safety, and the rules, regulations, and
procedures contributing to an accident.
2. Copies of the board’s findings shall be forwarded by the accident review board
coordinator within ten (10) days to:
a. The affected officer’s immediate supervisor who shall review the board’s findings
and forward a written report detailing any additional information, including any
recommendations, that might be needed by the bureau assistant chief in making any
disciplinary recommendation or procedural decision. A meeting will be conducted
between the affected officer and the division captain/manager any time there is a
recommendation for suspension. All documents shall be forwarded through the chain
of command to the bureau assistant chief who shall make any necessary formal
disciplinary recommendations.
b. All documents will be forwarded to Internal Affairs for disposition.
3. Accident determinations shall not be finalized until the board’s findings have been passed
through the chain of command and all recommendations presented to the Chief of Police.
a. If the deputy chief or division manager of the affected employee does not agree with
the conclusion of the board, they can have the matter reconsidered by a request
through the Assistant Chief.
4. If there is a contention or suspicion of mechanical failure, final decision of that failure
shall be determined only after a careful review by the Fort Worth Equipment Services
supervisor and the police department equipment coordinator.
E. The Internal Affairs Unit shall be responsible for the preparation of an annual analysis of all
accidents and shall make the report available to Accident Review Coordinator, the members
of the Accident Review Board and the executive staff for review of training needs or changes.
205.01 COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
A. An open exchange of information between all levels of the organization is important to
performing the mission of the police department.
B. Due to the size and complexity of the department, employees shall operate within their chains
of command and keep their supervisors informed as to their activities. An employee shall not
bypass their supervisor or an acting supervisor for misconduct investigations, administrative
issues, personnel issues, or personal issues.
1. If an employee finds it uncomfortable to report an issue to their immediate supervisor,
the employee may report the issue to any ascending-level supervisor in their chain of
command, the police chaplain, Internal Affairs, Police Employment Services or Human
Resources. If appropriate, the person receiving the information shall immediately report
the matter to the appropriate assistant chief or the Chief of Police.
C. In exigent circumstances only, such as a time-sensitive situation, an employee may
circumvent the chain of command and contact the Chief of Police’s office to request an
appointment. Employees who bypass the chain of command out of necessity have a
205.00 INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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responsibility to keep their supervisors informed of their activities at the earliest opportunity
unless instructed to do otherwise by Internal Affairs or a member of the command staff.
206.01 INTERPRETING SERVICE FOR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CITIZENS
The Fort Worth Police Department will furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services whenever
necessary to ensure effective communication with deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
A. When an auxiliary aid or service is required to ensure effective communication, the officer
must provide an opportunity for deaf or hard of hearing individuals to request the auxiliary
aids and services of their choice and must give primary consideration to the choice expressed
by the individual. American Sign Language (ASL) is a separate and distinct language from
spoken English. Some deaf or hard of hearing citizens who communicate using ASL cannot
read/write or understand English. This may hamper communication through the use of a note
pad.
1. Auxiliary aids and services include qualified interpreters, written materials, note pads,
and other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to deaf or
hard of hearing individuals. A qualified interpreter means an interpreter for the deaf who
holds a current Reverse Skills Certificate, Comprehensive Skills Certificate, Master’s
Comprehensive Skills Certificate, or Legal Skills Certificate issued by the National
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or a current Level III, IV, or V Certificate issued by
the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters.
2. Primary consideration means that the officer must honor the deaf or hard of hearing
individual’s choice, unless the officer can show that another equally effective means of
communication is available, or that use of the means chosen would result in a fundamental
alteration in the service, program, or activity or in undue financial and administrative
burdens. Such considerations should be documented in the incident report.
3. This order addresses only those situations where an officer, after consulting with the deaf
or hard of hearing individual, determines that the services of a qualified interpreter are
necessary to ensure effective communication.
B. Arrested Person
If an individual without a hearing impairment would have been arrested on probable cause
without an interview, then a deaf or hard of hearing suspect in the same situation does not
need to be provided with a qualified interpreter. However, a qualified interpreter shall be
required if an officer is unable to convey to the suspect the nature of the criminal charges by
communicating on a note pad or by using another means of communication.
1. If an officer needs to interview a deaf or hard of hearing suspect to determine if there is
probable cause to make an arrest, a qualified interpreter must be provided if written
communication is ineffective or if the suspect requests an interpreter.
2. If an officer cannot effectively inform an arrestee of the Miranda warnings without the
use of an interpreter, then the officer must secure the services of a qualified interpreter in
order to communicate accurately the warnings to the arrestee prior to any interrogation.
An officer seeking to interrogate a deaf or hard of hearing arrestee must obtain the
services of a qualified interpreter prior to any interrogation.
3. If exigent circumstances, such as victim safety, do not permit a delay in the interrogation
of the arrestee, if an interpreter cannot be located within a reasonable period of time, or
206.00 EMERGENCY INTERPRETING SERVICES
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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if the arrestee specifically declines the opportunity to communicate through an
interpreter, the officer may proceed with the interrogation by using a note pad. However,
at any time the written communication becomes ineffective for the officer or the deaf or
hard of hearing arrestee because the facts are complex or the arrestee chooses to
discontinue the interrogation, the officer must discontinue the interrogation and wait until
a qualified interpreter is present before continuing the interrogation.
C. Traffic Violations
If an individual without a hearing impairment would have been issued a traffic citation without
being questioned by the officer, then a deaf or hard of hearing traffic violator in the same
situation does not need to be provided with a qualified interpreter. Officers must be able to
clearly articulate that another equally effective means of communication is available, or that
use of the qualified interpreter would result in a fundamental alteration in the service, program,
or activity or undue administrative burdens.
1. However, if the officer is unable to convey to the violator the nature of the infraction by
communicating on a note pad or by using another means of communication, then the
officer should use their discretion whether to request a qualified interpreter come to the
scene or release the violator.
D. Victim or Witness
If an officer is able to effectively communicate with a victim or witness by writing questions
on a note pad and having the deaf or hard of hearing victim or witness write their responses,
then the officer may proceed with the interview using a note pad. However, if the officer is
unable to effectively communicate with a victim or witness by using a note pad or some other
means of communication other than a qualified interpreter, then the officer must provide the
victim or witness with a qualified interpreter. If the officer cannot wait until a qualified
interpreter arrives because the officer has to respond to another more urgent call, the officer
may:
1. If the safety of the victim or witness would not be jeopardized, have a qualified interpreter
dispatched to the victim’s or witness’ location and request the interpreter contact the
Communications Division to notify the officer to return to the location. If a qualified
interpreter is unable to respond or if the officer cannot return to the scene, the officer must
document their investigation as completely as possible and file the appropriate report; or
2. When an investigator will not be interviewing the deaf or hard of hearing victim or
witness, ask the victim or witness to come voluntarily to the division location when a
qualified interpreter is available. If the qualified interpreter is unable to respond or if the
officer cannot return to the division, the officer must document their investigation as
completely as possible and file the appropriate report: or
3. If an investigator will be interviewing the deaf or hard of hearing victim or witness, the
officer will note in the report that the officer was unable to effectively communicate with
the victim or witness and an interpreter will be necessary. The investigator will contact
the victim or witness and make the appropriate arrangements for an interpreter to be
present during the interview.
E. All identifying information on the interpreter must be included in a report. All written
questions and responses between and among police officers and deaf or hard of hearing
persons must be treated as evidence. The officer shall write the offense number, date, time,
and total number of pages on each page of notes.
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F. When an interpreter is requested or when an officer is unable to effectively communicate with
a deaf or hard of hearing person, the officer shall contact the Police Communications Division
and request interpreter service.
206.02 LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
The Fort Worth Police Department shall not discriminate against or deny any individual access to
services, rights or programs based upon national origin or any other protected interest or right. The
department will make every reasonable effort to provide meaningful and timely assistance to
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals through a variety of services, where available.
A. Definitions
1. Limited English Proficiency (LEP) – Designates individuals whose primary language is
not English and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English.
LEP individuals may be competent in certain types of communication (e.g., speaking or
understanding), but still be LEP for other purposes such as reading or writing. Similarly,
LEP designations are context specific – an individual may possess sufficient English skills
to function in one setting, but these skills may be insufficient in other situations.
2. Interpretation – The act of listening to a communication in one language and orally
converting it to another language while retaining the same meaning.
3. Translation – The replacement of written text from one language into an equivalent
written text of another language.
4. Bilingual – The ability to communicate in two languages fluently, including the ability to
communicate technical and law enforcement terminology.
5. Bilingual Interpreter – An employee who is bilingual and has successfully completed the
City of Fort Worth bilingual testing and is authorized to act as an interpreter or translator.
B. Calls to Communications or Data Reporting Unit
1. When a calltaker receives a call and determines that the caller is a LEP individual the
calltaker should quickly determine whether sufficient information can be obtained to
initiate an appropriate response. If language assistance is needed and the language is
known, the calltaker should immediately transfer the LEP caller to an available authorized
interpreter to handle the call.
2. If an appropriate authorized interpreter is not available, the calltaker will promptly contact
the contracted telephonic interpretation service directly for assistance in completing the
call.
3. Dispatchers will make every reasonable effort to dispatch a bilingual officer to the
assignment, if available.
C. Field Response
In situations where the officer is not investigating or enforcing the law and believes an
individual does not understand, the officer may attempt to communicate with other options
such as signs and gestures, or using others at the scene to attempt to communicate with the
individual.
1. Except for exigent or non-confrontational circumstances, the use of a LEP individual’s
bilingual friends or family members is generally not recommended. The officer will make
a case-by-case determination on the appropriateness of using friends or family members.
2. If the officer cannot communicate effectively with the individual, the officer will contact
Communications for assistance.
3. The officer will assess each contact such as traffic stops, pedestrian stops, serving
warrants, crowd/traffic control and other routine field contacts to determine the need and
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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availability for translation services to all involved LEP individuals and utilize the
methods outlined in this policy to provide appropriate language assistance.
4. It is important that officers effectively communicate the reason for a contact, the need for
information and the meaning or consequences of any enforcement action taken with a
LEP individual.
5. Whenever any employee is required to complete a report or other documentation and
interpretation or translation services are provided to any involved LEP individual such
services should be noted in the related report.
D. Custodial Interrogations and Investigations
1. In an effort to ensure the rights of LEP individuals are protected during arrest and
custodial interrogation, a high priority is placed on providing competent interpretation
during such situations. Since miscommunication during custodial interrogations may
have a substantial impact on the evidence presented in any related criminal prosecution,
employees providing interpretation services or translated forms in these situations will
have demonstrated competence in interpretation/translation and make every reasonable
effort to accurately interpret/translate all communications with LEP individuals.
2. In order to ensure that translations or interpretations during criminal investigations are
documented accurately and admissible as evidence, audio recordings of interrogations,
victim interviews and witness interviews, including any eyewitness identification
procedures, should be used whenever reasonably possible.
3. Employees utilized for LEP services need not be certified as interpreters, but must have
demonstrated a level of competence to ascertain whether the employee’s language skills
are best suited to monolingual communications, interpretation, translation or all or none
of these functions. When bilingual employees of this department are not available,
employees from other city departments who have the requisite training or
Communications may be requested to assist.
E. Departmental Response
The police department will continue to determine which measures will provide reasonable
access to various rights, obligations, services, and programs to all individuals within this
jurisdiction. These methods may include:
1. Written forms and pamphlets which are available in the languages most likely to be
requested.
2. Contract Interpreter Services.
3. Community volunteers and outreach.
4. Training in basic language skills that will be frequently encountered in the field.
5. Access by LEP individuals to the department for complaints regarding discharge of
departmental duties.
207.01 RIDE-IN REQUESTS
The goal of the Ride-In Program is to provide citizens the opportunity to observe patrol operations
in an informative and safe environment. The guidelines in this section will assist in ensuring safety,
protecting law enforcement procedures, and reducing the volume of ride-in requests.
A. General
1. All inquiries for requests concerning a ride-in shall be directed to the appropriate patrol
division. Final authorization to participate in a ride-in rests solely with the patrol
207.00 RIDE-IN PROCEDURES (Revised 5/4/17)
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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lieutenant working on the date and shift the ride-in occurs, unless prior written approval
has been granted by a captain or above. No officer shall allow a ride-in participant to
accompany them unless prior approval has been obtained. No officer, including
supervisors of any rank, may approve their own ride-ins.
2. The patrol lieutenant or their designee shall:
a. Generally require 72 hours advance notice to facilitate scheduling and the criminal
history and warrant checks. However, short notice requests shall be reviewed on an
individual basis.
b. Conduct a criminal history and a warrant check on the potential ride-in participant
each time a ride-in is requested,
(1) Criminal history checks will be accomplished through the Criminal
Investigation Unit (CIU) where the ride-in will occur and through the Police
Information Center (PIC).
(2) If the person has a criminal history including a final conviction of a class B
misdemeanor or higher the person will be prohibited in participating in the
program.
(3) Any person with an outstanding warrant shall be handled as required by law.
c. Personally interview each potential ride-in participant prior to the time of the ride-in,
making certain the person’s physical and/or mental condition shall not impede the
officer’s performance.
d. Ensure that each ride-in participant is at least eighteen (18) years of age, with
the exception of General Order 207.04, Explorer Post Ride-In.
e. Ensure that the waiver form is completed and signed prior to the ride-in. Waivers
will be effective for one year from the date of the first ride-in and will be completed
by:
(1) Each person who will ride-in;
(2) The police officer involved; and
(3) The on-duty supervisor.
f. Issue and review with each ride-in participant a written list of instructions.
g. Enter into the authorized electronic database all signed waivers and complete the
information pertaining to ride-in date, patrol division, and whether the potential ridein participant was denied permission to ride-in. Any ride-in prohibited from
participating will be listed in the database with the reason for the prohibition.
(1) A hard copy of the waiver form with the participant’s signature and their driver’s
license will be scanned as a PDF and emailed to the employee assigned to input
waivers into the system. Once received, the employee will rename the file to the
participant’s name.
(2) Once the file has been renamed it shall be uploaded to the specified database
located on the internal police website (fwpd/portal) for storage until the records
retention period has expired. Police Technology Services will purge the file only
after City Records Management has reviewed the files and determined the file
can be deleted, but in no case prior to the end of two (2) years.
h. Keep an adequate supply of all forms and ride-in participant instructions pertaining
to the program.
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207.02 RIDE-IN REQUIREMENTS (Revised 5/18/18)
Ride-in assignments shall be made by the division commander or designee and governed by the
following provisions:
A. Ride-in participation by certain groups shall have additional provisions:
1. Employees of the police department.
a. Employees in the scope of their employment with the police department shall not be
restricted by the number of ride-ins, number of shifts or the selected patrol division.
b. Employees shall not be required to sign a waiver if participating in the ride-in is
work-related or at the request of their supervisor.
2. Recognized groups affiliated with or in an on-going partnership with the department (i.e.,
Clergy and Police Alliance (CAPA) or other similar groups approved in writing by the
Command Deputy Chief(s) or higher).
a. Members of affiliated groups in the scope of their partnership with the police
department shall not be restricted by the number of ride-ins, number of shifts, or the
selected patrol division.
b. Group members shall have a criminal history check on file, either required under
membership in the group or for the additional ride-in privileges under this order.
c. The group member shall complete and sign a waiver which shall be kept on file with
the Patrol Bureau office. Once the waiver has been completed and filed, the member
will not be required to complete the waiver or have a criminal history check for each
ride-in.
3. Family members of and those in personal relationships with officers shall be permitted
to ride-in with the officer to whom they are related or with whom they are in a personal
relationship.
a. It shall be the responsibility of the officer, not the family member or person to
whom the officer is in a personal relationship, to request the ride-in through the
officer’s chain of command.
b. The family member or a person with a personal relationship to the officer shall
meet all requirements in this order (i.e., criminal history check with 72 hour notice,
signing a waiver, interview with the officer’s supervisor, eighteen (18) years of age
or older, issued ride-in instructions, entered into the authorized electronic database,
and limitation on number of ride-ins per year and per shift).
c. For the purposes of this procedure, family is defined as the officer’s wife, husband,
mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-inlaw, daughter-in-law, grandson, granddaughter, stepmother, stepfather, stepson,
stepsister, stepbrother, stepdaughter, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandmother and
grandfather, and grandmother-in-law and grandfather-in-law. In addition,
godchildren, foster children and other such persons with an emotional connection to
the officer shall be included in the definition of family.
d. For purposes of this procedure, a personal relationship means a sexual, romantic, or
dating relationship or any interpersonal relationship or social activity in which there
is a real or potential non-platonic interest between the officer and the person
requesting the ride-in.
B. For the safety of the ride-in participant and keeping with a professional image, the following
dress code will be enforced:
1. Business casual attire which shall include, but not limited to, traditional dress shirts, knit
shirts with placket and collar, sweaters, and slacks or dress jeans. Foot wear should be
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conservative and comfortable. Sworn personnel from other jurisdictions and military
personnel will be requested to dress in business casual and not wear their uniform.
2. Inappropriate attire shall include:
a. Shorts or cut-off jeans,
b. Tank tops or halter tops,
c. Clothing bearing any sign or symbol that advertises any product, business, or
organization. An exception is the logo shirts worn by the police support or service
groups,
d. Clothing with offensive designs, logos, slogans, letters, or fit,
e. Flip flops, open or slide-on sandals,
f. Clothing intentionally provocative or offensive.
C. Ride-ins shall be limited to the Patrol Divisions and Traffic Division with uniformed officers
only.
D. Only one (1) ride-in participant per patrol vehicle.
E. Participants are limited to only two (2) ride-ins annually and each ride-in must be in a different
patrol division, unless approved by a captain or above.
F. Ride-ins shall be limited in duration to one (1) shift and shall remain with their assigned unit
until the end of that shift at which time the ride-in shall be terminated.
G. The officer may terminate the ride-in prior to the end of the shift:
1. For legitimate reasons subject to the approval of the patrol or traffic lieutenant which may
include, but not be limited to:
a. Ride-in participant is inappropriately dressed or groomed.
b. Staffing levels are not adequate.
c. Inappropriate behavior.
d. Alcohol consumption prior to or during the ride-in.
e. The ride-in participant is armed with any weapon or firearm, even if they have a
handgun license.
f. Police activity may be impeded.
2. If the ride-in participant becomes ill or apprehensive.
3. If the ride-in participant requests such termination.
207.03 SPECIAL PROVISIONS
A. Any ride-in participant who fails to fully cooperate with any police officer or otherwise
interferes with an officer’s performance of duties shall be taken immediately to the appropriate
division headquarters. The ride-in shall be terminated and all future requests to participate in
a ride-in shall be denied. When a ride-in has been terminated, the information will be included
in the database.
B. A patrol or traffic lieutenant or on-duty supervisor may refuse to grant ride-in authorization
to anyone and may modify any provision of this order, except the use and retention of the
waiver form, if it is in the best interest of the department.
C. If either A or B occurs, an inter-office correspondence shall be forwarded to the appropriate
deputy chief explaining and/or justifying such actions.
D. The use by the ride-in participant of audio and/or video recording devices, including but not
limited to cell phone or tablet cameras/video, during the duration of the ride-in is prohibited
unless prior authorization is received from the Public Relations Office.
E. A ride-in participant’s primary function is to observe. Ride-in participants shall not leave the
police vehicle unless:
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1. The assigned officer or a police supervisor personally advises the ride-in participant that
the scene is secure, or
2. The police vehicle location becomes unsafe.
a. The officer should direct the ride-in participant to a safe location. The ride-in
participant shall remain at the location until advised the scene is secure. When
reasonably possible, the ride-in participant should use a cell phone or find the nearest
telephone and dial 911 to request the location be forwarded to their assigned officer
if the location is unknown to the officer.
b. If the situation is life threatening and the officer is unable to request assistance, the
ride-in participant should find the nearest telephone and dial 911.
3. Ride-in participants on the scene of a police emergency shall avoid any involvement with
police actions.
F. Officers with a ride-in participant shall not join in a pursuit nor shall the officer leave the ridein participant at a location for the purpose of joining in a pursuit or responding to a call.
Officers with a ride-in participant will not initiate a pursuit unless the circumstances suggest
a greater harm to others if the pursuit is not initiated and a supervisor authorizes the pursuit;
however, the officer shall immediately request another unit take over the pursuit. When
another unit assumes responsibility for the pursuit, the initiating officer with the ride-in
participant shall disengage immediately from the pursuit.
G. A professional public image is essential at all times; therefore, officers shall be responsible
for ensuring the conduct by both the officer and the ride-in is above reproach during the ridein.
207.04 EXPLORER POST RIDE-INS
A. Explorer Post members shall follow the following procedure for ride-ins.
1. Explorer member waivers shall be signed and on file prior to participating in the ride-in
program. Waivers need only be completed once and the civilian waiver form is not
required for Explorer Scouts.
2. Explorers may ride one time in plainclothes, with all subsequent ride-ins being in
uniform.
B. Explorers ride-in age requirements:
1. First shift, 15 to 21 years old.
2. Second shift, 16 to 21 years old.
3. Third shift, 18 to 21 years old.
C. No explorer may participate in the civilian ride-in program while a member of the Explorer
Post.
D. Explorers are observers only and the following rules shall be adhered to during the ride-in.
The Explorer:
1. Shall not interview any complainant, witness, suspect, or arrested person.
2. Shall not carry any type of defensive weapon or handcuffs.
3. Shall not chase, detain, or arrest anyone.
4. Must remain in the police vehicle during “priority one” calls until the situation is
stabilized.
5. Shall not drive any vehicle during the ride-in.
6. Shall not be permitted to enter a location in which the strong potential exists that an
altercation with police may occur, nor shall they be permitted in any way to engage in
any police altercation.
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E. During a ride-in, any Explorer who fails to fully cooperate with any police officer shall be
taken immediately to the appropriate division headquarters and the ride-in will be terminated.
The officer shall forward an inter-office correspondence explaining the incident to the
Explorer Program Coordinator for consideration of disciplinary action against the Explorer.
208.01 COLLECTION AND EXCHANGE OF INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION
A. Criminal intelligence information is defined as information that anticipates crime; it is data
compiled to anticipate, prevent, or monitor possible criminal activities and potential criminal
acts of individuals.
B. Criminal intelligence information concerning an individual shall be collected and maintained
only if it is reasonably suspected that the individual is involved in criminal activity and that
the information is relative to the criminal activity.
C. No records shall be maintained or collected about political, religious, or social views,
association or activities of any individual group, association, corporation, business or
partnership unless such information directly relates to an investigation of criminal activities,
and there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the subject of the information is or may be
involved in criminal activities.
D. No information which has been obtained in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local
law or ordinance shall be included in any intelligence system.
E. Intelligence information shall be disseminated only where there is a need to know and a right
to know the information in connection with the performance of a law enforcement activity. A
criminal justice official requesting access to an intelligence file must establish that the official
is conducting an investigation pursuant to official duties and that the information is needed in
connection with the investigation.
F. Intelligence information shall be disseminated only to other law enforcement authorities who
shall agree to follow the procedures regarding data-entry maintenance, security, and
disseminations which are consistent with these standards. However, when necessary to avoid
imminent danger to life or property, criminal intelligence information may be disseminated to
a government official or to any individual.
208.02 MAINTAINING CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE DATA
A. All investigative divisions maintaining criminal intelligence data shall adopt administrative,
technical, and physical safeguards, including audit trails, to ensure against unauthorized
access and against intentional or unintentional damage. A written record indicating who has
been given data, reason for release, and date of each dissemination outside the agency is to be
kept. Information shall be labeled to indicate levels of sensitivity, levels of confidence, and
the identity of control agencies and officials.
B. Periodic review shall be made no less than every two (2) years by the division captain to
ensure that all information which is retained has relevancy and importance. Any information
retained beyond two (2) years shall reflect name of reviewer, date of review, and explanation
of decision to retain. Any information which is misleading, obsolete, or otherwise unreliable
must be destroyed and recipient agencies advised of such changes.
C. Assurances shall be made that there shall be no harassment or interference with any lawful
political activities as a consequence of any intelligence operation.
208.00 CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION
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D. Sanctions shall be adopted to control unauthorized access, utilization, or disclosure of
information contained in the system.
208.03 INTERCEPTIONS OF WIRE AND/OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Definitions
1. An oral communication is verbal dialogue uttered by a group of persons or one person to
another.
2. A wire communication is a communication, or exchange of information, made in whole
or in part through the use of facilities for the transmission of communication by the aid
of wire, cable, or other like connections between the point of origin and the point of
reception. Telecommunications via microwave radio signals shall be defined as wire
communications.
3. A non-consensual interception is the aural acquisition of the contents, in whole or in part,
of an oral or wire communication, by means of electronic, mechanical, digital, or any
other similar device, without the knowledge and consent of one or more parties to the
communication.
4. A consensual interception is the aural acquisition of the contents of an oral or wire
communication, by means of electronic, mechanical, digital, or any other similar device
with the consent of one or more parties to the communication.
5. A surreptitious interception is the aural acquisition of the contents of an oral or wire
communication without the knowledge of the interception by all parties to the
communication.
B. Interception and Disclosure of Oral and/or Wire Communications
1. Employees shall not conduct non-consensual interceptions or disclosures of any wire or
oral communication unless such act is done in strict compliance with the provisions of
the Texas Penal Code, Chapter 16; Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 18,
Article 18.20; or Title III, 18. United States Code, 2510-2520 (1970).
2. Employees of the Fort Worth Police Department shall not possess or use privately-owned
electronic, mechanical, digital, or similar devices which are specifically designed, made,
or adapted for the non-consensual interception of wire or oral communications, if the
possession of said equipment would be in violation of applicable Federal or State laws.
3. Employees shall not conduct any consensual and/or surreptitious interception of any oral
or wire communication unless it is done under color of law and as a part of any official
departmental investigation, and then only with the specific approval of the employee’s
division commander.
4. Unless otherwise authorized as part of an official investigation and in accordance with
Section (B)(5) employees shall not covertly record the conversation of another employee,
including a supervisor or officer of a higher rank. Recordings are permitted if all parties
have knowledge of the recording, have agreed to the recording, all persons present are
named at the beginning of the recording, and the recording device is openly displayed.
This provision does not apply to criminal or administrative investigations including
recording from equipped departmental vehicles or on-person digital recording devices
with audio and/or visual capabilities. An employee is prohibited from divulging the
recording to anyone if obtained inappropriately.
5. Any interception or recording of a subordinate deemed necessary by a superior officer
shall be conducted within the guidelines of this order. Prior to the recording of
communication with a subordinate, the superior officer’s immediate supervisor shall,
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without delay, be informed of the situation in writing, along with an explanation of the
need to intercept or record the subordinate’s conversation.
6. The recording of radio transmissions, telephone calls, and accumulation of Mobile Data
Terminal communications, through the use of departmental equipment, shall be
considered consensual, non-surreptitious interception. Warning notices will be posted at
all entrances into offices where telephone calls are recorded, except when a telephone is
recorded as part of an official investigation as provided for in General Order
208.03(B)(3).
C. Disciplinary Interview
1. Interview of officers against whom allegations of misconduct have been made or those
upon whom allegations are focused shall, if recorded, be done in compliance with General
Order 419.01 C (14).
209.01 RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS
A. Article 56 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure enunciates the rights of crime victims
during their dealings with the criminal justice system. Crime victims’ rights during their
contact with the police department include the right to:
1. Have your safety, and that of your family, taken into consideration when bail is being
considered.
2. Information about procedures in criminal investigations and in the criminal justice
system.
3. Receive information about the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation fund that provides
financial assistance to victims of violent crime and referral to available social service
agencies that may offer additional assistance.
4. Have the law enforcement agency that requests a medical examination of a victim of an
alleged sexual assault pay all costs of the examination only.
5. Prompt return of any property that is no longer needed as evidence.
6. Counseling, on request, regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing for AIDS and
HIV- related infections, if the offense is a sexual offense or sexual assault.
209.02 VICTIM ASSISTANCE SECTION
A. The victim assistance coordinator reports to the captain over the Criminal Investigations
Division. The Victim Assistance Section shall perform the duties required under Chapter 56
of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
B. All police employees shall answer inquiries from citizens concerning the rights of crime
victims. If a police employee does not know the answer to an inquiry, the person inquiring
shall be referred to a staff member of the Victim Assistance Section.
C. Victim Assistance personnel provide services to all victims of violent crime that may include,
but is not limited to, the offenses of homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, family
violence, and assaults. Other services can be provided to juvenile witnesses of crime or
traumatic incidents, suicides, or any other incidents where referrals are necessary to social
service organizations.
209.00 CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS
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209.03 NOTIFICATION OF VICTIMS
A. For the purpose of Chapter 56 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, at the initial contact
or at the earliest possible time after the initial contact between the victim of a reported crime
and the department, if the Fort Worth Police Department would have the responsibility for
investigating that crime, the department shall provide the victim a written notice containing:
1. Information about the availability of emergency and medical services, if applicable;
2. Notice that the victim has the right to receive information regarding compensation to
victims of crime as provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 56, including information about:
a. The costs that may be compensated under that Act and the amount of compensation,
eligibility for compensation, and procedures for application for compensation under
that Act;
b. The payment for a medical examination for a victim of a sexual assault under Article
56.06 of this code; and
c. Referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance.
3. The name, address, and phone number of the victim assistance coordinator;
4. The address, phone number, and name of the crime victim assistance coordinator of the
Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office;
5. The following statement: “You may call the law enforcement agency’s telephone number
for the status of the case and information about victims’ rights”; and,
6. The rights of crime victims under Article 56.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
B. At the same time the department provides notice under Subsection (a), the department shall
provide, if the department possesses the relevant information, a referral to a sexual assault
program as defined by Section 420.003, of the Texas Government Code, and a written
description of the services provided by that program.
C. If responding reference to a family violence offense, the officer responsible for making the
initial offense report shall give the victim resource page of the family violence packet to the
victim or guardian of a victim. The officer shall state in the narrative of the offense report
whether or not the victim resource page was given provided on scene.
209.04 FOLLOW-UP NOTIFICATION OF VICTIMS
A. Victim Assistance Section personnel shall read each offense report and process the proper
letter of notification based on the information in the report. The letter and a Crime Victim
Compensation application, when applicable, shall be mailed to each victim.
B. The Victim Assistance Section shall conduct a follow-up, by phone or in person, with victims
as deemed necessary and follow-up on all requests from law enforcement personnel.
C. Victim Assistance personnel will serve as liaisons and assist with filing for Crime Victim
Compensation benefits.
210.01 CITY-WIDE PURCHASING GUIDELINES
A. Please refer to The City of Fort Worth Finance Directive: Purchasing found on the CFWnet
under the Financial Management Services Department which outlines the general guidelines,
requirements and procedures for purchasing goods and services for the City of Fort Worth.
Additionally, the Texas Local Government Code confirms the spending limits that are
210.00 BUDGETARY TRANSACTIONS
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authorized and outlined herein, and serve as a basis for The City of Fort Worth Finance
Directive 15.
210.02 DEPARTMENTAL PURCHASING GUIDELINES
A. The monitoring and approval of purchasing goods and services shall be the responsibility of
the Budget and Finance Section of the Administrative Support Command and questions in
this order should be directed to the Fiscal Manager or designee.
B. Purchase Requirements
1. Departmental personnel are not required to complete a Purchase Authorization Form
(PAF) in advance of any purchases under $3,000; however, the bureau or division may
require an inter-office correspondence (IOC) in advance of the purchase.
2. All departmental personnel must complete a Purchase Authorization Form (PAF) request
in advance of any purchases that exceed $3,000. Additional documentation may be
required by the bureau or the division.
a. Bid solicitations are required for most purchases in excess of $3,000. Please refer to
The City of Fort Worth Finance Directive 15 for specific directions, including
the requirement to offer Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses (MWBE) the
opportunity to provide a bid.
C. All purchase requests must be forwarded through the chain of command for consideration,
and if approved, all PAFs should be forwarded to the Finance Unit.
D. When emergency purchases are necessary prior to completion of these required steps, an interoffice correspondence of explanation should be directed to the Fiscal Manager or designee for
audit reference within 24 hours of the purchase.
E. Under no circumstances shall purchases be made in excess of $49,999 without a Mayor and
Council Communication (M&C) being submitted and approved by the City Council, unless
the purchase is being made in connection with an existing annual agreement for which an
M&C has already been approved or an active city secretary contract.
F. Police personnel who are authorized to use a City of Fort Worth procurement card are
responsible for forwarding receipts to the Finance Unit within three (3) business days of
purchases. When documentation is not available or is missing, departmental cardholders are
required to document those circumstances on an inter-office correspondence to be sent up
their chain of command and routed to the Fiscal Manager or designee for audit reference.
1. Cardholders will include the following on the procurement card receipt or on a piece of
paper to which the receipt is attached: the name of the cardholder, the Fund Account
Center (FAC) to which the purchase should be charged, the item/service purchased, and
the reason for the purchase.
G. The Fiscal Manager or designee shall be contacted to secure, renew or cancel annual
purchasing agreements; obtain, replace or cancel a City of Fort Worth procurement card; and
to address other purchasing questions or concerns. Issues concerning existing or new city
secretary contracts should be referred to the Program Support Manager.
210.03 GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR USE OF CITY PROCUREMENT (CREDIT)
CARDS
A. Procurement cardholders are responsible for all charges on their card including any and all
charges made by individuals given permission to use the card by the cardholder.
B. All receipts should be turned in on a daily or timely basis to the Budget and Finance Section.
The only exception is for the ranks above captain, including the Chief of Police, who submit
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their receipts to their administrative support personnel who act as their department
coordinators for the billing reconciliation.
C. Failure to submit appropriate documentation of procurement card transactions in a timely
manner may result in the department requiring the employee to reimburse the City for the
undocumented expenses or the loss of procurement card privileges.
D. The Budget and Finance Section will complete a bi-weekly procurement card billing
reconciliation report and submit all procurement card receipts to the Finance Department
within four (4) days of receipt of the reconciliation report.
E. If a procurement card is lost or stolen, an offense report will be generated and the Fiscal
Manager or designee shall be notified immediately.
210.04 EQUIPMENT AND FACILITY REQUESTS
A. Ongoing equipment and facility requests should be submitted during the annual needs
assessment process.
B. Unscheduled or more immediate needs that occur outside that cycle should be outlined on an
inter-office correspondence unless an emergency precludes this step.
1. In that event, an inter-office correspondence of explanation should be sent to the Fiscal
Manager or designee within twenty-four (24) hours of the purchase or acquisition.
C. Ongoing or routine requests for repairs/modifications to existing city facilities should be
outlined on a Building Project Request (BPR) form.
1. In all non-emergency instances, requests must be routed through the chain of command,
and if authorized, the request should be forwarded to the Fiscal Manager or designee.
2. Finance Unit personnel will review the requests, confirm or identify funding options,
prioritize and coordinate requests with respective parties including Transportation and
Public Works (TPW).
210.05 DEPARTMENT USE OF PROPERTY
A. This General Order applies to:
1. Property that has been forfeited to the Police Department under Chapter 59 of the Code
of Criminal Procedure (referred to as “awarded”, “seized”, “forfeited” or “confiscated”
property),
2. Disposition of abandoned, stolen, or recovered property under Chapter 27, Article III of
the City Code (referred to as “abandoned”, “stolen” or “recovered” property) and
3. Property that has been abandoned, unclaimed or seized under Chapter 18 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure (referred to as “abandoned”, “unclaimed” or “seized.”)
B. Employees are prohibited from using property subject to this General Order for personal use.
C. A list of usable equipment that is identified by the Property Room or Auto Pound supervisors
shall be sent to the ranks above captain for consideration for departmental use.
D. Computer equipment will be evaluated by Data Management for suitability and inventory.
Data Management will be notified by either the unit requesting the equipment or by the
Property Room staff for the evaluation. Once completed, Data Management will generate and
attach an IOC to the property documentation indicating concurrence.
E. All ranks above captain shall ensure compliance with this General Order.
1. The concerned bureau or division shall submit all property subject to this General Order
to the Property Room.
2. Such property shall be disposed of in accordance with the department’s rules and
regulations. See F and G of this General Order for firearms and vehicles.
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3. A person requesting use of property must provide a complete justification on a Request
for Property to be Assigned to the FWPD for Official Use form (FWPD-144).
4. The requestor shall obtain a written statement from the Property Room Supervisor, that
has been reviewed and initialed by the Property/Records Management Division Manager,
detailing the court order or the steps that have been taken to locate the owner of the
property. The statement shall be attached to the request along with all copies of the form
and submitted through the requestor’s chain of command. The Property Room Supervisor
shall place a hold on the requested property pending approval for departmental use.
5. At each command level, concurrence shall be indicated with a signature in the appropriate
space. If at any point, the request is denied, it shall be noted on the form and returned to
the requestor. A copy shall be forwarded to the Property Room Supervisor so they can
release the property for use by another operating unit if requested.
6. If approved through the Chief of Police or designee, the form shall be returned to the
Property Room Supervisor who is responsible for seeking approval from the purchasing
agent of the City of Fort Worth for abandoned/stolen/recovered property. Upon final
approval, the Property Room Supervisor will distribute copies of the form as appropriate
and contact the requestor to retrieve the property.
7. Unless special approval, in writing, is obtained from the Chief of Police or designee, no
property shall be released before formal approval from the purchasing agent is received.
8. If any property is judged as too costly to maintain, or is unsuitable for use, the bureau or
division currently accountable for its use shall be responsible for its withdrawal from
inventory and delivery to the Property Room Supervisor for disposal. The Property Room
Supervisor is responsible for documenting the return and disposal of property. The
Property Room Supervisor is also responsible for reviewing the list of assigned property
on an annual basis to confirm that it is still in use as documented.
F. To manage firearms subject to this General Order:
1. All firearms shall be submitted by the bureau or division concerned to the Property Room,
until disposed of by release, assignment, or destruction.
2. A list of all firearms awarded by the courts to the department shall be forwarded by the
bureau or division concerned after final disposition, as needed, to the rangemaster through
the Police Training Division.
3. A recommendation by the rangemaster concerning those firearms selected for
serviceability and potential cost effectiveness, if retained for departmental use, shall be
sent to the deputy chiefs. The recommendation shall include all weapons under
consideration.
4. Any requests for distribution of the firearms shall be made by a deputy chief based upon
need. These requests shall be sent to the Police Training Division.
5. Recommendation of the rangemaster and requests from ranks above captain for
distribution of the firearms shall be sent to the Chief of Police by the Police Training
Division Commander.
6. The Chief of Police or designee shall make the final decision as to where any firearms
requested for departmental use shall best serve the department. Notification of the
decision of the Chief of Police shall be sent with the final distribution list to the Police
Training Division.
7. After authorization, the rangemaster shall take custody of the firearms. After being placed
on the department’s inventory, the firearms shall be assigned as directed.
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8. If any firearm is judged as too costly to maintain or is found unsuitable for use after
assignment, it shall be returned to the Police Training Division for inventory withdrawal
and submission to the Property Room for reassignment of destruction.
9. A firearm may be requested for the Crime Lab collection for ballistic comparisons. To
accomplish this, the Crime Lab Manager, with the approval of the Deputy Chief, may
submit Crime Lab Firearm Request Form to the Records Section Manager identifying the
specific firearms.
10. The chair of the Police Historical Association, with the approval of the Assistant Chief
over the Support Bureau, may request that a firearm that has historical value to the City
be assigned to the Training Division. This shall be accomplished by preparing a written
explanation of the value through the Assistant Chief over the Support Bureau to the
Records Section Manager.
11. Firearms will not be released to any assignment in the department until the weapon has
been released for destruction, awarded to the department, and/or all legal requirements to
release the property back to the owner have been met.
12. The Property Room shall maintain a list of all firearms subject to this General Order for
departmental use and confirm their assignments at least once annually.
G. To manage vehicles subject to this General Order:
1. The Auto Pound shall keep a vehicle until it is assigned or auctioned.
2. The Police Department Equipment Coordinator shall review all vehicles released for
auction, awarded by the courts to the department, and those that are of a type that could
be useful to the department.
3. The vehicles will be evaluated for serviceability and potential cost effectiveness, with
recommendation submitted to the Support Bureau Assistant Chief. If the vehicles are
unnecessary in the Special Operations Division, they will be assigned to the departmental
pool of unmarked vehicles.
4. The ranks above captain shall identify vehicle needs for their particular bureau command
and make requests for the distribution of the vehicles. These requests shall be returned to
the Police Department Equipment Coordinator.
5. The Chief of Police, or designee, shall make the final decision on where the vehicles shall
best serve the department if necessary.
6. After final authorization, the bureau or division concerned shall take custody of the
vehicle or vehicles and shall assign the vehicles as directed.
7. If any vehicle is judged as too costly to maintain or is unsuitable for use, the bureau or
division currently accountable for its use shall be responsible for its withdrawal from
inventory by notifying the Police Department Equipment Coordinator. After removal
from inventory, the bureau or division concerned shall deliver the vehicle to the Auto
Pound for disposal.
210.06 TRAVEL/TRAINING REQUESTS
A. All rules in the City of Fort Worth Finance Directive 17: Travel apply to travel by police
department employees.
B. Police department employees desiring to travel and/or attend training or seminars held at a
location other than the Police Academy, and for which departmental funding is requested, will
be required to adhere to the following procedures:
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1. The employee shall submit a complete an approved Travel/Training Expenditure Request
form to the Budget and Finance Section at least fourteen (14) business days prior to the
scheduled departure dates or prior to any deadlines related to the travel.
a. Employees requesting training days only, without funding provided by the city to
attend training seminars, need only submit their request on an inter-office
correspondence through the proper chain of command instead of completing the
above form. If training days are approved, employees are still required to follow the
Fair Labor Standards Act: Travel and Training Time Human Relations advisory.
2. All supervisors in the chain of command will review the request and indicate
approval/disapproval by signature.
3. Approved requests, along with attachments of all information regarding seminars and
schedules, should be forwarded to the Budget and Finance Section for review of funding
availability and processing of any per diem or advance requests.
C. Once approved by the Budget and Finance Section, the requestor or designated person in their
command bureau will be responsible for arranging flights or accommodations including
conference registration/expenses on their city procurement card, if available. If the vendor
does not accept procurement cards, or if the traveler does not have a city procurement card,
please notify the Budget and Finance Section that a check will be required. If insufficient time
permits this step, the employee may need to pay for the expenses and seek reimbursement;
however, this should never be initiated without gaining complete approvals from the chain of
command and the Budget and Finance Section prior to taking this action.
D. Expense Reports
1. The City of Fort Worth Finance Directive 17 provides general guidelines for expense
reports.
2. All employees must submit an expense report through their chain of command to be
reviewed for appropriateness.
3. Receipts are mandatory for all charges to a City of Fort Worth procurement card and for
all transactions other than per diem. Expenditures shall not exceed the allowed per diem
for the locale visited.
4. Any charges not originally authorized must be explained and documentation provided in
order to receive consideration for possible reimbursement.
5. Completed expense reports must be forwarded to the Budget and Finance Section within
ten (10) days after the completion of the travel/training period.
210.07 COLLEGE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Education Reimbursement program addresses the City’s commitment to employee growth and
development. Reimbursed education must be directly related to an employee’s current job or to a
position with the City that requires the educational preparation. The Human Resources Department
determines whether the courses taken are related or required as part of the job. Law and religious
degrees are not covered and doctorate degrees are partially covered.
A. Police employees shall be governed by the City of Fort Worth Education Reimbursement
Program set out in the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations,
1. The Meet and Confer Contract shall be referenced for specific funding information for
sworn personnel.
B. Employees interested in participation in the Education Reimbursement program must have
the approval of their supervisor and City of Fort Worth Human Resources before attending
the course.
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C. City of Fort Worth Human Resources shall administer and oversee the program. All
applications and paperwork shall be submitted by the deadlines set by Human Resources.
1. Following successful completion of the course, submit an official grade slip and official
itemized receipt/proof of payment that shows tuition, fees, etc. listed separately by the
deadline established by the City of Fort Worth Human Resources Department.
D. The City of Fort Worth Personnel Committee shall hear appeals regarding education
reimbursement matters submitted by employees and shall render final decisions on those
appeals in accordance with the provisions found in the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules
and Regulations policy.
210.08 INVESTIGATIVE IMPREST FUNDS (Revised 1/25/18)
Please refer to the City of Fort Worth Finance Directive: Cash Management Reconciliation &
Reporting, found on the CFWnet under the Financial Management Services Department, which
outlines the general guidelines, requirements and procedures for handling cash and other payment
tenders for the City of Fort Worth. The City of Fort Worth Cash Handling Procedures Manual
provides additional guidance on this topic.
A. General Guidelines
1. The monitoring and approval for opening and utilizing an Investigative Imprest Fund
shall be the responsibility of the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator in the Financial
Management Division.
2. Investigative Imprest Funds are utilized by various divisions, sections, and units of the
Police Department for the purchase of evidence (P/E), purchase of information (P/I) and
the purchase of services (P/S) in the course of investigating criminal activity.
3. The division captain shall be the custodian of all imprest funds. The captain’s
responsibilities shall be to ensure that all required steps are taken in the disbursement of
funds, fund reconciliations, timely submission of completed documentation, and that all
imprest funds are secure and maintained with the utmost confidentiality by the assigned
supervisor.
B. Establishing a new Investigative Imprest Fund
1. Once a division, section, or unit determines that an Investigative Imprest Fund (fund) is
needed, the assigned supervisor for the fund will contact the Asset Forfeiture
Coordinator to inquire as to the necessary steps to establish a fund.
2. Each division/section/unit that operates an Investigative Imprest Fund will be required
to submit an approved Interoffice Communication (IOC) and a completed Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) for the fund including the procedure for securing the fund,
procedure to access and utilize the fund, procedure for tracking use of the fund,
procedure for transfer of the assigned supervisor responsibilities and any other relevant
topics or division/section/unit procedures not covered by this General Order.
3. Additionally, any employee who will access and/or utilize Investigative Imprest Funds
will be required to attend the City’s two-hour Cash Handling Procedures course and the
Fort Worth Police Department’s eight-hour training course on confidential informants
and fund management approved by the Training Academy for the Texas Commission
on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
C. Reconciliations
1. All Investigative Imprest Funds will be reconciled by the assigned supervisor and a
witness on a monthly basis and any time there is a transfer of responsibilities of the
assigned supervisor.
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2. The reconciliation will be documented on a Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD)
Investigative Imprest Funds Cash Count Sheet (Cash Count Sheet) found on the Police
Department Portal.
3. The completed Cash Count Sheet, will be scanned and e-mailed to the Asset Forfeiture
Coordinator no later than the fifth day of the month following the last day of the month
being reconciled.
4. If for any reason the fund does not balance, an IOC detailing the known or suspected
reason(s) why and the corrective action taken must be completed, routed through the
chain of command for review and acknowledgement, and forwarded to the Asset
Forfeiture Coordinator along with the Cash Count Sheet.
D. Reimbursements
1. Reimbursements (“Re-Ups”) for all Investigative Imprest Funds will be submitted and
processed on a quarterly basis (March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1)
regardless of the available balance, and anytime during the quarter when a fund’s
available balance reaches less than 30% of the beginning balance.
2. If the reimbursement is required mid-month, reconciliation as described above will be
completed before the reimbursement request IOC is routed.
3. A reimbursement request IOC will be routed through the chain of command for
approval and forwarded to the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator for processing.
E. Increase an Investigative Imprest Fund
1. If a division/section/unit determines that an increase to the current balance of the fund
is needed, an IOC requesting a balance increase will be routed through the chain of
command for approval. The IOC will include a brief description of how increasing the
fund will further enhance the operations of the department. Once the IOC is approved
through the chain of command, it will be forwarded to the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator
for processing.
2. The division/section/unit’s SOP for the fund will be revised to include the new total
amount of the fund and forwarded to the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator.
F. Internal Controls
1. The accountability for each Investigative Imprest Fund is vested solely with the
assigned supervisor. Accountability can be formally transferred to a designee or to an
incoming supervisor, but accountability rests with only one individual at a time.
Assigned supervisors and their designees are not allowed under any circumstances
during their official duty hours to maintain any unofficial or additional funds other than
the fund they are specifically designated to administer.
2. The assigned supervisor must maintain a clear separation of duties to ensure the
effectiveness of internal controls. For example, an assigned supervisor must not have
control or responsibility over the approval of expenditures from the Investigative
Imprest Fund.
3. The employee requesting an advance of funds must have proper identification and
authorization before the assigned supervisor disburses funds from the Investigative
Imprest Fund.
4. Assigned supervisors or designees must not disburse any funds to an employee on
behalf of another employee unless specifically authorized.
5. Each fund shall be secured in an individual cash box which is accessible only by the
assigned supervisor and Division Captain by keyed or combination lock.
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6. Each assigned supervisor shall maintain a ledger of the fund, which will be password
protected, and that password known only to the assigned supervisor and Division
Captain.
7. The Division Captain and the assigned supervisor will ensure that all mandates of this
General Order and the division/section/unit’s SOP concerning Investigative Imprest
Funds and payments to informants are strictly adhered to by all personnel as outlined in
General Order 322.04, Informants.
G. Assigned Supervisor Transfer of Responsibilities
1. If an assigned supervisor transfers out of the field office, retires or otherwise terminates
employment or will be absent from duties for an extended period of time, responsibilities
related to the Investigative Imprest Fund will be transferred to a new supervisor.
2. The newly assigned supervisor for the fund will contact the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator
to inquire as to the necessary steps to transfer responsibilities.
3. An IOC documenting the need for Transfer of Responsibilities will be routed through the
chain of command for approval and forwarded to the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator for
processing.
4. Immediately prior to a new assigned supervisor taking responsibility for an Investigative
Imprest Fund for any reason, a reconciliation of the fund shall take place as detailed above.
H. Audits (TBP 7.12)
All Investigative Imprest Funds will be audited in March and September of each year by an
independent audit of Asset Forfeiture and/or Financial Compliance Unit personnel. In addition,
audits may be conducted at various times by the City of Fort Worth Internal Audit Department,
the City’s external auditors or State or Federal auditors. These audits could be based on cash counts
to ensure all funds are accounted for or policy compliance to ensure all policies and procedures
(Federal, State, City and Departmental) are being followed, or both.
I. Closing an Investigative Imprest Fund
1. If a division/section/unit determines that an Investigative Imprest Fund is no longer
needed, a final reconciliation and reimbursement will be submitted to re-up the fund to
its full balance.
2. Once the final reimbursement is received, and the fund is at full balance, an IOC will
be routed through the chain of command for approval to close the fund. The IOC
should include a brief explanation as to why the fund is no longer useful and the
amount being relinquished. A copy of the final reimbursement request and Cash Count
Sheet will be attached to the IOC. Once the IOC is approved through the chain of
command, it will be hand-delivered to the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator by the assigned
supervisor along with the cash for processing.
3. The Asset Forfeiture Coordinator will count the cash in the assigned supervisor’s
presence to verify the total, sign and date the approved original IOC noting the amount
received, and make a copy for the assigned supervisor.
210.09 BUDGET COMMITTEE (Added 8/10/18)
A. The mission of the Budget Committee is to actively build and preserve the financial
resources of the Fort Worth Police Department. This Committee shall research, rank, and
provide information to assist the leadership in making sound financial decisions for the
department. These responsibilities include:
1. Ensure the budget supports immediate and future needs of the police department.
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2. The Budget Committee is comprised of ten (10) volunteers – nine (9) members and one
(1) Chairperson. The positions are divided between civil service and civilian employees
of the police department. Each member has an equal vote; the Chairperson votes in the
event of a tie.
3. Members are to attend meetings held on the third Wednesday of every month and
additional meetings as required. A member that fails to attend three (3) consecutive
meetings or four (4) meetings per year may be asked to resign from the Budget
Committee. This attendance requirement does not apply to illness, emergency, or prior
commitments (i.e. training etc.).
4. In the event a member cannot attend the meeting, the member must contact the
Chairperson or a member of the Budget Unit to determine if there will be a quorum.
5. Each member must serve a two-year term. At the end of the two-year term, a member
has the opportunity to apply for the Chairperson position. The Chairperson serves a
one-year term.
6. The Budget Committee is to prioritize expenses in excess of $5,000 submitted through
the Needs Assessment process.
7. The Budget Committee will respond to and provide explanations to the Executive Staff
of the police department as required.
8. Executive Staff will have the final vote as to the rank of Needs Assessments for the
police department.
9. The Budget Committee will troubleshoot, identify, and suggest cost savings as well as
process improvements for the police department.
10. A representative of the Police Officers Association (POA) is invited to attend meetings;
however, they may not vote.
11. A member that has completed a two-year term is eligible to serve again; however, they
must wait two (2) years before re-applying.
12. The Budget Committee will communicate with other committees throughout the
department as required.
B. Budget Unit
1. The Budget Unit of the Financial Management Division will provide a liaison to update
the Budget Committee on upcoming budget and financial issues of the police
department.
2. A Budget Unit staff member will provide meeting documentation and will perform
other administrative duties as required.
3. A Budget Unit staff member will create and distribute applications for Budget
Committee selections in February.
Review of the completed applications and the selection of new Budget Committee members is
the responsibility of the Member Selection Committee, which consists of the current
Chairperson, Financial Management Administrator, Budget Manager, Budget Unit personnel
responsible for the Needs Assessment system, as well as any member of the police department
deemed necessary for the member selection.
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211.01 EMPLOYEES’ HOME ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
A. All employees of the department are required to have a telephone, landline and/or cell, in their
residence and to provide their telephone number to the department.
B. Employees shall report any change of name, address or telephone number within twenty-four
hours of such change to a supervisor through the submission of an Employee Contact
Information Change Sheet or, if applicable, by updating their PeopleSoft file. A post office
box may not be used as a permanent address. The Employee Contact Information Change
Sheet will be submitted to the Police Employment Unit for changes in the system and
placement in the employee’s file.
1. Employees on PeopleSoft payroll self-service are required to change their information
directly in that system.
C. Home addresses or telephone numbers of employees shall not be disclosed or made available
to the public by departmental employees unless required under the Texas Public Information
Act. This prohibition shall not prevent police officers in this department from obtaining
information while conducting official police business. Personal and non-business related
requests for employees’ information is prohibited.
D. Should an emergency situation develop necessitating the notification of an off-duty employee,
the following shall apply:
1. The recipient of a request for an emergency notification shall refer the person making the
request to the division of the employee concerned, provided it is during normal duty hours
for that division. A member of that division shall first record the telephone number of the
person making the request. An attempt shall then be made by that division to either deliver
the emergency message to the employee or furnish same with the telephone number of
the person making the request.
2. If a request for emergency notification is received after the normal duty hours for the
division of the employee concerned, then the request, along with a telephone number of
the person making the request, shall be referred to the Patrol Bureau desk, who shall then
proceed as outlined in paragraph one (1) above.
E. Examples of emergency notifications include, but are not limited to: death, serious injury or
illness, official police business or personal business with serious legal ramifications,
impromptu visits by out-of-town close friends or relatives, etc.
211.02 EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL RECORDS
The City must maintain a file for an officer pursuant to section 143.089 (a) and 143.089 (g) of the
Texas Local Government Code.
A. Definitions
1. “A” files – maintained by City of Fort Worth Human Resources Civil Service Director
and consists of, but not limited to, employment records, periodic evaluations,
commendations/honors, misconduct and disciplinary action, civil service
files/commission records. The Police Employment Services Section will have access to
these files.
a. Sub “A” file – records that may be confidential under other law and consists of, but
is not limited to, military history, W2, naturalization papers, marriage certificate,
211.00 EMPLOYEES’ PERSONAL INFORMATION
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social security number, college transcripts, etc. Portions of the “sub A” files may be
confidential under the Texas Public Information Act.
2. “G” files – are maintained by the Police Employment Services Section, with Internal
Affairs, and/or Special Investigations maintaining investigative files. The file may consist
of, but is not be limited to, records of disciplinary action that resulted in less than one day
off, disciplinary action that was later appealed and overturned, documents for the
department’s own use relating to the employment relationship, and use of force reports
that do not result in a day off or more or are unsustained. Except for specific actions, the
information contained in the “G” file is confidential by law under the Public Information
Act.
B. The Police Employment Services Section shall be the official liaison for all documents to be
sent to any officer’s permanent personnel file, with the exception of documents routed directly
from Internal Affairs or from other city departments.
C. All requests for information contained in a permanent personnel file shall be directed to the
Employment Services Section or Human Resources. No employee other than the manager of
the Police Employment Services Section or their designee shall release any document or
information from a departmental personnel file without the approval of the Legal Liaison
Officer or the Law Department.
1. The request for copies of records from the personnel file must be by subpoena or public
information request.
D. A thorough description of all records maintained by the City of Fort Worth Human Resources
and the Police Employment Services Section shall be located in the Employment Services
Section Standard Operating Procedures. The Police Employment Services Section shall
provide guidelines for information maintained in unit files.
E. Training files required by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for sworn
personnel shall be maintained by the Fort Worth Police Training Academy under the
guidelines of TCOLE. Communication-related training files will be maintained by the
Communications Division in coordination with the Police Training Academy.
F. All files shall be maintained in compliance with records retention schedules set by state law
and city policy.
211.03 RELEASE OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF POLICE OFFICERS
A. No member of the police department shall release a photograph of a police officer without the
approval of the Chief of Police or designee.
B. All requests for photographs of police officers shall be referred to the Public Relations Office
and that office shall be the point of release for all photographs of officers.
1. Photographs shall not be released when, in the opinion of the Chief of Police or designee,
the release would endanger the life or safety of the officer unless any one of the following
criteria, which are mandated by state law, are met. The Police Legal Advisor or another
attorney in the Law Department should be consulted in those instances:
a. The officer is under indictment or charged with an offense by information.
b. The officer is a party in a civil service hearing or a case in arbitration.
c. The photograph is introduced as evidence in a judicial proceeding.
d. Officer consents in writing to release.
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212.01 PHILOSOPHY
It is the philosophy of the Fort Worth Police Department to establish and maintain an open and
cooperative environment in which members of the public may obtain timely and accurate
information on all matters of public interest in a manner that does not jeopardize police operations.
The relationship of all department employees with the public shall be helpful, cordial, and polite,
with appropriate care taken so as to not jeopardize or compromise the successful completion of
any administrative or law enforcement operation.
212.02 RELEASE OF INFORMATION
A. The ranking officer at the scene of a police incident shall, as soon as practical, provide
information pertaining to the following:
1. General facts and circumstances of an arrest, to include the time and place of arrest,
circumstances of pursuit, and use of weapons. The race, gender, ethnic origin, age, and
occupation of an arrested suspect may also be released but their name and address shall
not be given until the person has been booked into a jail or formal charges have been
filed.
2. The identity of an investigating and/or arresting officer, provided it does not compromise
an undercover operation or expose officers to a heightened risk of retaliation.
3. A general description of any evidence seized, but the description shall not detail the
evidence so as to hinder or prejudice the investigation.
4. The nature and substance of any arrest charges including a general description of the
offense.
B. Information pertaining to the following shall not be released:
1. The contents of any statements, admissions, or confessions.
2. Personal opinions about the suspect and/or evidence.
3. Statements concerning the truthfulness of the anticipated testimony by any suspect or
witness.
4. The names of victims, to include police officers who are killed or injured, until the proper
notification of next of kin has been made.
5. Information regarding juvenile suspects or sexual assault victims.
C. Requests for any information regarding an investigation that was not released at the scene
shall be directed to the officer with follow-up investigative responsibility. The investigating
officer shall then adhere to the guidelines contained in this order when releasing information.
It shall be the responsibility of the investigating officer to consult with and obtain permission
from a supervisor before releasing any information not covered in this order, or releasing any
information which may adversely affect the outcome of the investigation even if legal to
release.
D. Access to an investigator’s specific work area may be limited under certain circumstances.
Example: interviewing victims, suspects, or witnesses and major investigations when the
security and case progress may be compromised by their presence. This restricted access shall
be at the discretion of the affected division captain or designee and shall be only for that
amount of time necessary to achieve a specific work objective. During such circumstances,
briefings shall periodically be conducted by the affected division captain or designee on the
case progress at some other location. During such periods, the commander or designee shall
212.00 PUBLIC RELATIONS
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keep the Public Information Officer apprised of case progress and may designate that person
as the focal point for release of information.
E. Only the Chief of Police or designee can authorize the attendance of a member of the media
during a search warrant/arrest warrant situation.
212.03 MAJOR INCIDENTS
A. Media representatives displaying appropriate press credentials shall be allowed immediate
access to an area adjacent to the command post in unusual events such as natural disasters,
hostage situations, civil disorders, fires, explosions, plane crashes, and other circumstances
which the ranking officer in charge of the scene shall determine.
B. The ranking officer on the scene shall determine when less restrictive access by media
representatives shall be allowed. Under no circumstances shall media representatives be
permitted to interfere with command post functions. Access shall be denied to areas other than
the command post location when, in the ranking officer’s opinion, allowing access would
interfere with the police operation or expose them to danger.
C. When the circumstances as outlined in General Order 212.03, paragraphs A and B exist, the
ranking officer at the scene shall provide briefings on a timely basis. These briefings may be
delegated to the Administrative Captain in the Chief of Police Office, who when present on
the scene, shall assume the role of Public Information Officer.
D. If an incident is likely to attract widespread attention, the ranking officer shall cause the
Administrative Captain in the Chief of Police Office to be notified and, if necessary, report to
the scene to serve as the Public Information Officer.
E. When a citizen is shot, wounded, or seriously injured by an officer, either while in the
department’s custody or as a result of a traffic accident involving a departmental unit, the
investigating unit responsible shall ensure that the Public Information Officer has been
notified.
1. The ranking officer on the scene shall provide the Public Information Officer with general
details of the incident.
2. Once prepared, the official report of the incident shall be checked for accuracy by the
highest ranking officer available in the investigative unit involved before release.
3. Whenever time permits, the departmental report shall be shown, as a courtesy, to the
officer or officers involved before its release.
F. In the event an incident results in the serious injury or death of an officer, the Public
Information Officer, coordinating with the Critical Incident Investigation team, shall develop
an official release as soon as possible.
1. The release shall be checked for accuracy by the highest ranking officer available.
2. Names of the officer or officers involved may be released following notification of next
of kin.
3. Additional details of the circumstances may be released when confirmed.
G The Police Communications Division Manager shall maintain the emergency telephone
number of the Public Information Officer and shall contact that employee when requested or
when the manager deems necessary.
212.04 CRIME SCENE
Media representatives shall be given guided access to crime scenes as soon as it is determined to
be practical by the ranking investigation supervisor except:
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A. When the crime scene is on private property and the owner’s permission has not been
obtained.
B. When the presence of media members may adversely affect the preservation of the crime
scene or in any other way interfere with the investigation.
212.05 INFORMATION FROM POLICE FILES
A. The following information is available to the public:
1. Offense Report – Public copy including offense committed, location of crime,
identification and description of complainant except where forbidden by statute, premises
involved, time of occurrence, property involved, vehicle involved, weather conditions,
detailed description of offense and arrest, name of investigating officer.
NOTE: Offense reports are available free to the public online at the Fort Worth Police
Department website.
2. Prisoner information and mug shots taken in connection with an arrest for which the
arrestee was subsequently convicted. However, a mugshot of a sex offender shall not be
released if the mugshot was taken upon the offender’s arrest for a sex offense.
3. Arrest warrant and affidavit after it has been executed and an arrest has been made.
4. Official National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) crime statistics/data.
a. Definitions
(1) Official crime statistics – data that has been reviewed and returned by the Texas
Department of Public Safety.
(2) General crime statistics – data that has not been reviewed, vetted, or verified for
accuracy by the Records Unit and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
b. All public requests for crime statistics/data, other than requests under the Texas
Public Information Act in General Order 212.05C, shall be directed to Research and
Planning. Unless otherwise specifically requested under the Public Information Act,
only official crime statistics shall be released to the public.
c. Employees should direct citizens to the Fort Worth Police Department website for
general crime statistics and/or published official crime statistics; however, if the
information requested is not available on the website, the person shall be directed to
Research and Planning.
d. Crime statistics/data for internal/law enforcement use only shall be provided by the
Information Management Section.
5. Accident reports, when no criminal charges have arisen from the accident and the
requesting party provides two (2) or more of the following:
a. The date of the accident;
b. The name of any person involved in the accident; or
c. The specific location of the accident.
B. Only if it does not interfere with the investigation or prosecution of the case, or if the
investigation or prosecution is complete, can the following be released:
1. From the offense report:
a. Identification and description of witnesses, or their addresses or telephone numbers.
b. Synopsis of confession.
c. Officer’s speculations as to the actor’s guilt.
d. Officer’s view of witnesses’ credibility.
e. Any statements by informants.
f. Ballistics reports.
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g. Results of laboratory or forensic tests.
h. Results of spectrographic or other investigative report.
2. Historical data from personal history and arrest record.
a. Signature.
b. Marital status and information concerning relatives of sworn personnel.
c. Chronological history of arrests and dispositions.
3. NCIC/TCIC data prohibited from release by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, art.
60.06 and/or the Texas Government Code, Chapter 411.
C. Texas Public Information Act
1. The Texas Public Information Act designates the City Manager as the City of Fort Worth
officer for public information, with the Chief of Police as the agent for the purpose of
compliance. For this purpose, all written requests for information available under the
Texas Public Information Act forwarded by the City Manager to the police department
shall be coordinated through the Internal Affairs, Police Legal Liaison Section, or through
the designated assistant city attorney working with Public Information Act requests.
Specific notation as to the date of initial receipt of a Public Information slip shall be so
indicated on a departmental routing slip.
a. This procedure shall not apply to written requests for material normally available to
the public as described in General Order 212.05(A).
2. Requests under Texas Public Information Act that may be excepted from disclosure under
Section 552.108 because it involves a pending law enforcement investigation shall be
coordinated with the Law Department. This exception pertains to certain documents
and/or print media which, if released, would interfere with the detection, investigation, or
prosecution of a crime. A copy of the request along with the affected documents and/or
print media shall be forwarded to the Law Department within five (5) days of the receipt
of the request. Expeditious routing of the request and responsive materials is critical
because the attorney must file a brief with the Texas Attorney General’s Office to protect
the materials within ten (10) days of the date of the initial request. Failure to timely file
such a brief can cause the materials to be mandatorily released.
3. Requests for information pertaining to pending investigations or prosecutions shall be
given immediate priority over all other related informational requests. Expediency of
notification of the request is necessary to prevent damaging or otherwise jeopardizing
supplemental investigatory or prosecutory efforts. No release of material of this nature
shall be made without prior coordination with the Police Legal Liaison Section or an
assistant city attorney.
212.06 PHOTOGRAPHS AND INTERVIEWS
A. Photographs may be taken in or from any public access areas. Officers may restrict or prohibit
the use of flash, strobes, or other bright lighting when their use might hinder police operations.
B. Officers shall not interfere with the photographer taking a picture of a prisoner under normal
circumstances. Juvenile suspects shall not be photographed by any persons other than police
officers as part of an official investigation. Other juveniles shall not be photographed unless
in public areas.
C. Photographing of suspects or witnesses shall not be permitted in the work areas of police
facilities.
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212.07 INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
A. Internal personnel investigations are classified as confidential and any requests for
information related to them shall be directed to Internal Affairs or the Public Relations Office.
The supervisor of a person being investigated may not release any information to media
personnel regarding an internal investigation.
B. Information regarding internal personnel matters may be released in the following manner:
1. In instances where the investigation is active, statements may be released regarding the
general nature of the allegation and that the allegations are being investigated.
2. In completed personnel investigations that are classified as not sustained, unfounded, or
exonerated and discipline was not issued, no information may be released other than the
general nature of the allegation and that no departmental action was taken.
3. In completed personnel investigations that are classified as sustained and discipline of a
day off or more was issued, information may be released regarding the nature of the
allegation, established facts, action taken, and the name of the officer or civilian
disciplined. In the case of commissioned officers, this information shall not be re- leased
until an official notification from the Chief of Police has been delivered to the officer and
the Civil Service Commission.
212.08 CONTACT WITH PUBLIC
The public’s first and only contact with the police department may be by telephone. Voice mail is
a convenience to employees and the caller; however, improper use of voice mail can hinder the
department’s ability to provide prompt, professional service to the public and fellow co-workers.
Employees shall treat all persons with fairness, dignity and respect and shall respond to all requests
from the public politely and promptly.
A. Telephone Protocol
1. Unless the telephone number is used for undercover or covert operations, employees
should answer the telephone with the name of the department, their assignment (i.e.,
homicide, identification unit, jail operations), and their name.
2. Depending on the request, employees will answer the person’s request for
information/service or refer the caller to the best known source within the department.
B. Voice Mail Protocol
1. Voice mail shall not be used to screen calls. When in the office, employee will answer
the phone unless in a conversation with another person.
2. Voice mail messages shall be returned in a timely manner.
3. Supervisors are to monitor abuse of the voice mail and take appropriate action.
214.01 DOWNTOWN PARKING (Revised 10/3/18)
A. Use of Parking Permit Tags
1. Parking permit tags are distributed by the city manager’s office and shall be issued to
council members, departments and divisions located away from city hall with employees
213.00 RESERVED
214.00 PARKING REGULATIONS
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
73
who must report in and out of city hall regularly, and news-gathering organizations whose
representatives are required to be at city hall or the county courthouse on a regular basis.
2. Parking permit tags are not issued to individuals. The various functional entities of the
department shall maintain a “log out/log in” sheet for employees using the parking permit
tags. The parking permit tag generally must be returned when the employee completes
their errand. Employees needing a permit for an extended duration shall be permitted to
retain the permit after providing an entry on the appropriate log sheet.
3. The City of Fort Worth parking permit tag must be hung from the inside rear view mirror
of a vehicle so that the front of the tag is visible through the front windshield.
4. Any vehicle with a valid parking permit tag shall not be parked in violation of any traffic
law, ordinance, or regulation, except on an expired meter.
5. Parking permit tags which are lost or stolen shall be reported immediately to the city
manager’s office. The parking permit tag will be canceled and the identification number
reported to the Police Department. A new parking permit tag will be issued for the
remainder of the year. Use of a City of Fort Worth parking permit tag that has been
canceled may result in civil or criminal prosecution against the user.
6. Vehicles with properly displayed parking permit tags may park in metered spaces for the
maximum period of time displayed on the parking meter. Spaces designated “Marked
Vehicles Only” are not to be used with parking permits. Permit parking is prohibited in
the police parking areas on Tenth Street between Monroe and Throckmorton as well as
the municipal parking lot south of City Hall.
7. Employees shall not park city vehicles at red-ringed parking meters.
214.02 POLICE PARKING GARAGE USE
A. Parking Garage Regulations
1. Drivers shall not damage the entry or exit gates.
2. The speed limit while in the parking facility is seven (7) miles per hour.
3. To increase awareness of approaching vehicles, headlights shall be turned on while
driving in the parking garage facility.
4. Prior to turning to another level in the garage, all drivers shall slow their vehicles and
proceed cautiously. Persons exiting the garage shall yield to persons entering the garage.
5. Any employee with approved access to the parking facility may park in any police
department spot except those marked as Reserved, those designated for a specific
position, and county spaces.
a. If an employee finds an unauthorized vehicle parked in their assigned parking space,
they shall note the license number and a description of the vehicle and give the
information to their supervisor. After attempting to notify the person, the supervisor
shall arrange for either booting the vehicle or towing it. Permission must be obtained
from their deputy chief through the appropriate chain of command prior to towing a
vehicle.
b. Employees who have had their reserved parking space taken by an unauthorized
vehicle shall not park in another reserved spot without permission.
c. Towing and pound charges for a vehicle which has been removed for unauthorized
parking in the police parking garage may only be waived by the Chief of Police.
6. No vehicle shall be parked within the driving lanes of the parking garage facility at any
time.
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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7. Any employee observing unsafe driving in the parking garage facility shall report the
infraction to their supervisor. The supervisor shall forward an inter-office correspondence
or email describing the behavior and the violator and/or vehicle to their deputy chief
through the chain of command.
8. Repeated or aggravated violations of parking garage regulations shall result in the
revocation of parking garage usage. The deputy chief of the alleged violator shall
determine what action shall be taken regarding violations.
9. Parking garage usage is a privilege and, as such, the revocation of access for any reason
is not a grievable item.
215.01 BASIC RULES GOVERNING THE USE OF DEPARTMENT VEHICLES
A. For purposes of the General Orders, all vehicles purchased, leased, or confiscated for use by
department employees, and/or any vehicle provided by another governmental entity for the
purpose of official law enforcement duties shall be regarded as department vehicles.
B. Vehicles are to be used solely in the performance of official business consistent with the City
of Fort Worth Administrative Regulation (AR E6).
1. Marked police department vehicles shall be driven only by sworn personnel, uniformed
traffic control technicians, or civilian employees with authorization from their chain of
command. A marked vehicle shall be any vehicle that has any distinguishing markings,
wording, or equipment that will visually identify it as a police department vehicle. When
out of service, marked police vehicles with emergency lighting will have a protective
light bar cover installed to identify the unit’s out of service status.
C. Department vehicles may not be used for off-duty employment activities without the written
approval of the officer’s Assistant Chief. The officer’s division captain may authorize, in
writing, use of a take home vehicle for off-duty employment in an emergency or one-time
situation when obtaining permission from the Assistant Chief is not reasonably possible.
Approval for use of vehicles in off-duty employment will be forwarded to the deputy chief
over Operations Command in the Finance and Personnel Bureau.
1. Department vehicles shall not be used as transportation to or from off-duty employment
unless the location of such employment is in a reasonably direct route to or from the
approved officer’s home and duty assignment, and the off-duty employment will
commence within thirty minutes of the end of the regularly scheduled duty assignment or
will end within thirty minutes prior to reporting for the regularly scheduled tour of duty.
NOTE: Scheduled times for duty assignments shall not be changed or modified to
accommodate or facilitate the use of department vehicles for transportation to or
from off-duty employment locations.
D. No passengers shall be transported in department vehicles, except when transporting
passengers is necessary during the performance of business for the city and approved by the
supervisor. Officers transporting persons of the opposite gender shall report the mileage of the
unit to the dispatcher upon leaving the location. Upon arrival at the destination, the officer
shall report the arrival mileage. Officers shall immediately notify the dispatcher of all stops
en route, except for short-termed traffic-related stops (i.e. traffic lights, train crossing, etc.).
When notifying the dispatcher of the unscheduled stop, the officer shall provide an
explanation and estimated time for the stop and notify the dispatcher when stop has concluded.
215.00 USE OF DEPARTMENT VEHICLES
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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E. All drivers of city vehicles must have a signed Consent to Driving History Inquiry on file in
the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Human Resources Department. Driving
histories will be checked annually.
F. Whether on-duty or off-duty, no employee shall under any circumstance consume any
alcoholic beverage and then drive a department vehicle.
1. In case of a call-back or emergency call-back, any employee that is notified to report to
duty shall be responsible for informing the caller if they have consumed alcohol within
the previous eight (8) hours, or if they have taken any medication that would have an
adverse effect on their ability to drive or critical decision making. Employees shall not be
asked the name of the medication or health condition requiring the medication, only
adverse work-related effects.
2. A supervisor will question the employee as to the amount of alcohol consumed and the
time frame. The supervisor will then determine whether the employee can safely report
immediately, report at a later time if the emergency still exists, or report at their normally
scheduled shift.
G. Employees are prohibited from disabling, altering, and/or tampering with any department
equipment or software which may prevent the equipment or software from performing as
intended by the department or manufacturer. Examples of tampering include, but are not
limited to, unplugging any antenna cables or disabling any MDC or data components on a
department vehicle.
1. If at any time an employee notes a problem with connectivity in a department vehicle, the
officer will take the vehicle, or arrange that it be taken, to the fleet shop for repairs.
H. Red Light Camera Violations
The City of Fort Worth and some neighboring cities have installed red-light cameras that
photograph and record photographs of vehicles that violate state law by failing to stop for red
lights. A Notice of Violation is issued to the owner of a vehicle that runs a red light.
NOTE: Neither state law nor City ordinance permits a Notice of Violation to be issued to
anyone other than the registered vehicle owner although the presumption of
ownership may be rebutted in limited circumstances.
1. In the event that the City of Fort Worth receives a Notice of Violation for a city vehicle
that was being operated by a Fort Worth police employee at the time of the red light
violation, the employee will not be required to pay the fine.
2. When Internal Affairs receives notification concerning a red light camera violation where
an alleged violation has occurred, the Notice of Violation will be forwarded by Internal
Affairs to the employee’s supervisor for investigation. Administrative action, up to and
including disciplinary action, may be imposed if the employee had no justification for
running the light and violated the department’s safety rules and regulations, acted
irresponsibly, misused department equipment, contributed to an accident, and/or
disregarded public safety.
3. If the alleged violation occurred in a jurisdiction other than the City of Fort Worth, once
the case has been investigated and resolved by the chain of command, the Internal Affairs
investigator shall prepare correspondence from the Chief of Police and inform the
involved agency of the results of the investigation. It remains that jurisdiction’s decision
whether to dismiss the alleged violation. Any fine pronounced in a Notice of Violation
assessed against a Fort Worth police employee and in connection with the use of a
department vehicle will be the responsibility of the City of Fort Worth to resolve.
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215.02 CRITERIA FOR TAKING VEHICLES HOME OR PARKING OFF-SITE
AFTER NORMAL WORKING HOURS
A. For purposes of this regulation, the following definitions apply:
1. Off-site parking is defined as city facilities and other approved locations along the
employees direct route to and from their work place that are determined to be adequately
secure by the authorizing deputy chief. The purpose of off-site parking is to make vehicles
quickly accessible to police employees in defined critical positions who reside outside of
the Fort Worth city limits.
2. Alternate Parking is defined as city facilities and other approved locations closest to the
employee’s worksite that are assigned as parking due to parking limitations at the primary
site. For purposes of this policy, these arrangements are not considered to be covered
under the take-home and off-site parking regulations. Rather, each bureau is responsible
for approving and maintaining a complete list of assigned parking under these
circumstances.
B. Employees must have advance approval from their deputy chief to take a department vehicle
home or park off-site after normal working hours.
C. Criteria for taking a department vehicle home or parking off-site after normal working hours:
1. No employee shall be permitted to take a department vehicle home or park off-site on a
regular basis after working hours unless the position is identified as having such
privileges in the departmental plan and the use meets the following criteria:
a. The employee’s use of the vehicle after hours is necessary for the protection of life
and property.
b. There is an unusually high frequency of use of the vehicle made during after-hours
work by the employee, or
c. The privilege advances the department’s goals of police visibility within the City of
Fort Worth.
2. If an employee’s duties meet the above criteria and the employee is authorized by the
Chief of Police or designee, the employee may take a department vehicle home or park
off-site after normal working hours on a regular basis. Examples of changes requiring
submissions of a new request would be change of address, change in assignment, change
in usage of vehicle, change in vehicle, etc. Fleet Operations must be notified when
authorization for take-home vehicle becomes invalid for any reason.
D. Application procedures to take a department vehicle home or park off-site after normal
working hours.
1. To apply for permission to take a department vehicle home at night or park it off site on
a regular basis, the requester will submit the electronic version of the vehicle take home
request form through their chain of command to Fleet Operations. After all approvals
have been obtained through the chain of command to include the Chief of Police or
designee, the requestor will be electronically notified of the approval or denial of their
request.
2. When the application is approved by the Chief of Police or designee, Fleet Operations
will assign the vehicle in the department’s vehicle database, update the City of Fort Worth
main frame, and provide applicable copies to the Human Resource Department.
3. The same form shall be utilized when authority is requested to take a department vehicle
home or park off-site for a particular occasion or group of occasions. This form must be
submitted to the deputy chief for authorization if sufficient time is available, but may be
authorized by a division captain when the situation is in the best interest of the department
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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to avoid delay. If the form is authorized by the division captain, for a situation that is in
the best interest of the department, Fleet Operations will be notified and electronic copies
of the electronic form will be provided to the employee’s chain of command.
4. The same form shall be utilized to authorize groups of employees assigned to a unit to
take a vehicle home on a rotating basis for call-back purposes. The form shall be
completed one time for each member when they join the rotational call-back and only
subsequently when changes warrant a new form. The supervisor managing the call-back
rotation shall be responsible for maintaining a list of actual take-home or off-site parking
activities by date, employee, and vehicle number. The list shall be maintained in the unit
for ninety (90) days.
5. Contact Fleet Operations to resolve any issues or questions related to the Vehicle Take
Home form.
E. Department vehicles parked off-site overnight must be secured off the street and preferably in
a covered area. All police-related equipment must be removed from the vehicle unless the
vehicle is parked inside a secured enclosed area.
215.03 MONTHLY REPORTS ON AFTER-HOURS USAGE OF DEPARTMENT
VEHICLES
The Assistant Chief of each bureau shall be responsible for the management of authorized vehicles
taken home or parked off-site overnight and specific occasion authorizations within the
employee’s bureau. This oversight shall include a monthly report on after-hours usage for specific
assignments as defined in the police department take-home vehicle plan and as noted on the
Request to Take Motor Vehicle Home or Park Off-Site form. The reporting responsibilities shall
be as follows:
A. A unit file shall be maintained on current authorized take-home assignments and specific
occasion usage authorizations. For assignments requiring a monthly report, the employee shall
submit the Monthly Report on After-Hour Usage of Department Vehicles form located on the
internal police website (fwpd/ portal). After-Hours usage will be updated monthly by the
vehicle operator. Contact Fleet Operations to resolve any issues or questions related to the
electronic form. The deputy chief can request reports from Fleet Operations on specific
vehicles or sections for review. The deputy chief shall review the monthly reports and evaluate
the indicated usage of department vehicles and the appropriateness of continuation of the takehome or off-site parking privileges.
B. The monthly report will be available upon request.
C. Files should be kept current for inspection at reasonable intervals by Fleet Operations. In cases
where a take-home vehicle authorization is utilized on a rotation basis, a summary report may
be made indicating all details on usage.
215.04 LIST OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS HAVING TAKE-HOME CAR
PRIVILEGES
A. A list showing those positions that have department authorization for take-home or off-site
parking car privileges shall be maintained by Fleet Operations and posted on the vehicle take
home request form outlining current categories by duty position. This list will also indicate if
the position requires submission of the after-hours usage form.
B. Full authorization is not in force until the Chief of Police or designee has approved an
application as indicated in General Order 215.02.
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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216.01 USE OF PRIVATE AUTOMOBILE
A. All employees who desire to operate a private vehicle while on city business shall obtain
proper authorization prior to doing so. If an employee is not approved per the provisions of
the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations and Administrative Regulations (AR
E4), and authorized by the Chief of Police or designee, they shall not operate a private vehicle
on city business.
1. Privately-owned motor vehicles may be used on city business only after the appropriate
form, i.e., Executive Auto Allowance Request or a Private Automobile Use Request has
been approved by the Chief of Police or designee and submitted to the Occupational
Health and Safety Section of the Human Resources Department. This submission shall
include the employee’s driving record with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
2. The Private Automobile Use Request form is used to initiate, and cancel authorization for
non-executive employees to use their private vehicles on city business. It is also used to
update information that has changed from that submitted on a previous form. This form
must be submitted by all non-executive employees requesting to use their private vehicles
on city business. The Private Automobile Use Request form and the Consent to Driving
History Inquiry are submitted through the chain of command to the Chief of Police or
designee, and if approved, will be forwarded to the Finance Unit who shall distribute and
file appropriately.
3. The Private Automobile Use-Reimbursement Request form is used by non-executive
employees to request mileage reimbursement for use of private vehicles on city business.
Authorization for mileage reimbursement shall be approved in advance by the division
commander prior to submission, with each mileage reimbursement request requiring
separate advance approval by the division commander. If approved through the chain of
command, including the Chief of Police or designee, the mileage will be entered directly
into the PeopleSoft payroll system by those employees who are self-service. Employees
who are not self-service will forward the approved forms to the Centralized Police Payroll
Team (CPPT) for entry. Mileage reimbursement for travel outside the scope of regular
duties will be submitted through the travel process and not through PeopleSoft.
4. Employees authorized to operate a vehicle on city business shall complete a defensive
driving course at least once every three (3) years. The division commander shall ensure
each approved employee is in compliance with this requirement.
B. The city shall not be responsible for damages to privately-owned motor vehicles operated by
employees on city business except as such damages arise from the operation and use of the
vehicle in the performance of the employee’s regular duties, provided that any such damages
are not created by an act or omission on the part of the employee in violation of any existing
City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or Administrative Regulations.
1. Employees eligible for reimbursement for repair of actual damages under this provision
are those that sustain damages to their private vehicle as a result of accidents:
a. For which the employee is deemed responsible, as long as no existing City of Fort
Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or Administrative Regulations are
violated; or
b. That involve an at-fault, uninsured motorist.
216.00 PRIVATE AUTOMOBILE USE ON CITY BUSINESS
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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2. There will be no reimbursement for damages resulting from hazards typically covered by
so-called comprehensive coverage.
3. All employees approved under this regulation shall notify their supervisor immediately if
the vehicle is involved in any accident involving property damage or bodily injury while
on city business and shall cooperate fully in any subsequent investigation. Supervisors
shall report the damages to the Chief of Police using City of Fort Worth Vehicle Accident
Report Form 106, and a copy of the accident report when one is prepared by an officer.
4. If the accident is deemed to be a chargeable accident, the employee will be subject to the
department’s disciplinary action, governed by the same procedures that apply when an
employee is driving a city-owned vehicle.
5. The Chief of Police is responsible for authorizing any payments from departmental funds
to employees for damage to their vehicles up to, but not to exceed, $250, based on
investigation of the accident and proof of the employee’s loss which must be documented
by paid invoices and deductible amounts. Employees are advised to consult their personal
insurance agents regarding any coverage to protect their property interests above this
$250 reimbursement.
6. Damages to other third persons or property arising from an employee’s use of a privatelyowned motor vehicle on city business may be the responsibility of the employee pursuant
to Chapter 2, Article IX of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, “Personal Liability
Indemnity Plan.”
C. Authorization for use of a private vehicle on city business shall be canceled if warranted due
to changes in responsibilities or job conditions for those positions receiving an allowance or
mileage reimbursement. When this authorization is canceled by the department, the Chief of
Police or designee shall use the Private Automobile Use Request form to notify City of Fort
Worth Occupational Health and Safety to cancel this authorization.
D. Failure of employees to comply with requirements set forth in Administrative Regulations E4 may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
The Fort Worth Police Reserves are authorized under Texas Local Government Code Article
341.012 and Section 27-3, Police Reserve Force, of the Code of the City of Fort Worth Texas.
Reserve Officers serve at the direction of the Chief of Police. Reserve Officers are not granted a
right to work, and are not entitled to any compensation for time they are permitted to work. It is
the policy of the Fort Worth Police Department to maintain the highest standards of professional
law enforcement services. Reserve police officers should fulfill two primary functions: serve as
auxiliary staffing as determined to be necessary by the Chief of Police and provide an additional
interactive link between the community and the police department. Reserve police officers may
not assume the full time duties of regular officers without complying with requirements set forth
for full-time officers under any existing applicable Meet and Confer Agreement and the Texas
Local Government Code. The purpose of this order is to outline the Police Reserve Program
objectives, responsibilities, and operation. TBP 3.07
217.01 REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATION
A. The age requirement for application to the reserve program shall be a minimum of twenty-one
(21) years of age and a maximum of fifty-five (55) years of age.
217.00 POLICE RESERVES
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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B. Applicants must meet all minimum requirements set forth by the Texas Commission on Law
Enforcement (TCOLE) for reserve officers.
C. The Fort Worth Police Department Recruitment Unit shall be responsible for recruitment of
reserve officers.
D. Background investigations shall be conducted on all applicants, and the names of persons with
qualified backgrounds shall be submitted by the Training Division for appointment by the
Chief of Police.
E. Retiring Fort Worth Police Department Officers wanting to transition into the reserve program
must have retired from the department in good standing, meet all requirements outlined in the
application, must be in good standing with TCOLE, and possess a current basic TCOLE
certificate.
1. Retiring sworn officers shall complete an IOC to the Chief of Police requesting to be
considered for the Fort Worth Police Reserves. Reserve status is not guaranteed.
Approval from the Chief of Police will depend on the department’s needs at the time of
the application, the retiree’s qualifications, suitability, and funding.
2. The requirement of a maximum of fifty-five (55) years of age will not apply to Fort Worth
Police Department officers transitioning from active duty to reserves.
3. Fort Worth Police Department transition officers must successfully pass the PAT or have
passed it within the previous year.
4. Regardless of rank held at the time of retirement, transition officers assigned to uniformed
duties will wear the uniform of and be recognized at the rank of Police Officer.
5. Retired Fort Worth Police Department Officers with six (6) months or less break in
service are required to complete an IOC to the Chief of Police requesting to be considered
for the Fort Worth Police Reserves, must have retired from the department in good
standing, be in good standing with TCOLE, and successfully pass the PAT or have passed
it within the previous year.
a. Retired Fort Worth Police Department Officers with more than six (6) months break
in service are required to complete an IOC to the Chief of Police requesting to be
considered for the Fort Worth Police Reserves, must have retired from the
department in good standing, be up-to-date on in-service training or achieve the
training before becoming an active Reserve Officer, pass the PAT, and receive
approval from the police department to re-activate their TCOLE license.
217.02 RESERVE OFFICER STATUS
A. Members of the reserve force shall hold a permanent peace officer license issued by the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement pursuant to Chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code
at the time of their appointment as reserve peace officers.
B. Probationary Reserve Officer – applies to active reserve police officers who have obtained a
Basic Texas Peace Officer Certification but have not completed field training. TBP 3.07
1. Probationary Reserve Officers shall complete a minimum of 480 hours of field training
with a regular sworn officer before becoming a full-fledged Reserve Officer.
a. The number of minimum hours may be increased if the field training officer and
supervisor require additional time to ensure proper training.
b. The number of minimum hours may be decreased for Probationary Reserve Officers
who have prior law enforcement experience and have obtained a certification higher
than the Basic Peace Officer Certification. The approval of the Patrol Bureau
Assistant Chief is required.
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2. A Field Training Manual shall be completed for each Probationary Reserve Officer and
returned to the Records Unit of the Training Academy.
3. After successful completion of field training, the Probationary Reserve Officer will be
designated as a Reserve Officer.
C. Reserve Officer – applies to active Reserve Officers who have successfully completed the
required mandatory amount of field training.
D. Inactive Reserve Status – applies to Reserve Officers who are no longer able to serve at the
minimum required level. Inactive status may be temporary or permanent at the discretion of
the patrol command assistant chief as approved by the Chief of Police. Reserve Officers shall
submit an IOC requesting Inactive Reserve Status and explaining the reason for the request.
217.03 CHAIN OF COMMAND AND OPERATIONS
A. Responsibilities
1. Patrol Bureau Assistant Chief – Reserve Officers will be assigned to a patrol division or
a special assignment by the Patrol Bureau Assistant Chief or designee.
NOTE: Special assignments shall be based on the training, knowledge, skills, and
abilities of the Reserve Officer to serve in a specialized position.
2. Special Projects Lieutenant – Assigned to the Patrol Bureau Assistant Chief and is
responsible for overseeing all administrative duties to include, but not limited to, training,
hours of service documentation, Reserve Training Academy, and all personnel issues.
3. Reserve Coordinator – A Reserve Officer assigned to the Special Projects Lieutenant and
is responsible for coordinating time and attendance, equipment, special event requests,
and any other administrative function assigned by the Special Projects Lieutenant
B. Each Reserve Officer will work at the direction and discretion of the Division Commander
where the Reserve Officer is assigned. TBP 3.07
1. When assigned to patrol, Reserve Officers shall report to the patrol division shift
lieutenant or shift supervisor for assignment duties and, if applicable, additional training
2. When assigned to a special assignment outside of a patrol division, the Reserve Officer
shall report to the lieutenant for that unit or division while on duty.
C. Reserve Officers requesting transfer shall submit a transfer request to the Reserve Coordinator
or Special Projects Lieutenant. Transfers will be approved only after a review of current
reserve officer staffing levels within the Bureau.
217.04 ORGANIZATIONAL FUNCTION
A. The primary function of Reserve Officers will be to provide auxiliary staffing to patrol
personnel. Reserve Officers are not to be counted towards patrol officer staffing levels. TBP 3.07
B. The responsibilities for the Reserve Officer will essentially be the same as that of a regular
sworn officer.
C. If additional staffing is needed, Reserve Officers may be utilized for special events such as
the Texas Motor Speedway, Will Rogers, etc.
D. Reserve Officers can be utilized for assistance in emergency situations (i.e. disasters or riots)
or in situations as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police.
E. All Reserve Officers must serve a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of duty per calendar
month. Officers who are unable to meet this requirement must submit a written request
through the chain of command to the Patrol Bureau Assistant Chief for an approved leave of
absence. Reserve Officers shall not work more than twenty (20) hours in a given week.
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F. Depending on the level of training and experience, Reserve Officers may be assigned to work
with a regular sworn officer, be assigned to work with another Reserve Officer, or function in
a solo status.
G. Reserve Officers are not authorized to work off-duty law enforcement or security-related jobs.
217.05 TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
A. Reserve Officers serve at the discretion of the Chief of Police and may be called into service
at any time the Chief of Police or designee considers it necessary to have additional officers.
Reserve Officers who are called into service beyond the maximum of 20 (twenty) hours in a
given week do not have a right or entitlement for compensation for the additional hours. TBP
3.07
B. A Reserve Officer shall have the same moral and legal obligation to be accountable for their
actions as a regular sworn police officer.
C. Reserve Officers shall be considered in an on-duty capacity when: TBP 3.07
1. Performing assigned duties, or
2. At other times when taking required enforcement action or discharging legal duties as a
peace officer.
D. Unless otherwise provided for within this order, all Reserve Officers are subject to all rules,
regulations, policies, and procedures established for regular sworn officers, and in addition,
shall conform to such other guidelines established specifically for Reserve Officers. TBP 3.07
E. All Reserve Officers will be required to complete departmental training such as PowerDMS
and attend periodic department in-service training to complete: TBP 3.07
1. The same training as required of regular sworn officers including, but not limited to,
courses mandated by TCOLE for certification requirements.
2. Departmentally-required qualifications on firearms, baton, CEW, and any other
equipment deemed necessary.
217.06 UNIFORM AND HANDGUN
A. An appointment to the reserve force must be approved by the city council before the person
appointed may carry a weapon or otherwise act as a peace officer. After the appointment is
approved, the Chief of Police may authorize the person appointed to carry a weapon at all
times, regardless of whether the person is engaged in the actual discharge of official duties.
B. Upon successful completion of field training, Reserve Officers shall be governed by the
firearms guidelines of the department applicable to regular sworn officers. TBP 3.07
C. The Police Training Division shall furnish Reserve Officers uniforms upon appointment and
approval. Reserve Officers shall wear the same uniform and observe the same guidelines as
regular officers, with the exception of numbering on the Reserve badge. TBP 3.07
D. Reserve Officers shall be issued one (1) Reserve badge. Upon written authorization from the
Chief of Police and at their own expense, Reserve Officers may purchase an additional badge.
E. Procedures for any requests for additional Reserve badges shall adhere to General Order
503.03. Upon termination, all issued Reserve badges shall be returned to the Training
Academy. Reserve Officers who desire to keep a badge upon normal retirement shall adhere
to General Order 503.03 D.
NOTE: Normal retirement shall be fifteen (15) years of continuous service as a Reserve
Officer to the Fort Worth Police Department, or fifteen (15) years of continuous
combined service as a full-time Fort Worth Police Department Officer and as a Fort
Worth Police Department Reserve Officer.
Fort Worth Police Department General Orders
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F. Individuals who retire after at least fifteen (15) years of service as a Reserve Officer may
apply for an identification card from the department and/or a license from the State which
allows them to carry a firearm. The Training Division will maintain the requirements and
procedures to obtain these documents.
217.07 DISCIPLINARY ACTION
A. The Chief of Police shall have sole authority to discipline or terminate a Reserve Officer.
B. The following shall be grounds for a recommendation by the Patrol Bureau Special Projects
Lieutenant or their designee for termination by the Chief of Police:
1. Failure to report as scheduled for a month, unless excused or for valid reason.
2. Failure to complete in-service training as required by TCOLE or any other training set
forth by the Training Division Captain. TBP 3.07
3. Violations of the General Orders Manual for which a regular sworn officer would
customarily receive disciplinary action at a day off or more.
217.08 DUAL COMMISSIONS
Reserve Officers and Probationary Reserve Officers are prohibited from being commissioned by
any other law enforcement entity while commissioned by the City of Fort Worth.
219.01 DUTY DEPUTY CHIEF
Whenever there is a need for command level presence and responsibility outside of normal office
hours and during weekend and holiday periods, a Duty Deputy Chief shall be available.
A. The duties and responsibilities of a Duty Deputy Chief shall be:
1. To remain readily available for command decisions at all times during their duty week.
2. Personally assume interim command when an incident dictates their presence.
3. Cause the Chief of Police to be notified without delay on matters of a serious nature or
an occurrence requiring immediate attention of the Chief of Police.
4. Cause the Assistant City Manager responsible for the police department and other city
officials, as deemed necessary, to be notified without delay on matters of a serious nature.
5. Personally make the scene of major incidents and/or situations requiring a deputy chief’s
presence when they occur after normal office hours and during weekend and holiday
periods.
6. Attend retirement celebrations and other events when the bureau assistant chief and
deputy chief are not available.
B. The Duty Deputy Chief shall begin their tour of duty at 1700 hours Friday and continue until
1700 hours the following Friday.
C. A schedule indicating Duty Deputy Chief assignments shall be prepared annually and
maintained by Police Administration. The schedule shall be supplied to all assistant and
deputy chiefs and the Police Communications Division. It shall be the responsibility of each
deputy chief to ensure that current telephone numbers are provided to the Communications
218.00 RESERVED
219.00 DUTY DEPUTY CHIEF
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Division. Deputy chiefs desiring to switch assignments must do so by agreement with another
deputy chief and shall notify the Communications Division of the change.
D. If the scheduled Duty Deputy Chief is unable to perform as Duty Chief, such as during
vacation leave or illness, and a switch cannot be accomplished, a captain may be appointed as
an acting Duty Deputy Chief. The Communications Division must be notified of the change.
E. When called out or held over for an emergency situation, an assistant chief, a deputy chief,
and the Duty Deputy Chief are eligible for emergency callback overtime pay at a rate of time
and a half, as set forth in Texas Local Government Code 142.0015 (g) and General Order
406.02. An emergency is an unexpected happening or event or an unforeseen situation or crisis
that calls for immediate action. Examples of emergency situations are as follows:
1. An employee sustains serious bodily injury.
2. Critical Police Incident (CPI) 1 involving death or injury to an officer or a citizen. The
Duty Deputy Chief and the affected assistant and deputy chiefs will coordinate the
response and all may respond if needed.
3. Any incident that requires Joint Emergency Operations Center (JEOC) activation and the
need for police command presence.
4. Any significant event that results in mass media coverage and requires a police command
presence, such as a multiple homicide.
5. Hostage or barricaded person situations that require a command presence.
6. Any situation which the Chief of Police declares to be an emergency and a police
command presence is required.
220.01 MOTTO OF THE DEPARTMENT
A. The motto, “Service with Respect, Dedicated To Protect,” states the essential purpose of the
Fort Worth Police Department. The department is dedicated to protect the right of all persons
within its jurisdiction to be free from criminal attack, to be secure in their possessions, and to
live in peace.
B. The department is dedicated to the people of Fort Worth by performing the law enforcement
function in a professional manner with the highest level of service and respect for all
individuals.
220.02 DEPARTMENTAL FLAG
A. The design of the departmental flag is a light French blue field with dark Old Glory blue
lettering “Fort Worth Police Department” over a centered shoulder patch surmounting a
yellow scroll with the motto: “Dedicated To Protect.” Gold fringe shall outline the flag.
B. The departmental flag is an indication of the pride of all men and women of the Fort Worth
Police Department.
220.03 DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT (Revised 3/28/18)
The Fort Worth Police Department exists to safeguard the lives and property of those we serve, to
reduce the incidence and fear of crime, and to enhance public safety through partnering and
building trust with our community. We strive to accomplish our mission by conducting ourselves
with the highest ethical standards, respecting the sanctity of human life, and preserving the rights
and dignity of each individual in our diverse community.
220.00 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
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220.04 HONOR CODE
I will respectfully serve the citizens of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Police Department. I will
dedicate myself to the protection of life, property and our public trust. My integrity, character, and
courage will be above reproach, and I will accept no less from other members of our department.
220.05 ORAL TRADITION
In this business your character is your capital. Deal honorably with all persons and hold your word
sacred, no matter when, where, or to whom given.
220.06 PROFESSIONAL IMAGE (Revised 3/17/16)
The Fort Worth Police Department Badge, the Centennial Badge (collectively the “badge”), and
the Fort Worth Police Department Shoulder Patch are federally registered trademarks of the City
of Fort Worth and are the property of the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Police Department,
all of which are symbols of public trust and delegated authority; and therefore, shall not be
reproduced, altered, displayed or otherwise utilized except as provided for in this Order.
A. Use of the badge or shoulder patch images for non-departmental business or public use
1. A written request shall be submitted through the chain-of-command to the Chief of Police
for permission to use the Fort Worth Police Department badge or shoulder patch images
for non-departmental business or public use.
2. The request shall state specifically how the badge or shoulder patch images will be used
(i.e. video, photos, brochures, website, etc.), the specific purpose, whether any funds will
be raised in connection with use of the badge or shoulder patch images and, if so, whether
the funds will benefit the department. The request shall also state a time frame for its use,
such as a one-time event or a series of events. Under no circumstances shall use of the
badge or shoulder patch images be granted on a permanent basis or for blanket use by an
individual, business or entity.
3. Once approved by the Chief of Police, the Captain over the Public Relations Office will
confer with the Law Department on potential legal issues that may arise with the
requested use, and the Captain will forward the request to the Police Department’s
Assistant City Manager for written permission to use the badge or shoulder patch images
for non-departmental business or public use.
4. Approval shall be issued on an individual basis, and usage shall be restricted to the
manner set forth in the letter granting approval. Any usage not in accordance with the
approval letter is prohibited.
5. Any change in the use of the badge or shoulder patch images previously approved by the
Assistant City Manager for non-departmental business or public use shall require resubmission of the request for approval.
6. No modification to the designs of the badge or shoulder patch images is allowed.
7. Department personnel who are approached by a non-departmental individual or group
regarding use of the badge or shoulder patch images shall direct the person or group to
the Public Relations Office for assistance.
B. Use of the badge or shoulder patch images for department business
1. Department personnel may wear any item displaying the badge or shoulder patch images
on their uniform so long as it has been approved by the Uniform Committee.
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2. With the exception of pre-approved uniform uses, department personnel shall submit a
written request for the departmental use of the badge or shoulder patch images through
the chain-of-command to the Chief of Police.
a. Department items that will display the badge or shoulder patch images, including but
not limited to, documents, pamphlets, decals, email signature lines, clothing,
challenge coins and other printed or electronic materials require approval prior to
being used for department business.
3. The request shall state specifically how the badge or shoulder patch images will be used
(i.e. video, photos, brochures, website, etc.), the specific purpose, whether any funds will
be raised in connection with use of the badge or shoulder patch images and, if so, whether
the funds will benefit the department. The request shall also state a time frame for its use,
such as a one-time event or a series of events. Under no circumstances shall use of the
badge or shoulder patch images be granted to an individual on a permanent basis or for
blanket use.
4. Once approved by the Chief of Police, the Captain over the Public Relations Office will
confer with the Law Department on potential legal issues that may arise with the
requested use, and the Captain will forward the request to the Police Department’s
Assistant City Manager for written permission to use the badge or shoulder patch images
for departmental business.
5. Approval shall be issued on an individual basis, and usage shall be restricted to the
manner set forth in the letter granting approval. Any usage not in accordance with the
approval letter is prohibited.
6. Any change in the use of the badge or shoulder patch images previously approved by the
Assistant City Manager for use of department business shall require re-submission of the
request for approval.
7. No modification to the designs of the badge or shoulder patch images is allowed.
C. Violations
1. Use of the badge or shoulder patch images to falsely identify or impersonate a peace
officer or knowingly misrepresent property of a law enforcement agency may result in
criminal penalties pursuant to Texas Penal Code section 37.12, as amended.
2. Use of the badge or shoulder patch images in violation of federal or state copyright and/or
trademark law may result in civil penalties.
222.01 PERSONAL LIABILITY INDEMNITY PLAN (PLIP)
Throughout General Order 222.00, Article IX of Chapter 2, sec. 2-290 to 2-298 of the Code of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas entitled “Personal Liability Indemnity Plan (PLIP)” has been referenced
to emphasize the personal liability indemnity plan for city officers and employees.
A. Article IX of Chapter 2, sec. 2-290 to 2-298 indicates the conditions under which the city shall
provide legal representation and pay damages for its officers and employees. The ordinance
requires officers and employees to cooperate in the handling of claims and lawsuits,
establishes limits of coverage and exclusions, and provides that volunteer workers are covered
by the policy.
221.00 RESERVED
222.00 LEGAL CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY AND/OR EMPLOYEES
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B. The city shall pay the actual damages up to $100,000 per occurrence for its officers and
employees arising from any claim, lawsuit or judgment against a plan member, whether or not
the city is a party defendant, if said damages:
1. Result from an act or omission of the plan member while in the scope and course of the
employee’s employment or office with the city or during the employee’s assigned
volunteer work with the city; and
2. Arise from a cause of action for negligence.
C. Definitions
1. “Plan member” shall be defined as:
a. Any employee, volunteer, or elected or appointed officer of the City of Fort Worth,
any former employee, volunteer, or officer of the City of Fort Worth, or the estate of
an employee, volunteer, or officer or former employee, volunteer or officer; and
b. Any member or former member of a city board, commission or committee created
by Charter, ordinance or resolution of the city, or the estate of said member.
2. “Indemnity Plan” shall be defined as: Article IX of Chapter 2 of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth, Texas as enacted by sec. 2-290 to 2-298.
3. Course and scope of employment means an activity of any kind or character that has to
do with and originates in the work, business, trade, or profession of the employer, and is
performed by an employee while engaged in or about the furtherance of the affairs or
business of the employer.
D. To be entitled to coverage, a plan member must:
1. Notify the risk management division of finance within five (5) days after receipt of any
written notice of claim;
2. No later than five (5) days after receipt of a lawsuit, notify the city attorney and request,
in writing, legal representation by the city attorney on a form provided by the city attorney
for that purpose;
3. Assist and cooperate with the city and its authorized representatives in the investigation
of such claim or lawsuit;
4. Attend hearings, depositions, and trials; assist in the conduct of the lawsuit, in effecting
settlement, in securing and giving evidence, in obtaining the attendance of witnesses at
trial, and in giving a written statement to the city or its representatives; and cooperate in
enforcing any right of contribution or indemnity;
5. Not give any oral or written statement concerning a lawsuit or claim, except upon the
advice of the city attorney or the Risk Management Division or when questioned by a
police officer at the scene of an accident; and
6. Not voluntarily make any payment, assume or admit any liability, settle or agree to settle
any claim or lawsuit, incur any expense, or assume any obligation with respect to a claim
or lawsuit, except upon advice and consent of the city attorney or the Risk Management
Division.
7. The failure or refusal of a plan member to comply with any of the above requirements
may be grounds for denial of coverage or legal representation.
E. The city shall pay the actual damages up to $100,000 per occurrence for any claim, lawsuit,
or judgment covered under the PLIP. Payments by the city shall not exceed the amounts
allowable under state law. In addition to the coverage regarding actual damages, the city shall
pay the following in connection with a claim, lawsuit or judgment covered under the PLIP:
1. All reasonable costs and expenses incurred in investigating and defending the claim or
lawsuit;
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2. Court costs; and
3. Attorney’s fees ordered by the court to be paid by the plan member.
F. The Indemnity Plan shall not apply to:
1. Claims or lawsuits brought by the city against a plan member;
2. Claims or lawsuits for official misconduct;
3. Acts or omissions constituting gross negligence, criminal negligence, or recklessness;
4. Damages arising out of a willful violation of a penal statute or ordinance committed by
or with the knowledge or consent of the plan member;
5. Damages arising out of acts committed by or at the direction of the plan member with
affirmative dishonesty or actual intent to injure, deceive, or defraud;
6. Any act or omission committed by a plan member while the plan member is operating a
city vehicle without permission or authority or while the plan member is operating a city
vehicle in the course of personal or private business, except going to and from work,
unless a conflict exists with state law;
7. Liability assumed by the plan member under a contract or agreement, unless the contract
or agreement has been entered into with the consent or at the request of the city;
8. Any obligation for which the city may be liable under the Texas Workers’ Compensation
Act, Unemployment Compensation Laws, or any similar law;
9. Any act or omission which occurs during a period of time in which the plan member is
engaged in outside employment or is rendering contractual services to someone other
than the city;
10. Any claim or lawsuit alleging violations of constitutional rights, civil rights, or federal
law; or
11. Any plan member who is already covered by an insurance contract or other plan of selfinsurance authorized by statute for acts or omissions occurring while in the scope and
course of the member’s employment or duties, up to the limits of said insurance contract
or plan.
G. The city shall be subrogated to the plan member’s rights of recovery against any person, firm,
corporation, or organization, and the plan member shall execute and deliver to the city attorney
whatever documents are necessary to secure those rights and shall do nothing to prejudice
those rights.
H. Defense and legal representation
1. The city shall defend any claim or lawsuit against the plan member seeking damages to
which the Indemnity Plan applies even if any of the allegations of the claim or suit are
groundless, false, or fraudulent.
2. The city attorney shall provide the legal representation to a plan member in any claim or
lawsuit in which the plan member is covered by the Indemnity Plan.
3. If the city attorney determines that there is a conflict of interest for the city attorney in
representing a plan member, and the plan member is entitled to coverage under the PLIP,
the city shall pay the reasonable fees of outside legal counsel to represent the plan
member. The outside counsel shall be selected by the city attorney.
4. In any lawsuit where the city attorney is providing legal representation to a plan member,
the plan member may hire or retain additional legal counsel; however, the city shall not
pay or reimburse said plan member for the services of said legal counsel.
5. The city shall not be liable for any settlement of any claim or lawsuit effected without its
consent.
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6. The city reserves the right to assert any defense and make any settlement it deems
expedient.
I. Nothing in the PLIP shall be construed as creating a cause of action against the city or plan
member nor as the giving of any right to institute or maintain any suit or action which would
not otherwise exist or be cognizable under law as a legal claim against the city or a plan
member.
J. Nothing in the PLIP shall be construed as waiving any defense, immunity, or jurisdictional
ban available to the City or employee.
K. Citizens questioning Fort Worth’s liability concerning vehicle accidents, property damage,
wrecker charges, etc., shall be advised to contact the risk management division of finance by
telephone for advice on filing a claim.
L. In the case of any conflict between the PLIP and the description of the PLIP contained within
this General Order, the PLIP as described in Article 1X of Chapter 2, sections 2-290 to 2-298
of the Code of the City of Fort Worth governs.
224.01 REQUESTS FOR DATA PROCESSING SERVICES
A. Requests for data processing services will be drafted using the appropriate electronic
department form. Items covered include, but are not limited to, requests for:
1. Sign-on for city or county mainframe.
2. County Electronic Case Filing System (ECFS).
3. Specific server, folder, or website access.
4. New employee set-up.
5. Computer software programs, whether revisions or new programs.
6. Feasibility studies or exploration of new systems.
7. Purchase, rental, or lease of computer equipment.
8. Creation of production or on-request printout reports.
B. All requests for data processing shall be submitted through the proper chain of command to
Data Management using the Request for Data Management/Police IT Services form. All
requests for Data Processing functions shall require approval by the Operational Command
Deputy Chief or designee.
C. Requests for access to websites which violate the City of Fort Worth policy on computer use
shall be requested through Data Management; however, the final decision will be with the
City of Fort Worth Information Technology Solutions Department.
1. Requests to Data Management for website access shall specifically name the website or
the type of website, justification for the access, and the individuals or unit/detail requiring
the access. Once the supervisor has completed the data processing form, it shall be
authorized through the chain of command before forwarding to Data Management for
concurrence from the Operational Command Deputy Chief or their designee. Once
approval has been received, Data Management will process the request and notify the
requesting supervisor.
223.00 RESERVED
224.00 DATA PROCESSING AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
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2. If an individual is authorized for access to prohibited websites, it shall be the
responsibility of the immediate supervisor to contact Data Management to terminate
access when the employee is transferred or no longer requires access.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the authorized employee to secure access on their computer
to the websites.
D. Personnel requiring the development of a new program, a major revision of an existing
program, or any database creation or revision shall forward the initial request through their
chain of command to Data Management.
224.02 COMPUTER SECURITY
A. No employee shall provide, or allow to be discovered through their own actions or inactions,
any password for a departmental or city computer system to any unauthorized person.
B. No employee shall log on to a terminal or computer and leave that system operational under
their password while they are not in direct control of the system.
1. The above shall preclude the practice of activating a terminal or computer with one
person’s password and then allowing all employees in the entity to access the system with
that person’s password.
C. No employee shall place any software on any departmental computer that would constitute a
copyright violation or violation of the license for that software.
D. No employee shall convert any software licensed to the police department to personal use
either through changing the license through the licensee or by upgrading the software through
an offer only made to the licensee.
E. No employee shall place personal software on a city computer without written approval of the
division commander.
F. All employees shall be familiar with the Mobile Computing and Removable Storage Media
policy found in the City of Fort Worth Administrative Regulations (AR D5, Appendix 3). A
mobile storage media device includes, but is not limited to, USB port devices, CDs, DVDs,
flash drives, modems, handheld wireless devices and any other existing or future media
storage device.
1. The IT customer service center shall be notified immediately upon detection of a security
incident such as a mobile computing or removable storage media device being lost, stolen,
or damaged.
a. Employees shall immediately report a lost or stolen flash drive, external hard drive,
or any other mobile storage device containing department information to their
immediate supervisor and a report will be generated.
2. It is the responsibility of the employee to ensure any mobile computer or storage media
device is protected from being misplaced or from theft or damage. Mobile computers and
storage media devices shall not be left visible in an unattended vehicle or public access
areas.
3. Employees should utilize full disk encryption and/or an equivalent security measure to
protect sensitive and/or confidential department information stored on a mobile storage
media device.
224.03 USE OF COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES
(Revised 1/17/17)
Employees should refer to the City of Fort Worth Administrative Regulations for guidance relating
to the proper use and maintenance of computers, software, mobile storage devices, and the
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appropriate conduct when using the devices, software, or media such as websites or blogs which
are made available through the use of the devices.
A. Some of the major considerations of the city policy include:
1. Personal use is permissible if it does not interfere with productivity and does not preempt
any business activity.
2. Users are forbidden from using the system for charitable endeavors, solicitations,
advertisements, private business activities, chain letters, or amusement/entertainment
purposes.
3. The use of city resources should never create the appearance of inappropriate use;
therefore, employees shall not use profanity, obscenities, or derogatory remarks in emails,
nor include unsupported information such as potentially demeaning rumors or gossip.
4. City computers and communication systems are specifically prohibited from being used
for sexual, ethnic, and racial harassment. Employees receiving offensive email messages
must report the communications immediately to Internal Affairs as outlined in General
Order 709.00, Sexual Harassment, or the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and
Regulations on Harassment-Free Workplace, as applicable.
5. Employees should be aware that email that passes through, or is stored on, any City of
Fort Worth computer network may be subpoenaed in criminal cases and is considered
public record per the requirements of the Texas Public Information Act. As a public
record, the public may request copies of email messages.
a. Email messages are considered the property of the city, not the individual originating
them.
b. Employees shall periodically purge email messages from their personal computer.
Failure to do so could result in the employee’s inability to send or receive additional
email messages.
c. Email signatures shall not contain quotes that may be viewed as inappropriate,
offensive or have violent undertones. Acceptable email signatures include any of the
following: employee’s name, position/division/department, business address,
business telephone and fax number, police department’s official motto/code/tradition
and/or unaltered badge or patch image, and any pertinent disclaimers such as email
and responses being subject to Texas Public Information laws or directions if
receiving the email in error.
(1) Email signatures that include pictures and/or moving or flashing text are
prohibited due to increased space required in email accounts and/or servers.
B. Most email information is intended for specific individuals and may not be appropriate for
general distribution. Caution shall be exercised in forwarding or transmitting general
distribution email; therefore, any email intended for general distribution shall require prior
permission from the department’s Public Relations Office (PRO).
1. Employees are prohibited from sending any general distribution email such as the
zz_CPD or similar group without prior approval. The only exception for the requirement
of prior approval shall be Intelligence Bulletins issued through the Intelligence Unit, Roll
Call Training Bulletins, Vacancy Announcements, PowerDMS Announcements, and
Crime Analysis Bulletins issued through the Information Management Section.
a. An employee shall send the proposed email to the PRO for review. The PRO will
review the request in a timely manner and if the email is appropriate for general
distribution, will forward the email to the zz_CPD group. If the email is
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inappropriate, the PRO will respond to the employee with an explanation or
suggestion for change.
C. Employees shall be aware that computer files, floppy or CD disks, and/or email attachments
may contain a virus. Employees shall run antivirus software on any computer disks before
opening the files on their computer or attaching the file to an email message.
D. Employees shall not forward any information which may be considered a myth or hoax. If the
information would be of departmental interest, the employee shall confirm the information
and then any electronic distribution to the department shall be approved through the
department’s PRO.
E. Employees with Internet access shall not visit any site that promotes hate, is sexually oriented,
or may bring discredit to the department. The only exception shall be officers assigned to the
investigation of electronic files or sites.
1. City computers shall not be used to view inappropriate material from a personal mobile
storage device such as a thumb or flash drive.
F. For the purpose of court docket and other time sensitive notifications, on-duty employees shall
check their email account and the internal police website (fwpd/portal) daily. Employees are
not required to check their email account when off-duty, on vacation or other leave time.
G. Employees, with prior approval from a supervisor, may photograph or electronically record
for official use only any crime scene or potential criminal evidence with their personal
equipment.
H. Employees are prohibited from taking or transmitting digital images in any location that a
person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including but not limited to, meetings,
classrooms, or testing areas. Violations of this order may result in the equipment being
confiscated as evidence and the employee subject to disciplinary action.
I. Employees assigned to office duty scheduled to be out of the office exceeding four (4) work
days should use the “Out of Office” reply feature in Outlook to indicate their expected return
to work date and alternative contact information such as a coworker or supervisor.
224.04 SOCIAL MEDIA (Revised 3/19/18)
The personal use of social media can have bearing on departmental personnel in their official
capacity. As such this order provides information of a precautionary nature as well as prohibitions
on the use of social media by department personnel. This order is not meant to address one
particular form of social media, rather social media in general, as advances in technology will
occur and new tools emerge.
A. Definitions
1. Blog – a self-published diary or commentary on a particular topic that may allow visitors
to post responses, reactions, or comments.
2. Page – the specific portion of a social media website where content is displayed, and
managed by an individual or individual with administrators’ rights.
3. Post – content an individual shares on a social media site or the act of publishing content
on a site.
4. Profile – information that a user provides about himself or herself on a social networking
site.
5. Social Media – a category of Internet-based resources that integrate user-generated
content and user participation. This includes, but is not limited to, social networking sites,
microblogging sites, photo-and video sharing sites, wikis, blogs, and news sites.
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6. Social Networks – online platforms where users can create profiles, share information,
and socialize with others using a range of technologies.
7. Speech – Expression or communication of thoughts or opinions in spoken words, in
writing, by expressive conduct, symbolism, photographs, videotape, or related forms of
communication.
B. Departmental Website, Social Media, and Social Network
1. The official Fort Worth Police Department website developed and maintained by
personnel in Data Management and Research and Planning, shall be the only authorized
website for the Fort Worth Police Department. In order to ensure uniformity and
consistency of information to be disseminated to the public, individual
division/section/unit web pages shall only be hosted on the official website.
2. Personnel in a division/section/unit shall request through their chain of command any
representation of their division/section/unit on the departmental website. The approved
request will be forwarded to Research and Planning for development and implementation.
3. All official Fort Worth Police Department Social Media sites/pages, including but not
limited to sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, Snapchat, and any future
social media sites or social networks, shall be developed and maintained by personnel in
the Police Public Relations Office. Departmental personnel, including Neighborhood
Police Officers and other community-oriented department personnel, are prohibited from
using any personal social media account that purports, presents itself, or could be
reasonably interpreted to be an official Fort Worth Police Department social media
account.
a. The Public Relations Office has the authority to grant user access to other
Departmental personnel (i.e. Nextdoor).
4. Social media content shall adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including
all information technology and records management policies.
C. Personal Website or Social Network
Employees are free to express themselves as private citizens on social media sites to the degree
that their speech does not impair working relationships for which loyalty and confidentiality
are important, impede the performance of duties, impair discipline and harmony among
coworkers, or negatively affect the public perception of the Fort Worth Police Department.
1. Personal websites that identify the person as an employee of the Fort Worth Police
Department or City of Fort Worth either by text, or other means must not reflect a lack of
good moral character, must not portray conduct prejudicial to good order, and/or be of a
nature that would bring justified, unfavorable criticism upon the department or the
employee.
a. Public employees are cautioned that speech on-or-off-duty, made pursuant to their
official duties, that owes its existence to the employee’s professional duties and
responsibilities, is not protected speech under the First Amendment and may form
the basis for discipline if deemed detrimental to the department.
2. For safety and security reasons, employees are cautioned not to disclose their employment
with the police department nor shall post information pertaining to any other employee
without their permission. Employees are cautioned not to:
a. Display uniforms, badge, patch, logos, or similar items on personal web pages. Any
use of the police department badge and/or shoulder patch shall be governed by
General Order 220.06, Professional Image.
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b. Post personal photographs or provide similar means of personal recognition to be
identified as a police officer. Officers who are or who may reasonably be expected
to work in undercover operations shall not post any form of visual or personal
identification.
3. Employees who have a personal website which identifies the employee as being with the
Fort Worth Police Department shall monitor the site to remove any postings that may
bring an unfavorable impression of the employee or the police department.
4. Unless permission has been granted in writing by the Chief of Police or designee,
employees are prohibited from uploading or posting, from either personal or department
equipment, any text, photographs, audio, video or other multimedia relating to any police
investigation, current or past, or other action taken or obtained during the official course
of duty of or by the Fort Worth Police Department on any social media or social
networking platform.
5. When using social media, employees should be aware that their speech becomes part of
the worldwide electronic domain; therefore, adherence to General Orders Chapter 700,
Code of Conduct, is required in the personal use of social media. Employees are cautioned
against speech containing obscene or sexually explicit language, images, or acts and
statements or other forms of speech that ridicule, malign, disparage, or otherwise express
bias against any race, any religion, or any protected class of individuals. Speech involving
the employee or other employees should not reflect behavior that would be considered
reckless or irresponsible.
a. Employees should expect that any information created, transmitted, downloaded,
exchanged, or discussed in a public online forum may be accessed by the department
at any time without prior notice.
b. Employees shall not divulge information gained by reason of their authority, make
statements or endorsements that could reasonably be considered to represent the
views or position of the department without express authorization.
c. Employees should be aware that civil litigation may involve publishing or posting
private facts or personal information about a person without their permission, that
has not been previously revealed to the public, is not of legitimate public concern,
and would be offensive to a reasonable person; publishing or posting false
information that harms the reputation of another person, group, or organization; or
uses a person’s name, likeness or other personal attributes without the person’s
permission for an exploitative purpose.
6. Employees should be sensitive to the privacy of others and refrain from posting personal
information such as updates involving illness, injury, personal crisis, etc. concerning
another employee without their permission. When an employee has been injured on duty,
out of respect to the employee and family, allow time for the family to be notified by the
department before posting the incident.
224.05 -224.06 RESTRICTED
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225.01 DEFINITIONS
A. WORKPLACE
Any city-controlled building, facility, vehicle, workstation, cubicle, etc., where an employee
spends all or a portion of their shift or watch.
B. CITY-ISSUED EQUIPMENT
Any tool, fixture, apparatus, etc., including desks, lockers, storage cabinets, computers, etc.,
that are provided to employees for use in completing their assigned tasks.
C. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT/ITEMS
Any item or piece of equipment not issued by the city which is brought to the workplace by
an employee. Includes calculators, tape recorders, purses, briefcases, computers and locks.
D. INSPECTION
A routine non-investigatory function which may be conducted at any time upon the
authorization of a sergeant or above and does not require any evidentiary standard of
suspicion.
E. SEARCHES
1. For Work-Related Purposes
A warrantless search for the purpose of furthering the routine conduct of business, i.e., to
obtain materials from an area that are needed to complete a project or task.
2. For Investigation of Misconduct
A search pursuant to an investigation of misconduct to collect evidence of said
misconduct on the part of employees shall be conducted only upon the evidentiary
standard of reasonable suspicion.
3. For Investigation of Criminal Misconduct.
A search for the purpose of discovering evidence of criminal misconduct shall be
conducted pursuant to a search warrant or a well-delineated exception to the search
warrant requirement.
F. PROBABLE CAUSE
Where the facts and circumstances known to an officer based upon reasonable and credible
information would lead a person of reasonable caution and prudence to believe that the search
would produce evidence pertaining to a crime.
G. REASONABLE SUSPICION
For the purposes of this general order is defined as suspicion based upon individual articulable
facts and circumstances, and reasonable inferences from those facts, that would lead a
reasonable person to conclude that an employee may have committed, may be committing, or
may be about to commit a violation of administrative rules, regulations, general orders, special
orders, directives, or procedures.
225.02 NOTIFICATION TO EMPLOYEES
A. All employees are hereby advised that the retention of any personal equipment within any city
building or city-issued equipment, including desks, lockers, and vehicles, is at their own risk.
Neither the city, the Fort Worth Police Department, nor the employee’s supervisors shall be
responsible for any losses due to any reason.
B. All city buildings, premises, and equipment shall be subject to entry, search, and inspection
by any member of the employee’s chain of command. All privately owned property contained
225.00 ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTIONS AND SEARCHES
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in such buildings, premises, and equipment, including video recordings, and/or the contents
of closed or sealed items or containers, are subject to being opened and examined without the
employee’s permission. Employees are hereby notified to have no expectation of privacy
when using city buildings, premises, or equipment.
C. Employees are hereby given notice not to bring items or possessions to any city building or
premises or have said items within any city-issued equipment if they desire privacy in said
items or personal effects.
D. Any city equipment or premise that is protected by an employee-owned lock shall also be
subject to entry, search, and inspection. In the event the lock is damaged or destroyed pursuant
to an administrative search, the lock will be replaced or the employee will be reimbursed the
actual cost of replacement.
E. Any employee whose personal items or containers, not including city-issued equipment as
defined in 225.01(B) above, are to be searched shall, when practicable, be notified and given
a reasonable opportunity to be present when the search occurs.
225.03 INSPECTIONS
A. An inspection may be conducted at any time to determine inventory, ascertain fitness or
readiness of an organization, person, equipment, operations, or facilities, and other related
purposes.
B. An inspection may be conducted at any time by any commissioned officer or civilian
employee at the direction or request of a sergeant or person of higher rank.
225.04 SEARCH FOR WORK-RELATED PURPOSE
A. A search may be conducted when there is reason to believe that a needed document, file, or
other work-related item is in the area or container to be searched.
B. A search for work-related purpose may be conducted by any sworn or civilian employee upon
the verbal authorization of a sergeant or above.
225.05 SEARCH FOR INVESTIGATION OF MISCONDUCT
A. A search shall not be conducted unless authorized by a lieutenant or above, Internal Affairs
personnel, or individuals acting in their behalf.
B. A search for investigation of misconduct based upon reasonable suspicion will be conducted
without warrant.
C. A search for investigation of misconduct may include a search of the suspected employee’s
person if reasonable suspicion exists that evidence of misconduct may be found upon the
person.
1. A search of the person shall be limited to a search of the outer clothing and pockets of
clothing and containers found in the possession of the suspected employee.
2. A search of a suspected employee shall only be conducted by an officer of the same
gender.
3. A “strip search” or similar intrusive search of the body of the suspected employee shall
be prohibited when the purpose of the search is solely for investigation of misconduct.
4. A search of a suspected employee solely for an investigation of misconduct shall be
conducted within a city building, on city premises, or within or near a city vehicle.
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225.06 CRIMINAL EVIDENCE DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR
ADMINISTRATIVE SEARCH
A. Whenever an inspection or search for non-criminal investigation reveals information that the
affected employee may have committed a criminal offense, the administrative search shall
terminate at that time and Special Investigations Section contacted.
1. The searched area shall be impounded and restricted to prohibit the destruction or removal
of evidence.
2. A supervisor shall be called to immediately assume control of the investigation.
3. The suspected employee may be detained for investigation and/or arrested if probable
cause exists.
4. The search shall then be handled in accordance with a search for investigation of criminal
misconduct, General Order 225.07.
225.07 SEARCH FOR INVESTIGATION OF CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT
A. A search for investigation of a criminal offense shall not be conducted unless authorized by a
lieutenant or above, Internal Affairs personnel, or Special Investigations personnel unless
exigent circumstances require authorization from an officer of lower rank.
B. A search for investigation of criminal misconduct shall be conducted only upon the
evidentiary standard of probable cause and pursuant to a search warrant or a well-delineated
exception to the search warrant requirement.
C. The suspected employee will be given an opportunity to consent to a warrantless search and
to sign a consent to search form.
D. If the employee refuses to grant consent and sign a consent to search form, the established
search and seizure rules for investigation of a criminal offense will apply. The searching
officers will be authorized to impound the area to be searched and place it under police guard
while a search warrant is obtained.
E. A search of the suspected employee’s person or containers in their possession upon probable
cause to believe the employee may have evidence of a crime on their person shall not be
conducted unless pursuant to:
1. A search warrant,
2. A recognized exception to the search warrant requirement; or
3. Incident to the arrest of the employee.
301.01 STAFFING AND DUTIES
A. Patrol Division captains shall be responsible for exercising command and control of their
assigned division on a twenty-four (24) hour basis.
B. Division captains shall attend roll call at their discretion and manage patrol operations
whenever the field situation is determined to require their presence.
C. Due to the physical location of the patrol divisions, these offices must serve as a resource
point for citizens visiting the department. The following services shall be provided:
1. Employees assigned to the patrol division office shall attend to all citizens requesting
assistance. Whenever possible, direct assistance shall be provided and the referral of
citizens to other locations shall be avoided. Assistance provided shall include:
301.00 PATROL
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a. Initiating offense reports where an on-scene investigation is not required. When it is
appropriate, personnel shall arrange with the Police Communications Division to
have a police unit meet the complainant at the location of the incident or location of
the caller.
b. If the requested service is not within the jurisdiction of the police department, the
person shall be referred to the individual or agency which can provide the needed
service.
2. Upon completion of the initial investigation of a major incident, or sooner if possible, the
on-scene supervisor or the investigating officer shall contact the appropriate patrol
division office and furnish all available details to a supervisor. The appropriate division
captain shall be notified by the supervisor whenever the situation appears to warrant their
attention.
3. The division commander shall immediately notify their deputy chief when there is a major
or serious incident involving police personnel.
301.02 ROLL CALL
Personnel assigned to the patrol divisions shall report as scheduled for roll call at the times
established by the Patrol Bureau.
A. All roll calls are strictly limited to fifteen (15) minutes; therefore, only information that is
general in nature and affects all officers shall be read. Information affecting only one or two
beats or officers shall be distributed to the parties involved.
B. Field supervisors shall ensure units are staffed and in service as soon as possible after roll call.
C. When circumstances dictate, supervisors may elect to direct officers to go into service
immediately and respond to incidents which require their presence, to include a pre-roll call
response.
301.03 INSPECTION OF VEHICLES
Officers operating a police unit shall conduct an inspection of their vehicle and its assigned
equipment prior to the beginning of a watch. The officer shall be held strictly accountable for the
inspection of the vehicle and any unreported damage and/or contraband/weapons subsequently
discovered.
A. In the event a vehicle is in an unacceptable condition, it shall be the reporting officer’s
responsibility to notify their supervisor immediately. The field supervisor shall conduct an
investigation to determine the responsibility for the improper condition of the police unit.
B. After transportation of any prisoner, the transporting officer shall check their police unit for
weapons or contraband that may have been left by a prisoner.
1. The transporting officer shall assume responsibility for any weapons/contraband left in
the police unit by a prisoner.
2. If the police unit should be placed into service and weapons and/or contraband are later
discovered, the officer making the discovery shall immediately notify their immediate
supervisor, who shall initiate appropriate action.
301.04 EQUIPMENT LOG
A. At the beginning of each shift, an equipment log shall be completed by the person delegated
this responsibility. The log shall list any applicable divisional equipment.
B. Tuning forks for the calibration of the radar units shall be maintained in a secure place within
each division’s equipment room.
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C. Should an equipment change become necessary during the watch, the officer shall ensure the
change can be reflected on the log.
D. The person delegated this responsibility on the following watch shall log in the equipment
returned by the watch being relieved.
301.05 CITATION BOOKS
A. Each captain/commander, shall designate a supervisor to be responsible for maintaining an
adequate supply of citation books for their personnel.
B. The designated supervisor obtaining citation books from the municipal court shall list the
beginning and ending numbers of the citations in each book on the citations-issued log sheet.
C. After the beginning and ending numbers of each book have been recorded on the citationsissued log sheet, the log sheet and the citation books shall be kept in the patrol division office
and at appropriate locations in all other divisions.
D. The designated supervisor shall ensure that all citation books are secured in such a manner
that only supervisors have access to them. A locking file cabinet shall be used where deemed
appropriate.
E. Issuing Citation Books
1. Officers needing a new citation book shall notify a supervisor in their division. The
supervisor shall issue the citation book with the lowest available number and have the
receiving officer sign their name and ID number on the same line that the beginning and
ending number of the citations are recorded. The supervisor shall record the date of issue,
sign the log, place their name and division on the front cover of each citation book they
issue.
2. Officers shall be permitted to check out citation books as follows:
a. Officers may check out one moving, one parking, and one general complaint citation
book.
b. An officer may check out an additional citation book prior to fully completing a
citation book. However, the citation book that was originally checked out must be
completed before using the replacement.
c. Officers may check out additional citation books as needed with the approval of their
captain.
F. Return of Completed Citation Books
1. It is mandatory that all completed citation books be turned in by officers when completed.
2. Officers shall turn in all completed citation books to their supervisor. Supervisors shall
within ten (10) calendar days:
a. Record the beginning citation number in the book on the front cover of the citation
book.
b. Check the book to determine that all citations have been issued, all copies are intact
in the book, and none of the citations have been improperly disposed of or voided.
c. Locate the citations-issued log sheet pertinent to the completed book, enter the date
returned and, if appropriate, whether the officer transferred, resigned, was
terminated, or the citation book was lost indicating whether the book has been
returned, and sign the form.
3. The completed citation books shall then be retained by the supervisor designated by the
captain for a period of six (6) months. After six (6) months, the designated supervisor
shall complete form RM01, Authority for Records Destruction (AFRD), and forward the
form to the appropriate deputy chief for signature. The designated supervisor will then
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contact the City of Fort Worth Records and Information Management for destruction
schedule and proper disposal of the citations. The appropriate citations and AFRD will
be given to the City of Fort Worth Records and Information Management representative
at that time.
4. Access to completed citation books shall be limited to supervisors; however, officers shall
be allowed to review relevant citations prior to testifying or to sign out a particular book
as a memory aid. Books removed for court testimony shall be returned as soon as any
court proceeding is concluded.
G. Audit of Logs
1. Each division captain shall ensure that the citations-issued logs are audited on a quarterly
basis. Audits will be conducted in March, June, September, and December. Such audit
shall ascertain whether the logs are being properly kept, the number of books currently
issued, and assess the efficiency of the procedure. The captain shall be responsible for
ensuring that completed log sheets and an audit report are transported to the deputy chief’s
office for storage and filing within ten (10) calendar days following the completion of the
audit.
H. Retrieval of Citation Books
1. It is the responsibility of an affected supervisor to retrieve all citation books issued to any
officer who resigns, is terminated, retires, or is transferred out of their bureau. The books
shall be stored with the other completed books.
NOTE: Any out-of-date citation books shall be returned to the Municipal Court.
I. Lost Citation Books
1. An officer who loses a citation book shall submit an IOC to their supervisor detailing how
the book was lost. The supervisor shall write the word “lost” in the appropriate space of
the citations-issued log and forward the report through the chain of command to their
deputy chief.
RESTRICTED
303.01 PURPOSE
Eyewitness identification is a frequently used investigative tool. This order is designed to
maximize the reliability of identifications, minimize unjust accusations of innocent persons, and
to establish evidence that is reliable and which conforms to established legal procedure.
A. Definitions
1. Administrator – The person charged with presenting a photographic line-up to a witness.
2. Assigned Investigator – The officer primarily responsible for investigating an incident.
3. Blind Manner/Blind Procedure – A procedure wherein the person administering the live
line-up or photo array does not know who the suspect is.
4. Blinded Photo Array Procedure – A procedure wherein the person who administers the
photo array knows who the suspect is, but each photo is presented so that the administrator
cannot see or track which photograph is being presented to the witness.
302.00 ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE
303.00 EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION
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5. Field Identification/Show-up – An identification procedure in which a single suspect is
shown to a victim or witness soon after the commission of a crime for the purpose of
identifying or eliminating the suspect as the perpetrator.
6. Fillers – Non-suspect photographs or persons. Fillers are selected to both fit the
description of the perpetrator provided by the witness and to ensure that no individual or
photograph stands out.
7. Folder/Shuffle Method – A method of administering a photo array such that the
administrator cannot see or track which photograph is being presented to the witness until
after the procedure is completed. This method is employed when a blind procedure is not
possible.
8. Illiterate Person – An individual who speaks and understands English but cannot read and
write English.
9. Interpreter – An interpreter is a person who is fluent in English and the language of the
witness or victim and who facilitates communication between two parties in two different
languages. The term includes persons who facilitate communication with persons who
are deaf, hearing impaired, or speaking impaired.
10. Live Line-up – The presentation of individuals, including a suspect, in person to a witness,
usually in a manner preventing the individuals from seeing or identifying the witness, for
the purpose of identifying and/or eliminating suspects.
11. Person with Limited English Proficiency – Designates individuals whose primary
language is not English and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand
English. LEP individuals may be competent in certain types of communication (e.g.,
speaking or understanding), but still be LEP for other purposes such as reading or writing.
Similarly, LEP designations are context specific – an individual may possess sufficient
English skills to function in one setting, but these skills may be insufficient in other
situations.
12. Photographic Line-up – A collection of photographs including a suspect photograph and
filler photographs that are shown to a witness for the purpose of identifying and/or
eliminating suspects.
13. Sequential Live Line-up or Photo Array – An identification procedure in which
photographs are shown one at a time to a witness.
14. Simultaneous Live Line-up/Photo Array – An identification procedure in which all
photographs are shown at the same time to a witness.
15. Suspect – An individual who has been specifically identified by the investigation as
possibly being the person who committed the crime.
16. Witness – A term referring to a complainant, victim, eyewitness, or any other form of
witness to an incident.
17. Witness Admonition Statement – A written statement that is read out loud to the witness
describing the procedures of the identification process.
303.02 SPECIAL PROCEDURES REQUIRED FOR ILLITERATE PERSONS,
PERSONS WHO POSSESS LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, OR
PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
A. Determine before any presentation if the witness is deaf or hard of hearing, illiterate, or has
limited English proficiency. If the witness is deaf or hard of hearing, illiterate, is non-English
speaking, or has limited English proficiency an interpreter and/or translator should be used,
unless the administrator speaks and reads the victim’s or witness’s language fluently.
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B. If the person is unable to read, the administrator will read aloud any forms to the witness.
C. When a translator or interpreter is used, the identification of the assisting individual will be
documented as well as the assistance provided. The administrator should follow the
procedures in General Order 206, Emergency Interpreting Services, if a bilingual or deaf
interpreter or translator is required.
303.03 FEEDBACK DURING ANY OF THE PROCEDURES
A. Do not give the witness any feedback regarding the individual selected or comment on the
outcome of the identification procedure.
B. Be aware that witnesses may perceive such things as unintentional voice inflection or
prolonged eye contact, in addition to off-hand words or phrases, as messages regarding their
selection.
C. Avoid casual conversation comments such as “very good.”
303.04 SELECTION OF IDENTIFICATION METHODS (Revised 8/10/18)
A. Photo arrays are preferred over other techniques because they can be controlled better,
nervousness can be minimized, and they are easier to manage logistically.
B. Because they involve multiple persons under relatively controlled circumstances, a properly
conducted live line-up, like a properly conducted photo array, is preferable to a show-up.
C. Because they are highly suggestive, show-ups are vulnerable to challenges to their validity.
Consequently, a show-up should be employed only where other indicia of guilt are present
(e.g., suspect located relatively close in time and place to the crime).
303.05 DESCRIPTION OF EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION METHODS
In order to choose among the various identification methods, a brief description of each method
follows. Once the appropriate method is selected, the administrator should refer directly to the
section of this order for that particular method.
A. Sequential, Blind Photo Array – Photo arrays where the photographs are presented one at a
time to the witness or victim by a person who does not know who the suspect is. This method
requires a preparer who may be familiar with the case and an administrator who does not know
the identity of the suspect.
B. Sequential, Blinded Photo Array – Photo arrays where the photographs are presented one at a
time to the witness or victim by a person who knows who the suspect is, but who takes steps
(putting the photographs in folders and shuffling them) to avoid knowledge of which person’s
photo the witness or victim is looking at. This method typically involves an administrator who
is familiar with the case and knows who the suspect is.
C. Simultaneous, Blind Photo Array – Photo arrays where the photographs are presented all at
once rather than one at a time to the witness or victim by a person who does not know who
the suspect is. This method requires a preparer who may be familiar with the case and an
administrator who does not know the identity of the suspect.
D. Sequential, Blind Live Line-up – Live line-ups where the persons in the live line-up are
presented one at a time to the witness or victim. This method requires a preparer who may be
familiar with the case and an administrator who does not know the identity of the suspect.
E. Simultaneous, Blind Live Line-up – Live line-ups where the persons in the live line-up are
presented all at once rather than one at a time to the witness or victim. This method requires
a preparer who may be familiar with the case and an administrator who does not know the
identity of the suspect.
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F. Show-up/Field Interview – procedure where the witness or victim is presented with a single
suspect and asked to identify whether that suspect is the perpetrator. This procedure can be
carried out by any officer who is familiar with the eyewitness policy.
303.06 – 303.11 RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
305.01 – 305.03 RESTRICTED
305.04 ESCORTS
A When an officer in the field is requested to escort a private vehicle carrying an injured or ill
person, the officer shall first make a quick determination of the severity of the situation.
Injuries such as fractured bones and superficial cuts which do not involve serious bleeding
should not be escorted. The officer shall instruct the driver on the quickest and most direct
route to the hospital and of their obligation to obey all traffic laws. If the driver is still confused
about the directions, the officer may provide a non-emergency escort, obeying all traffic
regulations. The officer shall advise the driver to follow at a safe distance, and that all traffic
laws shall be obeyed. Code 3 escorts of private vehicles shall not be allowed.
B. In the case of severe illness or injury, the officer should request the Fort Worth Fire
Department respond or an ambulance be dispatched. If appropriate, the officer should
administer first aid until medical assistance arrives.
C. The above procedure does not preclude the officer from providing a Code 3 escort for vehicles
which are authorized and equipped for emergency operations.
306.01 PHILOSOPHY
A. The use of force by police officers is a matter of critical concern both to the public and the
law enforcement community. It is recognized that some individuals will not comply with the
law or submit to lawful control, and that officers may be called upon to use force in order to
perform their duties and protect themselves and others against assaults from resistive or
violent individuals. The use of reasonable force, when warranted, is permitted by law and is
an affirmative duty and responsibility of police officers [Graham v Connor, 490 US 386,
(1989)]. Conversely, the unreasonable use of force is contrary to law and places the
representative government agency in a position of civil liability, and the officer in jeopardy of
civil and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action. Given that no policy can realistically
predict every situation an officer might encounter, each officer must be entrusted with wellreasoned discretion in determining the appropriate response in each incident. When officers
304.00 HOSTAGE SITUATIONS
305.00 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION
306.00 USE OF FORCE (Revised 7/7/17)
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must protect themselves or others against imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death,
any type of weapon or technique may be utilized.
B. A reverence and respect for the dignity of all persons and the sanctity of all human life shall
guide all training, leadership, and direction as well as guide officers in the use of force.
Members of law enforcement derive their authority from the public; and therefore, must be
ever mindful that they are not only the guardians, but also the servants of the public.
C. The legal standard used to determine the lawfulness of an officer’s use of force is whether the
officer’s actions are “objectively reasonable” in light of the facts and circumstances as they
existed at the time of the action. An officer’s actions are considered lawful if a reasonable
officer could have believed the action to be lawful in light of clearly established law and the
information the officer possessed at the time of the action. [Graham v Connor, 490 US 386,
(1989)].
306.02 STIPULATIONS
A. These guidelines are intended for internal department use and have not been developed to be
applied in any civil or criminal proceeding, nor are they intended to create a higher legal
standard of safety or care with respect to third parties. A violation of these rules will be
grounds for administrative discipline only, while a violation of the law may be the basis for
civil or criminal penalties imposed by a court of law.
B. The provisions of this order are applicable to all regular and reserve officers acting in their
capacity as a police officer.
C. If not already known by the subject to be detained, arrested, or searched, officers should, if
reasonable, make clear their intent to detain, arrest or search the subject. When practicable,
officers will identify themselves as a peace officer before using force.
D. Officers have the duty to intervene when observing another officer using force that is
beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances.
306.03 DEFINITIONS
A. Force is defined as the compulsion or restraint exerted upon or against a person for the purpose
of
1. Compelling a person to comply with an officer’s direction; or
2. Overcoming resistance by a suspect during arrest or detention; or
3. Defending any person or yourself from an aggressive action by a suspect or another which
represents a threat of physical injury or death.
B. Excessive control/force results when the use of force is greater than that justified by the
violator’s level of resistance at the time force is used.
C. Deadly force is any force that is reasonably likely to cause death or serious physical injury.
Deadly force can also result from a less-lethal force option being improperly applied.
D. Objectively reasonable force is a determination from the perspective of a reasonable officer
on the scene that the decision to use force and the level of force used is appropriate when
evaluating the situation in light of the circumstances known to the officer at the time force is
used.
E. Control for the purposes of this section, is defined as the actual physical control of a subject
that allows for the completion of a lawful arrest/detention.
F. Choke holds are the intentional use of any technique or device that applies pressure to a
person’s throat or trachea area in a manner that restricts their airway or ability to breath.
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G. Neck-restraining techniques are the intentional use of any techniques or device that applies
pressure to a person’s lateral neck area in a manner that restricts vascular blood flow likely to
result in unconsciousness.
H. Hogtie restraint is any form or variation of restraint by which the wrists are handcuffed behind
the back, the ankles are bound together, and the bound wrists and ankles are then tied together.
I. De-escalation is defined as taking action to stabilize the situation and reduce the immediacy
of the threat so that more time, options, and resources are available to resolve the situation.
The goal of de-escalation is to gain the voluntary compliance of subjects, when feasible, to
reduce or eliminate the necessity to use physical force.
306.04 DE-ESCALATION
At times an officer must exercise control of a violent or resisting subject to make an arrest, or to
protect the officer, other officers, or members of the community from risk of imminent harm. Not
every potential violent confrontation can be de-escalated, however, officers do have the ability to
affect the direction and the outcome of many situations based on their training, decision-making
skills, and/or the tactics they choose to employ.
A. When safely possible, an officer shall use de-escalation techniques consistent with
department training whenever possible and appropriate before resorting to force and to
reduce the need for force.
1. Officers should use advisements, warnings, verbal persuasion, and other tactics and
alternatives to higher levels of force.
2. Officers may withdraw to a position that is tactically more secure or allows them greater
distance in order to consider or deploy a greater variety of force options.
3. Officers shall perform their duties in a manner that avoids unduly jeopardizing their
own safety or the safety of others.
B. Supervisors shall respond to incidents in a timely manner when a potential violent
confrontation may exist.
306.05 FORCE OPTIONS (Revised 3/22/18)
It is important to note that actions by an officer shall be predicated by the actions of the subject.
Under no circumstances will the force used by an officer be greater than necessary to make an
arrest or a detention or to protect oneself or another, nor will the force be used longer than
necessary to subdue the suspect, and deadly force shall not be used except as specifically provided
in this directive. The Department’s training materials on use of force are hereby incorporated as if
fully set forth herein. TBP 6.01
A. During a police contact a subject may be:
1. Compliant: A person contacted by an officer who acknowledges direction or lawful
orders given and offers no passive/active, aggressive, or aggravated aggressive
resistance.
2. Non-Compliant
a. Passive Resistance: The subject is not complying with an officer’s commands and is
uncooperative, but is taking only minimal physical action to prevent an officer from
placing the subject in custody and taking control. Examples include: standing
stationary and not moving upon lawful direction, falling limply and refusing to use
their own power to move (becoming “dead weight”), holding onto a fixed object, or
locking arms to another during a protest or demonstration.
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b. Active Resistance: The subject’s verbal or physical actions are intended to prevent
an officer from placing the subject in custody and taking control, but are not directed
at harming the officer. Examples include: walking or running away, breaking the
officer’s grip. An example of verbal actions include: attempting to incite others to
interfere or impede the arrest/detention process.
c. Aggressive Resistance: The subject displays the intent to harm the officer,
themselves or another person and prevent an officer from placing the subject in
custody and taking control. The aggression may manifest itself through a subject
taking a fighting stance, punching, kicking, striking, attacks with weapons or other
actions that present an imminent threat of physical harm to the officer or another.
d. Aggravated Aggressive Resistance: The subject’s actions are likely to result in death
or serious bodily harm to the officer, themselves, or another person. These actions
may include a firearm, use of blunt or bladed weapon, and extreme physical force.
NOTE : Whenever an officer applies a use of force option upon a subject that results in an
injury or complaint of injury, the officer will monitor the subject, render first aid
to the best of their skill level, and immediately summon medical attention. TBP 6.07
B. In response to the above situations, officers shall be guided in the use of force as follows:
1. Low Level Force – a level of force or control that is neither likely nor intended to cause
injury, i.e., handcuffing a compliant arrestee for transport to jail or placing a subject in a
prone position on a high-risk vehicle stop. Low Level Force includes:
a. Officer Presence – Recognition of authority through a uniformed presence, marked
police vehicle, identifiable police markings, logo, badges, police credentials, or
verbal identification. Excludes physical force.
b. Verbal Commands – Commands of direction or required compliance such as
directions to drop a weapon, get on the ground, stop running, etc.
c. Weaponless Strategies – Techniques designed to gain compliance through open
hand control techniques (such as takedowns with no injury, handcuffing or use of
an approved restraint device).
d. Weapon Strategies – Techniques designed to gain compliance through the use of a
departmentally approved control device such as baton as an escort tool or
handcuffs.
2. Intermediate Force – a level of force that has the potential to cause injury or substantial
pain, and is greater than Low-Level Force.
a. Weaponless Strategies – Techniques designed to gain compliance through empty
hand control techniques such as strikes, takedown with injury, kicks).
b. Weapon Strategies – Techniques designed to gain compliance through the use of a
departmentally approved control device such as impact weapons, chemical agents,
or conducted electrical weapons.
3. Deadly Force – a level of force which is likely to produce death or serious bodily injury.
C. Use of Force Restrictions
These restrictions, like all written policies, may not cover every situation. Any deviations shall
be examined rigorously on a case-by-case basis.
1. Officers shall not use deadly force in response to a verbal threat of serious bodily harm
or death.
2. Officers shall not fire a weapon as a warning in order to compel arrest, or to prevent the
escape of a suspect or prisoner. TBP 6.09
3. Officers shall not fire a weapon from a moving vehicle.
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4. Officers shall not fire a weapon into a moving vehicle or at its occupant(s) unless the
occupant(s) are using deadly force against the officer or another person present, by means
other than the vehicle.
5. Officers shall not place themselves in the path of a moving vehicle in a manner which
may lead to the use of deadly force. If a confrontation with a moving vehicle does occur,
officers shall move out of the path of the vehicle.
6. Officers shall not fire into buildings where suspects are concealed. The only exception to
this shall be in those instances where there is no doubt of the suspect’s location, and then
only when deadly assault or intended deadly assault is being directed from the location at
the officer or others.
7. The shooting of animals will be guided by General Order 336.03, Animal Calls.
8. Officers are prohibited from using choke holds and other types of neck-restraining
techniques except when protecting themselves or others against an imminent threat of
serious bodily injury and/or death.
9. Officers are prohibited from using a hogtie restraint.
10. Officers having a firearm drawn or exhibited shall secure the weapon before engaging a
suspect in a different weapon strategy (Taser, baton, pepper spray), a weaponless strategy,
or transitioning to a form of control which requires physical contact.
a. Tactical Units, when performing in accordance with approved procedures stated in
their unit Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and in accordance with the unit’s
advanced training, may prove an exception when exigent circumstances place the
officer at a significant tactical disadvantage, or risk of serious bodily injury or death.
11. Officers shall not use a firearm to strike any person.
12. Other techniques, procedures, and restrictions are contained in the Control Tactics
Training Manual located on the Police Portal under Forms and Documents/Training.
D. Control Devices:
Officers and supervisors shall carry only departmental-approved conducted electrical
weapons (CEW), chemical agents, and batons after completing the prescribed course of
instruction from the Training Division. A list of approved chemical agents and
batons/accessories shall be maintained by the Use of Force Coordinator, and all lists will be
maintained at the Police Training Division. All procedures and guidelines for control devices,
including reporting regulations, shall apply to both on-duty and off-duty uniformed officers.
Control devices shall only be used in situations authorized by General Orders, the Fort Worth
Police Control Tactics Training Manual, and the Taser Training Guidelines.
1. Batons
a. The standard-issue baton shall be furnished to those officers who have qualified and
who have not previously been furnished one.
b. After initial issue, standard-issue batons shall be replaced only if lost or damaged or
deemed defective through no fault of the officer.
c. All batons other than the standard-issue must be obtained at the officer’s expense and
will not be replaced by the department in the event of loss or damage.
d. End caps that are used for retention purposes to prevent the baton from slipping from
the user’s hands are authorized. This excludes any end cap that has pointed or
sharpened protrusions or window breaking feature which may cause additional injury
while being used during closed mode strikes.
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2. Chemical Agents
a. Officers shall carry and utilize only those chemical agents and delivery systems
issued by the department, and shall do so within the guidelines of departmental
training.
b. Officers shall not use chemical agents on a subject who is displaying passive noncompliance, or does not demonstrate their overt intention to use violence or force
against themselves, the officer, or another person.
c. Once exposed to a chemical agent, officers shall seek medical assistance for subjects
who:
(1) May have a pre-existing medical condition, including pregnancy
(2) Appear to be under the influence of a narcotic or controlled substance
(3) Appear non-responsive, ill, or have difficulty breathing
(4) When circumstances allow, officers are encouraged to begin decontamination
by rinsing the exposed areas with clean water.
d. All issued chemical agents shall be inspected by the Training Division personnel
during annual re-qualification.
3. Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW)
a. Only departmentally-issued CEWs are authorized; personally-owned CEWs are not
authorized.
b. Officers shall only draw or exhibit a CEW when:
(1) Conducting the department-approved spark test to ensure the proper operation
of the CEW, or
(2) There is articulable belief that use of the CEW is in conformance with the
General Orders, the Fort Worth Police Control Tactics Training Manual, and the
Taser Training Guidelines.
NOTE: Any type of horseplay with the CEW is strictly prohibited.
c. CEWs shall be carried in an approved holster on the support (weak) side of the body.
d. CEW demonstrations/presentations are prohibited except when conducted by CEW
instructors with the approval of the Training Division Captain.
e. A request shall be made to medical personnel to remove all probes that penetrate the
skin, except in exigent circumstances.
(1) Probes that enter sensitive tissue such as the head, face, genitals, neck, or breast
shall only be removed by medical personnel.
(2) Probes that penetrate skin are a biohazard and shall be disposed using a sharps
container. If an officer receives a puncture from a used probe, the officer shall
follow the department’s exposure process as outlined in the General Orders.
(3) Latex gloves shall be used if handling the removed probe.
f. Once the CEW has been activated against a subject (drive stun or probes):
(1) Officers shall request a medical evaluation on-scene (ambulance) or
(2) Request transport to a hospital for evaluation when a subject cycles for more
than a cumulative fifteen (15) seconds.
g. Officers shall consider the physical condition of the subject and the subject’s
surroundings which could potentially result in a high-risk danger such as, but not
limited to, a fall from a great distance or into the path of a moving vehicle when
determining whether the CEW is an appropriate option. CEWs are prohibited on the
following high-risk population unless exigent circumstances exist or to prevent
serious bodily injury or death to the subject, the officer, or a third person:
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(1) Infirm (frail, weak)
(2) Elderly
(3) Low body-mass index (BMI)
(4) Pregnant
(5) Small child
(6) Person in water (drowning risk)
h. A supervisor or commander shall respond to the scene of every CEW activation in
drive stun or cartridge mode.
i. All use of the CEW as ARC display, in the drive stun mode, and/or in the cartridge
mode shall be documented in the offense/incident report which the officer shall flag
as “Use of Force.” Accidental cartridge discharges shall be reported in an IOC
explaining the incident to the officer’s immediate supervisor where it will be signed
and forwarded to the Taser Coordinator.
NOTE: Drawing the CEW from the holster in preparation of the possibility of use is
not considered a use of force.
(1) When completing the administrative Use of Force report involving an activation
against a suspect, the supervisor will perform a download of the officer’s CEW
firing record. This information will be attached to the report.
(2) The only exceptions to documentation of CEW use are spark testing and official
Training Division classes and demonstrations.
j. All CEWs and cartridges shall be inspected by Training Division personnel during
CEW qualification.
k. No repair or alteration shall be performed on the CEW except by approved Training
Division staff. Any malfunction or necessary repair shall be immediately reported to
the Training Division CEW coordinator for appropriate action.
l. All data stored in the CEW is subject to downloading by the Fort Worth Police
Department.
m. The Training Division shall maintain a current list of officers qualified to carry/use
the CEW and a list of officers who have been issued CEW equipment.
306.06 USE OF DEADLY FORCE
A. The use of deadly force is authorized only when it is necessary for officers to protect
themselves or others from an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury. Justification
for the use of deadly force shall be limited to the facts known or reasonably perceived by an
officer at the time the incident occurs.
B. Regardless of the nature of the crime or the justification for the use of deadly force, officers
must at all times remember their basic responsibility is to protect the public. Therefore, except
to preserve life or to prevent serious bodily injury, officers shall not fire their weapon under
circumstances that would subject other officers, bystanders, or hostages to death or possible
injury. Firing a weapon under such conditions is not justified unless the failure to do so at the
time would create a substantially greater and immediate threat of death or serious bodily
injury.
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306.07 REPORTING USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS (Revised 3/22/18) TBP 6.03
A. All use of force incidents which result in injury to any person, involves the use of a physical
control method that includes a strike or the grounding/takedown of a subject, or any use of a
weapon to control a subject shall be reported and identified as
1. “Use of Force”
a. Officers shall report the full details of the use of force in a related RMS report with the
appropriate title in the “Nature of Call” field. A separate administrative report will be
completed by the supervisor in Blue Team and electronically forwarded through the officer’s
chain of command to be reviewed. The supervisor shall initiate the Blue Team by the end of
their shift.
b. To provide the most accurate Use of Force statistics, a Blue Team Use of Force shall
be generated for each suspect individually i.e., if officers use force on three (3)
different suspects, there will be three (3) separate Blue Team reports with the same
RMS Report Number detailing the force used on each suspect by the officers. The
narrative/summary portion would be similar between all three (3) reports.
NOTE: An administrative report (Blue Team) is not required for the
grounding/takedown of an individual where no injury or other force was
applied or for the displaying of a Taser.
c. All reports which detail a use of force incident shall be completed prior to the end
of the officer’s shift.
d. Only after the Blue Team report has reached the level of Deputy Chief, or at the
request of the Training Division Captain, shall the Use of Force Coordinator or
designee be copied in the review.
2. Deputy Chiefs shall review each use of force report to determine if there is a need for
changes in departmental procedures, additional training for the officer, and/or a referral
to the department psychologist. Deputy Chiefs shall take appropriate action based on their
determination. All incidents that rise to the level of a Critical Police Incident (CPI) or
meet the criteria to be reviewed by the Force Options Review Board shall be referred to
the Assistant Chief and the Chief of Police for review. Deputy Chiefs shall copy the
Assistant Chief and Use of Force Coordinator or designee in all Blue Team reviews.
3. All Use of Force reports will be tracked by the Training Division. The purpose of tracking
these reports is for data analysis and to ensure the Training Division has the most current
information available as it pertains to the utilization and effectiveness of use of force
tactics and to potentially identify trends in criminal tactics. Requests for Training
Division evaluation of a specific Use of Force incident shall be directed to the Director
of the Training Division and must meet the criteria listed below:
a. Involve a lawful arrest or detention,
b. Involve a tactical violation or disproportional use of force as defined in the use of
force disciplinary guidelines, and
c. Not an incident as defined by General Order 356.00 Critical Police Incidents.
4. Professional Standards and Accountability personnel shall conduct an end of the year use
of force audit. A report of the audit results shall be generated for review by the executive
staff. TBP 6.10
5. It is recognized that exigent circumstances may occur requiring an officer to use a weapon
or device that is outside of current policy. Any use by an officer of a weapon or device
not on the departmentally-approved weapons list, shall be considered for reporting as a
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Critical Police Incident and handled in accordance with General Order 356.00, Critical
Police Incidents.
306.08 USE OF FORCE TRAINING
A. The Police Department’s training manual outlines the appropriate use of force techniques
approved for use by officers.
B. All commissioned officers of the rank of lieutenant and below and all reserve officers shall
qualify annually in the department approved baton, chemical agent, CEW, and open-hand
control training program. Failure to demonstrate qualification standards in practical and
written examinations will result in scheduling of remedial training with a certified control
tactics instructor, after which a retest will be given. Failure of the retest will be considered as
neglect of duty and may subject an officer to termination of employment, and a reserve officer
to disqualification from the reserve program for failure to maintain an acceptable level of
performance.
NOTE: Requirements for firearms qualification are outlined in General Order 202.02,
Firearms Qualification.
C. It shall be the responsibility of the Training Division Captain to ensure appropriate training is
developed and offered annually. The captain shall also ensure appropriate documentation of
training and certification is entered in each officer’s personnel file.
D. In the event of changes in training regarding the use of force, the Training Division shall notify
Internal Affairs, in writing, of all such changes prior to their implementation.
E. It shall be the responsibility of all supervisors to ensure their personnel attend the
appropriate training.
306.09 FORCE OPTIONS REVIEW BOARD (Added 3/22/18)
A. The Fort Worth Police Department, through the process of a review board, will, at the request
of the Chief of Police or designee, examine and review all aspects of use of force related
incidents that meet all of the following criteria:
1. Involve a lawful arrest or detention,
2. Deemed as unreasonable force as defined use of force disciplinary guidelines – July 7,
2017, and
3. Not an incident as defined by General Order 356.00 Critical Police Incidents.
B. The focus of the Force Options Review Board will be to protect the sanctity of life, improve
officer safety, enhance professionalism and provide liability protection by evaluating the use
of force employed in each incident with an emphasis on reasonableness, adherence to
departmental policy and following current best practices. This Force Options Review Board
shall not be disciplinary, nor will any disciplinary recommendations be sought or considered
from the review board.
C. The composition of the Force Options Review Board will be flexible to ensure a broad and
insightful review is conducted. The members will meet monthly or as directed by the
Chairperson. The members of the Force Options Review Board shall be:
1. Training Division Captain: Chairperson.
2. Applicable Training Division Representatives (selected by the Training Captain)
3. Criminal Investigations Division Representative
4. Patrol Division Representative
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D. Members of this board shall be briefed by the Force Options Review Board Chairperson in the
operational procedures of the board before being given the responsibility of reviewing use of
force incident packets or serving as chair.
E. The Force Options Review Board shall, by majority consensus, make a determination on
whether the force is reasonable and within departmental policy and current best practices.
F. The chairperson of the board shall direct the preparation of the conclusion and findings of the
board. A formal proposal will be developed through the chairperson and the Training Division
representative and shall then be forwarded to the Chief of Police.
307.01 INITIAL RESPONSE
A. The lieutenant of the affected patrol division shall respond to all hostage situations, barricaded
persons, and sniper incidents that occur within an assigned area of responsibility. Other
situations to which SWAT may respond shall be determined by the lieutenant of the division
involved. The highest ranking patrol supervisor of the involved division has the responsibility
for the proper handling of the situation.
1. Upon notification of a major event as described above, the police dispatcher shall initiate
an immediate patrol response. A supervisor shall be dispatched, preferably, the division
supervisor. The captain, or designee, of the concerned division shall also be notified by
the communications supervisor.
2. When instructed by the lieutenant, the police dispatcher shall notify the SWAT
commander of the information received and that a patrol unit has been dispatched.
3. All units responding to the incident shall be informed by the dispatch supervisor which
radio talk group shall be utilized exclusively for the situation.
B. The ranking patrol officer on the scene shall be in command until properly relieved of that
responsibility by a senior officer. The senior officer who later arrives on the scene may allow
the current field officer or supervisor to remain in charge and assume a support role if the
situation justifies this approach; however, the senior officer will retain the responsibility for a
successful final outcome. The person in charge at the scene shall make an assessment of the
situation, and if conditions suggest a prolonged police response or an aggravated civil
disturbance, the police dispatcher shall be immediately notified.
C. The highest ranking supervisor at the scene shall assume overall responsibility to ensure that
the operations under their direct control are conducted in the manner best suited for the
successful conclusion of the incident. The primary responsibilities of patrol at these type
situations are to:
1. Ensure that SWAT has been notified and is en route.
2. Establish and maintain an outer perimeter sufficient to contain an inner perimeter of
appropriate size for SWAT operations, and assure a sufficient number of officers are
present to exclude unauthorized persons.
3. Attempt to gather information which shall be of assistance to SWAT officers upon their
arrival.
4. Establish a command post at a safe location between the inner and outer perimeters.
5. Ensure communications is advised to immediately make the proper notifications.
Establish a staging area for representatives of the media to be located in a safe location.
Handle all media requests until the arrival of a member of the Public Relations Office.
307.00 SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICAL (SWAT)
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6. Establish a staging area for all emergency personnel and equipment.
7. Consider the need for evacuation of persons within close proximity of the ongoing tactical
incident.
D. If hostages have been taken, implement necessary action to ensure the preservation of the lives
of all concerned.
307.02 OPERATIONS DEVELOPMENT
SWAT is always to be used in support of the patrol supervisor in charge at the scene, and its
mission is to be developed following an assessment and evaluation of available information. Once
a mission is determined, the ranking SWAT officer shall be designated as SWAT commander, and
shall assume the responsibility of developing and implementing the response plan. The method of
carrying out the assigned mission is left to the ranking SWAT officer with the concurrence of the
patrol supervisor who is responsible for the proper handling of the situation.
A. Upon arrival of the SWAT lieutenant, or designee, the field supervisor in charge shall ensure
that the SWAT lieutenant or designee is briefed concerning the status of the situation and the
deployment of officers in the area. The SWAT lieutenant or designee shall assess the situation
and determine if support services are required, such as the fire department, helicopter, or
ambulance.
B. The SWAT lieutenant, or designee, shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining
firearms discipline throughout the incident. No firearms response, with the exception of life
or death situations, shall be initiated except under their direction. A firearms response plan
shall be developed by the SWAT lieutenant with the concurrence of the patrol field supervisor
in charge of the scene.
C. The SWAT lieutenant, or designee, shall establish an inner perimeter and alternate command
posts for tactical operations in accordance with SWAT’s standard operating procedures.
D. After SWAT has implemented the response plan, no member of the department other than
assigned SWAT officers shall be permitted inside the inner perimeter unless specifically
authorized by the ranking SWAT supervisor or lieutenant. The patrol supervisor shall
maintain the outer perimeter and exercise control from the primary command post over all
activity which might potentially interfere with tactical operations. Coordination with other
departments of the city shall be maintained by involved patrol division personnel.
E. The SWAT lieutenant, or designee, shall make the determination, with the concurrence of the
ranking patrol supervisor, as to when the incident has reached a conclusion. The patrol
commander shall then see that involved personnel are released or request additional assistance
as may be appropriate for the situation.
F. The ranking patrol supervisor will assure that units which are not necessary to continued
operations are returned to service in an expeditious manner once the situation warrants.
308.01 – 308.04 RESTRICTED
308.00 STOPPING AND APPROACHING VEHICLES
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309.01 PARKING AND TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
A. Officers shall use courtesy when dealing with violators.
B. The officer shall request to see the violator’s license, explaining the violation which caused
the person to be stopped.
C. Tolerance shall be allowed only in cases where compensation for mechanical error is to be
made. When an officer makes contact, it shall result in either arrest, ticket, or warning.
Warnings should only be used in borderline situations, where extenuating circumstances are
present, or when strangers are confused and the violation is not flagrant or dangerous.
D. Officers shall not stand by parking meters waiting for the meter to expire.
E. When parking violation complaints are received, a citation may be issued at the officer’s
discretion if a violation is discovered.
F. A supervisor shall review all citations issued by officers prior to submitting the citations to
the courts. If a citation is missing information or is illegible, it shall be returned to the officer
for correction. Under no circumstances should an incomplete citation be submitted to the
courts.
1. The division captain may appoint supervisor(s) to review all citations.
2. Recurrent problems with faulty citations will be referred to the appropriate division
captain for appropriate action.
309.02 ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS (Revised 1/8/18)
A. Officers that have occasion to issue citations shall adhere to the following:
1. Complete the citation form by filling in the applicable blanks per current instructions.
2. Unless approved by a supervisor, changes should not be made to the court copy of the
citation after it is given to the offender.
3. Request the violator to sign the citation, explaining that their signature is not an admission
of guilt.
4. Give the violator their copy of the citation and advise the violator that they have eleven
(11) days to comply with the instructions printed on the blue violator’s copy of the
citation.
B. Municipal Court Appearances by Department Personnel
1. All personnel must log into the Officer Subpoena Calendar at least once a week and
review their upcoming court appearances.
2. It is the duty of all officers to attend court when requested by a supervisor, court liaison
personnel, written or electronic subpoena, official court docket or official representative
of the court.
3. Supervisors must notify the court liaison through electronic mail if an officer’s status
changes (i.e., days off, shift, vacation, scheduled training, extended leave, etc.) or anytime
a new officer is transferred to the team. These notifications should occur immediately
upon the supervisor’s knowledge that a change has occurred.
4. Exceptions from the duty of police personnel to attend court require notification be made
to the respective court and may include:
a. Approved occupational, military, sick, family, or scheduled vacation leave. b.
Supervisory-approved out-of-town police business.
309.00 CITATIONS AND COURT SETTINGS
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5. Division commanders will be responsible for follow-up investigations and appropriate
disciplinary action on all police personnel absent from court that were properly notified.
6. Officers receiving a new court assignment shall attend their old court assignment until
the new assignment takes effect, normally within thirty (30) to sixty (60) days.
7. Division commanders may adjust officers’ duty hours to accommodate a court
appearance for the purpose of reducing court overtime cost.
8. All personnel shall immediately notify their supervisor when their shift or days off
conflict with their assigned Municipal Court setting. This will not include the third shift
in the Patrol Bureau.
9. Officers shall not list a second officer as a witness on traffic citations without supervisory
approval and under exigent circumstances. Training officers shall refrain from listing
their probationary officer on traffic citations.
10. Police personnel attending Municipal Court will sign the court attendance log if
applicable.
11. It will be the responsibility of the Court Liaison officer to notify police personnel of
County Court cases outside of Tarrant County and of State Court cases, including
Department of Public Safety hearings. Officers will be notified by Tarrant County
personnel of cases within Tarrant County. Officers attending County Court shall checkin at the Court Liaison office in the Tarrant County Justice Center.
309.03 DIRECT MAILING OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS
A. The routine mailing of traffic citations directly to violators shall not be permitted except by
members of the Traffic Investigation Unit.
B. Should it become necessary to mail a citation to a violator, officers shall obtain approval from
their lieutenant or designee before the citation is issued.
309.04 DISABLED PERSONS PARKING ZONES
A. When a complaint is received concerning a violation of this nature, a unit shall be dispatched
to investigate.
B. Officers who discover a violation of this nature shall investigate and take appropriate action.
C. Officers shall issue a citation when a vehicle is found parked in a properly marked disabled
or handicapped parking zone and the vehicle does not have a license plate with the universal
wheelchair symbol the same size as the numbers, or a disabled parking placard issued by the
Texas Department of Transportation on the rear-view mirror. A vehicle displaying disabled
veteran license plates is entitled to park in designated disabled parking places without a
separate disabled parking placard.
D. Officers shall also issue a citation when a vehicle is blocking an access, curb ramp, or any
architectural improvement designed to aid the disabled.
309.05 COURTESY WINDSHIELD HANGTAGS
The City of Fort Worth Parking Services provides a courtesy windshield hangtag which they issue
to eligible guests attending conventions or certain meetings in Fort Worth. The hangtag shall be
affixed to the rearview mirror on the windshield. The sole privilege afforded by the hangtag is
exemption from inserting coins in parking meters with exceptions or restrictions as indicated on
the hangtag. The hangtag shall be valid until the expiration date printed on the hangtag. The
courtesy hangtag is not intended for use by residents of Tarrant County.
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309.06 MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION CERTIFICATE
A. Citations for inspection sticker violation shall not be issued to vehicles bearing Texas
registration and a valid inspection certificate from any other state.
B. Vehicles bearing valid license plates and an invalid inspection certificate are subject to a
citation issued in the usual manner.
311.01 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
A. All accidents reported to this department shall be responded to, regardless of severity.
However, accident investigations shall be conducted only if one or more of the following
criteria is met:
1. There is an injury, reported injury, fatality, or possible fatality.
2. The accident involves city vehicles or property.
3. The accident involves a hit-and-run or a driver has left the scene.
4. Any driver involved is unable to produce a valid driver’s license or proof of liability
insurance as defined in General Order 311.10.
5. A driver is suspected of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs.
6. The accident is a direct or indirect result of a police pursuit or a criminal action.
7. The accident involves a commercial vehicle as defined in CR-100 Crash Report Manual.
8. A disturbance between involved drivers.
9. Hit and run that is reported within 24 hours of when it was discovered and occurred on a
public street.
10. Damage to vehicles to extent towing is required.
NOTE: If the criteria for accident reporting is met, officers shall use the appropriate
accident report forms located in the administrative report software.
B. An officer at the scene of a crash that does not meet accident investigation criteria will:
1. Establish control over the scene,
2. Distribute the Driver’s Crash Report C-2 (state blue form), if applicable to each driver.
The officer will inform the drivers to complete the form, mail original to the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and to retain a copy for their records,
3. Supervise exchange of liability insurance information,
4. Issue citations for Safety Responsibility Act violations, and
5. Supervise removal from the roadway of vehicles, debris and other possible hazards.
C. Private Property Accident
Vehicle accidents on private residential property or a garage/ parking lot for which a charge
is made for storing or parking a motor vehicle are exempt from police investigation under
Transportation Code Sec. 550.041. They are also exempt from the duty of involved parties to
report them to the state under Transportation Code Sec. 550.001. Officers may be sent if any
of the criteria for on-scene response are present. If both parties are still at the scene and one
wants to prosecute, an information report will be completed.
D. The investigating officer shall attempt to quickly determine the drivers of the vehicles
involved and their physical condition as well as the physical condition of all accident victims.
310.00 RESERVED
311.00 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
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First aid shall be administered where applicable. Ambulances shall be called for the seriously
injured and for those victims requesting such service. The Fort Worth Fire Department Rescue
Unit shall be called for victims trapped in vehicles.
E. In addition to the initial care and disposition of the injured, the following emergency/assist
units may be needed in order to secure the scene.
1. Additional police units shall be called if needed for traffic and crowd control. A
supervisor shall be called if deemed necessary by the investigating officer, or if the
accident involves a police vehicle or a fatality.
2. The officer may secure any available assistance to move the vehicles for the purpose of
preventing additional accidents provided that the investigation shall not be jeopardized.
3. Fire department units shall be called if flammable, explosive, or toxic substances are
present.
4. The appropriate utility units shall be called to clear the scene of fallen utility poles,
electrical wires, traffic control devices, etc. Freeway lighting systems are installed by the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and are then transferred to Fort Worth.
Responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and repair of these lights lies with the city.
Each officer is instructed to list damaged freeway lighting, including the number
appearing on the light standard in the proper space on the accident report form and to
properly identify Fort Worth as owner.
F. Investigative Assistance
1. Crime Scene Search Unit officers shall be called on accidents involving all fatalities or
serious injuries where death is imminent, and where an offense of Accident Involving
Injury or Death has occurred. Supervisors shall ensure photographs are taken of all
officer-involved accidents.
2. Traffic Investigation Unit personnel shall be called during their normal working hours for
accidents involving fatalities, failure to stop and render aid, and accidents involving cityowned vehicles where there is serious bodily injury. Accident investigators shall be
contacted after their normal working hours if the accident involves fatalities, failure to
stop and render aid with serious bodily injury, and accidents involving police units where
there is serious bodily injury to either party. If these criteria are met and there is a request
by a supervisor, Traffic Investigation Unit personnel shall respond regardless of the time
of the accident.
3. When an accident investigator is called to the scene of an accident, as referenced in
General Order 311.01 F. 2, the assigned accident investigator shall take charge of the
investigation.
a. Field personnel shall be expected to assist in interviewing witnesses and/or suspects
identified initially at the scene, or upon request of the accident investigator.
b. Patrol personnel shall provide for the protection of the accident scene upon their
arrival.
c. It shall remain the responsibility of the officer receiving the call to complete the
initial accident report and any related reports, including the completion of the DWI
and/or intoxication assault report, if warranted. The exception will be all fatalities, in
which case, the officer receiving the call will complete the intoxication manslaughter
and related reports, but the traffic investigator will have the responsibility to
complete the accident report.
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d. Field supervisors on the scene shall be responsible for all supervisory duties, and
ensuring all necessary activities for a complete investigation are carried out in
support of the assigned accident investigator.
4. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office shall be notified in the event of a fatality.
G. Clearing the Scene
1. The police department shall impound a motor vehicle involved in an accident when the
driver of the vehicle is incapacitated by reason of physical injury or other causes to such
an extent as to be unable to provide for its removal, or when the driver has abandoned the
vehicle or is not in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. If the spouse of the driver or the
registered owner is present at the scene of the accident and is not incapacitated, the vehicle
shall be released to such person for disposition. Property from motor vehicles shall be
disposed of in accordance with vehicle impoundment procedures.
2. If wreckers were called, the wrecker selection and property forms shall be completed by
the officer on the scene, with the designated copy given to the driver or other person to
whom the vehicle has been released, if applicable. The appropriate enforcement action
shall be taken and the driver shall be released. Officers shall ensure that the wrecker driver
clears the scene of debris and wreckage, and to ensure their safety, the officer shall remain
on the scene to provide traffic control. If a wrecker was not called, it is the officer’s
responsibility to clean up the scene.
3. Damaged vehicles may be left at the scene provided they are not a traffic hazard and are
legally parked, subject to department procedure regarding the storing of a motor vehicle
on a public street as specified by Code of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, 22-159, Storing
of Motor Vehicles on Public Street Prohibited. When the damaged vehicle is left at the
scene, the officer shall affix a note to the windshield stating that an accident has been
worked, the date and time of the accident, the report number, and when the vehicle is to
be removed by the owner. The appropriate dispatcher shall be notified that an accident
has been worked and a damaged vehicle is being left at the scene.
a. Under the Texas Transportation Code, section 545.3051, officers may remove
vehicles from a roadway or right of way if the vehicle blocks the roadway or
endangers public safety.
311.02 ACCIDENT CITATIONS
Any driver found to have violated a traffic law associated with an accident shall be issued a citation
if the accident meets the criteria for investigating an accident described in General Order
311.01(A) and if the elements of the violation can be established and supported by witnesses, e.g.,
accident victims or independent witnesses. Exceptions to this general guideline are listed below in
311.02 (D).
A. If accident criteria is met, the citation shall be issued for the actual statute violated. Example:
Red Signal – Accident Involved. Stop sign violations are an exception, where the citation shall
be issued for Violation of Right-of-Way (R.O.W.) – Stop Sign – Accident Involved.
B. Officers may not make an arrest for a misdemeanor traffic offense occurring out of their
presence with the exception of DWI, those found to have left the scene of accidents involving
$200 or more damage to one or more vehicles or property, and those cases that by law allow
the use of third party witnesses.
C. If it is determined at any point during the examination of the scene or investigation of an
accident that a criminal offense has occurred before or after the accident, the officer shall
initiate the proper report and take appropriate enforcement action in addition to completing
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the accident investigation. Sufficient assistance may be requested to accomplish the additional
duties.
D. Accident citations shall not be issued for private property accidents, one-car accidents without
an independent witness, any accident where there is serious bodily injury or death, or if
charges will be filed with the D.A. stemming from the same incident as outlined in General
Order 318.04.
311.03 ACCIDENT REPORT/CITATION SUBMISSION
A. Before completion of a tour of duty, officers shall submit the accident report and turn in their
accident-related citation(s) to the designated place at the appropriate roll call facility.
B. Accident reports shall be completed electronically with all validation errors corrected and
forwarded to the Report Server on a daily basis.
C. Reports shall be reviewed on the Report Server and approved by the appropriate supervisor.
If rejected, the report will be returned to the officer by the supervisor for correction(s).
D. Records Division personnel will review and forward the reports for electronic submission to
the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
E. Officers’ reports rejected by TxDOT will receive an email to correct any errors within seventytwo (72) hours and to resubmit the report for processing.
311.04 HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS ON PUBLIC STREETS
Officers shall obtain an accurate description of the driver and/or vehicle leaving the scene of the
accident and the direction of travel. As soon as possible, this information shall be given to the
dispatcher for a broadcast unless the officer makes the broadcast via MDC-All message. Officers
shall write the service number in the appropriate blank on all pages of the hit and run report.
A. Arresting Officer Duties
1. When an officer observes any person operating a motor vehicle upon a public street or
highway and sufficient evidence exists to indicate that the person is leaving the scene of
an accident, and the officer is able to verify that the accident involves damages of $200
or more, the investigating officer may initiate a custodial arrest for leaving the scene of
an accident.
2. In order to maintain the charge, no citation shall be written for leaving the scene.
3. If the arrest is accepted by a jail supervisor, an offense report entitled “Accident with
Damage over $200″ will be submitted. All information which is available that identifies
the driver of the vehicle as the same person who left the accident scene shall be included
and the report shall be directed to the Traffic Division.
B. Traffic Investigation Unit Duties
1. The assigned investigator shall contact all witnesses and persons involved in the accident
and assemble a case packet to include the witness list, summary, and estimates of vehicle
and property damage. A copy of the case shall be forwarded to the county prosecutor’s
office with a file sheet maintained at the Traffic Division.
2. A prisoner disposition sheet shall be completed by the investigator at the time the case
packet is filed with the county.
311.05 ACCIDENTS INVOLVING POLICE VEHICLES
A. The Traffic Investigation Unit shall respond to any accident resulting in serious bodily injury
that involves a police department or city vehicle. The appropriate division supervisor shall be
responsible for administration of all blood/breath/urine tests in such cases.
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B. Investigation of accidents involving police vehicles shall include photographs of the scene
and damage to all vehicles and property involved. Form P106 and 3501-005 (Vehicle Accident
and Incident Review Form) shall be completed on all accidents and incidents resulting in
damage to police vehicles. A formal accident report will be required on all accidents and
incidents resulting in damage to any one vehicle or stationary object, or there is injury or death
to any person as a result of the accident.
1. If the officer is injured in the accident, photographs of the vehicle and damage must
accompany the DWC-1 form.
C. Notification of Accidents/Incidents.
1. All accidents/incidents must be reported immediately by the officer. The driver shall
inspect all suspected damage or where contact is made to ascertain whether or not any
damage has been caused.
2. Accidents and incidents shall be reported immediately to the dispatcher, supervisor, and
the Police Fleet Services utilizing the proper form.
3. Accidents outside of the city limits of Fort Worth shall be reported to the police
department with jurisdiction for a formal accident report. If within Tarrant County and
the department refuses, the on-duty supervisor should report to the scene and complete a
formal accident report to be used for departmental purposes only.
D. The officer driving when the accident occurs should attend the equipment and complete a
driver information form, collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons at
the scene, and, if possible, do not move the vehicle until the investigating officer and
supervisor arrive. Do not discuss the facts of the accident with anyone except the investigating
officer and supervisor. Make no statements admitting fault, authorizing repair, or committing
yourself or the City of Fort Worth in any way. The driver must remain at the scene until
directed to leave by their supervisor, unless they must leave for medical attention.
E. If the police vehicle is rendered inoperable, the field supervisor shall arrange for the removal
and safekeeping of the police vehicle, weapon(s), and other portable emergency equipment.
F. If a peace officer or fire fighter is involved in an accident during an emergency and while
driving a law enforcement vehicle or fire department vehicle in pursuit of duties as a peace
officer or fire fighter, the investigating officer shall:
1. Include in the “Describe What Happened” section of the accident report a statement
identifying the driver as a peace officer or fire fighter, that the vehicle was being driven
in response to an emergency, and the nature of the emergency.
NOTE: If the officer involved has a 216 Rider on the individual liability insurance coverage,
they must report the accident to their insurance company, either in person or by
telephone, within thirty (30) days.
311.06 COMPLETION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORM P106
A. It shall be the responsibility of the investigating supervisor to obtain the information necessary
for the completion of the Form P106.
B. The investigating field supervisor will attach a copy of the Form P106 to the administrative
report, along with all other documents related to the accident or incident. This administrative
report will be forwarded to the Accident Review Board and then through the chain of
command. Copies will be placed in the unit vehicle file, with one copy sent to the Law
Enforcement Driver Training (L.E.D.T.) Coordinator in the Training Division and one copy
sent to the Police Fleet Services. The original will be forwarded to the appropriate deputy
chief for review and signature. The original will be forwarded to Police Fleet Services which
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will ensure that one (1) copy of the accident report and Form 3501-005 (Vehicle Accident and
Incident Review) shall be attached to the original Form P106 and distributed copies, if
applicable.
C. The reporting supervisor or driver is responsible for delivery of the damaged vehicle to the
body shop for an estimate. A copy of the Form P106 and a detailed diagram must accompany
the vehicle to the body shop.
D. It shall be the responsibility of each officer who is operating a police vehicle that is involved
in an incident to complete Form 3501-005 (Vehicle Accident and Incident Review). This
form, along with an original of any other miscellaneous reports, is to be forwarded through
the chain of command to the Police Fleet Services with a copy directed to the L.E.D.T.
Coordinator and Risk Management within the first working day following the
accident/incident.
311.07 LATE ACCIDENT REPORT
The course of action of the Fort Worth Police Department is to not investigate accidents when both
parties have left the scene of the accident and one party later calls requesting an accident report be
made. Exceptions to this procedure are:
A. When either party leaves the scene to call the police or pursue another party involved in the
accident to get a description or license number and is returning to the scene to report the
accident.
B. When either party leaves the scene to seek immediate medical attention.
C. Reasonable circumstances exist that caused either party to leave the scene and that party is
going to return to the scene to report the accident.
D. Officers who are requested to work an accident that does not fit the above criteria shall enter
the basic information into their call details, issue a Driver’s Crash Report C-2(blue form) to
the reporting party with instructions that the form should be completed and mailed to the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in Austin, and offer reasonable assistance to
the reporting party.
311.08 PROOF OF AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY
A. No motor vehicle, unless exempt by the Texas Transportation Code, may be operated unless
financial responsibility is established for that vehicle.
B. Upon request of a police officer or a person involved in an accident, all operators shall furnish
proof of financial responsibility. Hard copies of policies, applicable certificates and images
displayed on a wireless communication device that includes the information as required by
law will be accepted.
C. If proof of financial responsibility can be provided by the operator, verifying that either the
operator or owner has such coverage, no violation has occurred. Proof of financial
responsibility pertains to the vehicle, not the operator.
311.09 SEIZURE OF AUTOMOBILES BY PROPERTY DAMAGE VICTIMS
A. In situations where a motor vehicle has caused damage to private property, particularly real
estate fixtures, there is no statutory authority for the owner of the damaged private property
to seize and retain the motor vehicle which has caused the damage.
B. If the motor vehicle causing the damage remains on private property, the owner of the vehicle
normally has the right to make arrangements to have the vehicle removed at their request.
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1. If the driver fails to arrange for removal or is unable to do so, no physical danger exists,
and the owner of the private property does not desire the motor vehicle to be removed, it
should be left at the scene unless involved in a crime such as hit and run.
2. If the owner of the property where the vehicle is located does not give permission to enter
or bars entry, the vehicle owner may not enter forcibly or by criminal trespass.
C. Police employees shall advise both owners that possession of the vehicle is a civil matter
between the parties.
D. If the vehicle causing the damage meets the criteria of section 34-181 of the Code of the City
of Fort Worth, Texas, “Contracted Police Pulls,” then the vehicle should be removed by police
in accordance with the wrecker chapter.
311.10 ACCIDENT RE-INVESTIGATION
A. No re-investigation of a traffic accident shall be conducted by an officer unless specifically
authorized by the officer’s supervisor.
B. Officers in need of supplementing an accident report will request Records Section personnel
return the report from the accident server, then the officer will check the “supplement” box at
the top of the report, complete the changes, and resubmit the report to the accident server for
processing.
C. Nothing in this section shall preclude efforts to ensure the completeness and accuracy of an
accident report by Police Department personnel directly involved in handling, reviewing or
processing such reports consistent with any General Order.
312.01 INITIAL STOP AND FIELD SOBRIETY EVALUATION
Officers shall be careful to note all violations of traffic laws (state and city ordinances) which
prompted the traffic stop. All other actions on the part of the violator during the traffic stop shall
also be noted. If, after confronting the violator, the officer suspects the violator to be intoxicated,
a field sobriety evaluation shall immediately be administered after the violator is out of the vehicle.
If requesting recitations such as the alphabet, counting, data recognition, be sure the suspect is not
in a custodial situation.
A. The violator’s ability to follow directions and perform the field sobriety evaluation shall be
reported in detail using the Field Sobriety Scoring Sheet. Officers shall avoid using pass or
fail terms to describe the results.
B. A field sobriety evaluation is to assist the officer in evaluating the violator’s state of sobriety,
but shall not be used as the sole determination of intoxication.
C. Diabetes
1. The symptoms of diabetes can sometimes resemble the indications of a person who is
intoxicated, including disorientation, slurred speech, etc. Officers should check for a
MedicAlert bracelet/necklace indicating a diabetic condition and/or see if the following
symptoms are present prior to making a decision to initiate an arrest:
a. Dullness, headache, irritability, crying.
b. Shaking, sweating, lightheadedness.
c. Hunger, numbness, pale and/or moist skin.
d. Dizziness, loss of coordination, slurred speech.
e. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
312.00 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) INVESTIGATION
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f. Blurred vision.
g. Rapid, deep breathing — fruity odor to breath.
h. Confusion, drowsiness, unconsciousness.
2. If the subject is suffering from one of the above symptoms, a determination of the severity
shall be made. If the situation appears serious, officers shall request that the dispatcher
send an ambulance.
312.02 ARREST AND VEHICLE DISPOSITION
Once a decision has been made to arrest the violator for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), officers
shall:
A. Advise the suspect that an arrest for DWI will be made.
B. The Miranda Warnings should not be read to the suspect at the time of the arrest. Accordingly,
no interrogation should be conducted at the scene once the suspect has been arrested. The DIC
24 (Police Officer DWI Statutory Warning) should not be given at the scene.
C. Make disposition of the suspect’s vehicle in accordance with established procedure.
D. Unopened and empty alcoholic beverage containers shall be noted in the DWI report, but shall
not be collected and tagged as evidence.
E. The suspect shall be transported to the jail and shall not be allowed to smoke, eat, or drink. If
the suspect has been involved in an accident, an assist officer shall investigate the accident.
The accident report and related charges shall be coordinated with the arresting officer and
properly completed.
F. The following procedure will apply only when a DWI suspect has been admitted to the
hospital and will not apply when the DWI suspect is to be treated and released. When the
hospital staff advises that the DWI suspect will be admitted:
1. The officer guarding the suspect will:
a. Ensure that proper identification of the arrested person has been obtained.
b. Verify all necessary evidence has been obtained such as blood test, clothing seized,
etc.
c. When both of the above have been accomplished, the officer shall notify the jail
supervisor.
2. The Jail Supervisor will determine if any of the following exists:
a. The arrested person is suspected of driving a vehicle involved in an accident which
resulted in death of any person, or another person may die as a result of the accident;
b. The arrested person has previously been arrested or convicted for DWI within the
last five (5) years;
c. The arrested person has two (2) or more previous DWI convictions; or,
d. The arrested person is currently on parole or probation.
3. If any of the above apply, a guard will be posted. If none of the above apply, the jail
supervisor shall:
a. Notify the affected division’s on-duty supervisors that no guard will be kept on the
prisoner;
b. Notify the officer guarding the prisoner that it is no longer necessary to guard the
prisoner; and,
c. Note on the Jail Registration Sheet, the date, time, and division supervisor notified
that the guard on the prisoner was removed.
4. If unable to verify identification, the guarding officer will ensure the following is
completed before releasing the suspect:
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a. Crime Scene shall be called to photograph and fingerprint the suspect.
b. Ensure that the jail supervisor, respective CID supervisor, or traffic supervisor is
notified of the photographing and fingerprinting of the suspect and that the guard is
clearing the scene.
G. If a DWI suspect is admitted to a hospital and circumstances arise jeopardizing the submission
of the DWI case package in a timely manner, traffic investigators will be responsible for
notifying the jail supervisor that the suspect will not be filed on immediately; notifying the
jail supervisor to remove the guard from the DWI suspect; the issuance of an arrest warrant,
if probable cause exists for an arrest; and the filing of any DWI case with the District
Attorney’s office when an arrest warrant is issued.
NOTE: See 312.06D, Blood Samples from Hospitalized DWI Suspects, for related
processing of the DWI suspect.
312.03 PUBLIC INTOXICATION IN A CAR
A. DWI suspects involved in accidents were no witnesses can testify that the suspect was
operating the vehicle may still be charged with DWI if the suspect volunteers to the
investigating officer that they were driving when the accident occurred. Officers should be
careful when questioning the suspect as not to solicit an involuntary response.
B. If there are no witnesses and the suspect does not admit to driving the vehicle when the
accident occurred, the suspect may be charged with Public Intoxication if the elements to the
offense are met.
312.04 VIDEO RECORDING AND INTERVIEWING THE DWI SUSPECT
Once a decision has been made by the officer to arrest a driver for DWI, the officer shall transport
the prisoner to the intoxilyzer testing facility.
A. Upon entering the intoxilyzer facility, the arresting officer shall notify the operator of the
presence of the prisoner, contact the jail supervisor to explain the probable cause for arrest,
and provide sufficient information for a driver’s license check.
B. The intoxilyzer operator shall start the video recorder just prior to the prisoner entering the
recording room. The prisoner, arresting officer, and interpreter, if needed, shall then enter.
The arresting officer shall read the DIC 24 (Police Officer DWI Statutory Warning),
administer the sobriety tests, read the Miranda Warnings, and ask the Intoxilyzer Report
questions to the suspect on the recording. A definite affirmative or negative answer must be
obtained, when applicable. The officer must then sign the DIC 24 while the video is recording.
If the suspect does not understand the statements in the DIC 24, the officer can only repeat the
questioned section. The officer shall not offer an interpretation of the statement.
1. Upon a refusal or invalid specimen, the suspect shall sign the bottom section of the DIC
24. If the suspect refuses to sign the DIC 24, the officer shall denote that decision by
striking out the inappropriate box on the bottom section of the DIC 24.
2. The prisoner shall be released to the custody of the breath test operator who shall follow
the DWI interview and video reporting procedure. After the breath test or refusal has been
completed, the prisoner shall then be returned to the custody of the arresting officer.
3. A copy of the DIC 24 should be given both orally and in writing. Failure to give the
suspect a written copy will cause the test result to be inadmissible.
4. Following a failure or a refusal, the arresting officer shall serve notice of suspension of
driving privileges on the suspect orally and by completing a DIC 25 (Notice of
Suspension) and provide the driver with a copy of the DIC 25 form. The arresting officer
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shall deliver the prisoner to jail and follow normal booking procedures. The officer is
authorized to confiscate the license if the suspect refused or if the suspect provided a .08%
or higher reading.
C. The intoxilyzer operator shall be responsible for making a review of the video upon its
completion or immediately after the intoxilyzer test, if applicable. The review shall validate
that the video recorded correctly and that the audio and visual portions are intelligible. It is
not necessary to review the entire video to validate the recording. If for any reason an error
exists which would preclude the use of such video as evidence, the arresting officer shall be
notified and shall be responsible for including this information in the DWI report.
D. Once the video has been reviewed and validated, the intoxilyzer operator shall submit it as
evidence. The intoxilyzer operator is also responsible for securing the video in the appropriate
locked drawer at the jail facility.
312.05 INTOXILYZER TEST AND BOOKING THE DWI SUSPECT
Upon completion of the interviewing and videotaping, the operator shall administer the intoxilyzer
test.
A. The request for the breath test should be made one time only. There is no right to an attorney
for the purpose of deciding whether to take the breath test. It should not be implied to the
suspect that if they pass the breath test, they will not be charged with DWI and may be
released.
B. The arresting officer shall denote the intoxilyzer test results (0.—%) in the title of the report
and in the narrative.
1. The arresting officer shall register the suspect in jail if the intoxilyzer test results indicate
the suspect is intoxicated (0.08% or above).
2. If the test results are 0.06% or below and DUI is not suspected, the suspect’s release may
be authorized by the jail supervisor. All completed forms must be submitted through
normal channels; however, only the DIC 23 and DIC 24 and a copy of the Breath Test
Record will be forwarded to Austin.
a. If the suspect is released, the jail supervisor shall authorize the release of the
impounded vehicle and arrange for transportation for the subject to the Auto Pound.
3. If the test results are 0.07% or below, a case may still be filed. In these cases, the DIC 23
for submission will be forwarded to the jail supervisor. Other completed forms must be
submitted through normal channels.
4. If the test results are 0.30% or above, the suspect shall be closely observed and may be
sent to John Peter Smith Hospital if deemed necessary by the jail supervisor.
C. If DWI-Other Than Alcohol is suspected and there is adequate evidence (witnesses, drugs,
etc.), the suspect shall be charged with DWI-Other Than Alcohol. The officer shall request a
sample of blood and, if applicable, if the officer is certified in Drug Recognition Evaluation
(DRE), the officer may perform a DRE. In the absence of such evidence, the suspect may be
released or charged with any appropriate charges that may be applicable subject to the
judgment of the jail supervisor.
NOTE: If the officer is not certified in Drug Recognition Evaluation, the officer may still do
the field sobriety evaluation and note there was no alcohol smell. Officers may also
ask the suspect if the suspect is currently on any medication or drug and document
that answer.
D. If the suspect was operating a commercial motor vehicle, forms must be completed dependent
upon the alcohol concentration of the driver and whether the driver is suspected of only an
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alcohol-related commercial drivers license violation, or both an alcohol-related commercial
drivers license violation and DWI. When test results for drivers operating a commercial motor
vehicle are 0.040% or above, or if there is a breath test refusal, the DIC 54 (Peace Officer
Sworn Report for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators), DIC 55 (Statutory Warning for
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators), and the DIC 57 (Notice of Disqualification) along
with all other forms must be submitted through normal channels.
312.06 REQUESTS FOR CHEMICAL TESTS
A. If the suspect requests a chemical test administered by the suspect’s personal physician, either
subsequent to refusal or in addition to the department’s intoxilyzer test, the operator shall:
1. If a suspect requests a blood test at any stage, advise them of the right to obtain their own
sample and that this right attaches only after they have submitted to the breath or blood
test requested by the arresting officer.
2. Explain to the suspect that the test administered by the suspect’s physician shall not
replace the test offered or administered by the department. In either case, the test must be
completed within two (2) hours.
3. Furnish the suspect a telephone with which to call a qualified person to withdraw blood.
B. County procedures shall be followed upon arrival of the person who shall draw the blood. The
arresting officer, if possible, shall be present during this test. The arresting officer shall note
the exact time of the test, name and address of the person administering the test, and the type
of test given in the DWI report.
C. Blood/Breath Samples From DWI Suspects
The following is the requirement by state law in regards to drawing blood or breath samples
from any person suspected of driving while intoxicated.
1. Any person arrested for DWI will be requested to give a sample designated by the officer
of the arrested person’s breath and/or blood to be used in determining intoxication. Failure
to consent to a request for such a sample shall result in the suspension of the arrested
person’s license.
2. Prior to requesting that a breath/blood sample be taken, the actor must be warned orally
and in writing of the consequences of refusal by reading the DIC 24 and providing the
suspect with a copy.
3. If an actor is unconscious or in a condition thus rendered incapable of refusal, consent is
implied and blood may be drawn without the actor’s consent.
4. Only a physician, qualified technician, registered professional nurse, licensed vocational
nurse, or licensed or certified emergency medical technician-intermediate or emergency
medical technician-paramedic authorized to take a blood specimen under Subsection C
sec. 724.017 of the Texas Transportation Code may draw blood from a suspect.
5. Unless the blood is withdrawn by a physician, it must be taken in a physician’s office or
a hospital licensed by the Texas Department of Health. With a blood search warrant,
blood can be withdrawn at other approved locations such as a police department facility
or mobile van.
6. A peace officer must obtain a blood search warrant even though the arrested person had
refused, if the following conditions are met:
a. The arrested person was the operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that
the peace officer reasonably believes occurred as the result of a DWI offense; and
b. The peace officer reasonably believes that a person has died or shall die as a result
of that accident; and
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c. The arrested person has refused to voluntarily give a blood sample prior to the peace
officer ordering the sample to be taken.
D. Blood Samples From Hospitalized DWI Suspects
If there is probable cause to suspect a person was Driving While Intoxicated, and that person
has been transported to a hospital due to accident injuries, and that person is likely to be treated
for such a period of time that the taking of a breath sample is impractical, the following
procedure shall be followed:
1. Each Crime Scene Search Unit officer shall carry a number of the kits should they be
unavailable at the hospital. The kit shall contain:
a. Three (3) grey top vacu-seal containers prepared by the Crime Lab with the proper
chemical necessary for preserving the sample.
b. A Hospital Request to Withdraw Blood form.
c. A DWI Statutory Warning form DIC 24.
d. An explanation sheet that can be used to satisfy the hospital personnel of the
requirements of the law.
e. A label for identifying and sealing the vial.
f. A “blood alcohol” envelope for holding the vial.
g. A Fort Worth Police Department Blood Withdrawal Procedure form.
2. If the arrested person is conscious and coherent, the officer shall administer the DIC 24
(Peace Officer DWI Statutory Warning) and shall read the Hospital Request to Withdraw
Blood form to the actor. The officer shall complete this form showing whether the actor
consented or refused to give a blood specimen.
a. If the arrested person refuses to give a sample, the officer shall complete the DIC 23
(Affidavit Form) and the DIC 25 (Refusal or Suspension Form).
b. If the arrested person consents, the officer shall request of the hospital personnel that
either a physician, qualified technician, registered professional nurse, licensed
vocational nurse or licensed or certified emergency medical technician-intermediate
or emergency medical technician-paramedic authorized to take a blood specimen
under Subsection C sec. 724.017 of the Texas Transportation Code take a blood
sample and deposit it in the vial provided. It is not necessary to complete the DIC 25
as the Department of Transportation in Austin will prepare the form once the lab
result is received.
c. If the person refuses to give a sample or is unconscious and incapable of giving
consent and the officer reasonably believes that a person has died or shall die as a
result of a motor vehicle accident, or that the arrested person was the operator of a
vehicle involved in the accident and was intoxicated, the arresting officer shall
request of the hospital that a blood sample be taken under the authority of a blood
search warrant.
3. When blood samples are taken, the following procedure shall be pursued:
a. The officer requesting same shall be present to witness when the blood is withdrawn,
complete the Fort Worth Police Department Blood Withdrawal Procedure form, and
then take immediate possession of the vials of blood, sealing the vials in the presence
of the person who draws the blood and completing the label.
b. The vials shall be transported to the Property Room and placed in evidence per proper
procedure. The blood samples shall be refrigerated, not frozen, as soon as possible
of its collection by the officer until transported to the lab for testing. An evidence
transmittal form and the yellow copy of a DIC 23A shall be attached.
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c. The arresting officer shall complete a DWI report and attach all applicable forms to
be submitted at the jail.
d. Assisting officers may accomplish such tasks as are practical ascribed to the arresting
officer, but all such tasks shall be duly recorded in the proper forms and the chain
must be unbroken.
312.07 JUVENILE DWI ARREST
A. Officers stopping juvenile traffic offenders fourteen (14) years and older suspected of DWI
shall perform a field sobriety evaluation.
B. Once a decision has been made to arrest the juvenile for DWI, officers shall follow normal
vehicular impoundment procedures. The arresting officer shall notify the jail supervisor that
a juvenile DWI suspect is in custody. No juvenile will be allowed to enter the facility until
clearance is received from the jail supervisor. The jail supervisor shall ensure no adult
suspects, trustees or any other adults are occupying the facility’s holdover room. Upon this
notification, officers may process the juvenile according to intoxilyzer guidelines. Logging
and video of juvenile intoxilyzer examinations must be kept separate from the video
recordings and records of adult suspects. Intoxilyzer operators are responsible for the video
recording until retrieval by the assigned detective. Once completed, the assigned detective
shall submit the retrieved video recording and case to the Youth Services.
C. All statutory warnings given to juveniles shall be recorded.
D. Upon completion of DWI procedures, the arresting officer will transport the juvenile to the
detention center and follow in-custody arrest procedures. Officers shall not release juvenile
suspects to a parent or guardian. The arresting officer must submit a copy only of all DWI
forms with the juvenile when transported to the detention center. The report will be entered
by the officer and will be assigned to the Traffic Investigation Unit.
E. If the juvenile has been informed of and understands the consequences of refusal to submit to
the breath/blood test and refuses to submit to a specimen, the arresting officer shall request
the juvenile’s signature on form DIC 24 (Police Officer DWI Statutory Warning.)
F. Other than the requesting of a specimen, any other questions of a juvenile will require taking
the juvenile before a magistrate for appropriate juvenile warnings. A written statement cannot
be taken from a juvenile without a magistrate’s warning prior to and after this written
statement.
G. If the juvenile traffic offender is suspected of DWI has been involved in a failure to stop and
render aid or intoxication manslaughter/assault offense, the officer shall make an offense
report for the applicable charge.
H. If the juvenile traffic offender is suspected of DWI without other charges, then the officer
shall charge the juvenile with Delinquent Conduct – Driving While Intoxicated under Texas
Family Code Sec. 51.03 (a)(3).
I. Traffic investigators shall be responsible for ensuring the completed original DWI case
package is submitted to Youth Services within two (2) business days of the juvenile’s arrest
if circumstances allow.
312.08 DWI REPORT COMPLETION AND SUBMISSION
Once the suspect is registered in jail, the arresting officer shall complete the DWI report. Officers
shall be specific when describing the actions of the suspect from the time of initial observation to
the time the suspect is registered in jail. All times and witnesses pertinent to the arrest shall be
accurately recorded. When inputting the report to ARS, the format shall include information
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pertaining to existing conditions, a summary, witnesses, observation of driver, field sobriety
evaluations, inventory of vehicle, accident investigation if necessary, intoxilyzer room, and
incident times.
A. The arresting officer shall gather the information necessary for submission of the appropriate
reports. Follow-up and case filing for the offense of DWI will be the responsibility of the
Traffic Division.
1. If a Traffic Division DWI Unit takes over a DWI investigation from another
bureau/division, the Traffic Division will be responsible for all follow-up investigation
and case filing.
2. When a DWI arrest is involved in an accident which resulted in serious bodily injury or
the death of any individual, the report will be worked as a DWI, but the title will be
intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter. The paperwork listed in 312.08 D shall
be forwarded to the Traffic Investigation Unit using the DWI format by the patrol officer,
or the DWI officer if so directed.
B. Submission of Forms to the Suspect:
1. A completed copy of the Form DIC 24 (Police Officer DWI Statutory Warning)
2. A completed copy of DIC 25 (Notice of Suspension), and
3. If the suspect is a commercial motor vehicle operator, the suspect will receive a copy of
the additional following forms:
a. DIC 55 (Peace Officer Statutory Warning for CMV Operators)
b. DIC 57 (Notice of Disqualification)
C. Submission of Forms to the Jail Supervisor:
1. Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Reporting form (TRN)
2. Jail Registration
3. Adult Warning
4. Notarized copy of the DIC 23 (Probable Cause Affidavit) and the DIC 24 (Police officer
DWI Statutory Warning), if applicable, the DIC 25 (Notice of Suspension) and accident
report
5. Continuation Sheet, if applicable
6. Copy of Breath Test Record, if applicable
7. Affidavit
8. All in-vehicle, body camera, and other media
D. All other paperwork will be reviewed by a jail supervisor for completeness before leaving the
jail facility.
1. Breath Test Record
2. Pink/Yellow Copy of TRN – generated by computer unless system is inoperable
3. Field Sobriety Score Sheet
4. Intoxilyzer Report
5. Form DIC 24 (Police Officer DWI Statutory Warning)
6. Original Form DIC 23 (Probable Cause Affidavit)
7. Continuation Sheet, if applicable
8. Form DIC 25 (Notice of Suspension) – If refusal or provided a reading of .08% or higher
9. LIDR/Copy of Driver License
10. Copy of Accident Report, if applicable
11. Copy of Evidence Transmittal, if applicable
12. Blood Request for Conscious or Unconscious Subject, if applicable
13. Search Warrant with warrant number listed
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14. In the case of a commercial motor vehicle, the following additional forms will be
necessary:
a. DIC 54 (Peace Officer Sworn Report for CMV Operators)
b. DIC 55 (Peace Officer Statutory Warning for CMV Operators)
c. DIC 57 (Notice of Disqualification)
E. Traffic investigators will be responsible for completing the case report cover sheet and
obtaining, if applicable, the LIDR, criminal history, adult warning, probable cause affidavit,
and laboratory analysis. Traffic investigators shall be responsible for ensuring a complete
DWI case package is submitted to the District Attorney’s office, and that a complete set of
forms is sent to the Driver Improvement and Administrative License Revocation (ALR)
Program within the Department of Public Safety in a timely manner. If the test results are
0.08% or below, all completed forms must be submitted through normal channels, however,
only the DIC 24 and a copy of the Breath Test Record will be forwarded to Austin.
313.01 ARREST /DETENTION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS AND UNDOCUMENTED
PERSONS (Revised 8/28/17)
A. Foreign Nationals
1. For the purpose of consular notification, a foreign national is any person who is not a
U.S. citizen.
2. When an officer takes a person into custody and the officer is aware or has reason to
suspect that the arrested person may be a foreign national, the officer shall inform the jail
supervisor of this situation. The jail supervisor shall note this on the jail registration form.
3. The arresting officer shall deliver any documentation of foreign citizenship, which is
not evidence, to the jail supervisor. It will be the responsibility of the Jail Division to
maintain a file with all documentation concerning notification and any copies of
documentation of citizenship found on a foreign national.
4. The jail supervisor shall be responsible for notification of the foreign embassy or
consulate.
a. For foreign nationals whose country is on the list of mandatory notification
countries:
(1) Notify the nearest consulate of the foreign national’s country via fax
immediately or as soon as reasonably possible, and in no case longer than the
end of the booking shift. Notification must be made even if the foreign national
does not want the notification.
(2) Document the notification in accordance with the U.S. State Department
Guidelines.
b. For foreign nationals whose country is not on the list of mandatory notification
countries:
(1) As soon after the arrest as reasonably possible, but no later than booking,
inform the foreign national that notification can be made to consular officers if
requested. If foreign national requests notification, notify the nearest consulate
of the foreign national’s country as soon as reasonably possible but no later
than seventy-two (72) hours after arrest.
313.00 FOREIGN NATIONALS AND UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS
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(2) Document the notification in accordance with the U.S. State Department
Guidelines.
5. A list of foreign embassies and consulates, and countries with special treaties will be on
permanent file with the jail supervisor.
B. Undocumented Persons
1. Definitions
a. An undocumented immigrant is a foreign-born person who is residing in the U.S.
without legal immigration status, including persons who entered the U.S. without
proper permission from the U.S. government and those who entered with a legal
visa that is no longer valid.
b. ICE means the Immigration and Customs Enforcement branch of the federal
government. The enforcement of immigration laws rests with the US Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
c. Proof of residency shall include, but is not limited to, a government issued photographic
identification card or a document issued by the federal government indicating current legal
immigrant status. It shall include, for these limited purposes, expired, revoked or
suspended Texas driver’s licenses.
d. Detainer request means a forty-eight (48) hour hold issued by ICE based upon probable
cause that a person has violated immigration restrictions and is civil in nature.
e. Lawful detention means a detention based upon reasonable suspicion that the detainee has
committed or is committing a criminal offense. For purposes of this directive the term
lawful detention shall not include a detention of a person who is a victim or witness of an
offense or is reporting a criminal offense.
f. Lawful arrest means an arrest based upon probable cause that the arrestee has committed a
criminal offense.
2. State law mandates that officers shall not inquire into the immigration status of a detained
individual when the individual is being detained solely because they are a witness to a
crime and/or the person reports a criminal offense, unless:
a. The inquiry is necessary to investigate the offense; or
b. The officer is providing the victim or witness with information about federal visas
designed to protect individuals providing assistance to law enforcement.
3. Officers shall actively enforce state and federal laws in a responsible and professional
manner, without regard to race, ethnicity or national origin. Officers are strictly
prohibited from engaging in racial profiling as defined in General Order 347.02, Racial
Profiling.
4. Officers may not stop a motor vehicle or conduct a search of a business or residence
solely to enforce a federal law relating to immigrants or immigration unless the officer
is acting:
a. At the request of, and providing assistance to, an appropriate federal law
enforcement officer; or
b. Under the terms of an agreement between the police department and the federal
government.
5. Fort Worth police officers are prohibited from assisting or cooperating with federal
immigration officers if the assistance/cooperation is occurring at a place of worship,
i.e., church, mosque, synagogue.
6. Officers shall use Signal 10-58 (Verified Immigration Status) when inquiring about a
person’s immigration status. Officers shall make sure their body-worn camera is
activated, if not already activated, when they decide to inquire into immigration status of
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a detainee. Officers shall verify their body-worn camera is activated on an immigration
status call.
a. If action is taken on the immigration verification only (i.e., ICE detainer, ICE
referrals from the field, etc.), the officer shall initiate an incident report entitled
“Verification of Immigration Status Report.”
(1) The officer should include relevant information in the narrative including, but
not limited to: describing what occurred, which supervisor was contacted,
whether ICE was contacted and by whom, vulnerable persons with
detained person and how this was handled, number of officers required to
assist, was vehicle towed, outcome of verification, arrival time of ICE if
contacted, and time on call.
(2) A Verification of Immigration Status Report is not completed if an offense
report is warranted; however, the officer will note the immigration verification
in the offense report.
7. Lawful Detention
a. Officers may inquire into the immigration status of any individual who has been
lawfully detained.
b. State law mandates that officers cannot require a person who is lawfully detained,
but not arrested, to provide identification. Officers shall not arrest a person who
refuses to identify themselves during a lawful detention, unless the officer has
probable cause to arrest the person on another criminal violation. Officers may arrest
a lawfully detained person if the person is untruthful about their identity
c. During a lawful detention officers may make inquiries via TCIC/NCIC to determine
if the detainee is the subject of any ICE warrants or detainer requests. Officers are
not prohibited from contacting ICE directly.
8. Lawful Arrest
a. An officer may arrest an undocumented person for a criminal offense only if the
officer is acting under the authority granted under Chapter 2, Code of Criminal
Procedure Article 2.13.
b. During a lawful arrest officers may inquire about the arrestee’s immigration status.
c. If the arrestee is accompanied by a juvenile or a vulnerable person who is disabled,
elderly, unable or incapable of arranging their own transportation, the arresting
officer shall follow the guidelines in General Order 338.03, Vulnerable Person
Accompanying Arrested Person.
d. Officers may not take an undocumented person into custody solely upon the
suspicion that the individual has entered this country illegally.
e. Officers shall not use coercion or intimidation based on an individual’s
immigration status.
9. ICE Detainers
a. The department shall honor ICE detainers for a period no longer than forty-eight
(48) hours after the point the arrested person has posted bond or is to be released on
a personal bond.
b. If an arrested person produces proof of residency the department shall not honor a
detainer request. The arrested person may be released following standard procedures.
The employee or officer shall make photocopies of all documents establishing proof
of residency.
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c. Should an employee receive a writ or other court notice regarding the person in
custody for an ICE detainer, the employee shall immediately notify the supervisor
on duty. The supervisor on duty shall immediately notify the staff legal advisor to
review the document and to advise on how to proceed.
d. All department personnel shall cooperate with immigration officials who are
investigating immigration matters.
(1) Any officer or civilian staff who receives a request to assist in an (an ICE)
enforcement action shall immediately contact the supervisor on duty and relay
the request for further instruction and await further instruction from that
supervisor.
NOTE: The supervisor receiving the request shall not delay in providing guidance
to the requesting officer; however, the supervisor shall notify the highestranking divisional supervisor or, if after hours, a night command/duty
captain as soon as possible.
(2) The department will provide assistance with federal immigration officers when
reasonable or necessary as required by state and federal law.
313.02 U VISA REQUESTS
The U visa is an immigration benefit that can be sought by victims of certain crimes who are
currently assisting or have previously assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution
of a crime, or who are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
Law enforcement certification is a required element for U visa eligibility.
A. Eligibility
1. For law enforcement certification, the individual may be eligible for a U visa if:
a. The individual is a victim of qualifying criminal activity,
b. The individual has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having
been a victim of criminal activity,
c. The individual has information about the criminal activity. If under the age of sixteen
(16) or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next
friend may possess the information about the crime on the individual’s behalf,
d. The individual was helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful to law
enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If under the age of
sixteen (16) or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian,
or next friend may assist law enforcement on behalf of the individual,
e. The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws, and
f. The individual is admissible to the United States. If not admissible, an individual
may apply for a waiver on a Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to
Enter as a Non-Immigrant.
2. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-918, Supplement B, the U
visa certification document, will be completed by the Victim Assistance Coordinator
based on information presented to the police department by an agency or attorney
representing the individual. The form will confirm that a qualifying crime occurred and
that the victim was helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the detection,
investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
3. It shall be at the discretion of the Chief of Police or a sworn supervisor designated in
writing by the Chief of Police to sign the Form I-918B issuing a U Nonimmigrant Status
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Certification on behalf of the police department and must be done in accordance with this
General Order based on the Department of Homeland Security guidelines.
4. Whether the Chief of Police or designee signs a Form I-918B will be considered on a
case-by-case basis.
5. A current investigation, the filing of charges, a prosecution or conviction are not required
for the Chief of Police or designee to sign the Form I-918B.
6. By signing a law enforcement certification, the Chief of Police or designee is stating that
a qualifying criminal activity occurred, that the victim has specific knowledge and details
of the crime, and that the victim was helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in
the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying crime.
7. While a U visa petition will not be granted by the USCIS without the completed Form I918B, the fact that a Form I-918B has been signed does not automatically grant the victim
a U visa.
B. Processing of U visa Requests
1. Accepting U visa requests
a. U visa requests shall be sent to the Victim Assistance Coordinator for review and
preparation for signing. Due to the requirement that the full offense report be attached
to the application, requests may only come through an agency or attorney asking on
behalf of the applicant.
2. Department Approval Process
a. The Victim Assistance Coordinator will review the case to verify it meets the criteria
for a U visa and will consult with the detective to verify the victim is cooperative
with the investigation if it is ongoing or with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s
Office if charges have already been filed.
b. The Form I-918B must contain an original signature from the Chief of Police or
designee. The form should be signed in a color of ink other than black for verification
purposes.
C. Retention of Records
The Victim Assistance Section will be responsible for retaining copies of each signed U visa
application for a period of three (3) years or as directed by the City of Fort Worth Record
Retention Policy.
314.01 AUTHORITY TO ARREST
A. Arrests may be made when a warrant of arrest has been issued by an authorized magistrate or
when arrest without a warrant is authorized under the laws of the United States, laws of the
State of Texas, or the ordinances of Fort Worth.
B. The following limitations apply to warrantless arrests:
1. Article 14.03 of the Code of Criminal Procedure states that a peace officer outside of the
officer’s jurisdiction may arrest, without warrant, a person who commits an offense
within the officer’s presence or view, if the offense is a felony, a violation of Title 9,
Chapter 42, Penal Code (Offenses Against Public Order and Decency), a breach of the
peace, or an offense under Section 49.02, Penal Code (Public Intoxication). A peace
officer making an arrest under this subsection shall, as soon as practicable after making
the arrest, notify a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the arrest was made.
314.00 ARREST PROCEDURES
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The law enforcement agency shall then take custody of the person committing the offense
and take the person before a magistrate in compliance with Article 14.06, Code of
Criminal Procedure.
2. A police officer outside of the officer’s jurisdiction is precluded from any traffic code
enforcement by the Code of Criminal Procedure Article 14.03 (g).
3. On-duty officers may make warrantless arrests for pursuits originating in Fort Worth and
during activities operating under an inter-local agreement as consistent with the Texas
Code of Criminal Procedure and chapter 362 of the Texas Local Government Code.
314.02 DUTY TO PROTECT (Added 8/10/18)
A. Officers have a duty to protect the safety and physical health of arrested and detained persons.
B. Officers shall vigilantly observe arrested and detained individuals to ensure they are not
exhibiting signs of medical distress.
C. Officers shall immediately provide medical attention commensurate with their training, and
call for an ambulance whenever an arrested or detained person:
1. Requests medical attention; or
2. Exhibits signs of medical distress or possible medical distress.
D. Arrested and detained persons shall not be left unattended in police vehicles unless officers
can maintain visual contact with them. The only exception to this policy is if an officer is
responding to a life-threatening situation and must immediately exit the police vehicle.
1. The in-car video system shall be used to record any person in the back seat of a police
vehicle equipped with a video system.
314.03 SEARCHING OF PRISONERS (Revised 2/18/16)
A. The transporting officer shall be held accountable for any prisoner arriving at the jail booking
area or juvenile detention center with a weapon or contraband. Therefore, officers accepting
prisoners from other officers shall search (subject to provision C below) the prisoners
themselves before accepting custody and responsibility for the prisoner.
1. Incidental to arrest, officers shall search all bags, purses, and large items for weapons and
contraband before submitting the property to the Property Room or to the jail intake
personnel.
NOTE: Field strip searches are strictly prohibited.
B. Prisoners of the same gender as the arresting officer shall be thoroughly searched at the time
of arrest.
C. Searches of prisoners of the opposite gender shall be accomplished in the following manner:
1. Routine searches shall be limited to patting the pockets of the outer garments, and
searching purses, sacks, or other personal possessions they have with them.
2. If the officer is reasonably certain that the prisoner is concealing a deadly weapon, the
search, may be carried further. If possible, a witness should be present and extreme safety
precautions shall be taken.
3. If any doubt exists, the prisoner shall be handcuffed and the search shall be conducted by
a member of the department that is the same gender as the prisoner. In the event an officer
of the same gender is not immediately available to perform the search, the officer shall
transport the prisoner to the jail or juvenile detention center. Upon arrival at the jail, and
before the prisoner is placed in the holding area, the officer shall inform the jail supervisor
that because of the prisoner’s gender, the prisoner has not been thoroughly searched. If
the arrested person is a juvenile, the officer should request the dispatcher to notify the
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personnel at the detention center that a juvenile prisoner is en route and needs to be
searched by juvenile detention personnel in the presence of the transporting officer prior
to admission into the juvenile detention facility
D. Search Guidelines for Transgender Individuals
1. All searches will be conducted by officers of the same gender as the detainee, based on
the gender guidelines in General Order 347.03, Bias-Free Policing and in accordance
with established department procedures.
a. Prior to search, officers are to first refer to the arrestees government-issued
identification. If the subject does not have any government-issued identification,
officers will be guided by the following information:
(1) Arrestees who state they do not have male genitalia, and do not have any
government-issued identification in their possession will generally be searched
by female officers.
(2) Arrestees who state they do have male genitalia, and do not have any
government-issued identification in their possession will generally be searched
by male officers.
b. In the event an officer of the same gender is not immediately available to perform
the search, the officer shall transport the prisoner to the jail or juvenile detention
center. Upon arrival at the jail, and before the prisoner is placed in the holding area,
the officer shall inform the jail supervisor that because of the prisoner’s gender, the
prisoner has not been thoroughly searched.
c. Officers will not conduct more invasive searches of transgender individuals than
other individuals.
d. Officers will not remove identity or appearance-related items, such as prosthetics,
clothing, wigs, and cosmetics items if those items would not be removed from nontransgender arrestees. However, identity or appearance-related items may be
removed if the items are evidence or create a safety hazard.
e. The possession of a needle which is purported to be for hormonal use will not be
presumed to be evidence of criminal misconduct, especially if the person being
stopped or arrested has documentation from a physician confirming that it is being
used for legitimate medical treatments.
E. The transporting officer shall witness the intake officer’s inventory of the prisoner’s personal
property. Upon completion of the inventory, the FWPD officer shall sign the Prisoner Property
Sheet.
1. Any personal property of the prisoner not submitted at the time of arrest shall be
submitted to the Property Room using the appropriate forms.
F. Searching of prisoners possibly having infectious diseases.
1. Latex gloves shall be worn whenever a prisoner has open sores, lesions, skin disorders,
body fluids, blood, secretions, excretions, vomit, urine, or similar signs present.
2. Officers shall use extreme care when searching persons arrested for drug use or persons
with suspected infectious diseases, and shall use extreme care to avoid breaking the skin
with needles or other objects.
3. Officers shall immediately and thoroughly wash hands or other skin surfaces after contact
with blood or other body fluids, after contact with substances that contain visible blood,
and after removing gloves.
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314.04 PRISONER PICK UPS
A. When officers are requested to pick up an individual detained by a third person, they shall
make an independent investigation to determine if an offense has been committed and that
there are reasonable and sufficient grounds for holding the subject.
B. The officer shall obtain information from all witnesses as well as sufficient complaint
information to complete a thorough preliminary investigation.
314.05 HANDCUFFING PRISONERS
A. An arrest occurs when the person’s liberty of movement is restricted, restrained, or the person
has a reasonable belief that they are not free to leave and either yields to the officer or is
physically forced to yield. Handcuffs should be used to protect the officer, citizens, and the
prisoner; to prevent the prisoner from escaping; to maintain control of the prisoner; and, to
minimize the possibility of escalation of the situation to a point necessitating more drastic
means of restraint.
B. All prisoners should be handcuffed; however, circumstances may render the handcuffing of a
prisoner inappropriate. The use of handcuffs in such situations shall remain a judgment of the
officer. The primary concern should be the safety of the officer, the public, and the prisoner.
The factors that should be considered in the decision not to use handcuffs are age, health,
physical condition including any disabilities or injuries, mental condition, the possibility of
the prisoner escaping, and the possibility of escalation of the incident. An officer shall
continually monitor the actions of an unhandcuffed prisoner and if the prisoner gives any
indication of becoming belligerent or constituting a potential hazard, the prisoner should be
handcuffed.
C. When handcuffs are used, the prisoner’s hands normally shall be cuffed behind the back,
unless inappropriate and/or harmful.
D. Whenever a prisoner is handcuffed, the officer shall immediately either roll the prisoner on
their side, place the prisoner in a sitting position, or help the prisoner into a standing position.
Extreme caution shall be exercised with a prisoner that is obese, intoxicated by alcohol or
drugs, or has an injury to the chest or stomach since cuffing behind the back and laying the
prisoner in a prone position could lead to positional asphyxia.
E. Officers are strictly prohibited from using a hogtie in any manner or form.
NOTE: For purpose of this order, hogtie will be defined as any form or variation of restraint
by which the wrists are handcuffed or bound together behind the back, the ankles are
bound together, and the bound wrists and ankles are then tied together. This restraint
method is commonly referred to as a hobble restraint.
F. Male and female prisoners shall not be handcuffed together nor shall juvenile and adult
prisoners be handcuffed together.
G. Prisoners shall not be handcuffed to a vehicle or to a stationary object except in exigent
circumstances when the safety of the officer, prisoner, or citizen may be in jeopardy such as
a lone officer with multiple suspects or a high-risk tactical situation.
314.06 FIELD WARNING PROCEDURE
A. As soon as practical, but no later than a custodial interrogation begins, arresting officers shall
warn all arrested persons of their constitutional rights.
B. Field warnings are not required under the following circumstances:
1. When the person questioned is not under arrest and is free to leave and fully understands
this fact.
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2. When the person questioned is not a suspect in the particular case about which they are
being questioned.
3. General questioning at the scene of a criminal offense of those persons present where the
investigation has not centered upon the individual being questioned as a suspect in the
case.
4. When the suspect is not being interviewed to obtain a statement, officers must keep in
mind that failure to give this field warning may prohibit the use of such statements from
the suspect in a criminal court proceeding.
314.07 TRANSPORTING PRISONERS (Revised 7/27/17)
A. The transporting officer shall inspect the police vehicle immediately before each prisoner
transport to ensure that no weapons or contraband are available to the prisoner. After arriving at
the destination, the transporting officer shall again inspect the police vehicle to ensure that the
prisoner did not conceal weapons, contraband, or other evidence. (TBP 10.01)
B. At no time shall a prisoner be transported in the back seat alone unless the patrol unit is
equipped with a prisoner shield. If the vehicle has a prisoner shield, the officer may place the
prisoner in an upright, seated position in the rear seat. Prisoners shall be restrained with safety
belts while being transported in the patrol unit unless existing conditions make the use of the
safety belt impractical or unsafe.
1. Under no circumstances will a prisoner be left unattended or transported in a police
vehicle in a prone position as this may result in positional asphyxia.
C. Two (2) officers shall be required to transport a prisoner when there is a possibility of violence
on the part of the prisoner. If the primary vehicle is staffed by one officer, the second officer
will follow the primary unit to the jail. The jail will be informed officers are en route with a
potentially violent prisoner. When transporting any prisoner in a vehicle without a prisoner
shield, there shall be two (2) officers in the vehicle and the prisoner shall be placed in the right
rear with the assist officer sitting in the rear seat behind the driver.
1. The officer shall vigilantly observe the prisoner at all times, noting any difficulty in
breathing, change in color, level of consciousness, etc. If the officer observes a significant
change, they shall either transport the suspect to a medical facility or have paramedics
called to the scene, depending on the officer’s judgment of the severity of the condition
and the quickest means to receive medical attention.
2. Department provided leg restraints may be used when a prisoner is combative and/or
attempting to damage city property. The following guidelines shall be adhered to when
using the leg restraints:
a. Leg restraints are never to be attached to the prisoner’s handcuffs.
b. When transporting a prisoner, the leg restraints are to be used in conjunction with the
bolt system provided in the vehicle. Handcuffs and the vehicle lap restraint will be
used in their designed manner when leg restraints are utilized.
c. A combative or destructive prisoner should be transported in a specially equipped
vehicle, if available.
d. Leg restraints are to be applied outside of the vehicle.
D. Prisoners exhibiting physical exertion or believed to be suffering from any medical, physical,
or emotional problem that does not require immediate medical attention shall be monitored
by the officer as outlined in the above paragraph 314.06B.
E. Officers transporting prisoners of the opposite gender shall give the mileage of the patrol unit
to the dispatcher and request a transport time (10-15) upon leaving the arrest location. Upon
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arrival at the detention facility, the officer shall give the arrival mileage and request an arrival
time (10-30). Officers shall immediately notify the dispatcher on all stops en route, except for
short-termed traffic-related (i.e. traffic lights, train crossing, etc). When notifying the
dispatcher of the unscheduled stop, the officer shall provide an explanation and estimated time
for the stop and notify the dispatcher when stop has concluded.
F. Female prisoners shall not be transported with male prisoners unless the arrests resulted from
the same offense. If a female is arrested with a male prisoner or prisoners and the patrol wagon
is used for transportation, the female shall be placed in front with the driver. If this is
impractical due to the number of female prisoners, a patrol car shall be used for their
transportation.
G. Juveniles shall not be transported in a patrol wagon nor shall they be transported with adult
prisoners unless the juvenile and the adult were arrested in connection with the same offense
or unless the adult is the parent or guardian of the juvenile.
H. Transporting prisoners exhibiting symptoms of infectious diseases.
1. Officers arresting prisoners with visible signs of infectious diseases, or persons indicating
they are suffering from an infectious disease, should isolate the prisoner from other
persons as much as possible. They shall not be transported with other prisoners.
2. Prisoners with infectious diseases, or complaints of an infectious disease, who require
emergency medical attention shall be transported to the hospital by ambulance. When
non-emergency medical attention is required and the officer is not at risk of exposure to
the infectious disease, the prisoner may be transported to the hospital in a police vehicle.
Hospital personnel are to be informed that the prisoner possibly has an infectious disease.
I. Transgender Prisoners
1. Whenever practical, transgender arrestees will be transported alone.
2. When requested by a transgender individual, an officer of the individual’s gender
identity or expression, when practical, will be present during the transport.
3. In situations with multiple arrestees, mass arrests, or where individual transport is not
practical, transgender arrestees will be transported by gender classification.
4. Officers transporting transgender prisoners shall give the mileage of the patrol unit to
the dispatcher and request a transport time (10-15) upon leaving the arrest location.
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the officer shall give the arrival mileage and
request an arrival time (10-30). Officers shall immediately notify the dispatcher on all
stops en route, except for short-termed traffic-related (i.e. traffic lights, train crossing,
etc). When notifying the dispatcher of the unscheduled stop, the officer shall provide an
explanation and estimated time for the stop and notify the dispatcher when stop has
concluded.
5. Whenever practical, transgender arrestees will be maintained in single cell occupancy.
6. Personnel will record a transgender individual’s gender information on department
reports and all other demographic information as it appears on their government-issued
identification. Any name used by the subject other than what is listed on their
government-issued identification will be recorded as an alias.
7. In the event a transgender individual requires immediate medical care or medication,
including hormone therapy, the individual will be transported to the nearest medical
facility to be treated by a physician.
8. If an individual explicitly informs personnel that he or she is a transgender individual,
an officer finds a record for an individual that lists a different gender from what the
individual is currently presenting or an officer observes that a person is presenting a
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gender which is different than their gender classification, the officer shall notify the jail
sergeant and the sergeant will document the information as:
a. “Transgender Arrestee, male presenting as a female,” or
b. “Transgender Arrestee, female presenting as a male.”
9. In situations involving the transfer of transgender prisoners to other law enforcement
agencies, the jail sergeant will ensure that the paperwork accompanying the prisoner
adequately describes gender identity related issues.
J. Special Needs Prisoners
It is incumbent upon all personnel to safeguard the dignity, comfort, and safety of a physicallychallenged person, while maintaining the security of the officers and public.
1. The term physically-challenged may include, but is not limited to, confinement to a
wheelchair, use of braces, crutches, or canes, amputees, blindness, or aged.
2. If the offense committed is a Class C misdemeanor, which does not include a breach of
the peace or a threat of further violence, the physically-challenged suspect shall be issued
a General Complaint citation, providing the suspect has the proper identification.
3. When transporting a physically-challenged person, proper care and tact shall be used
when placing the prisoner in the vehicle. The prisoner’s wheelchair, crutches, or
prosthetic appliance shall be secured by the officer and transported along with the
prisoner to the holding facility. All other procedures shall apply as with non physicallychallenged persons.
a. If the arrested person requires any special cushions, padding or devices, the officer
shall ensure these are transported with the arrested person to the holding facility.
b. Prosthetic appliances, crutches, and wheelchairs shall be examined to ensure that
they do not contain or conceal any weapons, contraband, or have removable parts.
The arresting officer shall advise holding facility personnel if any removable parts
are discovered.
c. If an officer arrests a person who is utilizing a motorized three-wheeled cart, the
motorized cart will be left at the residence. If the arrest is not made at a residence,
the officer shall attempt to contact a friend or relative of the prisoner to take custody
of the motorized cart. If a responsible person is not available to take custody of the
cart, the motorized cart will be taken to the Police Auto Pound for safekeeping. A
manual wheelchair will be made available for the prisoner’s use upon arrival at the
holding facility.
4. When the arrested person is accompanied by a service animal, officers shall contact a
person identified by the arrested person or a local contact agency for the service animal
to take custody of the service animal. The service animal may be taken into custody only
when the service animal cannot be turned over at the scene of the arrest to a responsible
person, either a person named by the arrested person or a local contact agency for the
service animal.
NOTE: For the safety of the service animal, it is strongly recommended that the arrested
person leave the service animal with a trusted friend, family member, or special
caretaker.
314.08 ARRESTS BY OFFICERS ENGAGED IN OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT
A. When an off-duty officer makes an arrest, the prisoner(s) will be transported by an on-duty
officer. Completion of all related paperwork and any investigation becomes the responsibility
of the responding on-duty officer.
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B. If a disagreement between the transporting officer and an off-duty officer occurs, the
transporting officer shall request that a supervisor of equal or higher rank as the off-duty
officer make the scene. The supervisor shall resolve the matter in a manner that is in the best
interest of the department.
C. When a supervisor is called to the scene of an incident involving an off-duty officer, any
supervisory action, including required documentation, will be the responsibility of the
responding on-duty supervisor.
314.09 GENERAL COMPLAINT CITATION (Revised 3/03/16)
A. The decision to issue a general complaint citation for a Class C misdemeanor in lieu of a
custodial arrest shall remain the discretion of the officer making the call unless otherwise
directed by a supervisor.
B. The purpose of the general complaint citation is to reduce overcrowding in the jail, lessen the
hardship on the suspect, and to reduce the amount of time an officer is out of service. The
citation may be used when the offense is a Class C misdemeanor or city ordinance violation,
and the suspect has a local address.
C. The issuance of a general complaint citation is not authorized under the following conditions:
1. When the actor demands an immediate appearance before a magistrate.
2. When the actor is being arrested on a warrant or capias, or when the officer is aware that
the actor has an outstanding warrant or capias.
3. When the actor fails or refuses to give satisfactory identification or furnish other
information required.
4. When the actor is intoxicated.
5. When the release is likely to allow a continuation of the violation or where failure to make
a custody arrest is likely to allow a more serious violation to occur.
6. When the officer is aware that the actor has a history of failure to appear in court when
scheduled.
7. When the officer has reason to believe that the actor is involved in a more serious offense
and a custody arrest would serve to gather evidence to support another charge.
8. When the officer or store employee has had to physically restrain the actor.
D. The circumstances of some offenses may require that the actor be taken into custody and
transported to jail. The jail supervisor, after interviewing the arresting officer and the suspect,
shall have the option of approving the issuing of a citation rather than placing the person in
jail. In this event, the jail supervisor may instruct the arresting officer to write the citation.
E. The officer issuing a general complaint citation shall completely fill out the form and obtain
the actor’s signature. The officer shall explain that signing the citation is not an admission of
guilt. If the actor refuses to sign the citation, a custody arrest may be made.
F. In addition to the issuance of a general complaint citation, an offense report shall also be
completed for all offenses.
G. On all Class C misdemeanors, the officer shall adequately describe the offense in the
comments section on the reverse side of the white copy of the citation. Any witnesses must
also be noted.
H. Off-duty use of the general complaint citation shall be as follows:
1. Officers employed in an off-duty capacity, such as store security, shall not issue citations
for theft, assault, or drug paraphernalia offenses.
a. A patrol unit shall be called.
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b. The responding officer shall decide whether to issue the citation or make a custody
arrest.
2. Officers observing other Class C misdemeanors may elect to issue the citation or detain
the actor and call for a patrol unit to transport the prisoner to jail.
I. Issuance of general complaint citations to juveniles shall follow the procedure outlined in
General Order 341.01C.
NOTE: If a general complaint citation is issued to a juvenile, then the officer must make an
offense report regardless of the type of offense.
314.010 PRESENCE OF UNIFORMED OFFICERS DURING SERVICE OF ARREST
AND/OR SEARCH WARRANTS
A. Plainclothes officers should, whenever practical, consider having at least one uniformed
officer present during service of arrest and/or search warrants. A highly visible uniformed
officer at the scene of this type of operation will reduce the possibility of confusion on the
part of citizens and police personnel.
B. Unless exceptions exist in this order, officers are strictly prohibited from wearing masks,
hoods, or other face-concealment devices during forced entries and/or service of search/arrest
warrants.
C. Exceptions for concealment shall include:
1. Narcotics or specialized units who must wear a hood/mask to conceal their identity at the
scene, shall strictly adhere to the following:
a. The masked/hooded officers shall not be on the entry team. If an undercover officer
must enter the scene to direct other officers to evidence, the masked/hooded officer
will enter with the search team only after occupants are aware of police presence and
the scene is secured.
b. The hood/mask shall be black in color, and the words “POLICE” shall be printed on
both the front and back of the hood/mask in white block lettering that is visible in the
dark.
c. The hood/mask shall not be worn into any residence, business establishment, or other
uncontrolled environment where occupants may not immediately be aware of police
presence.
d. The hood/mask shall only be worn in conjunction with other readily identifiable
clothing, such as raid-type non-ballistic vest or ballistic body armor identified with
“POLICE” that is visible in the dark and/or other readily identifiable marked outer
clothing.
2. Members of SWAT shall be authorized to wear the issued NOMEX mask when
incendiary devices may be deployed during the execution of a warrant.
3. Members of SWAT and Narcotics shall be authorized to wear the issued NOMEX mask
and/or protective masks when making entry at a location of a suspected drug lab or where
volatile chemicals are being stored.
NOTE: This order does not prohibit members of a warrant entry team from wearing gas
mask or WMD-rated masks when deemed necessary.
314.11 PLAINCLOTHES AND UNIFORMED OFFICERS AT UNPLANNED ARRESTS
A. To minimize the danger to all officers on the scene, plainclothes officers will defer any action
until complete identification has been made to the uniformed officer.
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B. Plainclothes officers who assist other plainclothes officers in making an arrest should use
extreme caution and be sure to identify themselves, thus minimizing the possibility of
mistaken identity.
314.12 CASH BONDING/TRAFFIC ARRESTS
A. An officer may arrest any person who commits any traffic offense in their presence, except
speeding, without a warrant.
1. Officers intending to make an arrest under this portion of the law cannot issue the violator
a citation and then make the arrest. The decision to arrest must be made prior to the
issuance of a citation except that an officer may arrest a person for any traffic offense
committed in the officer’s presence when the person refuses to give their written promise
to appear in court.
2. All traffic violators shall be requested to sign the citation. However, all officers shall take
extreme care to see that the violator fully understands that the signing of the citation is
not an admission of guilt, but rather, is only a promise to appear as directed. If a violator
refuses to sign the citation, a supervisor should be requested to make the scene to explain
the reason for the signature to the violator.
B. Speeding
1. An arrest for speeding may be made only under the following circumstances:
a. The violator is operating a motor vehicle licensed out of state;
b. The violator committed any traffic offense in the officer’s presence and the violator
refuses to give their written promise to appear in court; or,
c. The violator/driver, as evidenced by the driver’s license presented, is not a resident
of a state that is a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact of 1977.
NOTE: The following states are members of the Non-Resident Violator Compact of l977.
Alabama Iowa New Hampshire South Carolina
Arkansas Kansas New Jersey South Dakota
Colorado Kentucky New Mexico Tennessee
Connecticut Louisiana New York Texas
Delaware Maine North Carolina Utah
District of Columbia Maryland North Dakota Vermont
Florida Minnesota Ohio Virginia
Georgia Mississippi Oklahoma West Virginia
Illinois Missouri Pennsylvania Wyoming
Indiana Nebraska Rhode Island
2. An arrest for speeding shall not be made if:
a. The violator is a Texas resident and driving a vehicle registered in Texas and signs
the promise to appear.
b. The violator is driving a motor vehicle registered in a member state or is a resident
of a member state of the Non-Resident Violator Compact of 1977.
C. An arrest shall be made in instances of traffic offenses involving involuntary manslaughter,
negligent homicide, driving while intoxicated, or failure to stop and render aid when there is
serious bodily injury or death.
D. In all of the foregoing instances, the person arrested must be taken immediately before a
magistrate.
1. This shall be accomplished by transporting the arrested person to the holding facility,
where the arresting officer shall relate the details of the reasons for the arrest (as opposed
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to the issuing of a citation, if applicable) to the jail supervisor. The supervisor shall, on
the basis of law and/or departmental procedure, accept or reject the arrest.
2. If a magistrate is on duty, the person shall be taken from the jail to the magistrate
immediately. If the arrest occurs during hours when no magistrate is available, then
normal cash bonding procedures shall prevail.
E. The course of action of the department in the enforcement of traffic violations is to dispose of
these matters through the issuance of appropriate citations except in those cases above which
require an arrest. The only reason for disposing of these matters through arrest, rather than
citation, is that the officer has a valid reason for believing that the violator shall not appear as
directed.
1. The failure to produce identification by the violator is not sufficient cause by itself to
justify an arrest/cash bond for offenses other than not having a driver’s license. Officers
should be able to state why they reasonably believe the violator shall not appear in court
as directed.
2. The attitude of the violator in regard to the receipt of the citation in these instances is not
a reasonable basis for an arrest.
314.13 DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID
A. When an officer observes a person commit a violation while operating a motor vehicle upon
a public street or roadway whose Texas operator’s license has been suspended by the
Department of Public Safety (DPS) the officer may:
1. Issue a traffic citation for the offense of Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) if the
operator has not been previously convicted of DWLI, or
2. Make a custodial arrest under the following circumstances:
a. The driver’s license of the operator of the vehicle was suspended as a result of Driving
While Intoxicated (Class B),
b. The operator of the vehicle has no prior convictions, but is operating a motor vehicle
without insurance (Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility -FMFR) (Class B),
c. The operator of the vehicle has been previously convicted of DWLI (Class B), or
d. The operator of the vehicle was found to be at fault for a motor vehicle accident that
resulted in the serious bodily injury or death of another person (Class A).
Note: If sufficient evidence exists to indicate that a person was operating a motor vehicle
upon a public street or roadway and the offense occurred out of view or presence of
the officer, the officer will not make a custodial arrest but instead complete an offense
report entitled “Traffic Offense.” The report will be forwarded to the Traffic
Investigation Unit for a follow-up investigation.
B. Arresting Officer’s Duties
When confirmed by the Police Information Center (PIC) that the driver’s license is currently
under suspension, the officer shall:
1. Obtain as much identification information as possible to ensure that the vehicle operator
is the same person whose license is reported suspended.
2. After verification, the officer shall make a custodial arrest, read the actor the Miranda
warning, make disposition per procedures of the actor’s vehicle transport the actor to jail
and. complete the required jail booking paperwork.
3. In order to maintain the DWLI offense, officers shall not issue any traffic citations to the
arrested person.
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4. The arresting officer shall initiate an offense report titled “Traffic Code.” All information
which is available that identifies the vehicle operator as the same person whose license is
suspended and the associated vehicle information shall be included in the report. The
offense report shall be directed to the Traffic Division for follow-up.
C. Traffic Investigator’s Follow-up Duties
1. The traffic investigator shall obtain a certified confirmation of the license suspension
from the Texas Department of Public Safety, along with all documents required by the
District Attorney’s office to accept the case.
2. If the case cannot be filed in a timely manner, the prisoner will be released. When the
traffic investigator receives the necessary documentation, a warrant or a citation may be
issued and the case filed.
314.14 RESISTING ARREST CHARGE
When a charge of resisting arrest is pending, the arresting officer shall immediately notify their
supervisor. The supervisor shall review the elements for a charge of resisting arrest to determine
if probable cause exists to charge the suspect and to ensure appropriate actions are taken.
315.01 JAIL SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
A. On all arrests, the patrol and jail supervisors shall determine that probable cause exists to
assure a legal arrest and sufficient information is given to support the charges.
B. Each arresting officer shall be interviewed to determine the sufficiency and accuracy of the
charge. No prisoner shall be booked until the arrest is reviewed and accepted by the jail
supervisor.
C. Officers are encouraged to make use of available means of avoiding a full custody arrest when
possible. General complaint citations should be used when the situation meets the criteria
indicated in General Order 314.09.
D. Arrest of person with possible infectious disease.
1. When substantial information or evidence indicates the presence of an infectious disease,
officers shall provide verbal notification to jail personnel.
2. Police, hospital, emergency medical and other personnel dealing with prisoners must be
informed that an arrested individual claims to have or is known to have a serious
infectious disease, or that the person is in a high risk group.
315.02 FULL CUSTODY ARREST PROCEDURE
If the officer determines that a custody arrest is appropriate and the situation cannot be controlled
by a general complaint citation or other alternative means, the following procedure shall be
pursued:
A. The arresting officer shall transport the prisoner to the jail facility.
B. The officer shall contact jail personnel by the intercom.
C. The prisoner and any small items of property shall be surrendered to the jail intake officer
inside the area where the prisoner shall be searched prior to entry into the jail security area.
Any large items of property belonging to the prisoner shall be submitted to the Property Room.
315.00 BOOKING PROCEDURES
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Officers shall have any traffic or general complaint citations ready to be placed in the
prisoner’s property at the time of booking.
D. The intake officer shall place the prisoner in a holding cell pending the jail supervisor approval
of the arrest.
E. The arresting officer shall relate the details of the arrest to the jail supervisor.
F. If the jail supervisor determines that probable cause exists for the arrest and that there are no
other viable alternatives, the arrest shall be approved and the officer shall complete the jail
registration form, the Criminal History Report Form (CR-43), the appropriate affidavits and
warning sheets when applicable, and present them to the jail supervisor. In addition, the
Supplemental Criminal History Report Form (CR-44) will be applicable on multiple arrests.
G. The jail supervisor shall process the jail registration form while the arresting officer completes
any additional reports relating to the investigation.
H. Any general complaint citation written by the officer shall be listed by charge and citation
number in the first line of the narrative of the report.
I. The jail supervisor shall forward the affidavit and warning sheet to the judge conducting the
warnings.
J. Evidence
1. All evidence will be submitted to the Fort Worth Police Property Room.
2. Absolutely no weapons or other dangerous evidentiary items will be permitted into the
jail supervisor office.
315.03 CLASS C MISDEMEANOR WARRANT ARRESTS
A. In those situations where a suspect has confirmed, bondable, Class C misdemeanor warrants,
the money to pay the bond on the warrants, and wishes to pay the warrants, the arresting
officer shall transport the suspect to the Municipal Court during normal working hours rather
than to jail. The officer shall remain with the suspect until the transaction is completed, then
return to service taking credit for the arrest.
B. If the arrested person’s vehicle was impounded, the officer shall complete an offense/incident
report with the details of the arrest and impoundment of the vehicle.
C. Every effort shall be made to ensure that the suspect is given the opportunity to gain a bond
release as soon as possible.
316.01 DETECTIVE CHECKOUT OF PRISONERS
A. Checkout of prisoners in the custody of the Fort Worth Police Department.
1. Prisoners will only be transported from one facility to another facility under the following
circumstances:
a. To conduct a live lineup, or
b. If the prisoner is suspected of a sensational or notorious crime such as a homicide,
serial rape, etc., or
c. To execute a search warrant of the hair, blood, etc., or
d. If translation services are required, or
e. If exigent circumstances exist on a serious felony case. This determination will be
made by the detective’s section lieutenant.
2. If the above criteria exists, the officer or detective will contact the jail supervisor who
will be responsible for arranging transport of a prisoner.
316.00 PRISONER CHECKOUT
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3. The officer or detective shall proceed to jail supervisor office to sign the check-out log
before taking custody of the prisoner.
4. Prisoners charged with lessor offenses may be interviewed at or checked out from the jail
facility. To expedite the process and to assure the availability of the prisoner, it is
recommended officers contact the facility prior to their arrival.
316.02 PRISONER WARNING AND JAIL DOCKET
A. Court dockets are available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. All court dockets will open
with a warning docket followed by a Class C misdemeanor docket.
B. A Fort Worth municipal judge is available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.
316.03 PRISONERS REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION
A. No prisoner shall be booked into jail who exhibits obvious indications of serious injury or
sickness. Officers shall transport sick or injured prisoners directly to John Peter Smith
Hospital for treatment rather than to the jail. If the prisoner refuses treatment, the officer shall
bring a copy of the signed statement to that effect from the hospital.
1. The arresting officer is responsible for any property belonging to a prisoner who is
transported to the hospital for medical attention. They shall take all such property to the
jail or Property Room and shall indicate on the forms that the prisoner is at the hospital.
2. As soon as practical, the arresting officer will report the circumstances to the jail
supervisor and provide the appropriate paperwork. The arresting officer will notify the
jail supervisor where the prisoner is being treated.
B. When a prisoner is transported to the jail who appears to be injured, and has not been taken to
the hospital for examination and/or treatment, the jail supervisor on duty shall examine the
prisoner and direct the arresting officer to transport the prisoner to the hospital if necessary.
C. Prisoners who are injured or sick and shall be held in John Peter Smith Hospital for an
extended period of time may be booked out of custody but shall be turned over to the county
officers to be guarded only after a case is filed.
D. Hospital guard duty is the responsibility of the division that actually affects the arrest.
Sergeants will be responsible for scheduling officers to work hospital guard duty until either
the case is filed or the prisoner is released from the hospital to be placed in jail.
317.01 WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
A. A Writ of Habeas Corpus received from a judge by telephone shall be honored as though it
were received in person.
B. The supervisor over the section charged with the investigation of the offense shall be contacted
and advised of the writ. If the supervisor over that unit is not available, the next higher level
in the chain of command of the unit shall be contacted.
C. If the writ is received during hours when the investigative supervisors are not on duty, they
shall be contacted through the call-back system.
D. The officer who delivers the writ and the prisoner shall have sufficient knowledge of the
matter to inform the court of the charge against the prisoner.
E. If the writ is delivered by an attorney, signed by a magistrate of competent jurisdiction, with
a bond included in the writ, the prisoner shall be released according to jail procedures.
317.00 PRISONER DISPOSITION
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F. The jail supervisor shall maintain a log of all writs that are phoned or delivered to the jail
supervisor. The log shall include the date and time received, whether the writ was telephoned
or received in person, the writ number from those delivered in person, the name of the judge
or bailiff authorizing the writ, the time the detective supervisor was notified, the prisoner’s
name, and the name of the jail supervisor. The jail supervisor should indicate unit/division
designation on the corner of the writ and place the writ in the appropriate detective’s tray.
317.02 BOND RELEASES
A. Cash Bond
1. If a prisoner has sufficient money in their property to make bond on a Class C
misdemeanor and wishes to make bond, the jail supervisor shall notify county personnel
to allow the prisoner to use that money to make bond.
2. The prisoner shall not be allowed to make the bond for a Class C misdemeanor while
higher grade charges are still pending.
B. Surety Bond on Class C Misdemeanors
1. Attorneys or bond persons wishing to post surety bonds for prisoners charged with Class
C misdemeanors shall be directed to the City Bonding Office where personnel shall
furnish information regarding the necessary forms.
2. The city bond clerk shall advise the county jail personnel when the proper paperwork is
completed. County personnel shall initiate the release procedure.
C. Surety Bond on Class A and B Misdemeanors and Felony Charges
After prisoners have received their magistrate’s warning, a surety bond may be posted.
Attorneys and bond persons wishing to post bond must conform to the procedures set forth by
the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office.
D. Personal Appearance Bond – Class C Misdemeanors
1. The jail supervisor may set bonds under certain circumstances, but only a magistrate may
authorize release of a defendant on a personal bond. To consider a defendant eligible for
release on a personal bond, the following conditions must be met:
a. Prisoner must have good identification which includes:
– correct name and address
– date of birth
– current and correct driver’s license
– proof of place of birth
b. Prisoner must live within a fifty (50) mile radius of Fort Worth.
c. Prisoner must have ties to the community. This can be shown with:
– nearest relative living in the area
– employment in the area
– spouse’s employment in the area
– children living in the area
d. Prisoners with extensive criminal histories will not be eligible. Minor arrest history,
but not on probation or parole, may be eligible at the discretion of the jail supervisor.
e. Only misdemeanor offenses shall be considered. The following groups of offenses
are not eligible:
– offenses or criminal attempts contained in art. 17.03 of the Texas Code of
Criminal Procedure
– assaults
– injury to a child or criminal attempt
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– escape or criminal attempt
2. The jail supervisor will review the charge and information on the prisoner in custody to
determine the feasibility of utilizing the personal bond procedure. The jail supervisor shall
cause the necessary documentation required by statute, pre-trial release, and the
authorizing magistrate to be completed. The personal appearance bond shall be signed
and notarized, with a copy given to the principal. Only after completion of the necessary
case reports, probable cause affidavits, warning sheets, etc., and the approval of the
magistrate may the prisoner be released from custody.
317.03 CHARGES DISMISSED OR NOT FILED
A. The jail supervisor shall release any prisoner that has been held over seventy-two (72) hours
as “Case Not Filed” unless a written request from the responsible division’s captain has been
delivered to the on-duty jail supervisor. When a prisoner has been released without a case
filed, the jail supervisor shall forward a copy of the prisoner disposition sheet to the
appropriate division captain and deputy chief.
B. When a person charged with a Class C misdemeanor appears before a municipal court judge,
who dismisses the case, the jail personnel shall make a notation on the final charge line of the
registration card that the charge was dismissed and list the judge’s name who ordered the
dismissal.
C. If the person is charged with any offense above a Class C misdemeanor and the district
attorney’s office rejects the case, the investigator shall complete the PJ-10 form indicating
that the charge was not filed.
D. Jail personnel shall make the necessary notations on the registration card and, if no other
charges are pending, release the prisoner.
317.04 COUNTY CASES FILED
A. The investigative unit with the highest charge on an arrested person shall file all charges
resulting from the incident. When necessary, the investigative unit filing the charges may
request the assistance of a centralized investigative unit.
1. The exception to filing all charges shall be:
a. Narcotics/Vice will file all narcotics/vice-related offenses and will be responsible for
filing Resisting Arrest, Evading or Escape offenses related to those Narcotics/Vice
arrests. Narcotics/Vice will file all offenses resulting from arrests by Narcotics/Vice
personnel; and
b. Traffic Investigation Unit will file all offenses resulting from accidents, motor
vehicle and license invalid-related offenses, and arrests by traffic officers, except
narcotics offenses.
2. All warrant arrests will be filed by the issuing investigator regardless of which unit is
responsible for any other charges.
3. Any deviation from this procedure must be with approval of affected unit’s lieutenant.
B. Upon completion of an investigation, the investigator shall submit to the district attorney an
Initial Case Report along with the complete investigative packet. The district attorney’s office
will return a copy of the Initial Case Report to the investigator, who will place the copy in the
case file.
C. Upon submitting the case to the district attorney, the investigator will provide a time/date
stamped copy of the Initial Case Report to the case management office.
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D. The investigator will complete a PJ-10 form with the correct disposition of the charges and
forward the form to the jail supervisor.
E. Jail personnel shall indicate the final charge on the registration card and shall arrange to have
the prisoner transferred to the appropriate facility.
317.05 OUTSIDE AGENCY WARRANT ARRESTS
When persons are arrested on warrants from an outside agency and they cannot secure release by
any of the accepted means, jail personnel shall notify the other agency that a prisoner is being held
pursuant to their warrant and arrangements should be made for transportation.
317.06 HEALTH OR MEDICAL RELEASES
A. The jail supervisor shall at all times retain the prerogative to release any prisoner when further
confinement may jeopardize the health or safety of the prisoner.
B. The jail supervisor making such a release shall notify any other agency or division which may
be affected by such release. A Prisoner Injury/Incident Report shall also be submitted by the
jail supervisor to their captain with a copy to the affected division commander.
C. Persons charged with major crimes should not be released, but instead transferred to John
Peter Smith Hospital if such actions are warranted and arrangements made with a patrol
supervisor or section supervisor to provide a guard for such prisoner.
318.01 MITIGATION IN MUNICIPAL COURT CASES (Revised 10/3/18)
A. Personnel shall submit their requests for mitigation in municipal court cases in writing, clearly
stating why the department is recommending that the municipal court administer mitigation
in the case along with a copy of the citation. These requests shall be submitted through the
chain of command up to the deputy chief. Oral requests shall not be allowed.
B. Should the request concern a parking citation received by an employee while on city business,
the employee shall forward the citation and an IOC stating the details of the citation and the
requested action through the chain of command to their division captain/manager on or before
the next working day after the issuance of the citation.
1. The division captain/manager shall determine if the employee was on city business and
forward a signed request for dismissal, with signature blocks for both the captain/manager
and deputy chief, to the affected deputy chief within eight (8) days of receipt of the
citation.
NOTE: The time frame for contesting or paying a parking citation is twenty-one (21) days
from the issuance of the citation; therefore, it is important for the officer to submit
the citation on or before the next working day after the issuance of the citation.
C. Deputy Chiefs shall direct their official requests for mitigation of municipal court cases to the
hearing officer of the municipal court within seven (7) days from the date the citation was
received by the deputy chief. The hearing officer shall review the request and recommend
disposition to the court.
318.00 REDUCTION/SPECIAL HANDLING OF CLASS C AND
OTHER CRIMINAL CASES
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318.02 REDUCTION OF OFFENSES TO A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR
A. The investigator shall present a written request for the reduction or change of a charge on a
prisoner to their supervisor with the reasons for the request.
B. The supervisor shall sign the prisoner disposition slip in duplicate.
C. The investigator shall then deliver one copy of the prisoner disposition slip and initial offense
report to the complaint clerk in municipal court and shall obtain a complaint or citation
number.
D. The investigator shall deliver the other copy of the prisoner disposition slip to the jail
supervisor. The investigator shall then make a supplement to the initial offense report
indicating the type of case filed and complaint number.
318.03 REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL HANDLING OF CRIMINAL CASES
Officers within the Fort Worth Police Department are prohibited from requesting verbally or in
writing the special handling of criminal cases with the exception of General Order 318.01 and
318.02. The authorized position to request special handling of criminal cases shall be the captain
of the division investigating the case.
318.04 REFRAINING FROM ISSUING CLASS C MISDEMEANOR CITATION
A. Officers shall not issue Class C misdemeanor citations during an incident if the department
will be filing any of the following charges with the District Attorney’s office against the
person concerning the same incident:
1. DWI and DWI-manslaughter
2. DWLI – higher than Class C
3. Vehicular homicide
4. Evading arrest
5. Fleeing from police
6. Fleeing scene of accident
7. Failure to stop and render aid
B. Officers shall not issue Class C misdemeanor citations for possession of drug paraphernalia if
the department will be filing a narcotics charge with the District Attorney’s office against the
person concerning the same incident.
C. Officers shall not issue Class C misdemeanor citations in other situations in which the conduct
making up the Class C offense could be used by the District Attorney to prove a more serious
offense against the person.
D. In the offense report, the officer shall note any Class C misdemeanor offense that is observed
and shall state that the officer refrained from writing a ticket only to comply with the District
Attorney’s policy concerning filing a more serious offense against the person.
319.01 PROPERTY/EVIDENCE SUBMISSION (Revised 1/31/17)
A. Field Release of Property
1. Recovered stolen, lost or found property, other than firearms, may be released by an
officer or detective in the field if the ownership of the property is not in dispute and the
property is not needed for prosecution in a criminal case. An audio or audio/video
recording, if available, shall be made with the person to whom the property is
319.00 PROPERTY/EVIDENCE
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released. A Property Field Release form will be completed with one copy to the person
whom the property was released and the original forwarded to the Property Room to be
attached to the Property Transmittal or e-filed to the report. Documentation on a
recording or form will include:
a. The identity and contact information of the person the property is released to, and
b. A description of the property released to the person receiving the property.
2. The completed Property Disposition form must be signed by the person receiving
the property. The Property Disposition form shall then be scanned to a report or
supplement.
3. The property to be released in the field shall be photographed if the property is stolen
and recovered. The photographs and a description of the recovered property shall be
attached to the offense report or supplement, or placed on the appropriate CIU server
accessible to the assigned investigator.
4. Audio/video recordings will be marked with the service number of the offense/incident
report or supplement describing the recovery of the property. If no offense report is
necessary, the recordings will be marked with the incident number and details of the
property release will be put on the call sheet. Audio recordings may be saved as part of
a case file.
B. All property and evidence taken into custody by department personnel for any reason shall be
properly marked and submitted to the appropriate property storage area. This shall include
found, confiscated or abandoned property; property acquired as possible evidence; and all
evidence seized or departmentally generated. All evidence and possible evidence shall be
properly marked to identify the submitting personnel.
1. The appropriate storage area for property and evidence shall be the property room, auto
pound, or crime lab; however, with the written approval of the Chief of Police, a deputy
chief may designate an alternate property storage area for specified evidence and
property. The request for a property storage area shall include controls for storage, review,
and disposition which are consistent with the requirements of the property room.
2. No money shall be placed in an alternate property storage area.
3. Property and evidence retained in the alternate property storage area shall follow bureau
procedures and policies that have been established for that alternate property storage area.
4. All property and evidence should be turned in to the property room, auto pound, or placed
in the alternate property storage area by the end of the shift. No evidence or property
should be left in an unattended vehicle at any time.
C. Officers shall carefully scrutinize all items being submitted as property or evidence to assure
that the items meet the criteria for such submission. The following list shows some common
types of property listed as evidence:
1. Weapons used in a felony or attempted felony, in a suicide, weapons with obliterated
serial numbers. Weapons turned in must be emptied of ammunition.
2. All controlled substances.
3. All fired bullets.
4. Photographs, video tape, audio tape, magnetic digital media, and similar items regardless
of whether the items were confiscated, acquired, or generated by officers during a police
operation. The only exception shall be video of DWI suspects, disposition of which is
addressed in General Order 312.04.
5. Other miscellaneous items or physical evidence which, on examination, may produce
valuable information in felony investigations. However, in most cases, stolen credit cards,
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and recovered money should be tagged as property, not evidence. Burglary tools shall
normally be processed by Crime Scene Search Unit personnel prior to submission as
evidence.
D. To satisfy the rules of evidence, each person who has had evidence in their possession,
regardless of the length of time, may be required to identify it later in court. When submitting
evidence, officers should:
1. Mark all the evidence by initialing each by item. Drugs, in the form of individual tablets
or capsules, should not be marked, but containers of marijuana cigarettes, packets of
powdered drugs, and containers in which these items were recovered should be initialed.
a. Whenever possible, individual drug tablets or capsules that are not in a container
should be sealed in an envelope or small plastic bag to better preserve the evidence
for testing by the Crime Lab.
2. Place the evidence in an envelope or sack, seal the container, and initial the seal.
a. Syringes shall be placed inside a plastic tube and then placed in an evidence
envelope. Mark the outside of the envelope with the word “Syringe/Biohazard.”
3. Record pertinent details, such as date, defendant, victim, service number, and provide a
brief description of the contents on the container.
a. If the items are photographs, video or audio recordings, or other magnetic type media,
other than those used for recording DWI suspects, the officer shall indicate whether
the items were confiscated or are property of the department and produced during a
police operation.
4. Any officer or employee of the department when removing evidence from the property
room to be utilized as exhibits in court shall, if that court retains this evidence, return a
receipt of retention within the same working day it is removed. If the exhibit is to be
returned after litigation, a receipt of this shall be submitted the same working day it is
removed by the officer removing the evidence from the Property Room.
E. Property tags shall be completed and attached directly to items submitted as property, except
confiscated property, so as to identify ownership and/or the reason the property is being held.
A property tag is to identify recovered stolen property, evidence, confiscated property, guns,
prisoner property, etc., while a Property from Wrecked or Abandoned Cars tag will be used
for those items.
F. All combustible evidence less than thirty-two (32) ounces (one quart) that is associated with
a criminal charge will be submitted to the Property Room pending chemical analysis. Small
subsamples of highly combustible materials, such as gasoline, should be collected and
submitted to the Property Room with a Crime Lab request (when needed) with the bulk of the
material submitted to the Property Room. All containers will be sealed in such a manner to
avoid spillage, cross contamination, and/or evaporation. The appropriate metal containers are
available in the Property Room. All combustible materials greater than thirty-two (32) ounces
(one quart) and/or not associated with a criminal charge, and the items listed in E.1 – E.2 of
this section, will be submitted to the Property Room for storage/destruction. All containers of
highly combustible materials shall be labeled as “flammable.” Gasoline of any amount will
be stored at the Auto Pound.
1. Gasoline-operated equipment such as lawn mowers, edgers, go-carts, water pumps,
portable generators, etc., shall not be accepted for storage in the property room spaces
due to the fire hazard presented by the attached gasoline tanks. These items should be
stored at the Auto Pound.
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2. Gas cans, oil cans or containers or any container designed for storage of combustible
material, due to the fire hazard presented, shall not be accepted for storage in the Property
Room.
G. An officer must accompany all property items that are required to be stored at the Property
Room or the Auto Pound.
1. Auto Pound personnel shall designate the location for storage of particular items and the
officer shall complete and attach the appropriate property tag to the items.
2. The officer shall complete and submit the original property record invoice to the
appropriate personnel at the auto pound who shall sign for the receipt of property in the
property clerk section on the face of the property record report.
3. The property control specialist or attendant shall file the original property record, and one
(1) copy shall be forwarded to the assigned detective/division on the next work day.
H. Evidence received by Property Room personnel must be marked, packaged, and sealed by the
submitting officer, prior to submission.
I. Officers shall ensure that evidence or property which has the potential to inflict cuts, such as
broken glass, knives, razor blades, pointed objects, and similar items, are sealed in a manner
to provide for safe handling and shall prominently note on the sealed package that the object
inside should be handled carefully. A plastic tube shall be used for any sharp object that can
be placed inside.
J. Property Room employees receiving evidence shall place on each package the date and time
of receipt, and the name of the employee receiving the item.
K. The officer submitting evidence shall prepare an original evidence transmittal form.
L. Storage of evidence in its original, sealed condition shall be the responsibility of the Property
Room until the Crime Lab requests the evidence.
M. If the evidence to be submitted is perishable, such as biological fluids, chemicals, or
photographic evidence, it shall be submitted directly to the Property Room with the
appropriate Lab request filled out for the Crime Lab. If the submission is not during their
hours of operation, the perishable evidence will be placed in a refrigerator by the Property
Room staff until retrieved by the Crime Lab the next working day.
N. Items of evidence shall be picked up by personnel from the Crime Lab as needed, and returned
when testing is completed. A record shall be maintained showing those receiving and releasing
the evidence along with dates and times of receipt and release.
O. If it becomes necessary to open packages of evidence still having evidentiary value, then such
opening shall be made in the presence of the appropriate laboratory employee.
Packages containing controlled substances stored in the Property Room following laboratory
analysis shall be attached to a special inventory summary sufficient to satisfy legal
requirements for the periodic court-ordered destruction.
P. Officers needing to review video or audio recordings or similar electronic/ magnetic media
must receive written authorization from a supervisor, with exception for the detective assigned
the case. The review shall normally be done in a police facility and the chain of custody log
shall notate the name of the person reviewing the material, date, and time. Photographs shall
be obtained from the Crime Lab in the same manner.
1. If proper equipment is not available within the Property Room, or the review necessitates
removal of the magnetic media items or photographs, a Property Room employee (or
Crime Lab personnel if the item is a photograph) shall note the person removing the item,
the date, and time and a similar notation shall be made when the items are returned.
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2. Electronic/magnetic media items or photographs shall normally be returned within eight
(8) hours of removal. Should the items be required for a longer period, a supervisor shall
make such a request in writing to the supervisor of the Property Room or the Crime Lab
stating the reason for the retention.
3. No copies of a photograph, video recording, audio recording, or digital image shall be
made without written permission from the Chief of Police.
Q. Outside agencies may utilize the facilities of the Crime Lab by turning evidence to be
examined into the Property Room in the same manner followed by our own department.
R. When evidence is removed from the Property Room and the evidence is retained out of the
immediate control of the officer, a receipt from the agency or court retaining the evidence
shall be returned to the Property Room and attached to the original invoice.
S. Handling and submission of contaminated evidence.
1. Latex gloves shall be worn when handling contaminated evidence and articles.
2. Extreme care shall be taken when handling knives, scalpel blades, and other sharp
instruments in order to avoid puncture wounds. Plastic tubes shall be used, when possible,
for submission of contaminated sharp objects. If the object is too large to fit in a tube, the
officer shall carefully wrap and mark the package as containing hazardous materials not
in a tube.
3. Officers shall mark any contaminated evidence as a bio-hazard.
4. Officers shall double bag or seal any items which are visibly contaminated.
T. Contaminated Areas.
1. In order to prevent transmission of disease, employees shall not eat, drink, or use tobacco
at a contaminated site.
2. There shall be no eating, drinking, or tobacco usage in areas where evidence is being
packaged, processed, or handled.
U. In order to prevent possible contamination, evidence shall not be processed in areas where
food is routinely consumed.
319.02 PROPERTY REPORTING
A. All police employees, when reporting stolen, recovered, and lost or found property must
describe the property as completely as possible in the following sequence: property type,
brand name, serial number, model number, engraving or marking, color of item, size, material,
quantity, value, remarks, condition or style.
B. All property, stolen, recovered, lost, found, confiscated, or evidence placed in the Property
Room or Auto Pound requires that one of the following reports be prepared:
1. Offense Report – To be used for reporting all violations of the Penal Code which are
reported to the police. This includes all offenses where property is reported stolen. When
an officer is unable to describe stolen property on an offense report because the reporting
person does not have the necessary information, the following procedure shall apply:
a. If the information does not exist, the following statement must be made in the
narrative: “Complainant is unable to furnish any additional information now or in the
future.” When an offense report is submitted which contains this statement, it can be
marked “pending” by report review personnel if the rest of the criteria is met.
b. If the information is thought to exist and the complainant shall attempt to retrieve it,
state in the narrative, “Complainant shall furnish additional descriptions on listed
property.” When an offense report is submitted which contains this statement, the
report must be marked “open” by report review personnel and it is the responsibility
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of the investigative unit assigned to the case to obtain the additional descriptions and
supplement the report.
2. Investigative Supplements – All recovered, stolen, or found property must be described
on a supplement using the service number of the original report. If the original service
number is unknown, an incident report must be made using the service number of the call
the officer is on when the recovery is made. It shall be the responsibility of the detective
assigned to the original offense to notify the owner in order for them to claim the property.
If the original offense was originally suspended, the responsibility of ensuring
notification of the owner of the property shall rest with the supervisor of the investigator
assigned the suspended case.
3. Incident Reports – Officers reporting lost or found property must complete an incident
report describing the lost or found property. Incident reports describing found property
shall be marked open by report review personnel and assigned to the Property Room. If
the property is placed in the Property Room by a uniformed officer, the report shall be
assigned to the proper investigative unit. In either case, it shall be the responsibility of the
detective assigned to identify the property, if possible, and notify the owner to claim it. If
the property cannot be identified, it shall be disposed of according to department
procedures.
C. A Property Record report shall be completed by the reporting officer on all property submitted
to the Property Room.
319.03 PROCESSING STOLEN PROPERTY IN POSSESSION OF PAWN BROKERS
A. When a call is received concerning an incident of this nature, the victim shall be referred to
the investigating detective unit. When investigating detectives are not available, patrol
personnel shall handle the call according to the procedures outlined.
B. The investigating detective or officer assigned the call shall determine whether an active
complaint exists in the police files that properly identifies the alleged stolen property, and
states ownership information. Officers and investigating detective shall interview the victim
to determine if the property was in fact stolen. If the loss was not previously reported, the
officer or investigator shall fill out an offense report with all information available including
the victim’s reason for not reporting the loss at the time it occurred.
C. The investigating detective or officer shall determine if the property is the same as that
allegedly stolen from the victim and if the victim is the owner of the property. Disposition of
the property shall be determined after consideration of all evidence and the following
requirements:
1. The property alleged to be stolen must be sufficiently identified in the official complaint
by serial number, initials, identifying marks, or other positive identification method so
that there is no doubt that the property in question is the stolen property; and
2. The property is believed to be stolen.
D. If the evidence meets the above requirements, the officer or investigating detective shall place
a hold on the property by completing the proper report in Leadsonline or a Scheduled of Seized
Property Alleged to Have Been Stolen form and the officer or investigating detective shall
distribute the original form to the pawn shop in question and the remainder to the officer or
investigating detective’s case file.
E. If an officer responds because the investigating detective is unavailable and does not have the
proper form, the pawn shop operator shall be advised that the merchandise may soon have a
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hold placed on it by the police department and request that it not be disposed of until the
officer discusses the situation with the investigating detective.
F. The hold order in effect places the affected pawn shop in the position of being an extension
of the Property Room and establishes the pawnbroker as bailee of the property for the court,
pending a court determination.
G. After a written hold has been placed on the property, the investigator shall advise the victim
that the pawnbroker may, after being advised of the facts in the case, release the property
without charge, the victim may pay the pawnbroker the amount of money that has been loaned
on the merchandise, or the victim and pawnbroker may negotiate the charges on the item. If
the victim and pawnbroker cannot reach an agreement, the investigating detective shall
contact the prosecuting attorney of the municipal court and request that a property hearing be
filed, at no cost to the victim.
H. The hold shall remain in effect for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days, unless a
thirty (30) day extension is sought, at which time it shall be removed by the investigating
detective, provided that no property hearing is pending.
I. In the event evidence cannot be positively identified, the victim cannot show positive
identification of ownership, the property was pawned or sold by a member of the victim’s
family or household and the victim is unwilling to pursue or follow through with charges
against the suspect, or the evidence of the case indicates that the property was not actually
stolen, then the investigator shall advise the victim to secure legal means for recovering the
property from the pawn shop.
319.04 DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY/EVIDENCE (Revised 1/31/17)
A. Property received via a property form marked “found” may be released to the owner of the
property by Property Room personnel at their earliest convenience, unless such found property
has a complaint number, arrest number or charge. In these cases, the officer or investigator in
charge of the investigation connected with the property shall be required to provide approval
for release A property hearing will be held in cases where the ownership cannot be determined
and the “finder” wishes to claim the property that was found.
B. Property that is received via a property form marked “recovered” or “confiscated” and which
has no offenders or owner’s name, complaint number, arrest number or charge shall be
handled in accordance with article 18.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
“Disposition of Abandoned or Unclaimed Property.” Once the requirements set out in the
Code of Criminal Procedure are met, the property control employee can approve the property
for auction.
C. Property that is received via a property form and marked “Confiscated – possibly stolen” shall
be handled in accordance with article 18.16 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures
“Preventing the Consequences of Theft.” It shall be the assigned investigator’s responsibility
to set the confiscated property up for a Property Hearing no later than thirty (30) days after
the property is received if one or more owners are claiming the confiscated property. If no one
claims the property, or ownership cannot be determined, then the property shall be changed
to abandoned or unclaimed and handled in accordance with art.18.17 of the Texas Code of
Criminal Procedures “Disposition of Abandoned or Unclaimed Property.”
D. Any video or audio recording which is owned by the department and was produced during a
police operation, and is no longer required as evidence, shall be destroyed or returned to the
unit which submitted the item following a complete erasure of the recording by Property
Room employees.
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E. Before any weapon can be disposed of, it must be checked through NCIC and for current
status in any case which is pending. Weapons received from the Crime Lab are eligible for
disposal after they are checked through NCIC, are at least one (1) year old, and are not
designated as having current status in any case pending or set for trial. Weapons that are
recovered or involved in a pending criminal case cannot be released back to the owner until
the criminal case is closed.
F. Weapons shall be released to their rightful owners between the hours of 0800-1600 and only
by Property Room staff who has conducted a Brady Bill inquiry. When a weapon is returned
to its owner, it shall be void of ammunition.
G. Chemical evidence will be destroyed after a subsample and court order to destroy are received.
H. The Police Training Division Captain shall establish an inventory of all weapons retained for
departmental use. The range master shall have sole control and custody of all weapons retained
for departmental use in accordance with General Order 210.05.
NOTE: No item held by the department shall be released except through the procedures
established in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure that conform to
departmental standards and the orders of the courts.
319.05 RESTRICTED
319.06 FIELD TESTING DRUG EVIDENCE
A. Definitions
1. Presumptive Field Test – the preliminary identification of a substance as a controlled
substance or a dangerous drug by means of a reagent test or by visual/physical comparison
for the purpose of determining if a criminal offense has been committed.
2. Conclusive Test – when the color of the liquid in the kit matches that color on the package.
3. Controlled Substance – a substance, including a drug or an immediate precursor, listed in
Schedules I through V or Penalty Groups 1 through 4 of Title 6, Subtitle C, Chapter 481,
Subchapter B and D, of the Texas Health and Safety Code (HSC).
4. Dangerous Drug – a device or drug that is unsafe for self-medication and is not included
in Schedule I through V or Penalty Groups 1 through 4 of Title 6, Subtitle C, Chapter
481, Subchapter B and D, of the Texas HSC.
5. Field Test Kit – a reagent test kit designed to detect the presence of a controlled substance.
6. Inconclusive – the results of a presumptive field test that indicates no definitive result that
the sample contains the presence of a controlled substance or dangerous drug for which
the sample was tested. Further testing may be warranted based on the circumstances.
7. Visual/Physical Comparison – as used in this procedure, means the preliminary
identification of a controlled substance, dangerous drug, or marijuana using an officer’s
best judgment based on their training and experience.
B. Training
1. Officers shall receive approved training on the procedures of conducting field testing of
seized narcotics.
2. Only officers who have received approved training are authorized to utilize the field test
kit.
3. Supervisors shall ensure that officers under their command have a sufficient working
knowledge in the use of field test kits and have completed training.
4. Training will consist of reviewing the video supplied by the manufacturer which is posted
on the fwpd portal under Forms and Documents, Training.
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C. Equipment
1. Currently the only approved test kits are as follows:
a. Nik – Narcotics Identification System
b. ODV NarcoPouch
2. The test kits will be maintained at the Property Room. Personnel from that location will
make the test kits available to officers on an as needed basis.
3. Supervisors of the Property Room will maintain an inventory of test kits and will reorder
additional test kits on an as needed basis.
D. Testing Procedures/Reporting
1. With the exception of residue cases, officers shall conduct a presumptive field test of drug
evidence submitted to the Property Room in cases where that substance is linked to an
arrested person.
2. Officers seizing small amounts of substances which would be considered for residue
cases should not field test the substance. Residue amounts should be submitted in their
entirety to the lab for analysis. An example of what constitutes residue amounts is
available for visual inspection at the Property Room.
3. In cases in which no arrest is being made in connection with the seized substance such as
abandoned drugs or found property, the substance should be submitted to the Property
Room with a request made for destruction of the substance.
4. All arrests involving suspected violations of the Texas HSC will be based upon articulated
probable cause.
5. Reagent test kits shall be used in the manner consistent with the training received and the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Reagent test kits shall be used to detect the presence of cocaine, heroin,
methamphetamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy), and
gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in the sample.
7. On substances other than those listed above, the presumptive field test will be in the form
of visual/physical comparison and will include a comprehensive articulation of the
officers observations based on their training and experience in the offense/information
report.
8. Officers shall contact the Texas Poison Center or a pharmacist for assistance in
identifying substances in pill, tablet, or capsule form.
a. The name, identification number, store address and a direct contact telephone
number of the personnel identifying the substance will be documented in the report,
along with a description of the pill(s) and their markings.
9. If applicable, officers shall document the name and identification number of the person
locating the evidence along with the specific location each item was found.
10. Upon completion of a test, the field test kit should be photographed in a manner that
documents test results and attached to the offense/information report.
11. Officers shall indicate in their report what type of field test kit was used and the results
of the test, i.e. “Using a NarcoPouch 923 the substance tested presumptive positive for
the presence of methamphetamine.”
12. Be specific regarding the type of drug that was detected using the same terminology used
on the test kit.
13. Indicate in the report inconclusive results, i.e. “Using a NarcoPouch 923 the test was
inconclusive.”
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14. Note within the report narrative a description of the substance and its packaging, its field
weight, its location when found, and articulate any existing affirmative link to person(s).
15. In cases in which the test return is inconclusive, and based on the totality of the
circumstances, officers should consider submitting the substance as evidence to preserve
the possibility of a lab analysis at a later time.
E. Disposition of Evidence
1. Disposition of evidence shall be in accordance with existing policies regarding evidence
and seized property.
2. The used test kit should be safely disposed of by placing it in a trash receptacle and not
submitted with the evidence.
3. Officers shall not request analysis of the substance, except when noted above. A request
for analysis will be completed by the Narcotics detective once the case has been accepted
by the District Attorney’s office.
4. The results of the lab analysis will be forwarded by the Crime Lab to the assigned
narcotics detective.
320.01 MOTOR VEHICLE SEIZURES
A. An officer of the department may impound a motor vehicle and conduct standard inventory
of its contents under the following circumstances:
1. Removal of motor vehicles from the scene of an accident.
2. Impoundment of motor vehicles parked in tow away zones.
3. The motor vehicle is stolen or the officer has probable cause to believe that it is stolen.
4. The driver is removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest, there is reasonable
connection between the arrest and the vehicle, and no other alternatives are available other
than impoundment to ensure the protection of the vehicle.
5. The owner or driver requests or consents to the impoundment by the officer.
6. A motor vehicle which is being stored on any public street, parkway, sidewalk, or alley
in accordance with General Order 320.07.
7. A motor vehicle which constitutes a danger, hazard, or obstruction to others using the
public streets or highways.
8. The officer is authorized to seize and impound the motor vehicle under statute (e.g.,
section 103.03 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code), a city ordinance, a court order, or the
laws of search and seizure.
B. A motor vehicle shall not be inventoried unless the vehicle is to be impounded.
C. If the vehicle is impounded as part of a criminal offense, an explanation of the impoundment
shall be made in the narrative of the offense report or supplement, including any holds placed
on the vehicle, and the investigative unit that placed the hold.
D. If the vehicle is impounded for any reason other than a criminal offense or hit and run accident,
an incident report shall be made explaining the reason for the impoundment and specifying
which investigative unit the holds were placed. Multiple impoundments from the same
incident can be explained in a single incident report. Example: two or more vehicles pulled
from a tow away zone.
320.00 VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT PROCEDURES
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E. If a vehicle is impounded in reference to a hit and run accident, the impoundment shall be
explained in the accident report, including the fact that a hold was placed on the vehicle for
hit and run. If the vehicle is involved in a hit and run accident as well as another offense, both
the hit and run report and the offense report shall contain an explanation of the impoundment
and what sections the hold was placed for.
F. A standard inventory search is limited to accomplishing a “care-taking” purpose for which it
is justified and shall not be used as a pretext for a warrantless investigatory search. As part of
a standard vehicle inventory, officers shall open and inventory any and all containers, as
permitted by law, to which the officer has immediate access. Containers in the vehicle that are
locked for which no key is available shall be noted as “locked and not inventoried” in any
related report(s) and shall remain secured, absent a search under warrant.
G. If a vehicle hold is not validated or released within ten (10) business days, notice will be
forwarded to the division captain having responsibility for the vehicle. The notice must then
be signed and forwarded to the Auto Pound with either instructions to validate or release the
hold.
320.02 ARRESTED PERSON’S VEHICLE
A. An officer may impound a motor vehicle if the driver has been removed from it and placed
under custodial arrest, if there is a reasonable connection between the arrest and the vehicle,
and no other alternatives are available other than impoundment to ensure the protection of the
vehicle.
B. Upon the request of the arrested driver, the officer shall leave the motor vehicle at the scene
of the arrest, provided the vehicle is legally parked and does not create a danger, hazard, or
obstruction to others using the public streets or highways. If the arrested driver elects to leave
the vehicle on a parking lot, the arresting officer shall advise the person that the owner of the
parking lot has the right to remove the vehicle.
C. Upon the request of the arrested driver, the officer may release the car to a third person,
provided said person has a current driver’s license, can provide proof of insurance in
accordance with General Order 311.08, and is not incapacitated in any manner.
D. If the arrested driver requests the officer to leave the vehicle at the scene or to release the
vehicle to a third person, the driver shall be requested to sign a vehicle disposition form
absolving Fort Worth and its agents of any responsibility for the vehicle or its contents. The
arresting officer shall prepare two (2) copies of the form, with the original forwarded to the
Records Division and a copy given to the arrested person.
E. Unless the circumstances as described in paragraph A exist, the arresting officer is not
responsible for the prisoner’s motor vehicle, and the vehicle shall not be impounded by the
department. However, the vehicle may still be impounded if it falls within any of the other
paragraphs of this general order which allow impoundment.
F. If a motor vehicle is not impounded under the provisions of this order, the arresting officer
shall honor the arrested person’s request to remove the motor vehicle, if said vehicle is at or
near the scene of the arrest. The person may request a wrecker service of their own choosing
or a referral service wrecker to remove the vehicle. This request shall be made in writing on
the wrecker selection form. The arrested person may likewise request that the vehicle be
impounded by the department, in which event the person shall execute a vehicle disposition
form. The arresting officer shall inform the arrested party that they are responsible for towing
and storage fees and that the vehicle will be inventoried.
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G. Officers shall not drive an arrested person’s vehicle. If the vehicle is to be impounded, the
vehicle shall be towed by a wrecker. This does not prevent the officer, in an emergency
situation, from driving or pushing the vehicle to a safer location to await the arrival of the
wrecker.
320.03 WRECKER SELECTION AND PROPERTY FORM
A. The Wrecker Selection and Property form is designed to record a vehicle owner’s request for
a specific wrecker (10-51 Wrecker – Owner Specified or Owner’s Request), a rotation wrecker
(10-52 Wrecker from the Public Service Referral Towing Rotation List), or an officer’s
request for a police department removal (10-50 Wrecker for P.D. Pull.)
B. Requests for a large wrecker shall require the approval of a field supervisor prior to the
dispatching of the wrecker. Field supervisors shall make certain that the vehicle is ready to be
moved prior to approving the call for a large wrecker.
C. Money, checks, securities, guns, other small valuable items, and property of an evidential
nature shall be removed from the vehicle, tagged, and turned in to the Property Room. It is
essential that a reasonable inventory, including the opening of closed containers, be conducted
at the time of the removal of the vehicle and items noted on the wrecker form.
D. These forms shall be furnished by the wrecker driver at the scene of the pull. Upon completion
of this form and after the owner/driver copy and the officer’s copy have been removed, the
book with the other two (2) copies remaining intact shall be returned to the wrecker driver.
1. An owner’s request for a specific wrecker or an owner’s request for a referral service
wrecker requires the signature of the driver/owner at the bottom of this form.
2. The officer and wrecker driver must sign this form on all vehicle removals. An exception
for the officer’s signature will be at the owner’s request for a specific wrecker.
3. All blanks in this form shall be completed in a neat and legible manner. Officers shall
print their name (not initials) and shall accurately record their ID, their unit number, and
reason for the removal.
E. Officers are to exercise extra care in recording accurate arrival and clear times of the wrecker
and in checking the appropriate spaces that indicate type of pull and any extra charges to be
allowed.
F. Fees and certain conditions for non-consent tows (PD Pull) are regulated by contracts between
the City of Fort Worth and the companies; however, on an owner’s request to tow or a referral
service wrecker, officers shall explain to the requesting person that:
1. The fees may vary since the City of Fort Worth does not regulate wrecker company fees.
2. Negotiating the fee, including possible storage or other charges is the responsibility of
the requesting person, and
3. Neither the City of Fort Worth nor the police department warrants or guarantees
conditions of service.
G. Significant requirements of service include, but are not limited to:
1. All non-consent P.D. pulls go to the Auto Pound.
2. Wrecker response time is limited to thirty (30) minutes.
3. Debris must be cleared and removed from the scene.
4. Officers shall authorize the billing of extra work for the wrecker company before such
work can be performed or billed.
H. Wrecker Service Complaints
1. Persons whose vehicles were towed under non-consent conditions have the right to a
hearing in municipal court if they allege a violation of city ordinances.
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2. The Contract Services Administrator in the Police Grants and Contract Section is the
point of contact for any complaint about the conditions of wrecker service.
320.04 TOW AWAY ZONES
A. Officers finding a vehicle illegally parked within a designated tow away zone shall issue a
parking citation to the vehicle in violation. Officers may then request a wrecker from the
dispatcher.
B. When the wrecker arrives at the scene, the officer shall adhere to the following procedures:
1. If an actual hookup with the vehicle in violation has been made, the vehicle shall be towed
away at the owner’s expense.
2. If the owner/operator returns prior to the actual removal of the vehicle, the owner/operator
may request immediate release of the vehicle by the wrecker company. If not prevented
by other circumstances:
a. The wrecker company shall comply with the demand at no cost to the owner/operator.
b. A parking citation shall be issued.
c. The wrecker company will be returned to the top of the list for non-consent tows.
d. The officer shall indicate on the wrecker slip “released to owner.”
C. The fees for this service by the wrecker companies shall be commensurate with prevailing
rates.
D. Police personnel in contact with the owner/driver of a vehicle impounded from a tow away
zone shall advise the owner/driver of such vehicle that the vehicle may be redeemed by
showing proof of ownership and by paying all towing and storage charges at the Fort Worth
Police Department Auto Pound.
320.05 MOTOR VEHICLES WHICH CREATE A DANGER OR HAZARD
Motor vehicles may be impounded by the department if:
A. The vehicle constitutes a hazard or an obstruction to traffic by being left unattended upon any
bridge, viaduct, or causeway, or in any underpass or tunnel.
B. The unattended vehicle represents a traffic hazard and interrupts the normal safe flow of
traffic, e.g., parked in a traffic lane, parked near a dangerous curve, or left in an intersection.
C. The vehicle is illegally parked, so as to block the entrance to any private driveway, and the
owner of the driveway requests removal.
D. The vehicle is parked or standing in or on any portion of the street or highway in such a manner
that it interferes with a normal function of a government agency or by reason of any
catastrophe, emergency, or unusual circumstances, the safety of the vehicle is imperiled.
320.06 RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLES
A. When seizing a known stolen vehicle or a vehicle where probable cause exists to believe it is
stolen and it appears to the officer to be operable, the officer shall contact the Police
Information Center, who shall attempt to contact the owner of the stolen vehicle. If the owner
wishes to come to the scene and claim the vehicle and can arrive within a reasonable amount
of time, the owner shall be advised that, with satisfactory identification and proof of
ownership, the vehicle shall be released at the scene. If the owner cannot be contacted, or if
the vehicle is obviously not capable of being driven, the vehicle shall be removed. Officers
shall place a hold on all auto theft recoveries for the appropriate Criminal Investigations Unit
(CIU).
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B. Vehicles released at the scene shall first be processed by a patrol officer who has received
training in fingerprint evidence. Processing includes attempting to locate physical evidence,
i.e., fingerprints, tools, etc. and collecting any evidence found. If an officer locates a person
in possession of a local recovered stolen vehicle and there is probable cause to make an arrest,
the officer shall supplement the original Auto Theft report with this information instead of
creating a new offense report. If the officer has additional charges on the arrested person, a
new report shall be generated for those additional charges.
1. When appropriate, both the vehicle operator and any passengers at the time of recovery
shall be entered on the person screen in RMS.
2. For a vehicle located locally, the officer shall itemize in the narrative a detailed list of
items missing from the vehicle on the property screen.
C. Vehicles stolen out of town and recovered locally shall be removed via police department
wrecker and an incident report for out-of-town recovery shall be made.
1. The incident report number shall be recorded in the space provided on the wrecker form
or the electronic wrecker form on the MDC.
2. The listed victim for an out-of-town recovery report will be the reporting agency entering
the vehicle into NCIC. The officer will include the OCA number in the narrative section
and use the appropriate codes on the recovered stolen vehicle screen.
3. If suspects are arrested for an out-of-town recovered vehicle with additional charges, the
officer may enter the vehicle as an out-of-town recovery (OUT) in RMS or complete a
separate out-of-town recovery report and link it to the offense report.
4. On an out-of-town recovery, the officer shall itemize in the narrative a detailed list of
items missing from the vehicle, a property screen is not necessary.
D. Officers shall enter only the information from the license plate which was physically on the
vehicle when recovered on the vehicle screen.
1. In the narrative, the officer should include the total number of license plates physically
found with the recovered vehicle, detailing whether the license plate was registered to the
recovered vehicle or noting if registered to another vehicle. If the vehicle had two (2)
different license plates attached when recovered, the rear license plate will be entered in
the vehicle screen and the front license plate entered in the narrative with details.
E. In the narrative, the officer shall state any signs of forced entry, whether the keys were
recovered, and/or how the vehicle was stolen. The officer should inspect the VIN for
tampering or removal.
F. Stolen commercial vehicles, including but not limited to semi-trucks and trailers, bobcats,
construction vehicles, etc, are the responsibility of the Commercial Auto Theft Unit. Officers
dispatched to a theft call for a commercial vehicle shall notify Commercial Auto Theft Unit
immediately. If after hours, the officer shall contact the on-call Commercial Auto Theft
detective.
320.07 STORED, ABANDONED, AND JUNKED VEHICLES
A. Traffic Division has primary responsibility for enforcing violations concerning stored,
abandoned, and junked vehicles. In the event a vehicle meets the criteria for being stored,
abandoned, or junked upon any public street, parkway, sidewalk, or alley, it may be removed.
1. Stored – Sec. 22-159 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, Texas states that a motor
vehicle shall be considered stored when it has remained parked at or nearly at the same
location for a continuous period of time in excess of five (5) days.
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2. Abandoned – Chapter 683, sec. 683.002 of the Texas Transportation Code states that a
vehicle is abandoned when:
a. It is inoperable and more than five (5) years old and left unattended on public
property for more than forty-eight (48) hours,
b. Has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than forty-eight (48)
hours,
c. Has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in
control of the property for more than forty-eight (48) hours, or
d. Left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state, or federal highway
within this state for more than forty-eight (48) hours.
e. Has been left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours on the right-of-way
of a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the Texas Turnpike Authority
Division of the Texas Department of Transportation or a controlled access highway.
3. Junked – Chapter 683, sec. 683.071 of the Texas Transportation Code states that a vehicle
is junked when it is inoperative and does not have lawfully affixed to it either an
unexpired license plate or a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate; is wrecked,
dismantled, partially dismantled, or discarded; or has remained inoperable for:
a. Seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or
b. Thirty (30) consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.
B. If a vehicle is stored on the public roadway, police officers shall make every attempt to have
the vehicle in violation removed by the owner. Officers shall make a diligent effort to locate
the owner of such vehicle and inform them that the vehicle is in violation and must be
removed.
C. After the officer has located the owner of a vehicle stored in violation of section 22-159 of the
Code of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, the officer may allow the owner a reasonable length
of time to accomplish the moving of the vehicle without issuing a citation. If, after five (5)
days, the owner has failed to move the vehicle in violation, a citation for violation of city
ordinance 22-159 will be issued, and the officer may call for a wrecker to remove it from the
scene.
D. If the officer is unable to locate the owner of the stored vehicle after a reasonable attempt to
do so, a parking citation shall be issued citing the vehicle for violation of city ordinance 22-
159, and a red sticker, if available, may be placed on the windshield notifying the owner to
move the vehicle. After five (5) days, if the vehicle is still in violation, the officer shall issue
a second citation and call for a wrecker to remove it from the scene. Unless other action is
approved by a supervisor, patrol officers investigating an abandoned or junked vehicle shall
follow the criteria and procedures for a stored vehicle.
E. The Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement Unit will respond to all routine abandoned vehicle calls.
Officers may volunteer to respond to a routine abandoned vehicle call if no calls are holding
and at least one officer is available to take calls.
320.08 VEHICLE HOLDS
A. Holds shall be placed on vehicles that are:
1. Evidentiary value and
a. Part of a crime scene,
b. Subject to impoundment under state law, or
c. A search warrant is anticipated.
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2. Suspected as being stolen and require the inspection by a detective or investigator prior
to release to the registered owner or designee.
3. The product of a crime or a criminal instrument.
4. Subject to seizure under state or federal law.
B. Holds should not be placed on vehicles when:
1. The vehicle is pulled in association with an arrest, and the vehicle has no evidentiary
value.
2. The vehicle contains only evidence, contraband, or products of crimes that can be easily
removed with no reduction in the evidentiary value of such material.
3. The vehicle is not subject to seizure under state or federal law.
C. No holds shall continue after final disposition of any and all cases for which the vehicle is
held.
D. Investigators shall release their hold on a vehicle as soon as possible by advising the on-duty
auto pound supervisor by telephone, followed by transmittal of documentation of the release
authority.
E. If a vehicle hold is not validated or released within ten (10) business days, notice will be
forwarded to the division captain having the responsibility for the vehicle. The notice must
then be signed and forwarded to the Auto Pound with either instructions to validate or release
the hold.
1. If the hold is not validated or released within five (5) business days in response to the
above notice, the vehicle hold will automatically be released.
2. If the hold is validated in response to the notice, the Auto Pound will store the vehicle
and a notice of active hold will be forwarded to the investigative unit having the hold
every thirty (30) days. The investigator may then release the hold or continue it.
F. Stolen/recovered vehicles which are held for crime scene processing will have the hold
removed by the Crime Scene Search officer completing the processing.
G. A specific reason must be articulated in the offense report to place a hold on a stolen/recovered
vehicle for the Auto Theft Unit.
320.09 IMPOUNDED VEHICLE STORAGE FEES
A. Vehicles stored in the auto pound shall accumulate storage fees at the current rate set by city
ordinance, but not to exceed those permissible under state law.
B. Vehicles placed under a police hold shall not accumulate storage fees while such hold is in
effect. When the hold is no longer necessary, the unit for which the hold was placed shall
immediately notify the Auto Pound and authorize removal of the hold as well as provide them
with the name, address, and zip code of the complainant from the offense report. The
investigative personnel removing the hold shall generate a supplement to the offense report
with the time and date the Auto Pound was notified, how notification was made, and the name
and identification number of the Auto Pound personnel notified.
C. After receiving authorization to remove a hold, auto pound personnel shall process the vehicle
in accordance with their standard operating procedure and in compliance with the Texas Litter
Abatement Act, Section 5.03d, for notification of owners and lien holders.
320.10 RELEASE OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLE WITHOUT FEE
A. Police personnel of the rank of lieutenant or above may authorize the release of impounded
vehicles without payment of towage, impoundment, and storage fees. In arriving at such
decisions, the supervisor must weigh the city’s fiscal responsibilities against the department’s
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obligation to the general public to provide fair and equitable procedures of operation.
Generally, the supervisor may authorize the release of a vehicle if the vehicle was impounded
for safekeeping and the incident did not involve an arrest, violation, or automobile accident.
Such incidents would involve, but not be limited to, the following circumstances:
1. When a vehicle was pulled and the driver was arrested but refused at the jail due to lack
of probable cause or other legitimate reason.
2. When the vehicle is owned or is being driven by an individual who is entitled to
diplomatic immunity.
3. If an owner has not been properly notified of impoundment or release of investigative
hold, etc.
4. When an owner has not been properly notified of the recovery of a vehicle and given the
opportunity to pick up the vehicle at the scene.
B. Procedure for Release
1. Police personnel who have knowledge of extenuating circumstances shall notify their
supervisor of such circumstances. These facts shall in turn be relayed to a police
supervisor of the rank of lieutenant or above so that an authorized request may be made
to release an impounded vehicle.
2. Verbal authority for immediate release without fees shall be accomplished by calling the
shift supervisor at the auto pound. A description of the vehicle shall be provided along
with the name, rank, and organizational unit of the person authorizing the release.
3. The supervisor of the Auto Pound shall maintain a log of vehicles released without charge
and shall ensure that proper written justification is received.
320.11 DISTURBANCES INVOLVING REPOSSESSION OF AUTOMOBILES
A. Officers encountering disturbances involving the repossession of automobiles shall:
1. Take the necessary steps to preserve the peace.
2. A repossessor is not required by law to possess a court order or documents such as the
vehicle title, license receipt or instructions on the lien holder’s letterhead; however, if
sufficient evidence exists that a repossession is occurring and no laws have been violated,
then the repossessor is allowed to take possession of or retain possession of the vehicle.
3. The repossessor may not violate any laws during a vehicle repossession, such as
trespassing or forcing entry into an area, and may not remove the owner or anyone else
from the vehicle. Officers should not assist a repossessor.
4. Arrests may be made if probable cause exists that a theft is taking place or for offenses
committed in the officer’s presence.
320.12 ABANDONED BICYCLES
A. Officers receiving calls in reference to abandoned bicycles shall check the neighborhood in
an attempt to locate the owner.
B. If unable to locate the owner, the officer shall arrange for the bicycle to be transported to the
auto pound.
1. During the hours of 0800-1700, Monday through Friday, Abandoned Vehicle
Enforcement (AVE) shall be notified to furnish transportation for the bicycle.
2. During other hours, a police van or pick-up, if available, shall be used for transportation.
If not, officers must use patrol units and secure the trunk, using due caution when
transporting bicycles.
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3. If no transportation can be made immediately available and the complainant is on the
scene, the officer shall request that the complainant retain possession until 0800 hours the
next day or until such time as the complainant can contact AVE and arrange for
transportation.
C. The officer receiving the original abandoned bicycle call shall be responsible for completing
both an incident and property report. All other actions subsequent to the initial call shall be
documented on a supplement report.
321.01 NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN
A. Notification of next of kin of deceased persons, when the deceased is known and the next of
kin can be located, shall be the responsibility of the staff of the Tarrant County Medical
Examiner. Officers shall refrain from removing identifying documents from the body.
B. If the body of the deceased is not immediately identified or the next of kin is not known or
cannot be contacted, the medical investigator may request assistance of the police department.
1. When a fingerprint identification is requested, the crime scene officer shall take the
necessary prints. An evidence sheet shall be prepared indicating that identification of the
deceased has been requested. A copy of the evidence transmittal sheet shall be hand
carried to the lieutenant over the Homicide Unit. If the Homicide Unit is not open, the
evidence transmittal sheet shall be placed in the Homicide Unit’s box in the Offense
Report Office.
2. Requests for assistance, other than those requested on the scene, shall be sent directly to
the homicide lieutenant.
C. The lieutenant in charge of the Homicide Unit shall be responsible for complying with the
request for assistance and forwarding the results to the medical examiner’s office.
D. Notification of next of kin shall be limited to the spouse of the deceased person, parents of the
deceased, or nearest living immediate family member, depending on which is most applicable.
321.02 COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CASE FILES
A. Personnel responsible for filing cases must create an electronic case packet containing all
documents and information pertinent to the case to include any information of an exculpatory
nature. This electronic packet includes all pieces of evidence scanned in a PDF format. This
electronic case packet will be sent to the District Attorney’s office by uploading the electronic
file on the electronic case file system (ecfs) through Tarrant County Integrated Justice
Information Online.
B. All original documents, with the exception of offense reports, shall be retained by the office
filing the case. The officer filing the case shall return the original documents to their
investigative unit and ensure that they are properly filed.
C. Copies of case files shall be released only to those officers responsible for presenting the case
in court.
321.03 PROBABLE CAUSE WARRANTS (Revised 10/3/18)
A. An investigator who has sufficient information to secure a probable cause warrant shall
prepare an affidavit and warrant consistent with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and a
wanted person data input sheet.
321.00 INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
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B. The investigator’s supervisor shall review the documents and indicate approval by signing the
wanted person sheet. The supervisor shall also indicate on the sheet whether the information
shall be put in the Regional, TCIC, or NCIC computer systems, based on the following
criteria:
1. NCIC – Must be a felony warrant and the department must be willing to extradite.
2. TCIC – Felony or misdemeanor warrant, excepting Class C misdemeanors, and the
department must be willing to pick up the prisoner.
3. Regional – All warrants should be entered in this system.
C. After the arrest warrant has been approved by their supervisor, the investigator shall take the
complaint and warrant to a magistrate to be signed.
D. Once the warrant has been signed by the magistrate, the investigator shall enter the warrant in
the Tritech Inform RMS-Warrant Template (FWPD Warrant) using the warrant # that is issued
by the Judge/Court Clerk. The investigator shall fill out all the pertinent information for the
suspect listed on the warrant. The investigator will then resolve any validation issues and
“Submit” or hit the submit button.
E. The investigator shall take the original complaint, warrant, and wanted person sheet to the
Identification Unit.
F. Identification personnel shall log the warrant in the Warrant Template fields, showing when
the warrant was received and by whom. They will then copy and distribute the warrant and
wanted person report to PIC and Fugitive Unit.
G. Police Information Center personnel shall enter the warrants marked NCIC or TCIC into those
systems. Municipal court personnel shall enter the warrants marked regional into that system.
H. Warrant Service
For the safety of all police personnel and to maintain the integrity of an investigation and/or
pending arrest warrant, when attempting to execute any self-initiated warrant, officers other
than the Fugitive Unit shall:
1. De-conflict with the Fugitive Unit officer. If the warrant is not assigned to a specific
officer, contact the Fugitive Unit Sergeant to de-conflict.
2. Verify that the warrant is still active
3. Update the Warrant Module/Activity Tab with any action undertaken and/or information
obtained.
4. Any violation of this General Order could lead to the revocation of an officer’s access to
the Fugitive Unit warrant files, not precluding other disciplinary or administrative actions.
NOTE: These procedures are especially important with warrants related to homicides or
other violent felonies and will not apply if an officer comes into contact during the
course and scope of their duties with a suspect that has warrants.
I. Warrants shall be confirmed or canceled in the following manner:
1. Upon determination by the Identification Unit personnel that a person has an outstanding
warrant, the warrant will be confirmed through Police Information Center (PIC) and PIC
will notify the Fort Worth Police Department arresting officer or outside agency officer.
2. Identification Unit personnel will then process the warrant by entering the clearance or
cancellation of the warrant in the Tritech Warrant Template under the Arrest Warrant
number.
3. When a warrant has been cleared or cancelled, notifications will be sent to each Criminal
Investigation Units’ public email by the Tritech RMS System.
4. A Fort Worth Police Department officer or outside agency fugitive officer making the
arrest will come to the Identification Unit to sign the warrant return affidavit.
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5. The officer will be given a copy of the Warrant and Affidavit by the Identification Unit
personnel to take to jail personnel.
6. Identification Unit personnel will send the original warrant to the Judge/Court who signed
the warrant through interoffice or mail services.
7. Personnel in the Police Information Center and Municipal Court shall purge the
information from the appropriate systems.
8. Expired warrants will be communicated between the Fugitive Unit and the Identification
Unit, so the warrants can be cancelled and notifications sent to PIC.
321.04 CANADIAN WARRANTS
The NCIC Advisory Policy Board has approved the establishment of an NCIC Canadian Warrant
File. However, the arrest and/or detention of a person cannot be executed in the United States
based on a Canadian warrant.
A. When an officer makes a routine NCIC inquiry on a person and receives a response on a
Canadian warrant, the officer shall not arrest that person on a Canadian warrant.
1. If the person is arrested on a federal, state, or local charge, the officer shall direct copies
of all related reports concerning the arrest to the Fugitive Unit.
2. If the person is not arrested, the officer shall obtain as much information as possible
concerning the person and make an incident report directed to the Fugitive Unit.
NOTE: In either instance (A.1 or A.2), the officer shall make every effort not to reveal to the
person that a Canadian warrant is outstanding.
B. Police Information Center personnel, upon receiving a response on a Canadian warrant, shall:
1. Advise the inquiring officer not to arrest based upon this information.
2. Contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ottawa, Canada, and advise that a
match has been made on a Canadian warrant, including the warrant number.
3. Advise the RCMP representative that any further dissemination of information regarding
the warrant shall be furnished by the Fugitive Unit, and advise them how the section may
be contacted.
C. The Fugitive Unit shall furnish all available information to RCMP representatives making
inquiries on Canadian warrants.
321.05 CONSENT SEARCHES AND SEARCH WARRANTS
A. Consent Searches
1. The officer/investigator, when attempting to obtain a consent to search, shall be sure that:
a. A supervisor is called to the scene for residential consents and the supervisor shall
be responsible for ensuring that the consent is voluntarily made. For purposes of this
section, a motor vehicle that has been immobilized in one location for use as a storage
facility or home is not a motor vehicle and will be considered a residential consent,
and
b. A consent form shall be signed before a search is conducted unless an individual
refuses and it is captured on audio/video recording, and
c. The person providing consent has the legal authority to do so, and
d. The person providing consent shall remain at all times in such close proximity to the
officer/investigator conducting the search that they may withdraw the consent at any
time.
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NOTE: Officers and investigators in specialized units which deal with a more narrowly
focused mission where consent to search forms are used regularly will follow the
guidelines of their Standard Operating Procedures for consent searches.
2. When the suspect is in custody, the officer/investigator shall always be sure the subject
understands the Miranda warning before the consent form is signed and the consent shall
still be made voluntarily.
3. The officer/investigator shall give the person signing the consent form a copy of that form
as well as a list of all property seized as required by the Texas Code of Criminal
Procedures.
4. The investigator will place a copy of the consent form in the case file, and deliver the
original consent form to the Records Division in a timely manner for proper filing and
disposition.
B. Search Warrants
1. An investigator who believes sufficient information is present for a search warrant should
consult with a supervisor to determine if sufficient probable cause exists for the issuance
of a warrant.
2. The investigator shall prepare an affidavit and a warrant consistent with Article 18 of the
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and present the completed documents to a supervisor
for review.
3. After review by a supervisor, the investigator shall take the affidavit and warrant to a
magistrate for review and signature.
4. Once the warrant has been signed by the magistrate, the investigator shall take the original
to the Identification Section where copies shall be made for the investigator and the
original assigned a number and filed. If the magistrate chooses to retain the original
document, the investigator shall bring the copy to the Identification Unit.
5. When the search warrant is executed, the investigator shall make a return to any municipal
court magistrate or district court magistrate based on which court signed the original
search warrant. In the return shall be a schedule of all property seized, the date and the
time. The investigator shall then take the original return to the Identification Unit for
filing. If the magistrate chooses to retain the original document, the investigator shall
bring the copy to the Identification Unit.
6. When executing a search warrant, it shall be the responsibility of the investigator to assure
that a copy of the warrant and a schedule of property seized is left with the person on
whom the warrant is served as required by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. If no
one is on the scene of the search, a copy of the warrant and schedule of property shall be
left in a conspicuous place.
7. All property seized on a consent and search warrant shall be invoiced into the Property
Room. It shall be the investigator’s responsibility to note how this property was seized
and which magistrate issued the warrant or signed the return.
321.06 RESTRICTED
321.07 ELECTRONIC LISTENING DEVICES
State law prohibits the use of electronic surveillance equipment which has been designed for the
purpose of intercepting or recording conversations between two unknowing parties. State law does
provide for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to own, operate, or monitor this type of
equipment. A judge of competent jurisdiction may issue an order authorizing the interception of
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wire or oral communications if a prosecutor applying for a court order shows probable cause that
the interception will provide evidence of a felony (other than felony possession of marijuana)
under the Texas Controlled Substances Act or the Texas Dangerous Drug Act. Officers of the
department may assist members of the Texas Department of Public Safety in the operation or
monitoring of electronic surveillance equipment, but a DPS officer must be present at all times.
Whenever officers are involved in the implementation of a court order to use electronic
surveillance equipment, the Chief of Police shall be notified of this fact by the appropriate deputy
chief.
321.08 INVESTIGATION OF CASES (Revised 1/8/18)
Cases will be assigned on the basis of individual caseloads, the discretion of the unit sergeant or if
specifically requested by the detective.
A. Once a case is assigned the Detective will:
1. Prioritize cases and perform actual investigations of the assigned cases by collecting
facts leading to the identification, apprehension and prosecution of the offenders in a
timely manner.
2. Investigate all available leads and accurately record details of the investigation in
chronological order for preparation of formal packages at a later time.
3. Adequately document and substantiate in the supplement(s) or RMS case management
all available information that has been gathered.
4. RESTRICTED
5. Coordinate and share information with the District Attorney’s Office, or any other
investigative agency or unit as necessary.
6. When the case is completed, it will be given to or filed with the appropriate District
Attorney’s section.
7. All case files shall be secured so unauthorized persons will not have access.
B. Investigative Supervisor Responsibilities
The investigative supervisor will be responsible for the following:
1. Scheduling of personnel.
2. Delegation of assignments.
3. Inspections of personnel and equipment.
4. Coordination with other units and agencies.
5. Ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations of the Division and Police
Department.
6. Making decisions regarding exceptional investments of staff hours to offenses when
patterns develop, or as needed.
7. Evaluating performance of personnel assigned to the unit.
8. Reviewing and/or approving search and arrest warrants.
9. Ensuring detectives are properly trained and assisting in their continual development.
10. Performing monthly audits of cases assigned to detectives.
11. Performing administrative duties as requested by the Lieutenant.
12. Ensuring all detectives have completed the Detective Training Program and have signed
for the Detective Training Manual on PowerDMS. (TBP 7.05)
C. Elements of an Investigation
Basic elements of an investigation should include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Determine if a criminal offense occurred.
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2. Establish elements of offense as defined in the Texas Penal Code or other applicable
statute.
3. Location of victim and witnesses. Obtain written or recorded statements when possible.
4. Obtain a description of the suspect(s), their location, and name.
5. Assure positive identification of the suspect(s):
a. Photo spread,
b. Line up,
c. Fingerprints,
d. Eyewitnesses,
e. Circumstantial evidence, and/or
f. DNA.
6. Secure sufficient information to obtain Probable Cause Arrest Warrant, if necessary.
7. Attempt to obtain a statement from the suspect, if possible.
8. Identification of vehicles, if used.
9. Involvement of other persons.
10. Location, collection, and disposition of evidence.
11. Document everything as if it will be used in court.
12. If the District Attorney is given a case for “Informal Review,” the District Attorney will
be given all available statements and a criminal history of the suspect. If the District
Attorney refuses the case, the investigator will document the reasons in a supplement.
13. Once any case is submitted for prosecution, the District Attorney will receive a copy of
the case and a copy will be retained in the unit file. Under no circumstances shall a case
file be destroyed.
D. Case Audits
The supervisor of an investigative unit will conduct audit samplings of cases assigned to detectives
under their command in a manner that ensures each detective/investigator receives review during
each evaluation period. The supervisor will audit a minimum of two (2) or three (3) detectives per
month. Supervisors may elect to audit a detective’s cases more often if circumstances warrant
closer review; however, the results, both positive and negative, of all case reviews will be noted
on the detective’s/investigator’s performance evaluation, and case maintenance/efficiency may
impact a detective’s/investigator’s rating. Instances of excellent service and/or implementing
effective processes should be noted and shared with other detectives and Criminal Investigative
Unit’s to increase the efficiency of investigative units and the Police Department. Repetitive
shortcomings or instances of serious neglect will necessitate an administrative investigation.
1. The supervisor will review all reports and supplements, case management entries, case
notes, electronic case filings, statements, and documents related to each case. The
supervisor will check to ensure cases are appropriately prioritized, assigned, and
investigated to the fullest extent possible. Each case must reach its respective logical
conclusion; therefore, a detective/investigator will investigate by following up upon
leads, conducting timely and thorough interviews, professionally document activity
(i.e., time spent on cases in Case Management), submission of supplements when
appropriate, etc.
2. The supervisor will ensure detectives/investigators document and/or update the
appropriate case-related information, including but not limited to:
a. Cases filed when an arrest is made or the entry of valid reasoning when a case has
not been submitted with supervisory approval,
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b. Requests from the applicable Office of the District Attorney personnel requiring
further investigation,
c. Closed/pended cases,
d. Victims, witnesses, and suspect contacts,
e. Attempts to apprehend via arrest warrant, and
f. Any other criteria determined by the Supervisor/Commander.
3. The audit will consist of a review of all cases assigned to the detective/investigator that
are still in open status after ninety (90) days. It will also consist of a review of at least
five (5) cases 30-60 days old, and five (5) cases 60-90 days old. When possible, a
variety of case categories should be reviewed including:
a. Open (Active) case,
b. Pended status case,
c. Arrested Person (AP) case,
d. Named suspect case, and
e. Closed case.
4. At a minimum, the audit requires the review of ten (10) cases per detective; however,
supervisors are strongly encouraged to review additional cases as their time allows
and/or if they discover, or suspect, performance issues exist that necessitate a broader
review.
5. The supervisor will submit the audit results on the proper form and a cover IOC by the
fifth (5th) of each month that lists each detective whose cases were reviewed during the
prior month. The results will also list:
a. Those cases reviewed (to include the service number and type of offense),
b. Any deficiencies noted,
c. Corrective actions/training taken, and
d. Any disciplinary actions involved.
The results will be reviewed by the chain of command prior to being submitted to the
Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for compliance checks.
6. Supervisors will meet with each detective under their direct supervision (including Unit
Commanders meetings with the CID Unit Supervisors), to discuss findings, highlight
successes, correct minor issues, document significant problems, and to develop personal
improvement plans for those requiring improvement. Supervisors discovering neglect
of duty are expected to broaden their case review of the work of the
detective/investigator in an effort to determine if there is a larger problem, and therefore
may need to initiate an administrative investigation.
7. Within thirty (30) days, supervisors must provide training to all new investigative
personnel on audit expectations. Documentation of the training shall be forwarded
through the chain of command to the Training Division Captain and the Support Bureau
Assistant Chief.
E. Filing Cases on Arrested Persons
1. All prisoner cases assigned to the unit will be processed within the seventy-two (72)
hour limit by either filing the case or releasing the prisoner from jail. If the prisoner
bonds out of jail, this will extend the filing of the case by thirty (30) days. If the filing
will take longer than thirty (30) days, the District Attorney’s Office shall be notified so
the bond can be extended.
2. A Charge Information Status (CIS) will be sent to the Jail Lieutenant if the prisoner is
filed on or released from jail and a copy of the CIS will be placed in the CIS log.
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3. The Unit Sergeant will be notified of any prisoner that is to be held beyond the 72-hour
limit.
4. No warrant will be issued for a suspect unless the case packet is placed in the “Warrant
File,” and the case is ready to be filed, unless approved by the sergeant.
5. At no time shall a case packet be kept on the detective’s desk with a warrant
outstanding.
322.01 ALIAS DRIVER’S LICENSES
State law allows the Texas Department of Public Safety to issue alias driver’s licenses to law
enforcement officers involved in undercover investigations. In accordance with this law, the
following guidelines shall be adhered to by all officers regarding the issuance and use of alias
driver’s licenses.
A. No officer shall be issued an alias driver’s license unless they are involved in undercover
assignments.
B. Requests for the issuance of alias driver’s licenses shall be directed to the captain of the
officer’s division for approval.
C. The affected captain shall complete a requisition for alias driver’s license form and submit
one copy and the original to their deputy chief.
D. The Deputy Chief or designee will forward the original to the captain in charge of the local
driver’s license office of the Texas Department of Public Safety. A duplicate copy shall be
retained in the bureau for audit once a year.
E. An officer shall use an alias driver’s license only when engaged in official police duties and
only when it is necessary to conceal their true identity.
F. In the event that officers who have been issued an alias driver’s license are involved in a traffic
accident, they shall not use such license for purposes of the accident investigation.
G. Alias driver’s licenses shall be renewed on a yearly basis with the Department of Public
Safety.
H. Upon termination of an officer’s undercover assignment, the alias driver’s license issued to
the officer shall be returned to the bureau deputy chief who shall return the same to the
Department of Public Safety.
322.02 USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS
The Fort Worth Police Department, under certain circumstances, will authorize the use of video
cameras in the performance of official duties. The use of video cameras, other than the body
camera, must be approved by the requesting officer’s division commander. No departmental or
personal video equipment shall be used in a capacity where the use would involve constitutional
infringements, violations of the law, or violations of departmental rules and regulations. Any video
product that is utilized in developing a criminal case will be submitted as evidence as provided in
General Order 319.00. All divisions are subject to this General Order, except for the use of video
equipment related to processing DWI suspects provided in General Order 312.00.
A. The use of all video equipment shall be for official police business only and conducted in a
professional manner. No joking or unprofessional use of the video camera, equipment, or
product shall be tolerated.
322.00 INVESTIGATIVE AIDS
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B. Any video product shall be processed according to its intended use and no reproduction shall
be made without written approval of the commander of the division requesting the
reproduction. Any reproduction will be for official departmental purposes only.
1. Video recordings, CD/DVD, or any recorded media that are developed or received under
any circumstance shall be logged and maintained by the originating division commander,
unless the video recording, CD/DVD, or any recorded media is evidence.
2. Video recordings, CD/DVD, or any recorded media regarded as evidence shall be tagged
and submitted to the Property Room in accordance with General Order 319.00.
3. Video recordings, CD/DVD, or any recorded media developed for intelligence gathering
shall be logged, secured, and maintained at the division level or erased, with approval of
the commander, in accordance with the City of Fort Worth record retention and
destruction schedule.
4. Original video recordings, CD/DVD, or any recorded media developed for training
purposes shall be logged, secured, and maintained with the Public Relations Office.
Original video recordings, CD/DVD, or any recorded media developed at division level
shall be logged, secured, and maintained at the division level. Whenever practical, the
technical expertise of the Video Detail should be utilized to produce or advise on the
production of a video.
C. All divisional requests for video will be approved by that division’s commander with such
requests being made in writing, stating the specific rationale for the intended use including,
but not limited to:
1. Type offense.
2. Location.
3. Purpose of video.
4. Name of video equipment operator.
5. The intended focus of the video.
6. Date and time of video.
7. Description, when necessary.
D. Video equipment usage, other than that defined in this order, shall be approved by the
requesting officer’s commander who shall ensure that the intended use complies with the spirit
of this order. Any use of video equipment, other than defined in this order, shall be
documented at the division level. Any release of a video recording, CD/DVD, or any recorded
media or any viewing by other than police personnel shall require the approval of the deputy
chief.
E. Divisions that utilize video equipment on a regular basis shall develop and disseminate written
procedures for proper training, approved use of division video equipment, and the
maintenance and disposition of the video product. These procedures may exceed the
requirements of this General Order.
F. When questions of legality arise, any decision pertaining to video recording, use,
reproduction, or viewing of a video product shall be reviewed by the police department legal
advisor who shall give an opinion.
322.03 ADMINISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF OATH
A. Texas Government Code section 602.002 allows a peace officer, who is otherwise not licensed
as a notary public, to notarize affidavits and depositions taken by an officer when no other
licensed notary public is available. Section 602.002 states:
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1. The oath may be administered and a certificate of the fact given by a peace officer
described in Article 2.12 of the Code of Criminal Procedure if:
a. The oath is administered when the officer is engaged in the performance of the
officer’s duties; and
b. The administration of the oath relates to the officer’s duties.
B. Only officers of the rank of corporal/detective and above shall be authorized by the Fort Worth
Police Department to administer oaths as provided by Section 602.002.
C. The primary function when an authorized officer administers and certifies facts is to show that
a disinterested party has admonished the signer of the document as to the importance of the
document, and the signer has declared that the identity, signature and reason for signing are
genuine. The authorized officer shall not have a personal interest in the transaction, nor shall
the authorized officer have been involved in any way in the investigation or case for which
documents are to be notarized.
D. Section 602.002 only applies to oaths. If the person is required to swear to anything other than
truth and correctness, it is more than an oath and cannot be administered by a police officer.
E. If the form does not have a separate blank for a peace officer’s signature, the authorized officer
shall sign with their rank, name and ID number on the signature line. The authorized officer
shall then mark through the “Notary Public” statement and replace that statement with “Peace
Officer, Fort Worth.”
F. When administering and certifying facts, the authorized officer is prohibited from notarizing
their own signature, a document without the signer being in the authorized officer’s presence,
any document created by the authorized officer, and any document while off duty.
322.04 INFORMANTS
A. It is the course of action for the police department to develop and use informants in the
performance of crime prevention, crime suppression, and in the apprehension of criminal
offenders. Individual officers are encouraged to develop sources of information by their own
initiative, but in doing so, at no time shall the officer commit any act constituting a violation
of any law. Only employees of the rank of captain or above shall be the approving authority
for:
1. Any agreement or proposed agreement, recommendation, or initial officer contact to
mitigate a charge, reduce a charge or refrain from filing a charge against an informant in
exchange for information leading to an apprehension or prevention of a felony or
misdemeanor crime. Such action shall be approved and documented under the authority
of the captain or above and maintained within divisional files.
2. Any agreement to use an informant in any manner which would induce the informant to
become involved in what would otherwise be a criminal act. Any specific practices which
are approved shall be covered within the division standard operating procedures.
B. Any business or personal relationship between an informant and police officer is strictly
prohibited.
C. When an officer has developed an informant source, the officer shall prepare and have
approved, an informant documentation packet. Upon approval from the division commander,
the packet shall be maintained within the divisional files of the originating division. It shall
be a command responsibility to ensure informant packets are maintained in a manner that
provides maximum confidentiality.
D. Informant packages shall contain the following information:
1. File labeled by confidential informant code number only
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2. Photograph of informant
3. Fingerprints of informant
4. Personal history information
5. Record of payments to informant to include receipts
6. Data concerning informant’s operational involvement and an evaluation of each
disbursement
7. Criminal history record, if applicable
8. Signature cards of the confidential informant
E. When an informant is documented and providing assistance for remuneration, all payments
shall be approved by the disbursing officer’s immediate or designated supervisor prior to
payment being made based on the requirements and limitations listed within that division’s
standard operating procedures governing the use and payment of informants. No payments
shall be made without supervisory approval.
1. Funds for informant and/or purchase of evidence or services shall be issued by a
designated supervisor within the division. The requesting officer shall complete a Cash
Expenditure Report on the monetary draw, and present the report to the issuing supervisor
prior to any funds being issued. The Cash Expenditure Report shall be placed in the
imprest fund file until the transaction is complete. Under no circumstance will funds be
checked out for a period in excess of seventy-two (72) hours without supervisory
approval.
2. No monetary payment will be made to an informant without the informant and
information being properly documented. All payments shall be documented upon the
approved Informant Receipt/Evaluation form. Under no circumstances will the Informant
Receipt/Evaluation form be pre-signed by the disbursing officer or informant. All
informant payments shall be witnessed by a second officer. No informant payment shall
be made without the presence of a witness. The second officer shall sign the Informant
Receipt/Evaluation form in order to confirm their presence at the time that the informant
payment was made. The informant, disbursing officer, and appropriate supervisor shall
also sign the Informant Receipt/Evaluation form.
3. The completed original Informant Receipt/Evaluation form shall be attached to the related
Cash Expenditure Report and submitted through the chain of command to the division
commander for review and approval. Upon approval, the original forms will be returned
to the informant records officer for filing in the imprest fund file. One copy of the
Informant Receipt/Evaluation form shall be filed in the informant file packet.
F. The division commander shall be the custodian of all confidential informant records and
imprest funds. The commander’s responsibilities shall be to ensure that all required steps are
taken in the documentation of informants, disbursement of funds and funds reconciliation,
timely submission of completed documentation, and that all informant files and imprest funds
are secure and maintained with the utmost confidentiality by the informant records officer.
G. Should an informant be documented and providing assistance for the purpose of mitigating a
criminal charge, all services or information provided shall be thoroughly documented on the
approved Informant Receipt/Evaluation form. The completed form shall be routed through the
divisional chain of command for review, then filed within the appropriate informant packet.
H. Commanders employing the use of informants shall implement written divisional guidelines
guaranteeing conformity to the requirements specified within this order.
I. Whenever information from a confidential informant is used in an apprehension, the
confidential informant’s number shall be referenced in the related offense/arrest report.
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J. In the event that the informant is on probation or parole, the officer shall inform their
supervisor who shall contact the court granting the probation, the Tarrant County Adult
Probation Department, or the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, whichever is applicable,
and request permission to utilize the probationer or parolee as an informant. The supervisor
will request approval in writing and will include all correspondence in the informant packet.
Such information shall be held in the strictest confidentiality. If the request to utilize the
probationer or parolee as an informant is denied, no officer shall use the person as an
informant.
322.05 DPS IMAGE RETRIEVAL SYSTEM ACCESS
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the Driver License Image Retrieval
System (IRS) which provides driver records information and the associated digital image.
A. The designated liaison between the DPS and the Fort Worth Police Department shall come
from the Intelligence Section. The Homeland Security Sergeant shall be that designated
liaison. Responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Maintaining an accurate, complete, and updated list of all designated police department
users of the DPS/IRS. This responsibility shall include informing DPS of the removal of
transferred personnel and the addition of new users.
2. Allotting user slots for the appropriate divisions. User slots shall be distributed throughout
the department to ensure access to all essential investigative areas. The designated slots
shall stay within an assignment or position, rather than with an individual. DPS assigns
the total number of slots for the department and responsibility for assignment within the
department is with the Tactical Command Deputy Chief or designee.
3. Coordinate with DPS to resolve any problems/questions experienced within the police
department. All information between the DPS and the police department shall be the
responsibility of the Homeland Security Unit Sergeant. If a problem develops due to
abuse of the system by a user, the Homeland Security Unit Sergeant shall have the
responsibility to relinquish their access to the system.
4. Provide training on accessing and proper use of the system.
B. The Division Commander or their designee having allotted slots assigned within the division
shall have the following responsibilities:
1. Advise the Homeland Security Unit Sergeant of any personnel changes effecting the
assigned slot.
2. Ensure all designated personnel complete a DPS/ IRS Security Request form and forward
the completed form to the Homeland Security Unit Sergeant.
3. Ensure that all problems or questions by their personnel are promptly forwarded to the
Homeland Security Unit Sergeant.
4. Assign the designed slots within the division. When the number of allotted slots creates
a problem, or if slots are no longer required, inform the Homeland Security Unit Sergeant.
5. Ensure each user keeps an accurate log of all accesses/images taken from the DPS/IRS
system. This is mandated by the DPS. Failure to do so may result in Permanent Denial of
access to the DPS/IRS system.
C. Any police department user who disseminates IRS information, including the digital image to
a third party law enforcement or criminal justice agency must verify the third party agency is
in agreement with the terms set forth by the Department of Public Safety and the Fort Worth
Police Department.
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323.01 POLICE AVIATION DIVISION
A. Flight Procedures.
1. Directed Patrol – Through information obtained from a crime analyst, patrol assignments
shall be made for areas where concentrated, serious, and/or developing crime trends are
identified.
2. Aerial Surveillance – Two types may be performed:
a. Overt surveillance is performed in an open manner with no attempt to conceal the
helicopter’s presence and can be performed at any altitude.
b. Covert surveillance is used when the mission is intended to be clandestine, and it
requires a minimum of 1,000 feet above ground during day light and 500 feet at night.
3. Call Response – While in the air or on the ground, Communications will immediately
notify the Police Aviation Division on the following types of calls:
a. Pursuits
b. Life threatening calls i.e. calls in progress or just occurred such as shootings,
stabbings, kidnappings, etc.
c. Bank robberies and armed robberies when sufficient information is provided for Air
One to be of assistance.
d. Missing persons after the patrol officer has made the scene and obtained accurate
descriptions and has determined that Air One can be of assistance in locating the
person.
e. Suicide calls where the location of subject is unknown after the patrol officer has
made the scene, obtained accurate descriptions, ascertained the subject does intend
to cause themselves harm, and has determined a reasonable search area.
f. While in the air, any call where accurate information has been obtained where Air
One can be assistance.
g. Whenever Air One is requested, the flight crew will make every effort to
accommodate the request unless a timely response cannot be made, Air One’s
capabilities cannot provide the needed assistance, or conditions such as weather or
mechanical problems make it dangerous to fly. If these or other similar conditions
exist and Air One is unable to respond to the call, the flight crew shall immediately
notify Communications or the requesting officer.
h. The flight officers shall respond to the dispatcher the status of response.
B. Emergencies
1. Major Disaster – In a disaster situation, the helicopter’s primary function shall be to
provide an aerial platform to assist in the tactical coordination of ground forces.
a. The helicopter shall monitor VHF 123.02 MHZ, using the call sign of “Fort Worth
Air One” or “Fort Worth Air Two.”
b. The helicopter shall not be used as a medical or detainee transport.
c. All unit personnel are subject to 24-hour call back. The chief pilot shall submit and
revise, as necessary, a list of pilots and flight officers for callback duty. The list shall
be maintained by the Police Communications Division. Callbacks can be requested
by supervisory-level personnel through the dispatch supervisor. The re- quest must
be approved by the chief pilot, the Patrol Bureau administrative sergeant, or either
patrol command deputy chief.
323.00 SPECIAL ASSIST ELEMENTS
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C. FLIR Video
1. When Air Support responds to an incident which may result in an arrest or attempted
arrest, the flight officer shall be responsible for activating the FLIR video system if
conditions are favorable for the system’s use rather than visual observation. At the
conclusion of the incident, the patrol unit responsible for the incident shall be in formed
by the flight officer that the video recorder had been activated and the incident recorded
on FLIR video.
a. The patrol unit responsible for the incident shall, when notified by the flight officer
that the incident was recorded, make a notation in any report filed that a FLIR video
of the incident exists.
2. Investigators shall contact the Police Aviation Division regarding access to FLIR video.
The video are retained for 120 days.
D. Flight Officer Vacancies
1. Flight officer vacancies shall be filled from a current eligible relief flight officer list. The
list will contain a specified number of officers who were selected for inclusion on the list
by posting the position city-wide when the list falls below the specified number of eligible
officers.
323.02 CRIME SCENE SEARCH UNIT
A. The Crime Scene Search Unit (CSSU) shall be notified on the following types of calls:
1. All homicides, suicides, and other deaths under suspicious circumstances.
2. Sexual assaults.
3. Assaults where serious bodily injury has occurred, including:
a. Visible bodily injury to a child fourteen (14) years of age or younger.
b. Visible bodily injury to an elderly person sixty-five (65) years of age or older.
c. Visible bodily injury to a disabled person as defined in Texas Penal Code 22.04.
4. Critical Police Incidents.
5. When a supervisor of the division concerned who is on the scene requests a Crime Scene
Search Unit to respond.
B. The Crime Scene Officer will be responsible for the following:
1. Protection of the crime scene and prevention of unauthorized access.
2. Collection and processing any evidence on the scene.
323.03 CANINE UNIT
The principal duty of the Police Canine Unit is to serve as a support unit by assisting field officers
in apprehension and detection. Tracking and building searches at the scene of commercial or
residential burglaries, armed robberies, search for illicit drugs, or other street crimes are examples
of reasons for request of canine units. When the services of a canine unit are considered, every
effort should be made by the officers at the scene to avoid contamination of the area with human
scent.
A. Canine units shall respond to requests from police personnel when a building is to be searched.
Once at the scene, the canine handler shall take charge of that portion of the call dealing with
the building search. The handler shall ensure that the search is proper. Only the area described
in a search warrant, if applicable, shall be searched. The narcotics canine shall not be used to
search an area near, or within, a suspected methamphetamine laboratory.
B. The canine handler is responsible for determining whether the circumstances justify the use
of the canine and for determining tactical utilization in keeping with the circumstances. When
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practical, efforts should be made by the canine handler to apprise field supervisors of the
method to be utilized and rationale for same. Offense, supplemental, or inter-office reports
shall be completed as appropriate to the situation.
1. Canines shall not be used for crowd control.
2. Canines shall not be used in making Class C misdemeanor arrests.
3. A canine unit may be utilized in Class A and B misdemeanor arrests at the K-9 officer’s
discretion, provided the handler reasonably believes that it is immediately necessary to
utilize the canine and the handler maintains on-the-leash control at all times.
4. A canine unit shall be used at the scene of a silent alarm to conduct a building search
when circumstances indicate burglary suspect(s) may still be concealed within, and a
search of the premises without canine assistance may endanger officers at the scene. To
provide for the safety of the handler, the canine may be worked off the leash if qualified
by previous training.
5. A canine unit may be used to effect the arrest of a fleeing felon or person(s) whom the
canine handler has probable cause to believe has committed a felony. The canine handler
has responsibility for the police service canine and determining when circumstances
warrant using the canine off leash in their particular felony situations involving dangerous
suspects.
6. A canine unit may be used in the other field situations in either on- or off-leash capacity
if the canine handler reasonably believes such use is immediately necessary to enhance
the safety factor for all officers involved.
7. All police working canine units must have been qualified to work on- and off-leash prior
to any field work. The documentation to support those qualifications shall be maintained
by the canine supervisor.
8. The narcotics canine handler and the officer responsible for the scene of a search for illicit
drugs shall be the only persons to conduct the search. The officer responsible for the scene
shall ensure that the scene remains uncontaminated prior to the arrival of the narcotics
detecting canine. Under no circumstances shall the canine be permitted to search
individuals.
9. If any narcotics are discovered, it shall be the responsibility of the reporting officer to
take custody of the materials.
10. The search for illicit drugs may be discontinued at the discretion of the narcotics canine
handler, and control of the search site returned to the reporting officer.
11. Canine units should not be the primary unit on dispatched radio calls.
12. Every reasonable effort or precaution shall be exercised to prevent a canine from biting a
suspect.
C. Canine units may be used for special details, such as trail work, lost person searches,
specialized foot patrols, and other details where the use of canine would be of benefit. The
narcotics canine may be used only for searches for illegal drugs, unless certified for another
purpose. Requests from outside agencies for canine services must be approved by the canine
commander.
1. Since the Canine Unit dogs are not normally trained to follow a specific person’s odor,
the Canine Unit has a limited ability to find lost or missing persons. On missing or lost
persons calls were the person has been missing for more than an hour, officers should
request dispatch to contact a civilian search and rescue group for tracking.
D. In the event it is necessary to recall any canine handler and canine to duty during off-duty
time, the field officer will contact their immediate supervisor who will assess the situation. If
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the situation warrants recall, the officer will contact Communications providing all details of
the call and to request the Canine Unit. The Canine Unit supervisor will determine if Canine
can be utilized and the number of Canine teams needed for the call. The officer shall remain
on the scene until the Canine handler arrives on the scene to relieve the officer of the search
portion of the call.
1. Due to time limits set by the courts, the Canine Unit will not respond to assist outside
agencies for narcotics searches during off-duty hours.
E. Decisions to send canines into any situation which the handler deems to be harmful to the
canine or which may be beyond the capabilities of the canine are made at the discretion of the
handler.
F. Special training needs of the narcotics canines require that specialized training aids, namely
various illegal drugs, be used during training exercises. The following procedures shall be
utilized in the acquisition and use of these items.
1. The handler shall obtain a listing of all confiscated illegal drugs which have been
authorized for destruction.
2. The handler shall prepare an inter-office correspondence listing the items to be obtained
and submit it to their supervisor for approval through the chain of command.
3. The handler shall take the approved request to the Property Room supervisor and obtain
the items listed within the document.
4. The handler shall transport the substances to the Crime Lab for analysis and weighing.
Small amounts may be retained by the crime lab, and the handler shall submit an evidence
transmittal form indicating which substances and the amounts were retained, and those
which were kept by the handler as a training aid.
5. The handler shall submit a document listing the substances to be used as training aids, the
amounts, and the invoice number of the items. This document shall be approved by the
Chief of Police prior to the items being used as training aids.
6. The handler shall submit a report of the disposition of the training aids, particularly any
substances which expire due to the relatively brief shelf life of the drugs utilized. The
report shall list the substances, their invoice number, the amount originally obtained, and
the amount which has been destroyed through exposure to the elements. The report shall
be forwarded to the Chief of Police through the chain of command.
G. Canine units shall respond to requests from the department for demonstrations at police
functions, such as open house and in-service training, or when authorized by the Chief of
Police.
323.04 SCHOOL RESOURCE UNIT
A. In the event that a School Resource officer makes an arrest and shall be the testifying officer
to the details of such arrest, they shall have the responsibility for completion of the proper
reports.
B. In instances where the School Resource officer merely acts as a messenger by calling a patrol
officer to a school for the purpose of meeting a complainant or other person in which the
School Resource officer was not involved as the arresting officer, then it shall be the
responsibility of the responding patrol officer to meet such complainant and make any reports,
investigation, and/or arrests as necessary. Officers shall not issue citations for class C
misdemeanors on a school campus.
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324.01 INITIAL POLICE ACTION
A. Upon receiving a call of this nature, officers shall proceed to the scene as quickly and safely
as possible.
B The officer receiving the call, as well as all assist officers, should survey the scene upon arrival
and call for additional help if needed to properly secure the scene.
C. After the scene is secured and the appropriate number of assist officers is present, a protective
sweep should be done to locate any additional victims and/or suspects.
D. If the assailant is at the scene, officers shall locate, disarm, and detain the subject. Officers
shall detain the subject until the homicide detective in charge is notified.
E. As soon as possible, officers shall check the condition of the victim and call for medical aid
as needed.
F. Officers should attempt to identify any witnesses and/or suspects. All witnesses and/or
suspects should be kept separated from each other.
G. Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Search Unit need to be notified immediately. The Public
Relations Office should be notified when necessary.
H. The initial responding first-line supervisor will appoint an officer the responsibility of
completing a Crime Scene Log on all homicides, suicides, and suspicious deaths. The crime
scene log will include all persons present in the crime scene, including police, fire, ambulance,
and medical investigators. The log will include their time of arrival, unit number, rank, name,
ID number, purpose, and their time of departure. Upon completion, the crime scene log will
be given to the on-scene homicide investigator.
I. The first-line supervisor will ensure the entire crime scene including possible areas such as a
house or entrance/escape routes is properly secured, protected, and kept undisturbed, and
sterile with tightly controlled access. Officers not necessary to the successful operation at the
scene will be immediately returned to their regular duties.
J. If a homicide detective makes the scene of a homicide, the detective shall be responsible for
the initial offense report.
K. When a homicide detective makes the scene of any death, they shall be in charge of the scene
and shall coordinate the processing of the crime scene with the crime scene officer. This shall
include providing instructions to patrol personnel as to their duties and responsibilities
concerning the interviewing of witnesses and/or suspects as well as the protection of the crime
scene. When patrol supervisors are on the scene of a death, they shall supervise only those
functions of a patrol-oriented nature and shall allow the detective freedom to take charge of
the investigation.
L. The field supervisor of the district where the offense occurred should be notified so that they
can make the scene and assure that patrol functions are carried out properly, and, if homicide
does not make the scene, that a thorough preliminary investigation is conducted.
M. In cases where the victim is quickly transported from the scene by ambulance personnel and
upon arrival officers find little physical evidence, they shall not leave for the hospital until
other units have arrived to secure and protect the crime scene. Once the scene is secured, the
officer may proceed to the hospital.
324.00 HOMICIDES, SUICIDES, AND SUSPICIOUS DEATHS
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324.02 DISPOSITION OF THE VICTIM
A. When the victim is obviously alive, the officer shall immediately send the subject to the
hospital of the victim’s choice or, if they are unable to request one, John Peter Smith Hospital.
B. If there is any possibility that the victim is alive, the victim shall be sent to the hospital.
C. In a case where the body is cold, stiff, or other obvious indications are present to indicate the
subject is dead, do not disturb or remove the body, but protect it, and the scene, until the arrival
of the medical investigator and/or representatives of the Homicide Unit.
324.03 WITNESSES
A. Witnesses should be encouraged to remain at the scene until either the investigating officer or
the homicide detective interviews them. In some situations, the witness may be offered the
option to provide a statement at a police facility rather than at the scene. If the witness is a
juvenile, the parents are to be contacted.
B. The investigating officer, while at the scene, should attempt to identify each witness by name,
age, address, phone number, and write a brief narrative of what they observed and where they
were when they observed it.
C. Witnesses should be interviewed separately, either at the scene, the hospital, or a police
facility.
324.04 DISPOSITION OF WEAPONS
A. Unless the possibility exists that a weapon used in a crime may be stolen, misplaced, carried
away or otherwise moved by others, it should not be handled or disturbed.
B. If the weapon is not taken from the victim, leave it where it is found.
C. If the weapon is confiscated from the assailant or victim, the officer taking charge of it shall
be required to tag the weapon as evidence or property, and complete all necessary reports.
D. Should it become necessary to move a weapon, the person moving it shall mark the spot where
the weapon was originally found.
E. In all other cases, the scene should not be disturbed so that crime scene officers can process
the area.
324.05 OTHER POLICE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. If the actor is not on the scene, the officer handling the call shall obtain as much information
as possible and provide the police dispatcher with a wanted person broadcast.
B. The officer handling the call shall be responsible for assuring that all necessary police reports
pertaining to the preliminary investigation have been completed. If the incident involved a
drive-by shooting, the officer shall notify the DECOR operator to flag the offense.
324.06 DECEASED PERSONS
A. A supervisor shall be notified of all deceased person calls where the body is not at the hospital
and a doctor is not in attendance.
B. If the deceased person is a patient at a hospital or has been a patient for more than twenty-four
(24) hours at a convalescent or rest home, or the person has been under medical care for a
serious health impairment for some time and death appears attributable to natural causes, the
medical investigator shall be notified. In some cases, the medical investigator may not make
the scene. When there is a doubt as to the cause of death, the supervisor may request that the
medical investigator and on-call homicide investigator be notified.
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C. As the patrol officer is generally the first person on the scene, the following steps shall be
taken:
1. The officer shall ensure that the field supervisor has been notified.
2. The officer shall notify, or cause to be notified, the medical investigator, ambulance or
funeral home, Crime Scene Search Unit, if necessary, and any other agency or division
that may be of help in the investigation or removal of the body.
3. An offense or incident report shall be made and shall contain the usual information to
include:
a. Name and address of deceased.
b. Ambulance company or funeral home, name of driver and attendant, as well as
correct address of the scene.
c. Time of death, if known, and who pronounced same.
d. Medical investigator’s name.
e. If police detectives were notified, the name of the detective on the scene.
f. Name and address of the person who found the body and under what circumstances.
g. Subject’s medical history, if applicable.
h. List of all personal property of the deceased and its disposition.
i. Disposition of the body.
324.07 DEATHS INVOLVING PATIENTS ENROLLED IN HOSPICE PROGRAM
The Hospice Program is designed to give support to patients afflicted with terminal diseases who
desire to remain in their homes until death. Therefore, the following procedures shall be adhered
to:
A. Police Communications Division
1. Employees receiving notification of the death of a patient in a hospice program shall
initiate a radio call noting that the deceased was a participant in this program.
2. Dispatchers shall dispatch a patrol unit to the scene advising the officer of the
circumstances.
B. Patrol Response
The officer receiving the call shall proceed to the scene and contact the family or hospice staff
members who reported the death. The officer shall complete an incident report containing the
patient’s name, name of the patient’s attending physician, a statement that the patient died of
natural causes, the name of the attending nurse who confirmed the death, and that the deceased
was enrolled in a hospice program.
C. This program is designed to assist the patient and family to live as fully as possible and to
allow death to occur as unobtrusively as possible. Therefore, it shall not be necessary for the
officer to view the body unless information is developed which indicates a necessity for
further investigation of the death. In that event, a supervisor shall be called to the scene before
the investigation is begun.
D. The medical investigator shall be contacted on the scene and normally shall not make the
scene.
E. A family member or hospice staff member shall contact the funeral home.
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325.01 INITIAL POLICE ACTION
A. A minimum of two (2) officers shall be dispatched on all robbery alarm calls or robberies in
progress.
B. If possible, the call taker shall encourage the person calling to remain on the telephone so as
to provide updated information concerning the situation as officers respond.
C. Officers responding to a robbery alarm or robbery in progress call shall exercise extreme
caution when approaching the scene and always assume that a potential for danger exists.
D. The responding officer shall determine if further assistance is needed to properly contain the
area. The responsibility for containment shall rest with the officer assigned the call until a
supervisor is on the scene,
E. If the first officer on the scene cannot determine if the robbery is still in progress, the officer
shall assume a position of concealment that provides the best vantage point of the scene and,
if possible, await arrival of assist officers before approaching the scene.
F. If the reporting person is no longer on the phone with the call taker, the first officer on the
scene will have dispatch personnel contact the complainant by telephone to determine if the
suspects are still on the scene. This should be accomplished with caution to avoid placing the
possible victim in any greater danger.
G. When a sufficient number of officers have arrived on the scene, the officers shall take
whatever action is necessary to protect themselves and the victim while attempting to
apprehend the actor.
1. If the robbery is at a business, financial institution, or residence and is still in progress,
officers shall attempt to remain concealed outside the building until the suspects emerge
from the building. Once outside, the officers shall attempt to apprehend the suspects if
apprehension can be made with an acceptable degree of safety.
2. If the robbery is at a business or financial institution and the suspect has left the scene,
the dispatch employee shall obtain descriptive information about the employee who shall
be exiting the building to contact officers covering the building. The information obtained
shall be passed on to the officers responding to the call. Officers shall wait for the contact
person to emerge from the building and contact the officer before the officer enters the
building for further investigation.
3. When officers gain control of the scene the responding officer shall determine the need
for any medical assistance for victims and request same, protect the crime scene, and
broadcast a physical description of the suspect, weapon, and vehicle.
H. Officers in the general area, who have not been dispatched to the scene, shall not go to the
scene, but shall remain alert to any subjects and vehicles matching the description of the
perpetrators.
I. If the robbery becomes a hostage situation, the officers shall follow the department’s
procedure for the handling of hostage situations and attempt to maintain control of the scene.
Officers shall establish an outer perimeter appropriate for the situation, until SWAT arrives to
negotiate the release of the hostages. The safety of the hostages shall remain the first priority
of those officers responding to this or any similar situation.
J. Officers are cautioned to remember that the main objective of the police is the protection of
life and property; therefore, the officers should take whatever action is necessary to ensure
that the victims and potential victims are protected from injury.
325.00 AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
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K. If evidence of the offense is present, a request for Crime Scene Search Unit assistance shall
be made.
L. For aggravated robbery scenes, the initial responding supervisor will appoint an officer the
responsibility of completing a Crime Scene Log. The Crime Scene Log will include all persons
present in the crime scene, including police, fire, ambulance, and medical investigators. Once
completed, the log will be given to the on-scene robbery investigator or forwarded to the
Robbery Unit if no investigator makes the scene.
M. The supervisor will ensure the crime scene is properly secured and protected with tightly
controlled access. Officers not necessary to the successful operation at the scene will be
immediately returned to their regular duties.
N. When information indicates a robbery has occurred, the Robbery Unit shall be notified prior
to responding officers leaving the scene.
O. During normal business hours, the Robbery Unit will be contacted directly. If after hours,
notification will be made through the Communications Division. Based on a review of the
circumstances as related by the responding officer, the Robbery Unit detective will have the
discretion to make the scene.
P. When a robbery detective makes the scene, the detective shall be in charge of the scene and
shall coordinate the processing of the crime scene with the crime scene search officer. This
shall include providing instructions to patrol personnel as to their duties and responsibilities
concerning the interviewing of witnesses and/or suspects as well as the protection of the crime
scene. When patrol supervisors are on the scene of a robbery, the supervisor will only be
responsible for those functions of a patrol-oriented nature and shall allow the detective
freedom to take charge of the investigation.
Q. The patrol division where the offense occurred shall ensure that patrol functions are carried
out properly if a robbery detective does not make the scene and that a thorough preliminary
investigation is conducted and a report completed.
R. In cases where the victim is transported from the scene by ambulance and the arriving officers
find little physical evidence, the officers shall proceed to the hospital only after other units
have arrived to secure and protect the crime scene.
325.02 OTHER POLICE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Witnesses
1. Witnesses should be encouraged to remain at the scene until either the investigating
officer or the robbery detective interviews them. In some situations, the witness may be
offered the option to provide a statement at a police facility rather than at the scene. If the
witness is a juvenile, the parents are to be contacted.
2. While at the scene, the investigating officer should attempt to identify each witness by
name, age, address, phone number, and write a brief narrative of what they observed and
where they were when they observed it.
3. Witnesses should be interviewed separately, either at the scene, the hospital, or a police
facility.
B. Disposition of weapon
1. Unless the possibility exists that a weapon used in a crime may be stolen, misplaced,
carried away or otherwise moved by others, it should not be handled or disturbed.
2. If the weapon is confiscated from the assailant or victim, the officer taking charge of it
shall be required to tag the weapon as evidence or property, and complete all necessary
reports.
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3. Should it become necessary to move a weapon, the person moving it shall mark the spot
where the weapon was originally found.
4. In all other cases, the scene should not be disturbed so that crime scene officers can
process the area.
326.01 ASSAULTS
A. Officers first arriving at the scene of an assault should determine if the victim requires
hospitalization, and if so, call for an ambulance.
B. Once the victim has been taken from the scene, the officer should remain until such time as
all physical evidence has been obtained or at least until the first assist unit arrives.
C. At this point, the officer should change locations to the appropriate hospital where the victim
was taken.
D. The investigating officer should interview the complainant and any other witnesses present,
paying close attention to the type of assault that occurred as defined in the Texas Penal Code.
E. The officer shall complete all required reports as soon as possible, paying particular notice as
to the means of assault such as hands, feet, head, etc. If the incident involved a drive-by
shooting, the officer shall notify the DRU operator to route the report to the Gang Unit.
326.02 AGGRAVATED ASSAULTS AGAINST A PEACE OFFICER
A. If the assault is committed against a peace officer and the officer is injured:
1. A supervisor shall be notified and respond.
2. The peace officer shall be taken to the hospital for a physical exam and a report from the
examining physician shall be made, indicating the extent of injuries received.
3. The officer’s injuries shall be photographed.
4. If a recent color photograph of the suspect is not available, county identification shall
photograph the suspect at the time of arrest.
5. If the prisoner shows signs of injury or claims injury, they shall be transported to the
hospital by ambulance or a police officer other than the assaulted officer.
6. If there is physical evidence of injury regardless of whether the suspect claims excessive
force was used, photographs shall be taken of the suspect.
B. Precautionary measures shall be taken against bites by individuals suspected to have infectious
diseases, including the use of defensive and verbal control techniques to minimize physical
contact with the individuals.
326.03 SEXUAL ASSAULTS (Revised 7/27/17)
A. A supervisor shall be notified of any sexual assault to coordinate the investigation of the
incident.
B. On all sexual assaults, the Crime Scene Search Unit shall be notified to collect and preserve
any evidence.
C. The victim, whenever possible, should be transported to the hospital via private car or
ambulance. However, under certain circumstances, the victim may be transported by patrol
personnel, but only when two (2) officers are present in the vehicle. Officers shall adhere to
General Orders and standard procedures concerning the transporting of ride-ins, prisoners,
etc.
326.00 ASSAULTS
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D. The victim shall be advised by the officer that a sexual assault examination is made available
at John Peter Smith Hospital, the victim’s hospital of choice, or the victim’s personal
physician. If the exam is to be conducted at the victim’s private physician’s office, a prepared
kit should be obtained by the Crime Scene Search Unit. However, only the sexual assault
examination itself shall be paid for by the city and any other expenses incurred shall be the
responsibility of the patient
E. Officers shall sign an authorization form to initiate the sexual assault examination at the
hospital. If an officer refuses to sign the authorization for the examination, the officer shall
first consult with their coordinating field supervisor. The supervisor shall then determine if
the exam should be authorized. The supervisor’s decision should weigh all available
information. If the exam is not authorized, the officer shall clearly articulate in the report the
reason why the exam was not authorized.
F. In either event, the victim shall be instructed that for the examination to be of maximum
benefit it should be taken within ninety-six (96) hours of the attack, taken prior to the victim’s
bathing or douching.
G. If the exam is held at the victim’s physician’s office and the Fort Worth Police Department is
notified, the victim shall be met by a crime scene officer with a proper kit for use by the
victim’s physician to collect evidence. Instructions are provided with the kit for the physician
to follow. Exams held at facilities other than John Peter Smith Hospital shall also be paid for
by the city when the exam is authorized by signature & ID of a Fort Worth Police Officer; the
exam is completed for evidentiary value, and the kit will be used by the Fort Worth Police
Department in conjunction with a criminal investigation.
H. The officer shall obtain complete details from the victim concerning the time and place of the
attack, weapon used, if any, description of the attacker, vehicle description, if any, and
specifics of the suspect’s speech and mannerisms. Specific attention should be given to
statements made by the suspect during the attack.
I. As soon as possible, the officer should provide a radio broadcast for the wanted person
providing sufficiently detailed information to assist apprehension efforts.
J. The officer shall complete an incident report and under the Summary tab relate only the basic
information necessary to establish the elements of the offense. The officer shall then complete
the Narrative containing complete and specific details of the offense. The officer shall also
complete any other necessary reports in relation to the call.
K. Sexual Assault Victim Pseudonyms
1. During the preliminary investigation of a sex offense, the reporting officer shall inform
the victim, if feasible, of the following:
a. Victims have the right to be listed by a pseudonym in public police and judicial
records. If such an election is made, the victim’s name, address and telephone number
shall not be publicly disclosed in connection with the investigation.
b. Upon choosing an appropriate pseudonym, officers shall complete the incident report
and then notify DRU with the victim’s actual name.
2. The incident report shall contain the date, time and location of when the victim was
informed of their right to select a pseudonym. If circumstances prevented the officer from
advising the victim of this option, the officer shall state this fact in the narrative along
with an explanation of the circumstances. The officer shall maintain no personal notes
regarding the identity of the victim.
3. The physical description, age, date of birth, etc., of the victim shall be completed in the
normal manner in the incident report.
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4. All incident reports received by the Digital Transcription System involving sexual assault
shall be entered with an additional code which shall cause the victim name, address,
telephone number, and business information fields to be stored in the computer as
protected.
5. The Sex Crimes Unit shall have responsibility for contacting all sexual assault victims to
ensure that the pseudonym form is available to the victim and that, if a pseudonym
election is made, the form is properly completed. If a victim does not elect to use a
pseudonym, the sexual assault detective shall document this refusal in a supplemental
report.
6. The Sex Crimes Unit shall maintain all completed pseudonym forms in a confidential
manner in accordance with state statute.
a. Pseudonyms may be chosen by the victim, however, the Sex Crimes Unit supervisor
shall make every effort to ensure that duplicates are not selected in order to facilitate
the work of the investigative personnel involved.
b. Once a pseudonym form is filed with the Sex Crimes Unit, the service number of the
incident report shall be linked to the pseudonym selected by the victim. All future
references in reports, files, and records of the department shall refer to the pseudonym
of the victim in conjunction with the service number. Example: Jane Doe
(98123456). Official laboratory reports, evidence release receipts, and
correspondence shall bear only the pseudonym and service number, if available.
c. The Sex Crimes Unit supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring appropriate action
is taken to protect the confidentiality of those persons filing the pseudonym form.
7. Only police personnel, sworn or civilian, who are involved in the investigation of sexual
assaults shall have access to the files which disclose the name, address, telephone number,
and business information of sexual assault victims. Access to these computerized files
shall be through restricted terminals and passwords. The Deputy Chief shall designate all
such authorized persons and the location of computer equipment which can access these
files.
8. The Sex Crimes Unit supervisor shall notify the attorney for the state of the fact that the
victim has elected to be designated by a pseudonym, and shall provide the pseudonym
which has been selected.
9. The Deputy Chief or designee shall ensure that the procedures of the assigned
investigative staff maintain the pseudonym form in a manner that protects the
confidentiality of the information on the form.
327.01 SILENT ALARM
A. The officer receiving the call on a silent alarm shall be responsible for the coordination and
placement of other units also responding to the scene.
B. All main exit ways should be guarded so as to prevent the escape of any offender.
C. The unit in charge of the call shall inspect the structure to determine if there is any sign of
forced entry.
D. If officers find signs of forced entry or have any reason to believe that a burglar may still be
in the building, they shall keep all exits under surveillance and call for assistance from
available canine units and for any additional units required to secure the building.
327.00 BURGLARY, THEFT, AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
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E. If the building shows no signs of forced entry, officers shall continue to keep the building
under surveillance and have the Police Information Center contact the owner of the building
and/or alarm company reporting the alarm. If contact is made with the owner, an owner or
authorized agent shall be requested to make the scene so that officers may conduct a routine
inspection of the inside of the structure.
F. If the building appears secure and the owner or alarm company representative shall not be
making the scene or shall be delayed by more than twenty (20) minutes, the officer shall clear
the call and return to service. The complainant shall be advised to contact the Police
Communications Division upon their arrival at the scene so that officers may return to the
location.
G. On structures that are not secure and where the complainant cannot be located, officers shall
attempt every reasonable means to secure the building. If the building cannot be secured,
officers shall stand by until the building can be secured. Dispatchers shall attempt to have the
officers relieved every two (2) hours. The structure shall not be abandoned without the
permission of a supervisor who shall base the decision to remain or to abandon the building
on existing conditions at the time.
H. The officer with responsibility for the call shall make the appropriate offense/incident report
when the officer finds that the alarm notification was caused by burglary, robbery or an
attempt of either, hostage situation, criminal mischief, reckless damage, or an arrest is made.
I. If the officer determines that the alarm notification was caused by damage where no offense
was committed, the officer shall direct an incident report to the Alarms Unit titled “Alarm
Call.” Any such damage must be readily visible to the officer. Officers may direct an incident
report to the Alarms Unit under circumstances where the officer believes a possible violation
of the alarm ordinance exists.
J. If the responding officer determines that the alarm notification was caused by the weather and
there is no visible damage to the alarm site, the officer shall not have to make an incident
report. The weather-related alarm shall be recorded on the officer’s CAD disposition as caused
by the weather and the dispatcher shall be so advised.
K. An alarm call on which no report is made shall be counted as a false alarm against the permit
holder. Therefore, officers shall not make a report using the alarm call service number unless
the report has to do with the alarm notification. Example: An officer responding to an alarm
call finds no signs of attempted entry on the building. However, before clearing the call, the
officer is approached by the clerk of the store next door who wants to report a theft. In this
instance, the officer must clear the alarm call and call for a new service number to make the
theft report.
L. If, when checking an alarm site, an officer finds what is known to be old damage or old
evidence of forced entry, the officer shall make a note of the findings on the officer’s CAD
disposition if no other reports were made as a result of the alarm notification.
M. Employees shall not recommend a particular alarm company or alarm system to anyone or
make any statement supporting or discouraging the need for an alarm system.
327.02 AUDIBLE ALARM
A. Audible alarms shall be processed in the same manner as silent alarms.
B. When audible alarms cannot be silenced, the officer investigating the call shall notify the
dispatcher that the building is secure and that the alarm shall continue to sound.
C. The dispatcher shall note on their console that the alarm call has been worked.
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327.03 BURGLAR IN A BUILDING
A. This call should be processed in the same manner as silent alarms, however, a greater degree
of caution should be used.
B. If apprehension is made, the officer shall place any subject(s) under arrest, provide the
appropriate warning, and transport the prisoner(s) to the proper detention facility as soon as
possible.
C. The officer having the original call shall process all reports to complete the preliminary
investigation.
327.04 BURGLARY, THEFT, OR CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
A. Officers should determine if an offense has been committed and obtain as complete
information as possible for the submission of an offense report and if appropriate, a broadcast.
B. Officers dispatched to the scene of a burglary, theft, or criminal mischief shall thoroughly
investigate all leads which provide hope of the offender being arrested on or near the scene.
C. On any property crime, officers shall conduct a thorough scene investigation, including
processing for fingerprints when appropriate, and collect any physical evidence found on the
scene.
D. The Crime Scene Search Unit may be requested for property crimes only when the collection
of physical evidence exceeds patrol capabilities.
E. Officers should pay particular attention to asking a sufficient amount of questions to ensure
that all pertinent information is obtained from the complainant.
F. Officers shall also adhere to General Order 319.02, regarding the complainant’s ability, or
inability, to furnish additional information concerning the offense in the future.
327.05 OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS
Open doors and windows shall be investigated as silent alarms with the officers eliminating all
means of escape prior to beginning their search of the building.
327.06 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/THEFT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
A. If requested by a utility company, the officer shall respond to the scene and act only as a
witness to the fact that a bypass is installed. The officer shall not take initiative in the
investigation of the case or collection of physical evidence.
B. The officer shall record the event on an incident report which shall be assigned to the
appropriate field operations investigation unit, noting the type of device, how it was installed,
and any observable service being rendered by the device. The officer shall observe only what
is open to the officer’s view and shall make no searches. The officer shall not arrest under this
charge.
C. If a felony, or breach of the peace occurs within the officer’s view, proper action as stated in
the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 14, shall be taken.
D. When a utility company has decided to pursue a criminal prosecution under the criminal
mischief statute, they shall bring their information and/or evidence to the appropriate division
investigator.
E. An investigator shall review the evidence, and if it is sufficient, the investigator shall make a
supplemental report changing the incident report to an offense report and follow-up the
investigation in the normal manner. It shall be the investigator’s responsibility to obtain any
search warrants needed.
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F. If an officer or an investigator must deviate from this procedure, they shall first obtain
permission from a supervisor.
G. Nothing in this order shall be interpreted as to prevent the utility companies from filing direct
with the district attorney’s office.
328.01 DISTURBANCES
A. If the officer receiving this call is working alone, they shall try to arrange arrival time as
closely as possible with that of the responding assist unit.
B. Upon arrival at the scene, officers shall approach the situation as carefully as possible.
C. After officers have arrived at the scene, they should determine the cause of the disturbance
and take the reasonable steps necessary to quell the disturbance and restore order.
D. Officers should control their voice and actions while on the scene as these can cause
aggravation and incite an even greater disturbance.
E. Officers should try to gain a complete understanding of the situation by investigating
thoroughly before taking any action.
F. Once an evaluation is made, officers shall attempt to restore peace quickly by separating
persons having a dispute.
G. If a criminal offense is committed in the officer’s presence, they may arrest or issue a general
complaint citation to the actor, depending upon the circumstances.
H. When the officer has reason to believe, based on the investigation, that a Class C misdemeanor
has been committed, but the act was not completed in the officer’s presence, a general
complaint citation may be issued to the actor.
328.02 LANDLORD AND TENANT DISPUTES
In situations involving landlord and tenant disputes, officers should only act when a criminal
offense is involved. Normally both sides in these matters should be referred to the proper authority
such as a justice of the peace court or dispute mediation. In the event a civil court has made a ruling
on the disposition of property, officers should remember that the enforcement of civil orders is the
duty of the Tarrant County Sheriff and the various constables and their deputies. Officers of the
department shall not become involved in the enforcement of civil orders except to assist a county
law enforcement official.
328.03 PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS AND CHILD CUSTODY MATTERS
A. Although state law allows a peace officer to use reasonable efforts to enforce the terms of a
court order that provides for possession of or access to a child, unless an immediate breach of
the peace is imminent or there is probable cause to believe that a danger of imminent bodily
injury exists or a disturbance is in progress, police employees shall tactfully refuse to
participate in child custody or property settlement disputes.
1. With supervisory approval, officers may standby with a victim in order to preserve the
peace so the victim can retrieve only the things they immediately need for their care or
the care of their children.
B. If the request is received in the Police Communications Division, the call taker shall follow
the above guidelines and no police unit shall be dispatched unless a disturbance is in progress
or imminent.
328.00 DISTURBANCES
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C. Although state law allows a peace officer to use reasonable efforts to enforce the terms of a
court order that provides for possession of or access to a child, police officers in the field,
when receiving such a request direct from a citizen, shall refer the person to the proper civil
court, unless a disturbance is in progress or imminent, in which case the officer shall follow
normal police procedures in maintaining order.
328.04 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
A. Procedure
It is the guiding principle of the Fort Worth Police Department to provide victims of domestic
violence the maximum protection from harm or abuse, or threat of harm or abuse, as is
permitted by law. All officers shall enforce the law without regard to the relationship between
the alleged offender and victim.
B. The primary duties of an officer who investigates a domestic violence allegation or who
responds to a disturbance that may involve domestic violence are:
1. To protect any victim of domestic violence.
2. Enforce the law.
3. Make lawful arrest of violators.
C. Officers responding to calls where domestic violence is involved shall advise any possible
adult victim of all reasonable means to prevent further domestic violence.
D. On all domestic violence calls, officers shall conduct a thorough investigation to determine
the necessity for completion of a Domestic Violence Packet. When a Domestic Violence
Packet is necessary, it should be completed in its entirety including:
1. An accurate description of any injuries observed by the reporting officer or reported by
the victim. These injuries should be fully documented on the diagram of the FV Packet.
Regardless of whether there are apparent injuries, using an available digital camera,
officers shall photograph any and all reported or apparent unreported injuries, take
photographs of the victim including the face and take photographs of the crime scene.
Crime Scene Search should be utilized if no digital camera is available or special
circumstances exist that necessitate their expertise.
NOTE: On all Class C misdemeanor offenses, the victim’s claim of pain or injury shall be
photographed even if there is no visible injury present.
2. Domestic Violence Photos should be submitted to the Domestic Violence Unit by either:
a. Uploading all related photos to the designated police department server. The proper
format should be: (year-report number; i.e. 10-000000), or
b. Attaching injury-related photos to the police report under the e-files tab on Tiburon.
3. Written statements from the victim and any/all witnesses to the assault.
4. If a suspect is arrested, a written statement from the arrestee. If the arrestee refuses to
provide a written statement, the officer shall write “Refused” on the statement form in the
appropriate section.
5. Provide the victim a copy of one of last pages of the Domestic Violence packet, either in
English or Spanish as appropriate, entitled “Important Information for Victims of
Domestic Violence.”
E. In the event the domestic violence offense is a Class C, the three (3) checklist pages of the
Domestic Violence Packet shall be completed.
F. An original police report should be entered into the reporting system detailing all pertinent
information obtained during the on-scene investigation and noting in the appropriate fields
that it is domestic violence and the relationship between the victim and the suspect. The officer
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shall include in the narrative whether the suspect is a member of the state military forces or is
serving in the armed forces of the United States in an active-duty status.
1. The Domestic Violence packet must then be scanned in pdf format and attached to the
police report under the e-files tab on Tiburon. If an actor is arrested the Domestic
Violence packet does not need to be scanned.
2. The Domestic Violence packet shall be reviewed for completeness and approved by a
supervisor.
3. The original Domestic Violence packet shall be sent to the Domestic Violence Unit via
the current system for delivery of mail.
G. It will be the responsibility of the supervisor approving domestic violence reports to ensure
the Domestic Violence Packet has been scanned and attached to the report. All reports that do
not include the scanned Domestic Violence packet should be unapproved until corrected by
the reporting officer.
H. Warrantless Arrest Authority, Article 14.03(a)(4)of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
allows an officer the discretion whether to make an arrest if the officer has probable cause to
believe that a particular person has committed an assault resulting in bodily injury to a member
of the person’s family or household.
1. The Fort Worth Police Department shall require an officer to make an arrest under the
above Article 14.03(a)(4).
2. Any officer making an arrest under Article 14.03 (a)(4) shall complete the Domestic
Violence packet provided by each division. This completed report packet will be
submitted to the jail supervisor to review for completeness and for signature.
3. Officers will follow the standard procedures regarding juvenile arrests when dealing with
juvenile offenders.
I. If the victim has requested a Magistrate’s Order for Emergency Protection (EPO), the officer
will complete the application packet. A Magistrate’s Order for Emergency Protection may be
requested by a victim of domestic violence or stalking, guardian of the victim, peace officer,
or attorney representing the state. A Magistrate’s Order for Emergency Protection (EPO) shall
be issued if the offense involves serious bodily injury to the victim or the use or exhibition of
a deadly weapon during the commission of an assault. An EPO remains in effect up to the
sixty-first (61st) day, but not less than thirty-one (31) days after the date of issuance. If the
offense involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during the commission of an assault,
the EPO remains in effect up to the ninety-first (91) day, but not less than the sixty-first (61)
day after the date of issuance.
1. Information on all addresses to be protected, including residences, businesses, schools,
day care, etc., shall be listed in the proper blanks in the EPO form.
a. If the victim is at a safe house and requests confidentiality of this address, the address
must be listed but only on the front page of the EPO request with the officer then
checking the appropriate box on page one of the forms.
2. Procedure for Emergency Protective Order (EPO) on warrant cases:
a. The assigned detective shall mark in large, bold letters on the front of the warrant
data input sheet: NOTICE – EPO Emergency Protective Order to be served at
arraignment.
b. The assigned detective will complete the paperwork for the EPO and attach the EPO
and a copy of the offense report to the warrant filed in the Identification Unit.
c. When the warrant is entered in the system by PIC, a notation shall be made that an
EPO is to be served at arraignment.
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d. When the warrant is confirmed for a domestic violence offense by PIC for a patrol
or fugitive officer, PIC shall advise the officer confirming the warrant that an EPO is
to be served at arraignment and that the EPO and report will be forwarded to the jail
supervisor. PIC shall request ID personnel to forward the EPO paperwork to the jail
for the arresting officer.
e. If the arrest is made by another agency, PIC shall advise the other agency that Fort
Worth Police Department is requesting an EPO be served on the suspect at their
arraignment.
f. The arresting officer shall deliver the EPO request and copy of report to the jail with
the other jail paperwork.
g. The jail supervisor will forward the EPO paperwork and report to the arraignment
judge along with the affidavit and warning.
3. Whenever a detective becomes aware of the need for an emergency protective order on
an arrested person case, and the subject has already been arraigned and is still in custody,
the detective will:
a. Complete the emergency protective order application, including the probable cause
affidavit,
b. Call the Criminal District Magistrate’s office or the Municipal Judge’s jail office and
ascertain if one of the magistrates is available for an emergency protective order,
c. Get the prisoner from the jail and personally take the prisoner and the emergency
protective order to the magistrate. Once the prisoner has been served, the detective
will return the prisoner to the jail along with an extra copy of the completed
emergency protective order to be given to the jail facility personnel.
328.05 PROTECTIVE ORDERS
A. Definitions
1. A family protective order is an order issued pursuant to the Texas Family Code from a
court of competent jurisdiction, or a protective order from another jurisdiction, directing
a named person (respondent) to do or refrain from doing specified acts toward any family
or household. A protective order involving a divorce is valid until the divorce action is
disposed of or the issuing court vacates the order.
a. Protective order from another jurisdiction means a protective order rendered by a
military court or a court of another state, tribe, or territory. Unless a law enforcement
officer knows that the protective order from another jurisdiction has expired, the
officer shall rely on:
(1) A copy of the protective order provided by the person; and
(2) A statement from the protected person that the order remains in effect.
2. A temporary ex parte protective order is effective for the period specified in the order not
to exceed twenty (20) days from the day it was served on the respondent. Police officers
do not have authority to enforce this type of order unless the officer can determine that
the temporary ex parte order is valid and the respondent has been served with notice of
the order being in effect.
B. Violations of the type of order in paragraph A (1) above may be criminally enforceable as a
Class A misdemeanor pursuant to section 25.07 of the Texas Penal Code (Violation of
Protective Order).
C. Certain violations of the orders included in paragraph 1 above allow officers to arrest without
a warrant pursuant to section 14.03(a)(3) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
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1. Prior to making an arrest, officers shall have confirmed the existence of a valid criminally
enforceable protective order. Verification can be achieved either through contacting the
Police Information Center or at the scene inspecting a certified copy of the order which
has not expired. Officers shall accept the presentation of a certified copy of an enforceable
order which has not expired as proof of validity.
2. Whenever an officer determines that a protective order has been violated and that
violation is punishable under section 25.07 of the Texas Penal Code, the officer shall
effect an arrest if the actor is still on the scene. In any event, an offense report shall be
made with all the necessary information and copies directed to the judge of the court
issuing the order. If an arrest was made based upon the presentation of a certified copy of
an order, the report shall include the following information:
a. Cause number.
b. Issuing court.
c. Date of issuance.
d. Style of case.
e. County of issuance.
D. If Texas Penal Code section 25.07 has not been violated, but other provisions of the protective
order have been violated, the officer shall make an incident report which shall include the
information contained in paragraph C above. The title of the incident report shall be Violation
of Family Protective Order. On the first two lines of the narrative, the officer shall direct
copies of the report to the judge issuing the protective order. If any other criminal offense
occurred, the officer shall follow the usual arrest procedures applicable to the situation as it
exists.
E. Responsibilities
1. All protective orders received by this department shall be immediately forwarded to the
Identification Unit and the Police Information Center. Criminally enforceable protective
orders shall be organized in such a manner that they will be readily accessible at all times.
2. The following information must be easily retrievable at all times.
a. Protected person’s name.
b. Respondent’s name.
c. Type of order.
d. Expiration date.
e. Protected addresses.
3. On request, the Police Information Center shall inform officers of the specifics of any
protective order, to include any acts prohibited by the order.
328.06 CIVIL DISTURBANCES/PROTESTS
A. Civil disturbances can generally be classified as a lawful protest, such as demonstrations, nonviolent civil disobedience, or violent disobedience.
B. The course of action of the Fort Worth Police Department in any type of civil disturbance or
protest shall be to ensure public safety, protect life and property, preserve the peace and protect
the First Amendment rights of all persons involved in the event.
C. The Tactical Intelligence Division Captain or designee will assign personnel from the
Intelligence Section to all civil disturbances and protests in the City of Fort Worth and will
coordinate for uniformed services with the appropriate patrol division captain. The Homeland
Security Unit shall be responsible for handling any threats or mass gatherings that create a
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safety issue to the city’s resources and/or citizens, coordination with other city and/or private
entities, and initiating an operational plan when time permits.
D. The Homeland Security Unit shall facilitate coordination with the person(s) or organization
planning the protest or mass gathering, will request and coordinate the assistance of other
police sections in collecting information, and shall deploy plainclothes officers to monitor
activities and information gathering.
E. If patrol officers arrive on the scene of an event that has the potential to lead to a civil
disturbance or mass gathering, the first-line supervisor shall ensure Homeland Security Unit
is immediately notified. When personnel from the Homeland Security Unit make the scene,
they shall be in charge of the scene and will coordinate with patrol personnel.
1. Patrol supervisors on the scene shall supervise only those functions of a patrol-oriented
nature. To allow Homeland Security Unit plainclothes officers to remain operating in an
undercover capacity, uniformed officers may be directed by the plainclothes officers to
identify or provide contact to person(s) at the event
2. Uniformed officers shall preserve peace through enforcement, and shall control and
contain crowds in such a manner as not to provoke any group or person. It is the guiding
principle of the department to enforce existing state laws and city ordinances.
F. All officers must keep in mind that it is a First Amendment right to protest and that technology
allows for most citizens to video all actions by police at events. Officers shall remain neutral
to all parties involved thereby representing the professionalism of the department at all times.
328.07 DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES
Dispute Resolution Services of Tarrant County (DRS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to
solving interpersonal disputes through mediation. The dispute resolution service is available at no
cost to aid in the resolution of conflicts between parties. Any officer may refer appropriate conflicts
to DRS utilizing a FWPD Referral form; however, the primary responsibility for referrals, and for
monitoring the ensuing mediation process, will be that of the Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO)
assigned to the area where the dispute occurred.
A. Officers encountering disputes between parties that do not require the assistance of the court
system to provide a solution to the conflict may refer the participants to the DRS when
appropriate. Every effort should be made to resolve the dispute on the scene, and under no
circumstances shall officers neglect their sworn duty to uphold the law by failing to arrest a
violator of the law when appropriate, or to make an offense report when a crime has been
committed. Parties to a dispute must understand that participation in the mediation process is
voluntary.
B. Situations where dispute resolution may be used include, but are not limited to, landlord and
tenant disputes where no criminal violation has occurred, minor Class C offenses where no
breach of the peace is occurring nor is it likely to occur again, minor disputes where violence
has not occurred but the officer believes the situation may lead to violence later, and civil
disputes where no criminal law has been violated, such as conflicts over children, pets, nonviolent trespass, and noise complaints.
C. Process to follow when referring complainants to DRS:
The primary referral point to DRS within the police department will be the NPO whose area
the dispute occurs within. NPOs will also follow-up on situations recommended for mediation
from sources outside the department such as those made by the Municipal Court, Citizen
Advisory Councils, Justice of the Peace personnel, etc.
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1. Officers in the field may refer disputants to DRS by completing the FWPD Referral form
and giving the appropriate copies of the form to the disputants. The officer issuing the
referral must then ensure that the original form is delivered to the affected NPO by the
next scheduled workday for the NPO, and document the referral in the appropriate offense
or incident report.
2. The NPO will evaluate the circumstances and determine if referral is appropriate.
3. If an offense or incident report was made, the NPO will coordinate with the detective
assigned the report.
4. If the situation is appropriate for mediation, and a referral notice has not been issued by
an officer already, the NPO will meet with the disputants and, if the parties involved
voluntarily agree to mediation, issue a mediation summons via the FWPD Referral form.
The NPO will retain the original form.
5. The NPO will immediately fax or deliver the FWPD Referral form to DRS.
6. DRS will arrange the mediation by choosing an appropriate time, date, and location for
the mediation, and contacting the mediators.
7. The NPO will confirm the mediation by requesting DRS personnel write the mediation
information on the original mediation summons within three (3) business days of the
referral. Mediators will be coordinated by DRS to obtain the mediation materials, and to
perform the mediation.
8. The affected NPO shall coordinate with DRS to ensure the officer is notified as to the
results of the DRS mediation.
9. If an agreement was made, the mediators will file the agreement with DRS.
10. If no agreement was made, the NPO will determine if any further police action is
necessary to resolve the conflict.
11. In either case, the completed FWPD Referral form will be filed with the appropriate
division commander who will maintain statistics on the number of referrals, the number
of meditations performed, and the number of meditations resulting in agreements.
328.08 HATE CRIMES
The Fort Worth Police Department provides police services to the community in a nonpartisan,
fair, equitable, and objective manner without consideration of race, color, gender, age, national
origin, religion, disability, economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity,
transgender status, membership in a cultural group or other individual characteristics or
distinctions. It shall be the guiding principle of the Fort Worth Police Department to bring the
investigation and enforcement elements into action following any and all reported or observed
incidents of hatred directed toward an individual because of race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual
orientation.
A. Hate Crime or Bias Crime is not a separate, distinct crime, but rather a traditional offense
motivated by the offender’s bias. A bias is a preconceived negative opinion or attitude toward
a group of persons based on their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity,
or ethnicity/national origin; therefore, the offenders criminal act must have been motivated in
whole or in part by their bias. Hate Crime is not a specific offense that any person can be
charged with but rather a penalty enhancement. Officers cannot enhance the level of the crime
at the time of booking even if there is sufficient evidence that the crime was motivated because
of bias or prejudice. The decision to enhance the offense is made by prosecution at time of
trial and not by law enforcement.
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B. The following procedures establish guidelines for officers in identifying and investigating
potential hate crimes and ensure accurate reporting of hate crimes. Procedures for
investigating potential hate crimes:
1. Officers responding to the scene of potential hate crimes shall:
a. Conduct a thorough on-scene investigation to include interviewing witnesses,
victims and others to determine what circumstances, if any, indicate the offense was
motivated by a bias. Officers shall use the following criteria to identify hate crimes:
(1) Motive, or lack of apparent motive,
(2) Display of any offensive symbols, words or acts,
(3) Prior history of similar offenses against the same victim group,
(4) Statements made by suspects, victims, or witnesses,
(5) Identifiable bias-related objects were used by the suspect,
(6) Victim has received bias-related threats or harassment prior to the crime’s
occurrence, or
(7) Suspect has made oral or written statements against the victim or victims group
that express bias.
b. If the investigating officer collects sufficient objective facts to indicate the offender
may have been motivated by bias, then the officer should request Communications
to notify the Major Case Unit, or the commander after normal duty hours.
c. The Public Relations Office shall be notified of any potential hate crime involving
serious bodily injury, abduction, or in which the circumstances indicate the necessity
for immediate response by investigators, i.e., cross burnings, riots, etc.
d. Officers investigating potential hate crimes shall make every attempt to lessen the
impact of the offense on the victim, including removal of visible offensive materials
such as burnt crosses, graffiti, etc. after it has been processed for evidence and
documented for criminal case. The officer will contact the Police Information Center
(PIC) so that the Transportation and Public Works Department may be contacted to
provide pickup service, painting, sandblasting, etc.
2. Field supervisors shall be responsible for determining the need to request other city
departments, based on the nature of the material to be removed and the urgency required.
C. Investigative Responsibilities
1. All hate crimes/bias crimes shall be investigated by Major Case, who shall also be
responsible for filing of all cases regardless of the offense.
2. The investigating officer first responding to the original call shall determine if an offense
is a hate crime, based on the definition, evidence, and other pertinent facts. The report
shall then be reviewed by Major Case investigators, who will make the final
determination.
3. Should it be determined that an offense is not a hate crime but was originally designated
as such, the Major Case supervisor shall notify the respective field operations division
supervisor before supplementing the report and transferring the investigation.
4. Should it be determined that an offense is a hate crime but was not originally designated
as such, the respective field operations division supervisor receiving the report shall
notify the Major Case supervisor before supplementing the report and transferring the
investigation.
5. Major Case investigators shall ensure that contact is made in person with each individual
victim of a hate crime as soon as practical, and shall coordinate with Victims Assistance.
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6. Major Case shall be responsible for coordinating the investigation with the commander
of the field operations division in which the offense occurred.
7. Major Case shall compile statistical information on all hate crimes, submit quarterly
reports to the Human Relations Commission for their discernment, and provide the
Records Division with monthly reports to be forwarded to the Texas Department of Public
Safety.
D. Patrol Divisions Responsibilities
1. The commander in which a potential hate crime or incident occurs shall be responsible
for coordinating with Major Case in order to initiate contact in person or by telephone,
depending upon circumstances, with the victim of a hate crime at the conclusion of an
investigation or at such a time as is appropriate.
328.09 CRIMINAL TRESPASS WARNING
A. Officers should determine if a criminal trespass offense has occurred in accordance with Penal
Code 30.05. If it is determined that a violation has occurred, and the subject is still on the
scene, the officer may immediately effect an arrest of the subject, in adherence with the Penal
Code. If the owner or representative of the property wants the subject warned, and the subject
is willing to leave the premises, or if circumstances are presented that the officer is unable to
find cause for immediate arrest, then the Criminal Trespass Warning would apply.
B. Officers should ensure that the person making the complaint is the owner of the property or
has authority to act for the owner.
C. When the property where the reported criminal trespass occurred is an apartment complex,
officers should determine if the reported incident occurred in a common area such as an
external hallway, parking lot, driveway, etc. If it is determined that the incident occurred in a
common area, the officer should investigate the circumstances further to determine if an
offense exists before issuing a warning.
D. When the preliminary investigation reveals that a criminal trespass offense has occurred, the
officer will complete the Criminal Trespass Warning Card in duplicate. If the suspect is still
on the scene, the officer will have the suspect sign the warning in the space provided. If the
suspect refuses to sign the form, the officer will write in the space provided “refused to sign.”
E. The officer will leave one (1) copy of the Criminal Trespass Warning Card with the
complainant and one (1) copy with the suspect. The complainant will be told to show their
copy to any officer responding to any subsequent call on the same suspect.
F. An incident report will be made when a Criminal Trespass Warning Card has been issued,
noting the number of the warning.
RESTRICTED
330.01 INITIAL POLICE ACTIONS
A. A field supervisor shall be notified on each call involving a mentally disturbed person.
329.00 PERSON WITH A GUN
330.00 MENTALLY DISTURBED PERSONS
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B. Due to the potential for violence present when dealing with mentally unstable individuals, a
minimum of two (2) officers shall be dispatched to all calls of this type.
C. Officers shall, when possible, gather as much information about the subject as is available
prior to approaching the person.
D. Officers should use extreme caution in dealing with these potentially dangerous individuals
and avoid using any words such as demented or crazy.
E. If no criminal offense has occurred and a substantial risk of serious harm does not exist, the
officers shall advise the subject’s relatives to seek mental commitment through the courts or
try to persuade the subject to sign themselves in for treatment at John Peter Smith Hospital or
another facility suited for treatment of the mentally disturbed. Individuals seeking mental
commitment for their relatives through the courts should be referred to the local Mental Health
and Mental Retardation Association for screening and assistance.
F. A substantial risk of serious harm to the person or others may be demonstrated by the person’s
behavior, or evidence of severe emotional distress and deterioration in the person’s mental
condition to the extent that the person cannot remain at liberty. The officer may form the belief
from the representation of a credible person, or on the basis of the conduct of the person or
the circumstances under which the person is found.
G. The Health and Safety Code, Chapter 573 sec. 573.001, states that a peace officer, without a
warrant, may take a person into custody if the officer has reason to believe and does believe
that:
1. The person is mentally ill; and
2. Because of that mental illness, there is a substantial risk of serious harm to the person or
to others unless the person is immediately restrained; and
3. The officer believes that there is not sufficient time to obtain a warrant before taking the
person into custody.
NOTE: A peace officer may also take a person into custody without a warrant if the officer
has reason to believe that the person is chemically dependent and, because of this
dependency, there is a substantial risk of harm to the person or others, and there is not
sufficient time to obtain a warrant.
330.02 POLICE ACTIONS WHERE NO CRIMINAL OFFENSE IS INVOLVED
A. When police officers arrive at the scene of a disturbance involving a mentally disturbed person
and no offense has been committed, but the subject represents a substantial risk of serious
harm to themselves or others unless immediately restrained, the following actions may be
taken:
1. The subject shall be taken into custody, restrained, and transported to John Peter Smith
Hospital or another facility suited for treatment of the mentally disturbed, by ambulance,
if possible. If circumstances dictate an alternate means of transporting the subject to the
facility, the officer may find it necessary to transport the subject in the police vehicle. If
the subject is under thirteen (13) years of age, the subject shall be transported to Cook
Children’s Medical Center.
a. For juveniles placed in handcuffs, officers shall contact Cook Children’s Medical
Center to allow at least five (5) minutes room preparation time for the emergency
care personnel. Officers should bring the handcuffed juvenile to the treatment area
using the ambulance entrance. If appropriate advance notice cannot be given, the
officer shall park the police unit at the ambulance entrance, personally notify the
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emergency care personnel, and hold the juvenile in the vehicle until a room is
prepared.
b. If the subject is transported by ambulance, upon ambulance attendant’s request, an
officer shall ride in the ambulance.
2. Upon arrival at the facility, the officers shall assist medical personnel in restraining the
subject, if necessary.
3. The officer shall complete a notification of detention and submit it to the facility.
4. The officer shall complete an incident report regarding the details of the call. The report
shall contain pertinent facts regarding the subject’s actions, those individuals who
witnessed the actions, and sufficient detail to explain why the officers determined the
subject posed a danger to themself, the officer, or someone else.
5. The officers shall leave the facility only after the subject has been medically cleared and
transferred by medical personnel to the Psychiatric Emergency Center.
B. If a mentally disturbed person is already at a hospital, officers should assess whether the
person poses a substantial risk of serious harm to self or others irrespective of the hospital
setting. If the person does pose that risk, the officer should detain the person.
1. Hospital staff will provide an Emergency Detention Representations Form, which
includes the physician’s identity and observations. This form will provide the necessary
information to assist the officer in forming a belief that the person presents a substantial
risk of serious harm to the person or others based on the representation of a credible
person.
2. The person should then be transported to John Peter Smith (JPS) or alternate facility
depending on JPS hospital staff determination of availability, or to Cook Children’s
Hospital if under thirteen (13) years of age. The person can remain at Huguley Hospital
since that facility has a psychiatric center. Upon delivery of the person to the destination
hospital, the officer shall complete the notification of detention form.
330.03 POLICE ACTIONS WHERE AN OFFENSE IS INVOLVED
A. When officers arrive on the scene of a call involving a mentally disturbed person and a
criminal offense has been committed by the mentally disturbed person, the officers shall place
the person under arrest for the appropriate offense.
B. If the subject poses a substantial risk of serious harm to themselves or others, the individual
shall be transported immediately to John Peter Smith Hospital. If the subject is under thirteen
(13) years of age, the subject shall be transported to Cook Children’s Medical Center
following procedures in General Order 330.02 A(1)(a).
1. If the subject is transported by ambulance, upon ambulance attendant’s request, an officer
shall ride in the ambulance.
C. Upon arrival, the officers shall assist medical personnel in restraining the subject, if necessary.
D. The officer shall complete a notification of detention and submit it to the hospital.
E. The officer shall complete an offense report detailing the events that transpired, the actions
taken by officers, and why the officer believed the subject would be a danger to themself.
F. The officers shall leave the facility only after the subject has been medically cleared and
transferred to the Psychiatric Emergency Center.
G. Mentally disturbed persons, who have committed an offense and have been transported to
John Peter Smith Hospital, shall be returned to jail upon determination that the person
involved no longer requires hospitalization. If the person is a juvenile and was transported to
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either Cook Children’s Medical Center or John Peter Smith Hospital, detention will follow
out-of-custody arrest procedures under General Orders 341.00.
H. Personnel at John Peter Smith Hospital or Cook Children’s Medical Center shall notify police
when a mentally disturbed person arrested and transported by police to the hospital is to be
released from the hospital.
330.04 REPEATED DEALINGS WITH MENTALLY DISTURBED PERSONS
When officers deal frequently with a mentally disturbed person and believe that the person is not
a danger at this time, but has the potential of becoming a threat to themself or another if not treated,
the officer should refer the subject or their relative to the Mental Health or Mental Retardation
Association for screening and referral assistance.
331.01 EXPLOSIVES, BOMBS, AND BOMB THREATS
A. The responsibility to search for any reported explosive device as well as the decision to
evacuate any building or area suspected of containing explosives rests with the Fort Worth
Fire Department.
B. The fire department shall also make the necessary reports and follow-up of these incidents
and the police department shall respond only upon the request of the fire department. Should
it be necessary for the police department to go to the scene, all radio transmissions including
MDT’s shall cease within a three block area of any suspected explosive device.
C. The fire department will notify the police department when the incident involves extortions
or when a bombing results in injury or death at which time the police department shall initiate
an investigation of this aspect.
D. When a bomb threat or a report of a bomb threat is received by dispatch personnel, the person
receiving the report shall notify the fire department by direct telephone line. If the report is
the initial bomb threat, the recording of the conversation shall be made available to the fire
department. If the report concerns a county building complex, such as courthouse or civil
courts buildings, during normal business hours, the civil defense office shall be notified by
Communications.
E. When an officer confiscates or is called upon to dispose of any pyrotechnic device or small
arms ammunition (20mm or smaller), they shall ascertain if a fire department unit is nearby
and, if so, meet with them and turn over the items. If a fire department unit is not available,
the officer shall take the items to the nearest fire station for disposal.
F. If the ammunition is larger than 20mm, the officers shall call for an explosive technician from
the fire department to come to the scene and dispose of the device.
332.01 PUBLIC INTOXICATION
A. In accordance with the Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.02, an individual commits an offense if the
individual appears in a public place while intoxicated due to alcohol or any other substance,
to the degree that the individual may endanger himself or another.
331.00 EXPLOSIVES
332.00 PUBLIC INTOXICATION
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B. Officers observing a person whom they believe to be intoxicated should be reasonably certain
that the individual is actually intoxicated rather than suffering from the effects of an illness.
C. Before issuing a citation for public intoxication, officers shall check with PIC and the ID
Section to determine if the arrested person’s criminal history shows three (3) or more guilty
convictions for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, or a combination of both offenses in
the last twenty-four (24) months. If three (3) or more guilty convictions are discovered, the
arrested person shall be transported to jail and charged with “Public Intoxication-Enhanced.”
D. Officers shall check the arrested person for injuries and call an ambulance when necessary.
Unconscious persons shall not be placed in jail.
E. If the subject is extremely dirty, unsanitary, or conscious but incapable of standing, officers
shall call for the prisoner transport van. Female prisoners may be transported in a separate cell
from male prisoners in the prisoner transport van.
F. If the arrested person is transported to the jail, upon arrival at the jail, the officer may request
additional assistance from jail workers and should advise the jail supervisor if they were
unable to conduct a thorough search of the prisoner.
G. Subjects arrested for public intoxication who have a vehicle shall have it processed according
to current procedures dealing with disposition of vehicles.
H. Officers shall use the appropriate screens and report narrative in the Public Intoxication report
to clearly articulate the actions or behaviors that led them to conclude the individual was
intoxicated to the point of being a danger to themselves or others. A few examples of these
behaviors are: falling down, aggressive behavior towards others, a stumbling gait or walk, or
urinating on self.
I. A strong odor of alcoholic beverage on or about the person is insufficient, by itself, to justify
an arrest for Public Intoxication. Therefore, in the narrative of the report, and by use of the
screens, officers must fully articulate facts establishing probable cause that the person was
intoxicated to the degree that they may endanger themselves or others.
332.02 PUBLIC INTOXICATION OTHER THAN ALCOHOL
Officers charging persons with public intoxication due to consumption of substances other than
alcohol must indicate the substance suspected to be causing the intoxication, such as paint fumes,
glue, or other substances.
332.03 – 332.05 RESTRICTED
333.01 EMERGENCY AMBULANCE PROCEDURES (Revised 8/10/18)
A. Actions by Police Communications Division
1. The police dispatcher receiving a call requiring emergency medical service, regardless of
the nature, shall immediately notify the contractor ambulance dispatcher.
2. The contractor ambulance dispatcher, when receiving emergency calls, shall notify the
fire department dispatcher, dispatch the ambulance, and then call the Police
Communications Division. The call taker receiving the call shall make the decision
whether or not to direct response by a police unit according to the nature of the situation.
When in doubt, the employee shall consult with their supervisor.
B. Actions by Officers at the Scene
333.00 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
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1. If the police officer is the first to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency, the officer
shall render first aid pending the arrival of the fire department and/or the ambulance or a
Tactical Medical Unit, at which time they shall assume responsibility for administering
lifesaving techniques and the officer shall assist if requested.
2. The police officer in charge at the scene of any accident or medical emergency shall be
responsible for directing the ambulance crew where to park their vehicle in order to
minimize the hazard and to facilitate traffic flow, while placing the vehicle as near the
patient as possible.
3. If the police officer in charge on a death scene feels that the presence of the body on the
scene creates a definite hazard or aggravates a volatile situation, the officer may obtain
permission from a supervisor to direct the contract ambulance crew to remove the body
to the hospital.
4. Police officers on the scene of an accident or medical emergency shall be responsible for
controlling traffic and bystanders to prevent interference with the ambulance crew and
fire department.
5. The police officer in charge at a death scene and all officers that enter the death scene
shall be responsible for preserving the scene and any appropriate evidence until the arrival
of the medical investigator in those cases where investigation of the death is required by
law, in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 49.25, sections 6 and
8.
6. In instances where violent crime is involved, officers shall make every effort to protect
ambulance crews while victims are being treated and removed. In circumstances where a
danger of further violence is indicated, and through coordination between the police and
ambulance dispatchers, the ambulance crew shall not approach such a scene until the
police arrive and are in control. A Tactical Medical Unit may be an option for treating
victims in active scenes where Fire Department/Med-Star Units would normally stage.
7. If necessary, the police shall assist the ambulance crew in controlling unmanageable or
irrational patients according to established policies and procedures for the handling of
violent mentally ill persons. In this case, a Crisis Intervention (CIT) Unit shall be notified
and may respond to the scene, if practical.
8. Officers are advised that a paramedic can make the determination that a person is
deceased but the paramedic is held legally liable and accountable for any error in
judgement. For this and other reasons, the ambulance crew is directed by their operating
procedures to assume that the patient is to be treated and transported to a hospital if there
is any doubt whatsoever as to the indications of death. If the paramedic does conclude
that the person is obviously deceased, then officers are reminded that the Texas Code of
Criminal Procedure, Article 49.25, provides that the body shall not be disturbed or
removed without the authorization of the Tarrant County Medical Examiner. Exceptions
to this can be made by the officer in charge at the scene through a supervisor by
concluding that it is necessary to preserve the body from loss or destruction, maintain the
flow of traffic, or if the presence of the body creates a hazard or aggravates a volatile
situation.
9. Officers are advised that a paramedic can make the triage decisions in the case of multiple
injured persons and prioritize the treatment of these persons in the order their training
dictates.
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10. In the case of extrication of accident victims who are trapped, the fire department is
responsible for the physical safety of the fire crews and the victims, and shall coordinate
medical efforts and extrication efforts.
11. The ambulance company procedures dictate that the ambulance shall be operated as an
emergency vehicle in accordance with state law and applicable city ordinances. Officers
shall assist in expediting ambulances through the traffic flow to the maximum extent
possible in conformance with those laws and ordinances.
C. Cooperation with Fire Department and ambulance crews
1. Realization of the objective of rapid, quality service to persons who are victims of a
medical emergency requires that the fire, ambulance, and police personnel at the scene
and in the dispatch centers act together as a team, understanding each other’s
responsibilities, and assisting to the maximum extent feasible whenever needed.
2. Supervisors and officers are encouraged to become acquainted with the ambulance crews
and ambulance supervisors working in their area and to establish a spirit of cooperation
so as to minimize procedural conflicts which adversely affect the delivery of service to
medical emergency victims.
3. Field and dispatch supervisors are encouraged to handle minor disagreements through
coordination with the field or dispatch supervisor of the ambulance company. Should a
problem arise which is beyond the scope of handling at that level or one which affects
procedures, the supervisor handling the issue shall forward a full report of the problem
through command channels to the Fort Worth Emergency Medical Services Coordinator,
whose responsibility is to settle such issues.
4. Outside ambulance firms may make runs through the city as necessary.
333.02 INJURED PERSONS (Revised 8/10/18)
A. Officers shall immediately provide medical attention commensurate with their training and
call for an ambulance whenever a person:
1. Requests medical attention; or
2. Exhibits signs of medical distress or possible medical distress.
B. If an injured person requires CPR via rescue breathing, personnel are encouraged to use the
issued equipment in order to prevent the transmission of disease.
C. Officers shall determine if an offense has been committed and complete all necessary reports.
D. If necessary, the officer shall change locations to the hospital where the victim has been
transported.
E. On calls where officers are to meet ambulance personnel, and it is determined that no offense
has occurred, they shall provide assistance as needed.
F. Hospital calls shall be assigned to any available police unit in the immediate vicinity of a
hospital.
1. The unit responding to a hospital call shall be responsible for making an incident report
(hospital report) and signing the injured person’s medical chart, even though an on-scene
investigation may be required. However, if the officer at the hospital determines that an
offense has occurred and that an on-scene investigation is not required, then the
appropriate report shall be made. In this instance, the injured person’s medical chart shall
be signed and a hospital report shall not be necessary.
2. If an on-scene investigation is necessary, the officer making the hospital call shall advise
the dispatcher. The unit nearest the scene of the occurrence shall be dispatched to conduct
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an on-scene investigation and shall make the necessary reports, excluding the hospital
report.
3. If an officer changes location to a hospital for a follow-up investigation, and a hospital
report has not been made, the officer shall be responsible for signing the injured person’s
medical chart and making the hospital report if no other reports were made as a result of
the officer’s investigation.
334.01 MISSING PERSONS
A. A missing person is any person who was last seen in the city limits of Fort Worth or resides
in the City of Fort Worth, and another citizen reports that the person’s whereabouts are
unknown.
1. “Missing Person” means a person eighteen (18) years old or older whose disappearance
is not voluntary.
2. “Missing Child” means a person under eighteen (18) years of age whose whereabouts are
unknown to the child’s legal custodian, the circumstances of whose absence indicate that:
a. The child did not voluntarily leave the care and control, and the taking of the child
was not authorized by law;
b. The child voluntarily left the care and control of their legal custodian without the
custodian’s consent and without intent to return; or,
c. The child was taken or retained in violation of the express terms of a court order or
judgement governing custody of the child.
3. If the missing person does not fit into the above criteria, the police department personnel
shall tactfully inform the citizen to file a report with the law enforcement agency which
has jurisdiction and assure them that this department shall assist in any follow-up
investigation.
4. There is no waiting period to report a person as missing.
B. A police officer and a field supervisor shall be dispatched to the scene of a reported missing
person when it is determined:
1. The missing person is under twelve (12) years of age.
2. The missing person is of advanced age.
3. The missing person is reported mentally unstable. This includes runaways from
institutions.
a. Mentally unstable shall also include chronic dementia, including Alzheimer’s
Disease.
4. Foul play is reported as the possible reason for the person being reported as missing.
C. The responding officer shall:
1. Provide the dispatcher with sufficient information so that a broadcast can be made.
2. Verify the suspected reasons for the person to be missing.
3. If the suspected reason for the person to be missing is due to advanced age, mental
instability, or foul play or if the missing person is under twelve (12) years of age:
a. Ensure a field supervisor is advised to make the scene.
b. Complete a missing person affidavit and Medical Release Form.
(1) A missing person affidavit is not required if the person is under eighteen (18)
years of age.
334.00 MISSING PERSONS
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(2) The missing person affidavit must be signed by a source other than the
investigating agency, such as a parent, legal guardian, next of kin, physician, or
other authoritative source including a friend or neighbor in unusual
circumstances.
(3) The Medical Release Form is valid when signed by the adult missing person’s
spouse, adult child who is reasonably available, parent, or legal guardian. A
medical release for a missing child is valid only if the form is signed by the
parent or legal guardian of the child.
c. If applicable, notify the Alzheimer Association Safe Return program.
4. Present the missing person affidavit and Medical Release Form to the field supervisor
who shall ensure that both the affidavit and the Medical Release Form are signed by the
proper authority. Both original forms shall be forwarded to the Identification Section and
placed in the Missing Persons box.
5. When an officer responds to a missing person from an institution, the officer will
determine if the missing person had been placed in the institution by a lawful court order.
If so, the officer shall:
a. Obtain a copy of the court order. If a copy of the court order is not available, advise
the reporting person that the missing person cannot be detained if located.
b. Include information on the report, complete the missing person affidavit of persons
eighteen (18) years of age or older, and the Medical Release Form.
6. Prepare a missing person report.
a. If the child is missing in violation of a court order affecting custody and the child’s
whereabouts are unknown to the person having custody, an Interference with Child
Custody report will be made with the child listed as a missing person. A copy of the
report shall be forwarded to the Crimes Against Children Unit and the Missing
Person Detail in the Major Case Section.
7. Immediately cause the report to be entered by DRU by prioritizing the report. The report
shall be completed prior to the officer clearing the call.
D. The responding field supervisor shall:
1. Initiate a search of the immediate area.
2. Cause a copy of the signed missing person affidavit to be promptly delivered to the Police
Information Center (PIC). This shall be accomplished prior to the supervisor clearing the
call.
3. If the missing person is a person missing from a court-ordered placement, cause one copy
of the court order to be delivered to PIC and one copy to be delivered to the Identification
Unit for placement in the Missing Persons box.
4. If circumstances warrant:
a. Notify the Major Crimes Commander or designee.
b. Call for additional personnel, which may include K-9, Mounted Patrol, or Air
Support.
c. Notify the division commander, or designee, and the Public Relations Office.
d. Arrange for relief personnel if the search extends beyond the normal tour of duty.
5. If after a thorough investigation the supervisor deems further searching would be fruitless,
contact the division commander, or designee, for permission to discontinue the search.
E. A missing person report may be taken by telephone unless the situation is one listed in 334.01
(B) requiring an officer and field supervisor to be dispatched to the location.
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1. The police personnel receiving the initial call shall verify the missing person does not
meet the criteria of Section B and transfer the reporting person to DRU.
2. Reports may be taken by telephone from state or private institutions if the missing person
is twelve (12) years of age or older and under eighteen (18) years of age.
3. If the reporting person is outside the city and reports a missing person who would meet
the criteria of Section B, a report may be taken by telephone.
4. The DRU personnel shall promptly provide the dispatcher with a description of the
missing person so a broadcast can be made.
F. The Police Information Center (PIC) personnel shall expeditiously enter persons under
eighteen (18) years of age, or persons eighteen (18) years of age or older when a missing
person affidavit is received, into NCIC. In the case of a missing person who is reported to
suffer from dementia or Alzheimer disease, the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return crisis
number shall be contacted.
G. The Missing Persons Detail shall:
1. Maintain a file of all missing persons reports.
2. Maintain all original affidavits and Medical Release Forms.
3. Coordinate obtaining a Medical Release Form when the report was taken by telephone.
4. Mail the forwarded medical records to the Texas Department of Public Safety Missing
Persons Clearinghouse.
H. During the hours that the Missing Persons Detail is closed, inquiries from field personnel of
missing person status may be made to PIC.
I. Cancellation of missing persons reports.
1. All calls that involve the return or location of missing persons that originally necessitated
a field supervisor to make the scene, as specified in General Order 334.01 (B), require
that a patrol officer be dispatched to verify the return or location of the subject.
2. In cases other than those above, the person reporting the cancellation shall be transferred
to the Missing Persons Detail during their duty hours and to DRU during all other times.
3. In all cases, a supplement to the original report shall be completed detailing the
circumstances of the return of the subject that was missing. The supplement shall be
routed to the Missing Persons Detail, with a copy to the PIC, and the status of the case
shall remain open. PIC personnel shall remove any data concerning the missing person
from applicable computer systems.
4. Missing Persons Detail personnel shall review all documents concerning the return of
missing persons. If upon review, they determine the return notice was false or incorrect,
they shall supplement the offense, directing a copy to PIC instructing them to re-enter the
subject into the proper computer system. Otherwise, they shall be responsible for
preparing a final supplement closing the case as soon as possible after receiving proper
notification.
334.02 MISSING CHILDREN
A. Officers receiving confirmation on an NCIC inquiry regarding the missing person status of a
child who has not yet reached their seventeenth (17) birthday, if Texas residents, or if
nonresidents, the age of emancipation according to the laws of their state shall take the child
into custody and transport the child to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center. An
incident or supplement report shall be generated by the officer detailing the circumstances
surrounding the location and apprehension of the juvenile.
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B. The Code of Criminal Procedure requires a law enforcement officer locating an individual,
who has been reported as missing and has reached their seventeenth (17) birthday but has not
reached their eighteenth (18) birthday, to take possession of the child and to deliver the child
to the person entitled to possession of the child. If the entitled person is not readily available,
the officer shall contact PIC for notification to the Department of Protective and Regulatory
Services for the purpose of taking custody of the child. The child shall not be transported to
the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center.
334.03 MISSING ADULTS
A. Officers receiving confirmation on an NCIC inquiry regarding the missing person status of an
individual who is eighteen (18) years of age or older if Texas residents, or if nonresidents, the
age of emancipation according to the laws of their state shall inform the subject that they are
listed as a missing person and the origin of the report. Under no circumstances shall an officer
arrest the subject unless additional cause exists, such as a warrant of arrest, Texas Youth
Council Directive to Apprehend, or other authorization by law to make a warrantless arrest of
the subject.
1. If there is an outstanding warrant for the arrest of the subject or if the officer is authorized
by law to make a warrantless arrest of the subject, the officer shall take the subject into
custody and make the required reports.
2. If the officer has no probable cause to arrest the subject and no warrant exists, the officer
shall release the subject and generate either an incident or supplement report explaining
the details surrounding the location of the individual and the circumstances of the
encounter.
334.04 ACTIVATION OF THE AMBER PLAN OR SILVER ALERT
A. The Amber Plan is a cooperative effort between radio stations in Dallas/Fort Worth and local
law enforcement agencies in North Texas. The plan provides law enforcement agencies access
to local media in cases of abducted children. All participating radio stations will interrupt
programming to broadcast the alert and any subsequent information provided by the police.
The Texas Amber Alert Network is a statewide alert that works in coordination with the local
activation plan.
B. The Texas Silver Alert Network assists law enforcement statewide in the recovery of missing
senior citizens with a documented mental impairment. Silver Alert resembles the Amber Plan
using similar notification technologies to alert the public.
C. Amber Plan
1. The Amber Plan shall be initiated whenever a child seventeen (17) years of age or
younger or an individual under proven mental or physical disability is abducted, the child
is believed to be in danger of serious injury or death, and there is enough descriptive
information about the child, abductor and/or suspect vehicle to believe an immediate
broadcast alert will be helpful. In an effort to verify that an actual abduction has taken
place, the supervisor in charge shall consider the following issues:
a. Danger presented to the child
b. Age of child
c. Time of occurrence
d. Witness information
e. Other facts that indicate child was abducted and is in danger of serious injury or
death.
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2. The Amber Plan shall be initiated whenever circumstances indicate the need for an
immediate large-scale, organized search for an abducted child. The officer shall notify
their supervisor with the details of the call. Using the following criteria, the supervisor
will contact Major Case for the issuance of the alert.
a. The child is seventeen (17) years of age or younger;
b. The child has been abducted;
c. The child is believed to be in immediate danger of serious bodily injury or death;
d. The abduction has been confirmed and alternative explanations for the missing child
have been eliminated and;
e. Sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in
locating the child, the suspect, or the vehicle used in the abduction.
D. Silver Alert
The officer shall notify their supervisor with the details of the call. Using the following
criteria, the supervisor will contact Missing Persons for the issuance of the Silver Alert.
1. The missing person is sixty-five (65) years of age or older,
2. The senior citizen lives in Texas,
3. The senior citizen has a documented diagnosis of an impaired mental condition and their
disappearance poses a credible threat to the senior citizen’s health and safety,
4. The disappearance is due to their impaired mental condition,
5. The senior citizen has been reported missing within seventy-two (72) hours of their
disappearance, and
6. There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in
locating the senior citizen.
335.01 STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLES
A. The officer receiving the call shall make the scene and obtain a description of the vehicle to
include, if known, color, year, make, body style, license number, vehicle identification
number, and any identifying characteristics such as visible damage, etc. Officers shall
ascertain the exact time or period of time the auto was believed to be stolen and the exact
location it was stolen from.
B. Personnel shall inquire as to several phone numbers or locations where the complainant may
be reached should the vehicle be located.
C. Before broadcasting, an officer should determine if the vehicle was possibly repossessed. This
shall be done by contacting the Police Information Center.
D. No report will be made for civil matters including, but not limited to, disputes over repair
charges, buyer failing to make payments, repossessed vehicles, etc.
E. When it is determined that a stolen vehicle offense has in fact occurred, officers shall provide
the vehicle description obtained from the complainant for the police dispatcher. The
dispatcher shall broadcast the information over the appropriate channels.
F. Officers shall check the area and call in the report as soon as possible.
G. Officers shall ensure that the Auto Theft Affidavit is completed and routed to the divisional
Criminal Investigations Division.
H. The recovery of stolen vehicles shall be handled according to General Order 320.06.
335.00 STOLEN VEHICLES
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I. If the elements of the offense are met, officers shall make an auto theft report. If the victim
does not have all information available at the time of the report, the officer shall complete the
auto theft report with any available information and have the victim complete the auto theft
affidavit.
1. If any victim or vehicle information was unavailable while the officer was completing the
report at the scene, the officer will instruct the victim to call the non-emergency number
as soon as possible to update the report with the missing information. If the license plate
number is unknown, the officer may ask if any citations had been issued in the past and
access court view database from the patrol vehicle for the plate number.
2. Officers shall fast track all auto theft reports in RMS. Once the auto theft report has been
submitted, the officer shall contact PIC and request the vehicle be entered in NCIC.
J. Auto Theft Affidavit
The auto theft affidavit is completed by the person who had care, custody and control of the
vehicle when the vehicle was stolen and is not required to be the registered owner. Officers
shall instruct the victim to be detailed in the written statement and to include as much
information as possible to assist in finding the vehicle.
1. Any video or audio recording of the victim’s verbal statement by the officer’s body camera
shall not fulfil the requirement of a written affidavit.
2. Officer shall provide the appropriate language affidavit for the victim. If the victim is
unable to complete the report due to injury, illiteracy or other issues, assistance may be
provided by another person at the scene or the officer and the officer shall note in the
narrative the reason the affidavit was completed by another person or the officer.
3. Once the victim has finished the affidavit, the officer shall review the affidavit for
completeness, sign the affidavit as the witness placing signature and service number on
all pages of the document, then forward the affidavit to the appropriate division Criminal
Investigations Unit.
K. Officers shall immediately contact the Commercial Auto Theft Unit for stolen commercial
vehicles. A commercial vehicle may include, but is not limited to, semi-trucks and trailers,
bobcats and construction vehicles. If after normal business hours, the officer shall immediately
contact the on-call Commercial Auto Theft Unit detective.
335.02 FAILURE TO RETURN RENTAL VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT
When an agency informs the department that a rented vehicle or piece of rental equipment has not
been returned, the following shall apply:
A. If a person fails to return rental vehicles or equipment held under the rental agreement, the
complainant must notify the appropriate Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) to obtain a Theft
of Service packet.
B. The officer shall tactfully notify the complainant an offense report will not be generated until
the complainant notifies the appropriate Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) concerning the
theft and a Theft of Service packet is completed. Once the report has been completed and
reviewed by a detective, the detective will request Communications to dispatch an officer to
generate an offense report.
335.03 FAILURE TO RETURN LOANED/BORROWED VEHICLES
A. Officers responding to missing vehicle calls shall complete an incident report. Missing
Vehicle reports are investigated by the Criminal Investigation Unit in the division in which
the incident occurred. Before the investigation is initiated, the complainant must be willing to
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file criminal charges and pay any wrecker and impoundment fees for the vehicle. If the
complainant refuses to agree to the conditions, a missing vehicle report and investigation will
not be initiated.
B. When investigation of a missing vehicle reveals a criminal offense, the report will be updated
to reflect the appropriate offense. Reports will not be completed for civil matters including,
but not limited to, disputes over repair charges, payments stopped, or legally married
individuals in dispute over a vehicle.
C. Complainants shall complete an auto theft affidavit on all missing vehicles reports including
information on the person having the vehicle and if permission to operate the vehicle has been
terminated. The title of the incident report shall be Missing Vehicle, not auto theft or
unauthorized use of motor vehicle. Once completed, the affidavit will be forwarded to the
appropriate division Criminal Investigation Unit.
336.01 ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS
A. The full responsibility for enforcement of the city code pertaining to animals and fowls shall
remain with the animal control division.
B. When animal control officers are off duty and an emergency does not exist, officers shall
handle these calls, if possible, in such a manner as to prevent the necessity of having the
animal control officer returned to duty. However, pertinent information should be forwarded
to the animal control division concerning incidents where further action is to be taken.
C. Police officers shall respond to any call for assistance from animal control officers. However,
officers shall restrict their activities to assistance only assuring that animal control officers are
able to carry out their assignment as per the demands of each situation.
D. Police personnel receiving calls pertaining to animal or fowl ordinance violations should,
under most circumstances, refer these calls to the animal control division for assistance.
1. If the animal control division is closed, the complainant shall be told that officers shall
only respond to the scene of those calls involving the protection of life and property.
2. If the call involves animals pitted against one another as in dog fights or cock fights where
the possibility exists that wagers or bets are placed on the outcome, the person or
information should be referred to the Criminal Investigations Division.
E. When officers make the scene of an incident involving a violent animal or fowl or where either
has bitten a person, they shall attempt to locate the animal and request that animal control
officers be called to the scene.
1. If the animal or fowl is located running loose, the officer shall keep it under surveillance
until such time as animal control officers can make the scene and pick it up.
2. When animal control officers are off-duty, if the animal or fowl is in the yard and/or with
its owner, the owner shall be notified that the owner is required to keep the animal or fowl
confined for a period of ten (10) days and animal control officers will contact them with
detailed information. A detailed incident report shall be directed to the animal control
division indicating the name and address of the owner of the animal/fowl as well as a
description of the animal/fowl.
336.00 ANIMAL AND FOWL COMPLAINTS
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336.02 LOOSE LIVESTOCK
A. Livestock shall be defined as a horse, stallion, mare, gelding, filly, colt, mule, hinny, jack,
jennet, hog, sheep, goat, or a head of any species of cattle.
B. Officers encountering calls of this nature shall attempt to ascertain the ownership of the stock,
either through persons on the scene or other officers who may have made previous calls
regarding livestock.
C. If ownership can be determined, the officer shall request through the Police Information
Center that the owner make the scene.
D. If ownership cannot be determined, the officer shall request through the Police Information
Center that the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office be notified to dispatch a commercial cowboy
to take custody and control of the loose livestock.
1. The officer shall continue to contain the livestock pending the arrival of the commercial
cowboy.
2. If no immediate danger is determined and whenever practicable, the commercial cowboy
and the officer will attempt to make arrangements with a nearby property owner with
adequate grounds and facilities for the temporary impoundment of the animal(s).
3. If the loose livestock poses an immediate danger to persons or property in the area, the
commercial cowboy will roundup the stray and deliver them to the nearest livestock
impoundment facility.
E. An incident report shall be completed relating the type, number and condition of the livestock
detained by the commercial cowboy called to the scene, and the identity of the commercial
cowboy dispatched by the Sheriff’s Office.
336.03 ANIMAL CALLS
A. Officers may use deadly force against animals only if persons are in imminent danger of death
or serious bodily injury.
338.01 TRANSPORTING STRANDED MOTORISTS
A. A person experiencing car trouble, such as a flat tire, out of gas, etc., may be transported by
the officer to the nearest facility to obtain assistance.
B. A person whose vehicle has been rendered inoperable because of an accident may be
transported home by the investigating officer, provided there are no other means of
transportation available.
C. In either of the above instances, the distance traveled must be reasonable and requires the
permission of a supervisor.
338.02 OFFICER AND MOTORIST SAFETY
A. Officers on routine patrol who observe an occupied vehicle parked with the hood raised or
other indications of mechanical failure shall stop and investigate such vehicle to see if the
motorist needs assistance.
337.00 RESERVED
338.00 STRANDED MOTORISTS
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B. If such vehicle is occupied by a female, or a senior citizen regardless of gender, and it is during
daylight hours, the officer shall:
1. Ascertain if assistance is needed, transport the motorist to a safe location in accordance
with General Order 338.01, and request needed assistance through the Police Information
Center.
2. Request assistance from the Courtesy Patrol, if appropriate.
3. Remain in service. If a call is received, the officer shall inform the motorist that they must
answer a call. The officer shall check back after completing the call.
C. During hours of darkness, for any stranded motorist, the officer shall:
1. Call out of service, ascertain if assistance is needed, transport the motorist to a safe
location as per General Order 338.01.
2. Evaluate the situation for the safety of both the motorist and the officer. The officer may:
a. Call for an additional unit to monitor traffic while the officer provides assistance.
b. Make a reasonable attempt to move the vehicle from a traffic lane or other hazardous
location.
c. In a situation on a major freeway where the officer and the motorist are at risk, the
officer shall request assistance from the Fire Department to send a truck to develop
a safety zone for the officer and the motorist. Examples of high risk situations
include, but are not limited to, bridges and overpasses, disabled vehicle in a lane of
traffic or inside shoulder, blind curves, or narrow roadways.
3. While awaiting the arrival of a requested wrecker, the officer and motorist may monitor
the disabled vehicle from a safer location within viewing distance. Once the wrecker
arrives, the officer will set up a safety perimeter for the personnel and the vehicle.
D. Police Information Center personnel may notify the nearest road service facility when requests
are received from field personnel.
E. If a road service facility cannot be contacted, cannot respond, or other assistance cannot be
routed to the safe location, the dispatcher shall send an officer, with supervisory approval, to
provide transportation subject to General Order 338.01.
338.03 VULNERABLE PERSON ACCOMPANYING ARRESTED PERSON
A. At the scene of an arrest where the arrested person is accompanied by a juvenile who is not
taken into custody or by an adult who is not arrested but is disabled, elderly, or incapable of
arranging their own transportation, the arresting officer shall be responsible for insuring the
safety of the accompanying person.
B. The arresting officer may direct an assist officer to transport the accompanying person to a
telephone to call for assistance. The assist officer may also transport the accompanying person
home provided there is no other means of transportation available.
C. In either of the above instances, the distance traveled must be reasonable and requires the
permission of a supervisor.
339.01 MEET COMPLAINANT/UNIT/PERSON
Meeting a complainant can involve almost anything, so officers are reminded to use caution when
making a call of this nature. Officers should use courtesy and attempt to resolve the person’s
problem at the scene. When officers are unable to resolve the complainant’s problem, they shall
339.00 MINOR POLICE RESPONSES
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direct them to the Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) or the proper person or agency who can
assist, whenever possible. When it can be determined that an offense has been committed, the
investigating officer shall complete the necessary reports. Officers meeting other units shall do so
only to conduct official business and shall complete this type of call as soon as possible.
339.02 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND PROWLERS
A. Upon arrival, officers should use caution and scan the area for the subject. If the officers locate
the subject, they should detain, investigate, and complete a field interrogation card or arrest
the subject if necessary.
B. The officers should contact the complainant and obtain as much information as possible about
the subject. If apprehension is not made, this information shall be given to the police
dispatcher for broadcast over the appropriate channels.
339.03 FIGHTS
A. When officers make the scene of a reported fight and the complainant wishes to file charges,
an offense report shall be made.
B. On minor fights which occur within the officer’s presence, arrests may be made. Officers may
issue citations for disorderly conduct-fight.
C. Before issuing a citation for disorderly conduct, officers shall check with PIC and the ID
Section to determine if the arrested person’s criminal history shows three (3) or more guilty
convictions for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, or a combination of both offenses in
the last twenty-four (24) months. If three (3) or more guilty convictions are discovered, the
arrested person shall be transported to jail and charged with “Disorderly Conduct-Enhanced.”
D. Officers should keep in mind all other disorderly conduct charges as they may become
applicable while at the scene. Officers may use these to arrest and remove the actor, if they
are committed while the officer is on the scene.
E. On large gang fights, a minimum of two (2) officers shall be dispatched. Officers should
request additional help, if necessary, or consideration should be given to officers leaving the
scene if their continued presence only serves to create or continue a disturbance.
F. Officers should follow the procedures pertaining to assaults, if applicable.
339.04 INVESTIGATION CALLS
Investigation calls are usually given by the dispatcher when the exact nature of a call is unknown.
Officers shall also use this type of call to advise the dispatcher that they are leaving the car to
conduct an investigation into an unknown situation.
339.05 – 339.09 RESTRICTED
340.01 COFFEE AND MEAL BREAK (Revised 3/28/16)
For this General Order section only, Line Personnel are uniformed patrol personnel who provide
direct service to the public and answer calls for service. Non-Line Personnel are persons who are
not assigned to a patrol position and do not answer calls for service unless designated as line
personnel by the appropriate Assistant Chief.
A. Rest Breaks (Coffee Breaks)
340.00 SERVICE CALLS (MARKOUTS)
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1. If authorized by their immediate supervisor, employees may take two (2) fifteen (15)
minute rest breaks per normal working day, one during the first half and one during the
second half of the workday. The fifteen (15) minute time for the rest break begins at the
time a person leaves their workstation until they return to the workstation or if assigned
to a vehicle, from the time they leave the vehicle until they return to the vehicle.
2. Employees working special overtime assignments of less than four (4) hours shall not
normally be allowed a rest break.
3. Employees working four (4) hours but less than eight (8) hours may be allowed one (1)
fifteen (15) minute rest break.
4. Rest breaks shall not be taken in conjunction with lunch breaks to extend the break time,
nor shall rest breaks be taken during the first or last hour of any shift.
5. Rest breaks shall be taken in the employee’s assigned beat/area unless authorized by a
sergeant or above.
B. Meal Breaks
1. Meal breaks shall be consistent with the length of time and compensation allowed by City
policy or any authorized contract or agreement in effect.
2. Employees working a normal workday, either eight (8) or ten (10) hours, may take one
meal break.
3. Employees working special overtime assignments of less than a normal workday (8 hours
or 10 hours), but at least six (6) hours, may take one (1) meal break.
4. Additional Criteria for Line Officers Meal Breaks:
a. Meal breaks may be requested at any time during the shift, but will only be taken
when cleared by the dispatcher.
b. Officers must complete radio calls and return to service before proceeding to a meal
break. This provision specifically prohibits going to a meal break location and
finishing paperwork while on any call other than an authorized break.
c. Officers assigned to specific geographic beats/areas, temporarily or permanently,
shall upon arrival at the break location, request clearance to take a break from the
dispatcher and furnish a telephone number and/or location where they can be
contacted. Other activities such as the ordering of meal, etc., before calling out, are
prohibited.
d. Upon completion of a meal break, officers shall call in service to the dispatcher
verbally and immediately exit the premises, and press the 10-24 button on the MDC
when returning to the vehicle.
e. Number of marked units and officers permitted at one location:
(1) The maximum number of marked police units allowed at one location for the
purpose of a meal break is two (2).
(2) For line personnel the maximum number of officers allowed at one location for
the purpose of taking a meal break shall be no more than four (4) officers,
excluding supervisors and non-line personnel,
(3) In circumstances, including, but not limited to, team meetings, special occasions,
training, etc., the officers’ sergeant or above may temporarily waive this section.
Permanent waivers issued from the Patrol Bureau must be in writing.
f. Meal breaks are normally taken in the line officer’s assigned area. Meal breaks in an
adjacent area, division, or adjacent division are permitted with permission from the
officer’s supervisor.
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C. Exclusions
If a bureau or division’s meal or coffee break procedure becomes unworkable, the deputy chief
or civilian equivalent over the area in need of modification shall prepare and submit a
workable procedure for approval through the applicable Assistant Chief of Police.
340.02 COURT CALLS
Officers shall advise the dispatcher that they require a court call and specify the court they shall
be attending. Officers shall appear promptly and after being released, should leave the building,
clearing the call. Officers shall follow standard procedure in obtaining certification of appearance
slips from the court they attend.
340.03 FLAT TIRE
The officer shall call the dispatcher and advise that they shall require a tire truck. The officer shall
be required to provide the location, car make, and equipment number, and shall clear their call
immediately after a flat tire is changed.
340.04 GARAGE CALL (Revised 3/28/16)
A. The total time an officer shall be permitted on a garage call at any equipment services facility
shall be forty-five (45) minutes. When the repairs and/or maintenance require in excess of
forty-five (45) minutes, the officer shall contact a supervisor. The supervisor may approve
additional time or advise the officer to obtain another unit. Once the garage completes the
necessary repairs/maintenance, the officer shall verbally clear the call and advise the
dispatcher that they shall be en route to their beat or assignment (i.e., Staff 3, I’m back in
service 10-24).
B. If a unit is disabled, the officer shall contact their respective dispatcher.
1. The officer shall be required to provide the equipment number, make of the vehicle, and
current location. The dispatch coordinator, when notifying the Equipment Services
Division, shall ascertain the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the garage unit.
2. If the officer is advised by the dispatcher that the ETA exceeds one (1) hour, then it is the
responsibility of the officer to contact a supervisor to ascertain whether to stand by or
take immediate steps to obtain another vehicle.
340.05 RADIO REPAIR (Revised 3/28/16)
Officers shall request this type of call when in need of radio repair. Once Radio Services completes
the necessary repairs/maintenance, the officer shall verbally clear the call and advise the dispatcher
that they are en route to their beat or assignment (i.e., Staff 3, I’m back in service 10-24).
340.06 REPORT TO HEADQUARTERS
Unless otherwise directed, officers dispatched to this type of call shall report to the appropriate
division office.
340.07 UNIT SECURED
To terminate duty before the end of a normal shift requires a supervisor’s approval. The officer
securing the unit shall advise the dispatcher as soon as possible after receiving the permission, and
state under whose authority this request was granted. In some cases, when air traffic is heavy, this
notification may be completed by telephone.
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340.08 CALL FOR CRIME SCENE SEARCH UNIT
This type of call is used when officers need to request a crime scene search unit at the scene of an
offense.
341.01 CHILD ARREST PROCEDURE
A child is defined as a person ten (10) years of age or older and under seventeen (17) years of age;
or seventeen (17) years of age or older and under eighteen (18) years of age who is alleged or
found to have engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision as a
result of acts committed before becoming seventeen (17) years of age, as defined in Chapter 51,
Title 3, Section 51.02 (2)(A)(B) of the Family Code. These children may be taken into custody.
Youth Services personnel will provide guidance on handling cases requiring procedures unique
to children when requested.
A. Should the violator be under ten (10) years of age, the following shall prevail:
1. Officers will attempt to release the violator to the parent, guardian, custodian, or other
responsible adult and must prepare an incident report. The officer will state in the first
sentence of the narrative that a copy of the report be directed to the Texas Department of
Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services Division.
2. If a violator’s parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult are present at the
scene, but the circumstances are such that the violator cannot be released to that parent,
guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult, the officer will place the violator into
custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective
Services Division.
3. If a parent or guardian is not present at the scene and cannot be quickly located, the officer
shall transport the violator to an approved juvenile processing office. The officer will
remain with the violator while continuing to locate a parent/guardian. A violator under
ten (10) will not be detained in a Youth Services holding cell. The violator will not remain
in Police Department custody for more than six (6) hours. If a parent or guardian cannot
be located, the officer will place the violator into custody of the Texas Department of
Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services Division, following the
procedures outlined in General Order 341.04.
B. School Offenses
1. School offense – defined as an offense committed by a child enrolled in public school that
is a Class C misdemeanor, other than a traffic offense, and is committed on property under
the control and jurisdiction of a school district.
2. For purposes of this section, a child is defined as being a student at least ten (10) years of
age and under seventeen (17).
3. Officers should complete a “School Information Only Report” when investigating an
incident matching this criteria and list the child as a “school offender.” The child shall
not be referred to as a “suspect” throughout the report but as a “school offender.” Officers
should end their reports with “closed other.”
4. Officers cannot issue citations for school offenses.
5. Officers can refer these incidents to the individual designated by the school district;
however, the officer cannot give a copy of the report to the school.
341.00 JUVENILE
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6. The school will be responsible for contacting Municipal Court to file complaints if so
desired.
C. Field Release Procedures
1. Officers making custodial arrests of children for Class C misdemeanor offenses (except
traffic and school offenses) shall issue a General Complaint citation to the child. When
issuing a General Complaint citation, the officer will release the child to the custody of
their parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult and complete all necessary
incident or supplemental reports listing the child as cited. Officers should gather all
necessary information regarding the child for the report to include the school they last or
are currently attending and both parents information. If the child’s parent, guardian,
custodian, or other responsible adult cannot be found quickly, the officer will bring the
child to an approved juvenile processing office and remain with them until the parent,
guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult can take custody of the child.
a. If the circumstances are such that the child cannot be released to a parent, guardian,
custodian, or other responsible adult within six (6) hours of arrest, the arresting
officer will place the child into the custody of the Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services, Child Protective Services Division.
b. Any child taken into custody, without unnecessary delay, must be taken to a Juvenile
Processing Office (JPO). A child may not be detained in any facility other than a
JPO; to do so may affect the outcome of the case.
2. When an officer conducting an initial investigation in the field determines there exists
probable cause and the authority to arrest a child for any Class A or Class B misdemeanor,
or State Jail Felony not involving violence to a person, or the use or possession of a
firearm, illegal knife, or club, as those terms are defined by Section 46.01, Penal Code,
or a prohibited weapon, as described by Section 46.05, Penal Code, Driving While
Intoxicated, auto theft, controlled substance offenses other than marijuana, the officer
shall field release the child to the custody of a parent, guardian, custodian, or other
responsible adult if the child does not have a previous arrest record. The officer must first
contact the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center Intake line to determine if the child
has an arrest record. If no record, Officers shall instruct the parent/guardian to contact
Youth Services the next business day at 0900 to schedule an appointment to be
interviewed. After release of the child to the custody of their parent, guardian, custodian,
or other responsible adult, the officer will complete all necessary incident or supplemental
reports listing the child as arrested. Officers shall gather all necessary information
regarding the child for the report to include the school they are attending or last attended,
and both parents information.
a. If a parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult is not present at the scene
and cannot be quickly located, the officer shall transport the juvenile to an approved
juvenile processing office. The officer will remain with the child while they continue
to locate a parent/guardian for the child.
b. If circumstances are such that a child who meets the requirements for field release,
cannot be released to a parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult within
six (6) hours of arrest, or due to circumstances created by the actions of the child, the
arresting officer will contact their supervisor for approval to transport to Tarrant
County Juvenile Detention Center.
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D. Arrest Procedures
1. When an officer conducting an initial investigation in the field determines probable cause
exists and the authority to arrest, the officer will take the child into custody and transport
them to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center or other county juvenile services
detention center as necessary for the following offenses:
a. 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree Felony offense, or Capital Felony;
b. State Jail Felonies and Class A or B misdemeanors involving violence to a person,
or the use or possession of a firearm, illegal knife, or club, as those terms are defined
by Section 46.01, Penal Code, or a prohibited weapon, as described by Section 46.05,
Penal Code, DWI, auto theft, controlled substance offenses other than marijuana; or
c. Any Class B misdemeanor or higher offense where the child has a previous arrest
record with Tarrant County Juvenile Services.
2. Upon arrival at the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center’s intake desk, the arresting
officer will complete the affidavit and present it to the intake person. If the intake person
determines that no probable cause exists, the officer will release the child to the
parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian cannot be located, the officer will transport the
child to an approved juvenile processing office and remain with them. The child shall not
be confined in a holding cell. The child will not remain in Police Department custody for
more than six (6) hours. If a parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult cannot
be located, the officer will place the child into custody of the Texas Department of Family
and Protective Services, Child Protective Services Division.
3. Upon determination of probable cause the officer will complete;
a. The Detention Center’s intake forms,
b. For all counties except Tarrant, the “Referral/Identification” portion of the Texas
Department of Public Safety Juvenile Justice Reporting Form(CR-43J), and
c. The Texas Department of Public Safety Supplemental Juvenile Justice Reporting
Form(CR-44J) for multiple charges, if applicable.
E. Detective Investigation Procedures
1. When any child is taken into custody for a Class B or above offense, and has a previous
arrest record, the case must be filed unless the investigation reveals a lack of probable
cause, or that a mistake of fact resulted in the misidentification of the child.
2. Custodial interviews of children may only be conducted in Juvenile Processing Offices,
and written statements or orally-recorded statements may only be obtained after they are
warned of their constitutional rights by a judge.
3. Investigative units filing in-custody child cases shall, within seventy-two (72) hours of
the time of arrest, investigate and prepare all necessary paperwork related to the offense.
Detectives assigned the follow-up investigations of a case involving a child taken into
custody, must within seventy-two (72) hours of the arrest either:
a. Supplement the report and forward a completed case file to Youth Services; or
b. In cases where lack of probable cause, insufficient evidence, or a mistake of fact
resulted in the misidentification of the child, supplement the report and dispose of
the case by completing a FWPD Juvenile Case Cover Sheet (form FWPD 001-35402-
040) checking the box for Police Disposition-No Further Action Requested. Forward
the cover sheet and complete report to Youth Services to be processed and forwarded
to Tarrant County Juvenile Services.
c. Investigative units examining reports who develop probable cause for the arrest of
children who are listed as suspects for offenses that qualify for the First Offender
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Program, shall dispose of the case according to Family Code Section 52.031. These
guidelines consist of the following;
(1) A detective conducting an investigation, shall determine if there exists probable
cause and the authority to arrest a child for any Class A or Class B misdemeanor,
or State Jail Felony not involving violence to a person, or the use or possession
of a firearm, illegal knife, or club, as those terms are defined by Section 46.01,
Penal Code, or a prohibited weapon, as described by Section 46.05, Penal Code,
DWI, auto theft, controlled substance offenses other than marijuana, or has been
previously arrested.
(2) Investigative units determining the child suspect meets the criteria will complete
an out-of-custody juvenile case packet, listing the child as arrested in their
supplement. Detectives should gather all necessary information regarding the
child for the report to include the school they last or are currently at- tending and
both parents information.
(3) Investigative units shall inform the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian, to
contact Youth Services by 0900 the next business day and that their failure to do
so will result in filing of the case with Tarrant County Juvenile Services.
(4) The investigative unit shall inform Youth Services of the referral and forward
their completed packet to Youth Services to be stored until the child either
completes the First Offender Program, or, fails and the case is filed out-ofcustody with the appropriate County Juvenile Services
4. For all children taken into custody for multiple Class B or above offenses, where a
disposition without referral is not authorized, the detective will file all charges pending
against the child unless there exists a lack of probable cause, insufficient evidence, or a
mistake of fact resulted in the misidentification of the child.
5. Detectives must file all cases involving complainants who are unresponsive,
uncooperative, or later wish to dismiss charges. Youth Services will process and forward
these cases to Tarrant County Juvenile Services.
6. Detectives assigned Class B and above offenses, who develop probable cause for the
arrest of a child suspect, must either prepare a juvenile arrest warrant and comply with
in-custody child arrest procedures, or file an out-of-custody case following the procedures
outlined below:
a. Detectives filing out-of-custody juvenile cases will investigate, prepare, and
complete all necessary case file paperwork. This paperwork will include, for all
counties except Tarrant, completion of the law enforcement section,
“Referral/Identification,” of the Texas Department of Public Safety Juvenile Justice
Reporting Form (CR-43-J), and if applicable, the Supplemental Juvenile Justice
Reporting form (CR-44J) for multiple charges.
b. For all cases filed out-of-custody, the detective must write the words “Out-ofCustody” across the top margin of the (CR-43J), and if applicable (CR44-J), if they
are necessary, and check the box next to “Out-of-Custody” on the Juvenile Case
Cover sheet and supplement the report.
7. Detectives receiving a report in which a child has been field released, shall follow “out
of custody” case filing procedures.
8. The original and one copy of all completed paperwork and media related to the case filing
and arrest will be sent to Youth Services. Youth Services will process and retain the
original, and forward the case file copy to the appropriate county juvenile services.
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9. Upon completion of an investigation where probable cause for the arrest of a child suspect
has been developed involving Class C misdemeanor offenses, the detective will mail the
child a General Complaint Citation through certified mail to the address of the child’s
parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult. The detective will supplement the
report listing the child as cited.
F. Fingerprints and Photographs of Child Suspects for Comparison Purposes
1. When an officer conducting an investigation determines there exists probable cause and
the authority to arrest a child involved in an offense, the officer may take temporary
custody of a child to take the child’s fingerprints or photograph for comparison purposes
if:
a. The officer has found other fingerprints at the offense location and has probable cause
to believe that the child’s fingerprints will match, or
b. The officer may take temporary custody of a child to take the juvenile’s photograph
if the officer has probable cause to believe that the child’s photograph will be of
material assistance in the investigation.
2. The fingerprints and photographs may be obtained at the Records Section if the officer is
assured that no adult prisoners are in the Records Section. A law enforcement officer may
obtain fingerprints or photographs from a child at a juvenile processing office or a
location that affords reasonable privacy to the child.
3. If the child is released from temporary custody and not arrested, the fingerprints and
photographs shall be immediately destroyed if they do not lead to a positive comparison
or identification, and the officer shall make a reasonable effort to notify the child’s parent,
guardian, or custodian of the action taken.
341.02 JUVENILE TRAFFIC OFFENDERS
A. Under fourteen (14) years of age
1. When an officer encounters a juvenile traffic offender under fourteen (14) years of age,
the officer shall not issue the offender a traffic citation. The officer shall make every effort
to contact a family member, such as parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult
to come to the scene and take responsibility for the child and the vehicle.
a. If the offender is age ten (10) to under fourteen (14) years and circumstances are such
that the child cannot be released to a parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible
adult, the officer will place the child into the custody of the Texas Department of
Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services following the procedures
outlined in General Order 341.04, or take the child to an approved juvenile processing
office. The child will not be detained for more than six (6) hours at the police
department.
b. If the offender is age seven (7) to nine (9) years and a responsible adult cannot be
located, the officer will place the child into the custody ACH Child and Family
Services (formerly All Church Home).
c. If no contact can be made, or nobody will come to the scene to take responsibility for
the vehicle in a reasonable length of time (30 minutes or less), the officer shall
impound the vehicle.
2. For all incidents involving juvenile traffic offenders under fourteen (14) years of age, an
incident report will be generated. A copy of the incident report will be forwarded to the
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services Division
for all offenders under fourteen (14) years of age, with a copy also directed to the ACH
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Child and Family Services (formerly All Church Home) for offenders age seven (7) to
nine (9) years.
B. 14 to 16 years of age
1. Traffic offenders within this age group may be issued traffic citations.
2. The officer shall inform the juvenile that they must appear in the Municipal Court on or
before the date indicated accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian, or other
responsible adult.
C. Juvenile Traffic Warrants
1. Juveniles shall not be taken into custody when a warrant has been issued for a traffic
violation.
2. The officer should advise the juvenile and their parent, guardian, custodian, or other
responsible adult that a traffic warrant does exist.
a. The juvenile must appear before the Municipal Court accompanied by the parent,
guardian, custodian, or other responsible adult for the warrant to be addressed by the
judge.
3. If the violator is seventeen (17) years of age or above and the warrant was issued while
the offender was a juvenile, they shall be taken into custody and normal warrant arrest
procedures shall be followed.
341.03 WANTED JUVENILES TAKEN INTO POLICE CUSTODY
A. Officers having occasion to check identification on juveniles in the field should contact the
Police Information Center.
B. Juveniles taken into custody for a Texas Juvenile Justice Department directive to apprehend
should be handled in the following manner:
1. The juvenile suspect shall be transported to the Tarrant County Juvenile Services
Detention Center and released to the custody of the employees of that facility.
2. If the juvenile suspect is apprehended on a Texas Juvenile Justice Department directive
to apprehend, the officer shall make an incident report of the arrest, being sure to include
the directive number furnished on the arrested person.
C. Juveniles taken into custody for a Class B or above warrant shall be transported to the Tarrant
County Juvenile Detention Center.
1. The officer will complete all necessary intake forms.
2. If the juvenile suspect is apprehended on a departmental juvenile wanted or probable
cause warrant, the officer shall make a supplement to the original offense explaining the
details of the arrest.
3. All juvenile arrests on probable cause warrants must result in the cancellation of the
warrant in the same manner as probable cause warrants on adults. The arresting officer
shall sign the original warrant filed in the Identification Unit indicating the warrant has
been executed, and Identification Unit personnel shall deliver the warrant to the Youth
Services.
D. All juveniles taken into custody for Class B and above out-of-town warrants will be
transported to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center and processed.
1. The arresting officer will complete all necessary arrest forms. The arresting officer will
also complete the offense or supplemental reports, stating in the first sentence of the
narrative that the juvenile is under arrest for an out-of-town warrant with a copy of the
report directed to the originating agency.
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E. A person who is seventeen (17) years of age and under eighteen ( 18) that is arrested for a
warrant issued for their arrest as a result of acts committed before reaching seventeen (17)
years of age shall be transported to Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center.
341.04 NEGLECTED, ABANDONED, OR ABUSED CHILDREN
A. In general, any child under eighteen (18) years of age who is abused, neglected, abandoned,
runaway, or in need of supervision is the responsibility of the Texas Department of Family
and Protective Services, Child Protective Services Division.
B. Runaways from ten (10) to sixteen (16) years of age should be transported to Tarrant County
Juvenile Detention Center at night or on weekends.
C. Children who have been located off-campus during school hours may be out of school with
an excused absence. Officers encountering a student who is off campus should contact the
School Resource Unit (SRU) dispatcher or the School Resource officer (SRO) assigned to the
school on the (SRU) radio channel to determine if the child is out of school without an
approved absence. Although truancy is a civil manner, if it is determined to be an unexcused
absence, the student can voluntarily be transported back to the school by the officer. The
student shall be released at the school to administrative personnel or to the SRO. The school
district is responsible for providing attendance records to the truancy court; therefore, no
incident report shall be made unless an offense has occurred.
D. The child protective services central intake office receives initial referrals and responds to
night and weekend emergencies involving abused, neglected, or abandoned children. A staff
worker is available for responding to emergencies or for information 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Neglected or abandoned children should be referred to ACH Child and Family
Services (formerly All Church Home).
E. In the event conditions of neglect, abandonment, or abuse of children are brought to the
attention of this department, the procedure for handling these cases shall be as follows:
1. The officer at the scene of reported neglect or abuse cases or where children are
apparently abandoned shall notify their immediate supervisor.
2. The supervisor shall determine if the Child Protective Services or the ACH Child and
Family Services (formerly All Church Home) is to be contacted, and if so, shall inform
them of the existing situation. The supervisor and Child Protective Services shall
determine whether the child is to be picked up at the scene by a staff worker taken to the
nearest division to be picked up later, or transported to a place designated by Child
Protective Services. The supervisor shall determine if photographs are to be taken and
shall cause Crime Scene Search officers to be notified of the location where the
photographs can be taken.
3. If the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services or
ACH Child and Family Services (formerly All Church Home) have no personnel
available to come to the scene, the supervisor on the scene shall be responsible for
providing transportation of the children to the location designated by authorities at the
Child Protective Services or the ACH Child and Family Services.
4. The officer on the scene shall provide a report to the Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services, Child Protective Services and the supervisor on duty with all
pertinent information including child’s name, race, date of birth, parent’s name and
addresses, relatives’ names and addresses, interested neighbors, witnesses, and the action
taken regarding each child. The location of where each child was taken shall not be
mentioned.
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5. All inquiries regarding neglected, abandoned, or abused children placed in temporary care
shall be referred to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Child
Protective Services and under no circumstances shall any unauthorized person be given
the address of any location where the child was placed. This includes parents, relatives,
friends, or others not directly involved in the investigation of these cases.
342.01 POLICE RESPONSIBILITY
A. The relationship between doctor and client is confidential and therefore, access to a patient’s
medical records shall be limited only to that information necessary to complete basic police
functions.
B. Officers should be mindful that it is only the responsibility of medical personnel to provide
police officers only those records necessary for the completion of police functions.
C. Medical personnel cannot, at the expense of jeopardizing the patient’s physical and mental
well being, permit any form of interviewing without the attending physician’s concurrence.
No interview shall take place until permission is granted
D. Persons in police custody brought to the emergency room for examination and treatment shall
not be left unattended by police officers during the course of their stay. It is necessary that a
police guard be present at all times to assure the safety of not only the person in custody, but
other patients, visitors, and employees as well.
E. When relieving an officer on guard detail, the relieving officer shall be advised of the charges
and other pertinent information regarding the patient by the officer being relieved.
F. Persons in police custody shall not be allowed visitors without the approval of the
investigative supervisor with jurisdiction over the case.
G. When notified of a person’s pending release from a hospital or other agency, the officer shall
contact the jail supervisor for guidance on the disposition of the person.
343.01 ASSISTANCE TO OUTSIDE DEPARTMENTS OR AGENCIES
A. Police officers may respond to calls for assistance from any City of Fort Worth department or
from a private or outside agency.
B. Officers on the scene of these calls shall restrict their activities to rendering assistance only.
C. Police personnel may assist by obtaining identifications and verifying ownership or other
necessary procedural functions.
D. In all instances where a police officer is called to assist officials of another city department or
representatives of a private business concern, it shall be the officer’s responsibility to prevent
a disturbance or physical harm to any person or persons involved.
E. Officers shall assist only in those cases where their involvement would not constitute a
violation of the law or department General Orders.
342.00 HOSPITALS
343.00 POLICE ASSISTANCE TO OUTSIDE AGENCIES
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344.01 OFFENSE/ INFORMATION REPORT PROCEDURES (Revised 3/03/16)
Officers are required to document all calls for service, as well as administrative markouts. Officers
shall document calls by providing the relevant information regarding their handling of a call in the
details/information section, along with call disposition.
A. Offense Reports
Offense reports are required anytime an officer has received information that a violation of a
criminal offense has occurred, including general complaint violations. Primarily offense
reports are submitted electronically using the current Records Management software
(Tiburon). The submission of an offense report is made from either a patrol vehicle’s MDC or
a desktop computer.
1. Detailed instructions for completing offense reports and other issues involved with
entering reports into the RMS or Tiburon software are found on the police portal under
Training documents.
2. Officers shall utilize the report verification tool to validate and proof the report Reports
that need to be changed can be “reopened” by the officer or “unapproved” by the
supervisor for corrections.
3. Supervisors shall review all reports within seventy-two (72) hours of submission.
Supervisors should also check that officers are correcting unapproved reports in a timely
manner.
B. Information Reports
1. Information reports are used as a basis for a potential future offense report and to provide
investigative information. Information reports are submitted in the same manner as above.
C. Fast Track
1. Offense/Information reports shall be fast tracked for the following situations:
a. An arrest, other than Class C warrant, has been made.
b. Stolen and/or recovered vehicles
c. Missing persons, including runaways.
2. Supervisors shall review all fast track reports before the end of their tour of duty. Fast
track reports holding in queue shall be reviewed by the on-duty supervisor.
D. All offense/incident reports must be submitted as soon as reasonably possible and, in all
instances, before the end of the officer’s tour of duty.
1. All other required paperwork including, but not limited to, accident reports, citations, etc.,
must be completed or submitted electronically before the end of the officer’s tour of duty.
No calls will be cleared from any location other than an on-duty site.
2. The primary officer assigned the call will be responsible for ensuring that all required
reports related to the call are completed.
E. The primary officer assigned the call shall be in charge of the scene until relieved of the
responsibility by a ranking officer or an officer of an investigative unit.
F. The ARS software automatically generates crime coding criteria when the officer enters the
offense; therefore, officers shall enter all information completely and accurately to ensure
proper reporting.
344.00 REPORTING SYSTEM
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344.02 SUPPLEMENT REPORTS
A. Supplement reports are used to correct existing offense reports, to add additional information,
to change the status or classification of a report, or to include comments regarding the
investigation of an offense.
B. If supplementing a previously entered report, enter the report number and type “N” in the
supplement number block.
344.03 IDENTIFYING PERSONS BY RACE/ETHNICITY
In order to maintain consistency in recording the race and ethnic identity of individuals in police
reports/records and in compliance with FBI/NIBRS regulations, all department employees shall
use the designations for race and ethnicity under the applicable tabs in the RMS software.
344.04 FIELD INTERVIEW SYSTEM
A. The Field Interview System in the ARS shall be used to record information on all suspicious
persons or in instances where the officer believes information should be centrally retained for
future reference.
B. Field Interview (FI) reports shall be approved by the designated crime analyst for the section
in which the officer entering the FI is assigned.
344.05 CONTAMINATED REPORTS/DOCUMENTS
Reports/Documents which are possibly contaminated due to exposure to infectious diseases shall
be copied on a clean form before submission. The contaminated copy shall be disposed of in a safe
manner. This is not to be confused with documentary evidence which, if contaminated, will be
submitted in a sealed bag and marked as a bio-hazard.
346.01 VIN VERIFICATIONS
A. When requests are received by persons desiring to register their vehicle in Texas, and the
vehicle was last registered or titled out of state, that person shall be advised to take the vehicle
to the nearest state inspection station.
B. Before the vehicle can be registered in Texas, it must first pass the Texas safety inspection.
The person performing the inspection shall verify the VIN number at the time the safety
inspection is made.
C. Officers shall refrain from advising citizens to go to the Police Auto Pound to have the VIN
verified.
346.02 SALVAGE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
A. All restored salvage vehicles must be inspected by a law enforcement officer prior to obtaining
a motor vehicle title. The proper form must be filled out and certified correct by the officer
performing the inspection.
345.00 RESERVED
346.00 VIN VERIFICATION AND SALVAGE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
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B. All inspections for such vehicles by this department shall be made by the Commercial Auto
Theft Unit. Inspections of these vehicles, except travel trailers and mobile homes, shall be
made during the hours set by the Commercial Auto Theft Unit or by appointment only.
C. Travel trailer and mobile home inspections shall be held at a place which the circumstances
dictate. The location of such inspections shall be at the discretion of the Commercial auto theft
detective, subject to supervisory review.
D. All personnel who receive requests for inspection of restored vehicles shall refer the
requesting party to the Commercial Auto Theft Unit.
347.01 POLICE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS (New Order 7/18/18)
Citizen participation and interaction with the police are necessary to promote cooperative efforts
in resolving community issues. It is shared responsibility of all Department members to
establish and promote rapport with members of the community. The Department must strive for
the establishment of a climate where officers may perform their duties with the acceptance,
understanding, and approval of the public. Additionally, the willing and practiced participation
of the people in enforcing the law is essential for the preservation of freedom.
A. Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the
systemic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the
immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder,
and fear of crime.
B. A reverence and respect for the dignity of all persons and the sanctity of all human life shall
guide all training and leadership. Members of law enforcement derive their authority from
the public; and therefore, must be ever mindful that they are not only the guardians, but also
the servants of the public. Just as all persons are subject to the law, all persons have a right
to dignified treatment under the law, and the protection of this right is a duty, which is as
binding on the Department as any other.
C. All officers must treat a person with as much respect as that person will allow, and officers
must be constantly mindful that the people with whom deal with each day are individuals with
human emotions and needs. Such conduct is not a duty imposed in addition to an officer’s
primary responsibilities; it is inherent in them.
D. In dealing with all people, each officer must attempt to make their contact one which inspires
respect as an individual and professional, and one which generates the cooperation and
approval of the public. While entitled to personal beliefs, an officer cannot allow individual
feelings or prejudices to enter into public contacts. However, since an officer’s prejudices
may be subconsciously manifested, it is incumbent upon the officer to strive to avoid the
influence of attitudes which might impair impartiality and effectiveness, keeping in mind that
initial contacts leave lasting impressions both of the individual officer and of the Department
as a whole.
E. To ensure equal treatment in similar circumstances, all officers must be alert to situations
where, because of a language barrier or for some other reason, officers may be called upon to
display additional patience and understanding in dealing with what might otherwise appear to
be a lack of response.
F. The Department must be responsive to the needs and problems of the community. While the
Department’stask is governed by the law, the policies formulated to guide the enforcement of
347.00 COMMUNITY POLICING STRATEGIES
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the law must include consideration of the public will. Thisresponsiveness must be manifested
at all levels of the Department by a willingness to listen and by a genuine concern for the
problems of individuals or groups. The total needs of the communitymust become an integral
part of the programs designed to carry out the mission of the Department.
G. To promote understanding and cooperation, there must be interpersonal communication
between members of the community and officers at all levels of the Department. All
employees must be aware of the law enforcement needs of the community and their particular
assigned area of responsibility. Guided by policy, an officer must tailor their performance to
attain the objective of the Department and to solve the specific crime problems in the area the
officer serves. The Department must provide for programs to encourage productive dialogue
with the public at all levels and to ensure that the unity of the police and the public is
preserved.
H. It is necessary that there be full public disclosure of policies and opennessin matters of public
interest. Consistent with protection of legal rights of involved individuals and with
consideration of the necessity for maintenance and confidentialityof Department records and
of other primary Department responsibilities, the Department is to disseminate accurate and
factual accounts of occurrences of public interest. Additionally, the Department must strive
to make known and accepted its objectives and policies.
I. It is the duty of every employee of the Department to build an open relationship and dialog
with the community served. This is accomplished through a variety of means to include, but
not limited to, community forums and meetings, open house, citizen advisory committees, and
specifically-targeted programs. The Department seeks to develop partnerships and resources
within the community to build problem-solving groups and to instill a sense of mutual
responsibility toward enhancing public safety and to increase the community’s ability to
resolve issues related to crime or a perception of crime. The following areas should be
considered when employees are working with community members:
1. Exchange of helpful information.
2. Promote police services that are available to the community.
3. Discuss Department objectives, community problems, and successes.
4. Encourage discussion to promote action aimed at solving problems that may exist.
5. Educate citizens about the functions and operations of the Department.
6. Obtain input from community groups to ensure that Department community relation
policies and/or training reflect the needs of the community.
7. Identify sources of conflict between the Department and the community and encourage
efforts to resolve them.
J. Command staff, with input of all employees and the community, shall conduct evaluations at
least twice a year regarding Department community relation plans and programs, analyzing the
methods that have been effective and substituting poorly performing programs and/or methods
of action with new approaches. Command staff shall also outline the Department’s
expectations of community trust building for all officers and non-sworn employees setting out
measurable objectives expected from the specific units and/or programs.
1. Input on community relations plans and programs from the community should be sought
through community forums, informal meetings such as Coffee with a Cop, and Code Blue
representatives.
2. Input from the employees on community relations plans and programs should be sought by
command staff through specific email addresses, employee meetings, after action reports,
and direct contact with program coordinators.
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K. Specialized Units and Department Programs directed to the Community.
Each unit and/or program shall outline in their Standard Operating Procedures the specifics of
measurable objectives, evaluations and their level of review, necessary training, expectations
of the employee, and the content and schedule of reports and meetings. Standard Operating
Procedures shall be reviewed annually and approved by the appropriate deputy chief.
1. Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) – Foremost in the duties of the Neighborhood Police
Officer is the responsibility of promoting the concept of community policing through
working in the neighborhoods, housing communities, recreational centers, businesses, and
other community entities by providing a direct link between the community and the police.
Neighborhood Police Officers work together with the community to identify and resolve
problems that have caused or might cause discord between them. Improving police
community relations is re-enforced by:
a. Taking every opportunity to talk to and with the public,
b. Being visible to the community and neighborhood,
c. Taking part in the life of the community by joining civic, church, or private
organizations,
d. Becoming knowledgeable of services available to individuals and groups, and
e. Becoming an active volunteer.
f. Providing a weekly report, forwarded through their chain of command to the Chief of
Police and City Council, detailing the officer’s interaction and communication with
community members.
2. Public Information Programs – As part of the community relations plans, the Public
Relations Team publicize Department objectives, problems, and successes through
departmental reports and social media.
3. Crime Prevention Programs – Provide citizen groups with information on making their
families, homes, and businesses more secure and work to establish crime watch
neighborhoods where none exist. Employees assigned to crime prevention programs shall
maintain monthly reports on measurable objectives of their program. Employees shall
conduct safety fairs, communicate directly with their community for updated information
and programs, and provide presentations.
4. Community Volunteer Programs – Officers are assigned or volunteer to coordinate and
work with specific groups and programs which involve community members. Officers
provide training, on-going and up-to-date information, meetings, and serve as the direct
link between the Department and the community individuals participating in various
different programs such as the Citizens on Patrol Program (both English speaking and
Spanish speaking), Code Blue in the Schools, Citizen Police Academy (both English
speaking and Spanish speaking), Citizen Police Academy Alumni Program, Police-Clergy
Programs, and Community Emergency Response Teams. Employees assigned to
community volunteer programs shall maintain monthly reports on measurable objectives
of their program(s).
5. Advisory Boards
a. Chief’s Advisory Board – The goal of the Chief’s Advisory Board is to provide a
forum for police-community interaction to address public safety and related issues in
order to further enhance the quality of life in our community and is comprised of a
diverse cross-section of community leaders representative of the City of Fort Worth.
b. Policy Advisory Board – The primary purpose of the Policy Advisory Committee is
to convene a forum of key leaders/stakeholders from diverse cross-sections of the
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community representative of the City of Fort Worth, and introduce them to the
policies the Department has developed based on legislation, court cases, training and
other elements that represent the problems and solutions law enforcement confront
and address within our community. General Order 201.07, Policy Advisory
Committee, outlines the responsibilities and membership of the committee.
6. Ride-In Program – The goal of the Ride-In Program is to provide citizens the opportunity
to observe patrol operations in an informative and safe environment. Guidelines for citizen
participation and Department approval is located in General Order 207.00, Ride-In
Procedures.
7. Procedural Justice Unit – The mission of the Procedural Justice Unit is to provide training
and support to the Fort Worth Police Department and citizenry that enhances internal and
external police legitimacy thereby increasing trust, reducing crime, improving officer and
public safety and help achieve the goals of our department. Presentations will include, but
not be limited to,:
a. Host Citizen Use of Force Scenario training to be conducted quarterly.
b. Provide training to community groups, leadership, and youth discussing various
topics such as objectives of the National Initiative, social justice and community
issues, past and present perceptions related to law enforcement, and how to address
conflicting issues within our community.
c. Provide procedural justice training for all sworn officers and to community leaders.
d. Host meetings for the discussion of implicit bias, procedural justice and reconciliation
with the City of Fort Worth.
e. Host meetings for the discussion of intervention for domestic violence and other
crimes.
347.02 RACIAL PROFILING (Revised 1/8/18)
The guidelines in this General Order are intended to reaffirm the department’s commitment to
unbiased policing in all its encounters between an officer and any person; to reinforce procedures
that serve to ensure public confidence and mutual trust through the provision of services in a fair
and equitable fashion; and to protect officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct when
acting within the dictates of departmental policy and the law.
A. Officers shall police in a proactive manner and investigate suspected violations of law.
Officers shall actively enforce state and federal laws in a responsible and professional manner,
without regard to race, ethnicity or national origin. Officers are strictly prohibited from
engaging in racial profiling as defined in this order. This order shall be applicable to officer’s
interactions with all persons, whether drivers, passengers or pedestrians.
B. Officers shall conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times when dealing with the
public. Two of the fundamental rights guaranteed by both the United States and Texas
constitutions are equal protection under the law and freedom from unreasonable searches and
seizures by government agents. The right of all persons to be treated equally and to be free
from unreasonable searches and seizures must be respected. Racial profiling is an
unacceptable patrol tactic and is strictly prohibited.
C. This order shall not preclude officers from offering assistance, such as upon observing a
substance leaking from a vehicle, a flat tire, or someone who appears to be ill, lost or confused.
Nor does this order prohibit stopping someone suspected of a crime based upon observed
actions and/or information received about the person.
D. Definitions
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1. Racial Profiling – A law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual’s race,
ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual’s behavior or on information
identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity.
a. Racial profiling pertains to persons who are viewed as suspects or potential suspects
of criminal behavior. The term is not relevant as it pertains to witnesses,
complainants or other citizen contacts.
b. The prohibition against racial profiling does not preclude the use of race, ethnicity or
national origin as factors in a detention decision. Race, ethnicity or national origin
may be legitimate factors in a detention decision when used as part of an actual
description of a specific suspect for whom an officer is searching. Detaining an
individual and conducting an inquiry into that person’s activities simply because of
that individual’s race, ethnicity or national origin is racial profiling. Examples of
racial profiling include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Citing a driver who is speeding in a stream of traffic where most other drivers
are speeding because of the cited driver’s race, ethnicity or national origin.
(2) Stopping or detaining the driver of a vehicle based on the determination that a
person of that race, ethnicity or national origin is unlikely to own or possess that
specific make or model of vehicle.
(3) Stopping or detaining an individual based upon the determination that a person
of that race, ethnicity or national origin does not belong in a specific part of town
or a specific place.
c. A law enforcement agency can derive these principles from the adoption of this
definition of racial profiling:
(1) That law enforcement officers may not use racial or ethnic stereotypes as factors
in selecting whom to stop and search.
(2) Racial profiling is not relevant as it pertains to witnesses, etc.
(3) That police may not use racial or ethnic stereotypes as factors in selecting whom
to stop and search, while police may consider race in conjunction with other
known factors of the suspect.
2. Race or Ethnicity – Of a particular decent, including White, Black, Hispanic or Latino,
Asian or Pacific Islander, or Alaska Native or American Indian.
3. Motor Vehicle Stop – A peace officer who stops a motor vehicle for an alleged violation
of a law or ordinance regulating traffic.
E. Training
1. Officers are responsible for adhering to all Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
(TCOLE) training as mandated by law.
2. All officers shall complete a TCOLE training and education program on racial profiling
not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is licensed under Chapter 1701
of the Texas Occupations Code or the date the officer applies for an intermediate
proficiency certificate, whichever date is earlier. A person who on September 1, 2001,
held a TCOLE intermediate proficiency certificate, or who had held a peace officer
license issued by TCOLE for at least two years, shall complete a TCOLE training and
education program on racial profiling not later than September 1, 2003.
3. The Chief of Police, as part of the initial training and continued education for such
appointment, will be required to attend the LEMIT program on racial profiling.
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4. An individual appointed or elected as a police chief before the effective date of this Act
shall complete the program on racial profiling established under Subsection (k), Section
96.641, Education Code.
F. Complaint Investigation
1. The department shall accept complaints from any person who believes he or she has been
stopped or searched based on racial, ethnic or national origin profiling. No person shall
be discouraged, intimidated or coerced from filing a complaint, nor discriminated against
because he or she filed such a complaint.
2. If an officer initiating a stop receives an allegation of racial profiling, the officer shall
provide their name and ID number to the individual with information on how to contact
Internal Affairs or the officer’s supervisor. Any employee contacted shall provide to that
person information on the department’s process for filing a complaint. All employees will
report any allegation of racial profiling to their supervisor before the end of their shift.
a. Officers shall provide information, including telephone number, mailing address, and
email address for contacting Internal Affairs to any individual who inquires about
reporting an incident perceived to be racially motivated, or who wishes to generate a
compliment.
b. Any supervisor/manager receiving a racial profiling complaint shall notify the
Internal Affairs Division in a timely manner of the compliant and the action taken.
c. Supervisors shall monitor the adherence to the General Orders by all employees
under their command and shall initiate an investigation into all alleged violations
established under this General Order.
3. All complaints will be acknowledged in writing to the complainant who will receive
information regarding the disposition of such complaint within a reasonable period of
time. The investigation shall be reduced to writing and any reviewer’s comments or
conclusions shall be sent through the chain of command to the Chief of Police or designee.
When applicable, findings and/or recommendations for disciplinary action, retraining, or
changes in policy shall be part of the recommendation to the Chief of Police or designee.
4. Allegations of misconduct and disciplinary action shall follow the procedures as outlined
in General Order 410.00. Officers shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and
including indefinite suspension for engaging in racial profiling.
5. If there is a departmental video or audio recording of the events upon which a complaint
of racial profiling is based, upon commencement of an investigation into the complaint
and written request of the officer made the subject of the complaint, this department shall
promptly provide a copy of the recording to that officer.
G. Public Education
The police department will inform the public of its guidelines against racial profiling and the
compliment and complaint process. Methods that may be utilized to inform the public of the
process are news media, radio, service or civic presentations, the Internet, as well as governing
board meetings. With respect to each ticket, citation, or warning issued by an officer, the
telephone number, mailing address, and email address for Internal Affairs shall be provided
either on the warning, ticket, or citation or by other methods directed by the department (i.e.
business cards, flyers, stickers, etc). Additionally, information will be made available as
appropriate in languages other than English.
H. Data Collection and Reporting
1. Data shall be collected on all motor vehicle stops. Information will be collected on the
driver only. The officer shall promptly enter all data required by law into the Motor
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Vehicle Stop Checklist database before the end of the duty shift. The form may be found
on the Fort Worth Police internal portal under Racial Profiling.
2. Any vehicle equipped with video and/or audio capabilities shall retain the video and/or
audio documentation in accordance with the division’s standard operating procedures.
Such documentation shall be retained for at least 180 days after the stop, or until
disposition if a complaint has been made.
a. If a complaint has been made, the documentation shall be retained by the Internal
Affairs Division until final disposition of the complaint, if not longer as required
under other laws or policies.
3. Internal Affairs shall be responsible for compiling the number of racial profiling
complaints and forwarding this information to Policy Management at the end of the year.
4. At the direction of the Chief of Police or designee, additional data may be collected by
the department in an effort to monitor enforcement actions and to provide a overview of
department compliance with this General Order.
5. An annual report will be prepared or coordinated by Policy Management based on the
data collection and in accordance with TCOLE guidelines and forwarded to the city
manager within the prescribed time period for distribution to the City Council.
I. Use of Video and Audio Equipment
1. Each traffic stop made by an officer that is capable of being recorded by video and/or
audio shall be recorded.
2. Data recorded will follow requirements of General Order 506.03, Officer-Worn Digital
Recording Devices, and General Order 506.04, In-Car Recording System.
347.03 BIAS-FREE POLICING (Revised 2/18/16)
A. Purpose and Scope
1. It is the policy of the Fort Worth Police Department to treat all persons with dignity,
respect and professionalism. The Fort Worth Police Department provides police
services to the community in a nonpartisan, fair, equitable, and objective manner
without consideration of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability,
economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender
status, membership in a cultural group, or other individual characteristics or
distinctions.
2. Equal treatment provides that persons, irrespective of race or other distinction shall be
treated in the same basic manner under the same or similar circumstances. Equal
treatment does not mean all persons in the same or similar circumstances can or must be
treated identically in all cases. Reasonable considerations and/or accommodations may
be made when dealing with individuals with physical or mental disabilities, infirmity,
illnesses or similar conditions or when information about them necessitates different
treatment.
B. Definitions
1. Biased Policing – Discrimination in the performance of duties, based on personal
prejudices or partiality of officers, that interferes with their professional judgment,
training or adherence to law. Biased policing includes, but is not limited to, making
prejudicial decisions affecting individuals in classes protected by federal, state and local
law.
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2. Gender expression – Person’s external characteristics and behaviors including, but not
limited to, dress, grooming, mannerisms, speech patterns and social interactions that are
socially identified with a particular gender.
3. Gender identity – Person’s innate, deeply felt sense of gender, which may or may not
correspond to the person’s physical body or sex listed on their original birth certificate.
4. Sexual orientation – Heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality or being identified
with such orientation.
5. Transgender – Person who experiences and/or expresses their gender differently from
conventional or cultural expectations including, but not limited to, those who express a
gender that does not match the sex listed on their original birth certificate or who
physically alter their sex.
a. Intersex individuals – Individuals who, because of their chromosomal make-up or
other biological reasons are born with physical characteristics that make their
biological sex ambiguous.
b. Cross-dressers – Individuals whose gender identity matches their birth-assigned
sex, but who sometimes prefer to wear clothes not traditionally associated with their
sex. Most individuals who consider themselves cross-dressers do not wear crossgendered attire all of the time. The term “cross-dressers” should not be used to refer to
individuals who are living as members of the opposite sex, in accordance with their
gender identity.
c. Transsexual – An older term, that originated in the medical and psychological
communities, and which is used to refer to individuals who wish to change, or have
changed their birth-assigned sex, through hormones, surgery or other physical
procedures. Just as many gay people prefer the term “gay” to the term “homosexual,”
many transgender people prefer “transgender” to “transsexual.” Some transgender
people, however, still prefer to use the medical term to describe themselves.
C. Limitations
1. Bias-based policing is prohibited both in enforcement of the law and delivery of police
services.
2. Officers shall not use race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability,
economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender
status, membership in a cultural group, or an individual’s ability/inability to speak English
as the criteria for determining when or how to take enforcement action or pro- vide police
services.
3. Nothing in this order prohibits officers from using the traits and characteristics of persons,
such as race, ethnicity, or national origin, in combination with other facts, to assist in
establishing reasonable suspicion or probable cause in the same manner that officers
would use descriptions such as a specific hair color, height, gender or other identifying
traits.
4. Officers shall not unreasonably endanger themselves or another person to conform to this
General Order.
D. Any employee(s) who witness or are aware of instances of bias-based policing shall report the
incident to their supervisor immediately.
E. Gender Classification Guidelines for Transgender Individuals
1. Officers shall:
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a. Consider a person transgender if the person identifies themselves as transgender or,
if upon reasonable belief that person may be transgender, the officer asks and
receives an affirmative response.
b. Respectfully treat individuals in a manner appropriate to the individual’s gender, or
gender identity/expression when known,
c. Use pronouns as requested by the individual ( e.g., “she, her, hers” for an individual
who self-identifies as a female; “he, him, his” for an individual who self-identifies
as a male). If officers are uncertain by which gender the individual wishes to be
addressed, they will respectfully ask the individual for clarification,
d. When requested, address the individual by the name based on their gender identity
rather than that which is on their government issued identification, and
e. Avoid unnecessary personal questions regarding an individual’s anatomy, transition
status or sexual history.
2. Officers shall not:
a. Stop, detain, frisk, or search any person for the sole purpose of determining that
person’s gender or in order to call attention to that person’s gender
identity/expression, unless following the established department procedures
regarding the proper processing of arrestees,
b. Except when legally necessary, such as processing an arrest, either require proof of
an individual’s gender or challenge an individual’s gender identity/expression,
c. Use language that a reasonable person would consider demeaning or derogatory; in
particular, language aimed at a person’s actual or perceived gender, gender
identity/expression, or sexual orientation,
d. Disclose an individual’s gender identity or sexual orientation to other arrestees,
members of the public, or other governmental personnel, absent a proper law
enforcement purpose,
e. Make assumptions about an individual’s sexual orientation based upon an
individual’s gender or gender identity/expression, or
f. Use a person’s gender or gender identity/expression alone as reasonable suspicion
that the individual is or has engaged in a crime.
347.04 NUISANCE ABATEMENT
A. The Texas Nuisance Abatement Statutes, found in Chapter 125 of the Texas Civil Practice &
Remedies Code and Section 101.70 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC), permit
law enforcement agencies to close any piece of property involved in illegal activities, such as
violations of the Texas Penal Code, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC), and the
Texas Controlled Substances Act. Nuisance abatement is a civil action initiated by the Office
of the Attorney General and the Fort Worth Police Department against a real property location,
and the owner of the real property. Action which may be taken against the property owner
depending on the nature of the nuisance abatement are:
1. Property closure for a period of six (6) months to one (1) year, once the property has been
determined to be a nuisance and after a successful suit, unless a surety bond is posted by
the property owner.
2. If a surety bond is posted and the illegal activity continues in violation of the court order
and in violation of the bond, the bond may be forfeited and the property may be
mandatorily closed for a period of one (1) year.
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B. Officers determining that a particular property may constitute a common nuisance based on
statutes will include any of the following documentation to assist in developing a case:
1. A written, sworn deposition from the officer denoting the types of activity observed,
whether the officer has reason to believe the illegal activity will continue if abatement
action is not taken, and the specific basis for this belief.
2. Offense/incident reports pertaining to the property in question.
3. General complaint citations pertaining to the property in question.
C. It shall be the responsibility of the investigating officer(s) to compile the information and
statistical data on the particular property and present the file through their chain for submission
to the Attorney General’s office. The assigned officer shall be responsible for updating
information to the Attorney General’s office through reports from the involved division.
351.01 BICYCLE PATROL UNIT
A. The primary functions of Bicycle Patrol are to deter street crime and increase the public
perception of safety for citizens in certain target areas through response to violations of the
penal statutes, public relations, and crime prevention education.
B. Bicycle Patrol Unit(s) shall develop and maintain a SOP relating to operation of the Bicycle
Patrol and the response to citizen and community needs within their geographic assigned area.
C. Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (L.E.B.A.) certification and all subsequent training
shall be coordinated through the administrative supervisor of the Central Bicycle Patrol Unit
and the assigned training coordinator of Bicycle Patrol. The Central Division Bicycle Patrol
Unit shall maintain a sufficient number of L.E.B.A. certified instructors to allow for periodic
certification and refresher classes for qualified officers.
D. For the safety of the officers, all officers assigned part-time or full-time to patrol on a bicycle
shall be certified by the L.E.B.A. prior to assignment to bicycle patrol. In the event an officer
who is not L.E.B.A. certified and is assigned to bicycle patrol, the officer must ride with a
L.E.B.A. certified officer until attaining the certification.
E. Officers assigned to bicycle patrol duties in any division shall wear the prescribed uniform
and maintain the bicycle specifications as stated in the General Orders and the Central
Division’s Bike Patrol Unit Standard Operating Procedures.
351.02 MOUNTED PATROL UNIT
A. The Mounted Patrol Unit is responsible for improving the department’s image through the
application of crime prevention measures and by establishing credibility and support for the
348.00 RESERVED
349.00 RESERVED
350.00 RESERVED
351.00 SPECIALIZED PATROL UNITS
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department through positive contact with citizens of the community and visitors to the city.
The Mounted Patrol Unit is also responsible for deterring street crime and increasing the
public perception of safety for citizens.
B. Mounted Patrol officers shall handle all on-view offenses, arrests, and minor accidents unless
circumstances make it impossible for them to do so.
C. Due to the Mounted Patrol Unit’s limited mobility, the patrol officer shall maintain original
priority on calls for service within the area patrolled. Any call requiring the officer to change
location to complete the investigation shall be dispatched to the appropriate division officer,
whenever possible.
D. The Mounted Patrol Unit shall maintain a high level of training in crowd control and crowd
movement techniques.
RESTRICTED
354.01 PURPOSE
To establish guidelines for police response to emergency situations involving disasters and civil
disorders. These procedures were developed to coordinate the use of equipment and personnel
resources to maintain or restore order, provide for the safety of the citizens and public service
personnel, and for the protection of property. These procedures for emergency response are in
accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) standards and expectations
outlined by the US Department of Homeland Security.
354.02 – 354.08 RESTRICTED
354.09 GREATER DALLAS/FORT WORTH REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
INTERLOCAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
Fort Worth has joined other cities and counties within the North Texas area in the Greater
Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Law Enforcement Interlocal Assistance Agreement. This agreement
allows those signatories to the agreement to call upon one another for support during times of
natural or other disaster, or riot when the situation is such that it cannot be contained by the law
enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the problem exists.
A. If a crisis does exist in another jurisdiction, and the law enforcement agency in that jurisdiction
wishes to invoke the provisions of the assistance agreement, the agency involved may contact
the dispatch supervisor with the details of the request. The Communications Commander will
be responsible for notifying the Chief of Police, and a decision shall be made as to the level
of response by the department.
352.00 SECURITY AT MEACHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
353.00 RESERVED
354.00 EMERGENCY CONTROL PROCEDURES
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B. If a need arises within Fort Worth requiring the assistance of another jurisdiction’s law
enforcement personnel and/or equipment, the decision to invoke the provisions of the Greater
Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Law Enforcement Interlocal Assistance Agreement shall be made
by the Chief of Police. After the Chief of Police or designee receives a commitment from
another jurisdiction, instructions shall be passed on to the Police Communications Division
supervisor for implementation.
C. If assistance through the interlocal agreement is needed for a situation of a non-emergency
nature including, but not limited to, a request for crime scene personnel and equipment, the
request shall be forwarded to the unit that would provide the personnel and/or equipment
requested. The unit supervisor shall advise the Chief of Police of the nature of the request and
the unit’s capability to respond. The Chief of Police shall make the decision regarding the
degree of response the department shall be able to provide.
356.01 DEFINITIONS (Revised 9/4/18)
A. Critical Police Incidents Criteria
1. Any discharge of a firearm resulting in any injury or death to an individual, including
apparent accidental discharges, involving a Fort Worth Police Department officer, a Fort
Worth Fire Department Arson Investigator, a City of Fort Worth Marshal, or a law
enforcement officer whose ordinary jurisdiction does not include the City of Fort Worth
while in the course and scope of duty as a law enforcement officer within the Fort Worth
city limits.
2. Any event in which a Fort Worth Police Department officer, a Fort Worth Fire
Department Arson Investigator, a City of Fort Worth Marshal or a law enforcement
officer whose ordinary jurisdiction does not include the City of Fort Worth intentionally
discharges a firearm at an individual or exchanges gunfire with an individual while in the
course and scope of duty as a law enforcement officer within the Fort Worth city limits.
3. Any event in which a Fort Worth Police Department officer, a Fort Worth Fire
Department Arson Investigator, a City of Fort Worth Marshal or a law enforcement
officer whose ordinary jurisdiction does not include the City of Fort Worth is struck by
gunfire or is seriously injured, excluding vehicle accidents, while in the course and scope
of duty as a law enforcement officer within the Fort Worth city limits,
4. The death or serious bodily injury, excluding vehicle accidents, of an individual in the
custody of, or in the process of being taken into custody, by a Fort Worth Police
Department officer, a Fort Worth Fire Department Arson Investigator, a City of Fort
Worth Marshal, or a law enforcement officer whose ordinary jurisdiction does not include
the City of Fort Worth, while in the course and scope of duty as a law enforcement officer
within the Fort Worth city limits.
a. When an officer uses a tactical maneuver in an effort to stop a suspect vehicle and it
causes serious bodily injury from a subsequent accident, the situation will be
evaluated and the investigating responsibility will be determined by the Violent
Personal Crimes Lieutenant.
355.00 RESERVED
356.00 CRITICAL POLICE INCIDENTS
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B. Serious bodily injury – is an injury that requires admission to a hospital, or a permanent
disability or impairment allegedly resulting from a law enforcement related incident.
C. Course and scope of duty – actions in furtherance of the interests of the City of Fort Worth;
enforcing the ordinances of Fort Worth, the laws of the State of Texas, or federal statutes,
regardless of the duty status of the involved officer.
D. Firearm Discharge (Non-Critical Police Incidents) – incidents that do not rise to the level of
the defined criteria of a critical police incident. A “Firearm Discharge” report will be
completed in Blue Team by the officer’s supervisor and reviewed by the involved officer’s
chain of command. Use of Force and weapons discharge investigation reports shall be
completed no later than ten (10) administrative workdays following the date of the incident.
(TBP 6.06)
E. Exceptions
1. The Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers will take the lead investigative
role for shooting and/or serious injury incidents involving their sworn employees when
the incident occurs anywhere within the Fort Worth city limits.
2. Injuries to an individual that do not meet the definition of serious bodily injury as defined
in B above, as well as animal shootings, and accidental weapon discharges where no
injury occurs are some examples of incidents that would not be investigated as a critical
police incident.
356.02 INVESTIGATION TEAM
A. The Major Case Unit is responsible for the criminal investigation of all critical police incidents
occurring within the City of Fort Worth.
1. The Critical Police Incident Investigation Team shall consist of members of the Violent
Personal Crimes Section’s Major Case Unit and a Sergeant as the supervisor. The Violent
Personal Crimes Section lieutenant shall be the officer in charge of the Major Case Unit.
2. The appropriate response of Major Case Unit personnel to a critical police incident shall
be determined by the Violent Personal Crimes Section lieutenant, or designee.
3. Major Case personnel assigned to investigate a critical police incident shall explore and
record the facts and evidence surrounding the incident in a manner that results in a
complete and factual presentation of all relevant circumstances. The investigative
procedures must entail proper fact-finding and appropriate presentation of a thorough and
complete report including the entire pattern of conduct of the involved employee.
B. Internal Affairs is responsible for the administrative investigation of all critical police
incidents.
1. Upon completion of the investigation, Internal Affairs will submit the administrative case
for chain of command review.
2. Criminal investigations related to a critical police incident occurring outside the City of
Fort Worth will be conducted by the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the
location of occurrence. Internal Affairs will be responsible for the administrative
investigation and will submit the administrative case for chain of command review.
356.03 INVOLVED EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. On-duty employees of the department who become involved in or aware of a critical police
incident shall immediately notify the Police Communications Division dispatcher and their
immediate supervisor.
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B. Off-duty employees of the department who become involved in or become aware of a critical
police incident shall immediately notify the Police Communications Division supervisor.
C. Employees involved in a critical police incident within the jurisdiction of this department shall
not discuss the incident in detail with any persons other than the initial responding supervisor
or investigating personnel.
D. Employees involved in a critical police incident outside the jurisdiction of the department
shall, to the extent legally required, cooperate with the investigating agency and request that
the Fort Worth Police Department Internal Affairs be notified.
356.04 POLICE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION RESPONSIBILITIES
A. When notified of a critical police incident, the dispatcher shall:
1. Ensure an appropriate field response, including a field supervisor, is initiated when the
incident occurs within the jurisdiction of the department.
2. Immediately notify the Communications Division supervisor.
B. The Police Communications Division supervisor shall:
1. Ensure that an appropriate field response has been dispatched.
2. Notify the Major Case Unit.
3. Ensure notification is made to the Chief of Police and the Duty Deputy Chief.
4. Ensure notification is made to the Public Relations Office.
5. Ensure the division captain of the involved employee is notified.
356.05 FIELD UNIT RESPONSIBILITY
A. Initial responding units shall:
1. Take necessary and proper law enforcement action to ensure the scene is stabilized and
all potential threats to officer safety are resolved.
2. Provide first aid to all parties when reasonable and request appropriate medical assistance.
3. Ensure the crime scene is properly identified and protected. If needed, request additional
personnel. The crime scene perimeter should be of sufficient size to provide safety,
security, and confidentiality.
4. Identify, protect, and secure all evidence at the scene. Do not move anything unless
absolutely necessary.
5. If inside the inner perimeter of the identified crime scene, exit as soon as possible.
6. If in charge of the Crime Scene Log, or if guarding the inner perimeter, make certain that
anyone attempting to enter the inner crime scene perimeter has a legitimate investigative
purpose for doing so.
7. Canvass the area for witnesses. Obtain positive identification of all individuals in the
immediate area that may have been involved or witnessed the incident. Ensure witnesses
are cared for and kept separated.
B. The initial responding first-line supervisor shall:
1. Assume field command of the situation, ensuring all activities are carried out in
accordance with department procedures. Determine the category within which the
incident falls, ensure appropriate notifications are made, and remain in command unless
properly relieved by a higher ranking officer.
2. Care for the needs of the involved employees and ensure employees remain at the scene
unless conditions dictate otherwise.
3. Ensure the crime scene is properly secured and protected with tightly controlled access
until the arrival of investigative personnel.
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4. Ensure that a crime scene log has been created. Only persons entering the actual crime
scene should be documented on the crime scene log. Personnel who arrive on the scene
but do not enter the actual crime scene should not be recorded on the crime scene log.
5. Establish a preliminary command post outside the perimeter of the scene.
6. If necessary, establish a specific area for the media to meet with a designated
spokesperson. Ensure the media is kept outside of the perimeter and away from the
preliminary command post and involved employees. Any statement to the media should
be coordinated with the lead investigator and the Public Relations Office.
7. Gather sufficient information to provide an overview to the investigative personnel,
keeping in mind that in-depth interviews of involved and/or witness employees in a
critical police incident shall be conducted only by the Critical Police Incident
Investigative Team and/or Internal Affairs Investigators.
8. Require employees present at the scene and not involved as participants or witnesses and
not necessary to the successful operation at the scene to be immediately returned to their
regular duties.
9. Coordinate with the assigned investigative personnel providing whatever assistance is
essential to the successful operation of the investigation.
356.06 INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
The assigned or appropriate investigative personnel for a critical police incident shall be as
indicated in General Order 356.02.
A. The assigned investigative personnel shall be responsible for initiating or ensuring the
completion of the preliminary offense/incident report related to a critical police incident, the
investigation of the incident, and for the completion of all related reports, including the
Critical Police Incident Report.
B. All involved employees, witness employees, and civilian witnesses shall be interviewed in a
manner consistent with proper and accepted methods of investigation.
C. The officer in charge of the Critical Police Incident Investigation Team may authorize other
members of the department to assist with interviewing and documenting witnesses.
Comprehensive interviews concerning a critical police incident with involved and/or witness
employees shall be conducted only by members of the Critical Police Incident Investigation
Team and Internal Affairs investigators.
D. Critical Police Incident Reports shall be completed no later than sixty (60) business days
following the day of the incident. The officer in charge of the Critical Police Incident
Investigation Team shall submit the final report to the Internal Affairs Commander upon
completion.
E. The Critical Police Incident Investigation Team shall be responsible for conducting criminal
investigations within the jurisdiction of the department, and for preparing and presenting the
case for prosecution against any person, when appropriate, involving critical police incidents.
F. The officer in charge of the Critical Police Incident Investigation Team shall inform the Chief
of Police when it appears necessary to pursue criminal charges against any employee of the
department due to their involvement in a critical police incident.
356.07 DIVISION CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITIES (Revised 6/14/17)
The support and welfare of an employee involved in a critical police incident is of primary concern
to the department.
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246
1. The division captain of an officer(s) involved in a critical police incident or a traumatic
incident which includes, but is not limited to, shootings, vehicular accidents, in-custody
deaths, and other incidents that result in the serious bodily injury or death to any person
shall have the responsibility to contact the City of Fort Worth Wellness and EAP
Manager or the Police Department’s Traumatic Incident Coordinator to initiate a mandatory
counseling session. If possible, this session will occur within seventy-two (72) hours of the
incident.
a. This will not be a fitness for duty evaluation and the only reports required by the
division captain from these visits and any follow-up visits will be that the officer(s) did
or did not attend the scheduled appointment(s).
b. The EAP session(s) shall be mandatory and shall remain confidential.
c. The police department strongly encourages the family of the involved officer(s) to take
advantage of available counseling and support services.
2. The division captain of an employee(s) involved in a critical police incident should refer to
General Order 421.00, Traumatic Incidents, for directions on assisting any employee
involved in incidents of this nature.
356.08 GRAND JURY REVIEW
A. All incidents resulting in the death of a person which involves a police officer acting in an
official capacity shall be submitted to the Grand Jury for review with the exception of those
deaths ruled as suicide or natural causes by the County Medical Examiner or appropriate
investigating body. In the event of a death ruled as a suicide or natural causes, the decision to
submit the investigation to the Grand Jury shall be made by the District Attorney’s Office in
the county of occurrence.
B. A critical police incident resulting in serious bodily injury but not death to a person, which
involves a police officer acting in an official capacity, may be submitted to the Grand Jury for
review upon recommendation by a Deputy Chief or Assistant Chief and concurrence by the
Chief of Police.
C. The department shall furnish to the appropriate District Attorney’s Office, upon their request,
all criminal investigative material associated with any incident which resulted in injury to a
person involving a police officer acting in an official capacity.
D. When applicable, the Critical Police Incident Investigation Team will be responsible for
providing critical police incident criminal investigative materials to the District Attorney’s
Office for purposes of Grand Jury review and seeking criminal prosecutions, to include
prosecutions against department employees.
356.09 CRITICAL POLICE INCIDENT TACTICS REVIEW BOARD
The Fort Worth Police Department, through the process of a review board, will evaluate tactics
utilized on all critical police incidents. The focus of the review will be to enhance professionalism
and officer safety by evaluating the tactics employed in each incident, ensuring that departmental
procedures, training, equipment, and tactics are appropriate and up-to-date. This board shall not
be disciplinary, nor will any disciplinary recommendations be sought or considered from the
review board. The Critical Police Incident Tactics Review Board will not review any active critical
police incident.
A. The composition of the board will be flexible to ensure a broad and insightful review is
conducted. The members will meet quarterly unless the situation warrants differently. The
members of the board shall be:
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247
1. Investigative and Support Command Deputy Chief: Chairperson.
2. Training Captain
3. Major Case Supervisor
4. Applicable Training Division Representatives (selected by the Training Captain).
5. Internal Affairs Supervisor
B. The Critical Police Incident Tactics Review Board shall, by majority consensus, conclude
whether action is necessary to prevent a similar incident. The chairperson of the board shall
direct the preparation of the conclusion and recommendations of the board. A formal proposal
will be developed through the chairperson and the Training Division representative denoting
the recommended action, such as isolated training for the involved officer, in-service training,
a Training Bulletin, Roll Call instruction, improved or new equipment, a directive, a special
order, or a change to the General Orders Manual.
C. The conclusions, recommendations, and the formal proposal shall be forwarded to the Chief
of Police for consideration and approval.
D. Once the proposal is approved by the Chief of Police, the recommended action shall be carried
out in a timely manner. The Training Division Commander will be responsible for
documenting information under this review board process, to include ensuring appropriate
action is taken on approved recommendations.
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401.01 CIVILIAN VACANCIES
A. Divisions having civilian vacancies shall notify the Police Employment Services Section in
writing.
B. The Police Employment Services Section shall notify the Fort Worth Department of Human
Resources of the vacancy and advise them who is to conduct the interviews. The eligibility
list shall be returned to the Police Employment Services Section and hiring manager.
C. The supervisor having the vacancy shall schedule interviews with the applicants and notify
the Police Employment Services Section and the Police Department Employment Specialist
of the date, time, and place of the interviews. If any person currently assigned to the
unit/division applies for an in-house vacancy position, the supervisor shall ensure that the
interview panel is neutral and composed of persons other than supervisors and co-workers of
the applicant.
D. The Police Employment Services Section, assisted by the affected divisional supervisor, shall
select pre-approved interview questions from the Police Employment Services Section master
list. All questions not obtained from the master list will require a one-time approval of the
questions by the Police Employment Services Section prior to any interviews.
E. Interviewers shall document the responses received from the applicant.
F. During the interview, all applicants will be treated equally and will be asked the same
questions. However, the interviewer may ask different job-related questions as a follow-up
question to an answer or pertaining specifically to the applicant. The interviewer will not ask
any inappropriate questions such as those relating to age, marital status, personal finances,
etc., or make any references to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc.
G. If all the applicants for a vacancy are city employees, the rating criteria should include factors
such as tenure, time and attendance, performance evaluations, and disciplinary history. If the
referral list includes external applicants, the selection process should be limited to an
interview.
H. Final selection shall be made by the interviewing police supervisors, with the Police
Employment Services Section’s employment specialist acting in an advisory capacity to
ensure EEO compliance.
I. The number of personnel selected must correspond with the number of vacancies.
J. Supervisors in the review process for selection/rejection will carefully examine all panel
member’s interview sheets to ensure that the scoring was appropriate and free from bias. The
supervisor shall then return all material received to the Police Employment Services Section,
who shall forward the appropriate items to city personnel, following review by the Police
Employment Services Section’s employment specialist.
K. Upon approval of selection/rejection reasons, the Police Employment Services Section shall
schedule a new hire drug screen, fingerprinting, and a polygraph examination, if necessary.
Upon a conditional offer of employment, the selected applicant must receive a satisfactory
background and performance review from their current or last employment. The Police
Employment Services Section and City of Fort Worth Human Resources shall notify the
selected applicant in writing and provide them with instructions for the background screening,
new employee orientation, and assignment reporting instructions.
401.00 EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
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401.02 IN-HOUSE VACANCY SELECTION OF SWORN PERSONNEL
This General Order sets the guidelines for the process used to fill patrol and specialized unit
assignment vacancies. The allocation of personnel to a specific assignment is designed to promote
efficiency and to optimize departmental effectiveness while considering the needs, knowledge,
skills, abilities and preferences of the individual employees. Although not mutually exclusive, at
times both objectives may not be simultaneously achievable.
A. For purposes of this order, the objective in the selection process shall be:
1. Openness, fairness, and objectivity.
2. Impartial assignment opportunities for officers of all ranks.
B. Definitions
1. Patrol Services – vacancies in patrol services shall be sworn positions responding to and
answering calls for service generated by citizens or a supervisor. This designation
includes: patrol officers, patrol corporals, patrol detectives, patrol sergeants, and traffic
control technicians.
a. Although assigned to the Patrol Bureau, a vacancy for a position in the Traffic
Division, a Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) Unit, a Bike Unit, Property Crimes
Unit, the Tactical Medic Unit, or the Crisis Intervention Team will follow the
procedures under the process for specialized services.
2. Specialized Services – include all assignments, except those specified as patrol services,
and require sworn personnel who must possess and/or obtain certain knowledge, skills
and abilities in order to accomplish the mission of the division or section.
3. Standardized Selection Process – consists of consideration of all of the following criteria
for sergeants and below:
a. Letter of intent and (optional) resume,
b. Time and attendance (prior twelve (12) months),
c. Performance appraisal (prior twelve (12) months),
d. Internal affairs records (prior twelve (12) months) and,
e. If applicable for uniquely specialized assignments, special fitness or skill
assessment.
f. Board Interview.
4. Patrol Work Group – all shifts within a patrol division.
5. Vacancy – for the purposes of this General Order will mean an opening within the same
rank that would require a lateral reassignment.
C. Patrol Services Vacancies
1. Posting Vacancies
The division experiencing the vacancy shall use at least two (2) methods of
communication beyond a department-wide email (i.e. roll call, bulletin board, etc.) to
notify potential candidates as the vacancy moves through each level. Division
commanders, or their designated captain, are authorized to fill patrol vacancies of
sergeant and below that occur within their own division. If there are no eligible officers
within the patrol division, then the vacancy shall be offered department-wide, with the
selection being made from the first group from which an officer applies, in the following
order:
a. The division,
b. The patrol command,
c. The patrol bureau, then
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d. Department-wide. Requires the vacancy to be forwarded to the Administrative
Sergeant over the Finance and Personnel Bureau for posting.
2. Criteria for Application and Selection
Each division, command, and the patrol bureau will maintain a seniority list based on the
provisions of the Meet and Confer Agreement to properly fill all patrol bureau vacancies.
a. Seniority is the determining factor for shift and assignment, unless the division
commander/captain articulates documented disciplinary or work performance
concerns in most senior interested individual(s) in the twelve (12) months preceding
the vacancy in writing to their respective Patrol Deputy Chief.
3. Requirements and Conditions in Position/Assignment
a. Upon completion of the field training phase, all probationary officers must serve six
(6) months in an assigned division in patrol before being eligible to transfer to
another patrol bureau vacancy. Upon approval of the Commander/Captain, the
officer may transfer to another shift/team within their assigned patrol division during
the six (6) month period.
b. All patrol personnel at the ranks of sergeant and below who desire to transfer out of
their division or any department personnel who desire an assignment in the patrol
bureau, shall submit a request for transfer to the patrol bureau. Any patrol bureau
position at the ranks of sergeant and below left unfilled either by patrol personnel or
transfer request may be posted department-wide.
c. All newly promoted or newly transferred sergeants must serve a minimum of six (6)
months in the following capacities: patrol, administrative sergeant, and/or jail
sergeant assignment.
d. In the case of a reduction in force or a demotion, either voluntary or as a result of
disciplinary action, the Assistant Chief may direct unfilled/frozen positions in
patrol to be reopened. This allows the newly demoted, and those displaced, to use
seniority as a basis for placement into a new position, as if they were members of the
patrol workgroup experiencing the vacancy.
D. Specialized Services Vacancies
1. Posting Vacancies
a. All postings for a specialized assignment will require at least a one (1) year
commitment before being eligible for a voluntary transfer.
b. Any vacancies for the ranks of sergeant and below created by personnel reassignment
will require a department-wide vacancy announcement following the Standardized
Selection Process.
c. The division commander\captain or designee experiencing or anticipating a vacancy
for the rank of sergeant and below shall notify the Administrative Sergeant for the
Assistant Chief of the Finance and Personnel Bureau in writing, of the vacancy, the
criteria for applicant consideration, and any special or specific criteria or information
that is likely to influence potential applicants.
d. The Administrative Sergeant for the Assistant Chief of the Finance and Personnel
Bureau shall distribute the vacancy announcement within three (3) days upon receipt
of the necessary information. Vacancy announcements must be posted and letters of
interest accepted for at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the closing date.
e. All vacancy announcements shall comply with EEO regulations. The Police
Department Employment Specialist is available for consultation and review of
interview questions, if requested, to ensure EEO compliance.
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f. The division commander/captain or designee shall host an open house/interest
meeting for potential candidates to meet with the supervisors/staff of the unit
experiencing the vacancy to learn the scope of work and responsibilities of the
position. The date, time, and location of the open house/interest meeting shall be
included in the vacancy announcement.
g. If only one potential applicant responds, and the applicant is suited for the position,
then no formal standardized selection process interview or reposting of the vacancy
is necessary. An IOC will be required from the posting division to the applicable
Assistant Chief naming those persons who hosted and attended the open house and
any others expressing interest in the position before the vacancy is filled.
h. In all cases where more than one potential applicant responds in writing indicating
an interest in the position, then a formal selection process, including an interview
shall be initiated.
2. Criteria for Application and Selection
a. Personnel interested in consideration for the announced vacancy position are
responsible for submitting all information requested in the vacancy announcement as
directed to the section/unit experiencing the vacancy within the application period.
b. After the closing date of the posting, the commander or supervisor of the unit or
section experiencing the vacancy shall review the submitted materials to determine
which, if any, of applicants are qualified for the position. Interviews shall be
conducted and shall include all applicants who meet minimum requirements for the
open position. The interviews will be completed within seven (7) working days after
the closure of the vacancy posting unless an exigent situation occurs. If an exigency
exists, the posting supervisor will prepare an IOC explaining the cause of
rescheduling and include descriptions of when and how interviews will be completed
in a timely manner.
(1) The unit supervisor shall ensure Police Employment Services staff conducts a
review and approve the questions prior to the interviews.
(2) The interview panel shall consist of members of the unit experiencing the
vacancy, the unit’s chain of command, and/or individuals with expertise in skills
and abilities required in the unit for a maximum of three (3) internal panelists.
(3) The interview panel should have the goal of being comprised of diverse
department personnel that closely reflect the demographics of the community;
therefore, additional members outside of the unit experiencing the vacancy may
be requested to sit on the panel to fulfill this goal. Each panelist selected shall
attend all interviews for the vacant position, have scoring responsibilities, and
will participate in the evaluation of candidates.
(4) Each member of the interview panel will use the Standardized Interview Notes
Form to record notes during the interview and will use the Interview Assessment
Form to record their scores for each candidate.
c. The applicants shall be placed into an applicant pool. No numeric ranking shall be
assigned nor any numeric score calculated for the purpose of determining placement
on a recommendation list. Unless stated otherwise in the vacancy announcement, any
recommendation list will be valid for 180 days from the date it is created for the
purposes of filling subsequent vacancies. After 180 days, the recommendation list
will be voided and a new selection process will be required to fill subsequent
vacancies.
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(1) The unit supervisor will submit an IOC with recommendations through the chain
of command, along with the Standardized Scoring Sheet, the Standardized
Interview Notes Forms, the Interview Assessment Forms, candidate packets, and
all other documents used to evaluate the candidates.
(2) The IOC shall list all applicants, and indicate whether each person is either
“qualified” or “not qualified.” For those deemed not qualified, an explanation
shall be provided on the IOC and subsequently forwarded through the chain of
command to the applicable Assistant Chief.
(3) The chain of command can disregard the commander’s or supervisor’s
designation of a candidate as being qualified or not qualified.
(4) The chain of command shall consider the needs of the community, specific
crime-based problems, and other specific needs of the section/unit experiencing
the vacancy when choosing an applicant for the position.
NOTE: Guidelines for the department’s goal of creating and maintaining a workforce
that is in the best interest of the department, employees and the community
should be adhered to as outlined in General Order 707.00, Diverse Workforce.
d. For a position vacancy in a specialized assignment, the final approving party shall be
the Assistant Chief over the bureau experiencing the vacancy. Upon completing the
review, the Assistant Chief shall submit all documents related to the selection process
to the Police Employment Services Manager for retention of those documents in
accordance with the City’s retention schedule.
e. Unless the Assistant Chief over the bureau experiencing the vacancy articulates
documented disciplinary or work performance issues with the recommended
individual(s) occurring within the twelve (12) months preceding the vacancy the
report will be forwarded to the Police Department Employment Specialist for review
of compliance with EEO guidelines. Upon notification of compliance from the Police
Department Employment Specialist, the original approving party will designate a
commander/captain to contact the candidate selected for the position.
(1) The commander, captain, or designee shall provide feedback to unselected
candidates to enhance the candidate’s future viability for selection within ten
(10) days of the conclusion of the selection process.
E. Administrative Sergeants
1. Appointed ranks (Commanders and above) may choose their administrative sergeant
based on their determination of what is best for their command and the Department.
2. Vacancies in other administrative sergeant positions will be filled in accordance with the
Standard Selection Process.
F. Lieutenant Assignments
1. Shift Lieutenant assignments in Patrol shall be filled by seniority unless the division
commander or captain articulates documented disciplinary or work performance issues
with the most senior lieutenant that have occurred in the preceding twelve (12) months.
The Chief of Police shall approve any variation from seniority-based assignment
placement.
2. All newly promoted lieutenants shall be assigned to Patrol. There is no time restriction
on when a newly promoted lieutenant may express interest in, or be considered for, other
positions.
3. The Executive Staff will determine specialized services lieutenant assignments.
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a. The Criminal Investigation Unit Lieutenant, Community Operations Lieutenant,
Special Assignment Lieutenant, and all Traffic Division Lieutenant positions located
in the Patrol Bureau are considered specialized services positions.
b. The lieutenant positions within Support Bureau and the Finance and Personnel
Bureau are considered specialized services positions.
4. Lieutenants in specialized services shall serve no more than five (5) years in a particular
assignment.
a. Finance and Personnel Bureau personnel are responsible for monitoring the tenure
of lieutenants in specialized services positions.
b. Finance and Personnel Bureau staff will notify the Executive Staff when a lieutenant
has served four (4) years in a particular specialized assignment so the process of
transitioning that position to a different lieutenant can be initiated without disruption.
G. Selection of the assignments for the rank of captain is at the sole discretion of the
executive staff. The Standardized Selection Process will not be utilized for this rank.
H. In cases where an emergency situation exists or promotions/demotions require that immediate
assignments be made, sworn personnel may be placed in temporary positions until such time
as the selection process may be conducted in order to permanently fill the position(s).
I. In cases where there are no applicants for a position or where the available applicants are not
qualified for the position, other means may be used for the selection of personnel to fill the
vacancy, upon approval by the Chief of Police.
J. As per General Order 428.01A4, Personnel Orders-Sworn Employees, approved transfers
must be received by the Employment Services Section no later than 1700 hours, Friday, two
(2) weeks preceding the effective date of the transfer. The effective date of transfers shall be
restricted to once every two (2) weeks for all ranks below the rank of Sergeant. An exception is
permitted upon agreement between the deputy chiefs or above over the releasing and receiving
units.
K. Performance-based rotation guidelines shall be developed for officers assigned to the
Narcotics and Vice Sections. At the end of three years in the assignment, officers of the rank
of sergeant and below shall be subject to a yearly performance-based rotation review to
determine their suitability for continued assignment in the section.
L. The Chief of Police maintains discretion to deviate from the requirements of this General
Order when the Chief of Police determines that it is in the best interest of the department.
Transfers and assignments made by the Chief of Police are not subject to grievance under the
Meet and Confer contract.
401.03 OUT-PROCESSING PROCEDURE FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
All officers ending their employment with the police department are required to return all
department and/or city-issued equipment, unless otherwise stated in the General Orders Manual or
City Regulations. Upon completion of the out-processing procedures, the City of Fort Worth will
authorize issuance of the officer’s final paycheck.
NOTE: All non-sworn employees ending their employment with the police department shall refer
to the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations for guidelines on the outprocessing procedures.
A. Definitions
1. Indefinite Suspension – Suspension for the violation of a civil service rule. An indefinite
suspension is equivalent to dismissal from the department.
2. Resignation – Voluntary departure of an officer from the City.
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3. Retirement – For the purposes of this section, retired officer means:
(1) An officer who separates after at least fifteen (15) years of service; or
(2) An officer who medically retires as the result of a service-connected injury or illness,
and the officer has completed probation.
4. Separation – General term to indicate any departure of an officer by means of resignation,
retirement, termination, or indefinite suspension.
5. Termination – Departure of an officer from a position with the City during the
probationary period.
B. Notice of Separation or Retirement
Police officers desiring to voluntarily separate from their position with the department shall be
required to complete the following procedure:
1. Provide written notification of a request for separation addressed to the Chief of Police,
and
2. Present the written notification to their supervisor a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to
separation for hand delivery through the chain of command.
a. The supervisor shall deliver the notification through the chain of command to the
Chief of Police or designee within three (3) working days of receipt from the officer,
b. The Chief of Police shall indicate acknowledgment by signature, indicating both date
and time, and
c. The Office of the Chief of Police shall deliver the notification to the Training
Division and to the Police Employment Services Section within twenty-four (24)
hours of acknowledgement for processing. Upon receipt, the Police Employment
Services Section will communicate with Internal Affairs to assure the officer does
not have any pending issues that will impact the separation.
3. Exceptions to the above policies are granted when the officer is physically unable to come
to the police facility or geographically separated by an extreme distance. In these
instances, the separating officer shall be required to send notice of separation via
registered letter or telegram to the Chief of Police.
a. The Office of the Chief of Police shall deliver the notification to the Police
Employment Services Section within twenty four (24) hours of receipt for
processing.
4. The Police Employment Services Section staff shall deliver a copy of the notification of
intent to the Centralized Police Payroll Team (CPPT) Coordinator within twenty-four
(24) hours of processing.
C. Notice of Indefinite Suspension
1. If separation is an Indefinite Suspension resulting from an Internal Affairs investigation,
the Internal Affairs Lieutenant, or their designee, will provide immediate notice,
including the reference case number and effective date/time of the suspension to the
following personnel within twenty-four (24) hours for processing:
a. Officer’s Lieutenant,
b. Captain/Commander,
c. Deputy Chief,
d. Assistant Chief,
e. Centralized Police Payroll Team (CPPT),
f. Training Division chain of command,
g. Public Information Lieutenant,
h. Human Resources Coordinator,
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i. Police Employment Services, and
j. Police Technology Services.
2. When applicable, the Police Employment Services Section shall deliver a copy of the
notification of intent to the CPPT Coordinator within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt
for processing.
D. Completion of Documents
Officers, whether departing voluntarily or involuntarily, shall make an appointment with the Police
Training Division personnel to obtain any forms that must be completed with separating
employment,
E. Return of Issued Equipment TBP 1.12
1. The form for out-processing and listing the equipment to be returned is found on the
police portal. All city-issued equipment must be returned to the Police Training Division
at the time of termination; therefore all officers shall contact the appropriate section for
an appointment to return equipment.
a. If the separating officer is under investigation at the time and elects to end
employment before resolution of the investigation, Internal Affairs will complete
documentation for any equipment collected by Internal Affairs staff and will
immediately notify the Training Division with a list of the articles in their possession.
The separating officer must contact the Police Training Division and make an
appointment to return any equipment not collected by Internal Affairs staff.
b. Officers who have been commissioned at least two (2) years may keep their clothing
and leather goods. Officers who have satisfied a portion of the obligation shall be
allowed to retain that portion of their uniforms equal to the amount of obligation
satisfied. Officers who fail to return any non-expendable equipment, or return the
equipment in such condition as to indicate extreme misuse, must provide
reimbursement at the current replacement cost as determined by the Training
Division. Extreme misuse shall be determined by the Training Division Captain or
designee.
c. Lost, misplaced, or stolen articles declared at the time of separation shall require a
police report made by the officer reporting the theft or loss. Any officer making
claims which they know are false shall be subject to legal action.
d. Unless exception is granted in writing by the Chief of Police, all equipment must be
returned at the time of separation. If the separation is an indefinite suspension, all
city-issued equipment must be returned no later than the fifth (5th) working day
following the officer’s separation.
e. When equipment is not returned, on the sixth (6th) working day following the
officer’s separation, Internal Affairs shall be notified by the Training Division.
2. Exceptions to city equipment being returned shall be limited as follows:
a. All retiring officers may elect to retain a badge and/or receive a retired badge, by
following the procedures pursuant to General Order 503.03, Badges and Cap Shields.
F. State Licensing Notifications and Retirement Identification Cards
1. The Advanced Training Unit in the Training Division shall be responsible for
submitting the necessary forms to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
within seven (7) days after a sworn member separates or retires from the department.
Officers, whether departing voluntarily or involuntarily, shall make an appointment with
the Training Division for the completion of required separation forms for the State of
Texas license change from active to retired. If the officer is under investigation at the time
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of separation or is indefinitely suspended, Internal Affairs shall be responsible for
submitting these forms.
2. The procedures to receive a Honorably Retired Officer Identification Card and/or the
Honorably Retired Officer Certificate of Weapon Proficiency Card are found in General
Order 503.04, Identification Cards for Honorably Retired Officers.
G. Completion of Final Personnel Form
1. All separating officers must ensure that the above steps are completed. Upon being
notified by the Police Training Division that all forms have been submitted and detailing
the equipment returned, the Police Employment Services Section shall produce the
Personnel Action Request necessary for issuing a final paycheck.
2. The Police Employment Services Section staff shall deliver a copy of the Personnel
Action Request form to the CPPT Coordinator within twenty four (24) hours of
processing.
3. In accordance with city policy, the paycheck for the officers’ unused leave will process
with the next payroll cycle. Once the payroll cycle is complete, the Retirement Office is
notified by City Human Resources Employee Benefits staff.
401.04 REEMPLOYMENT OF POLICE PERSONNEL
A police officer who voluntarily resigns from the Fort Worth Police Department may be given
consideration for reappointment by the Chief of Police without taking an entry-level civil service
examination or being placed on an eligibility list. Reemployment of police personnel will be in
accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Civil Service requirements and/or laws.
A. The Chief of Police may reappoint the former officer as a vacancy occurs in an entry-level
position. At the discretion of the Chief of Police, the former officer may be required to
complete an updated background investigation, physical assessment, polygraph examination,
and/or oral review board. The individual may also be required to pass a medical examination
and psychological evaluation. Additional conditions for the reappointment of a former officer,
as considered appropriate, may be established by the Chief of Police.
B. The Chief of Police shall have sole discretion for the final reappointment of a former officer
provided that the individual fulfills all requirements and standards required for employment
as a police officer.
C. When the former employee’ s license has been inactive for two (2) or more years, the former
employee shall be required to take the TCOLE Licensing exam.
D. Once an applicant has made a passing score on the TCOLE Licensing exam and the Chief of
Police reappoints the person, the applicant shall be placed on probationary status for a period
of one (1) year from the reemployment date.
E. Reappointment shall be to the rank of police officer, at the discretion of the Chief of Police in
accordance with the General Orders, regardless of the rank of the former officer at the time of
resignation. Persons reemployed shall be issued a new identification number and shall not
retain their former seniority rights identified in civil service law which they held prior to
resignation.
F. City personnel regulations and state law shall apply in matters regarding retirement benefits.
401.05 PREVIOUSLY TERMINATED POLICE APPLICANTS
All terminated police trainees shall be reviewed and evaluated in the same manner as new
applicants for hiring consideration. Such review and evaluation shall only be made when at least
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one (1) year has passed from the date of termination, unless a specific exception is made by the
Chief of Police.
401.06 PRE-DECISION MEETINGS – CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES
A. The pre-decision meeting will be conducted according to guidelines outlined in the City of
Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations. Civilian employees shall have the opportunity
to be represented at pre-decision meetings.
B. If an employee elects not to have a representative, the pre-decision meeting may be convened
immediately.
C. If the employee has a representative or intends to obtain representation, the employee will be
given a copy of the pre-decision meeting memorandum and arrangements will be made to
schedule a pre-decision meeting as soon as practicable. The employee should be given three
(3) working days to obtain a representative and schedule a meeting.
1. The employee shall be asked to turn in all city-issued equipment, keys, tools, and ID
before they leave the premises.
2. The employee’s time spent at pre-decision meetings will be charged as official city
business.
3. The employee will be permitted to use accrued personal leave time or compensatory time
during the scheduling process. If no leave time is available, the employee shall be carried
without pay.
4. If a city employee is asked to serve as a representative, the time that the employee spends
serving as representative must be charged to accrued leave or compensatory time.
D. The meeting should include the employee, the immediate supervisor involved in the event(s)
which necessitated the meeting, one other supervisor, and the division captain/division
manager or bureau deputy chief. The employee will be presented with the information and an
opportunity to respond to that information.
E. If the employee is unable to attend a pre-decision meeting or if a face-to-face meeting is
determined not to be in the best interest of the involved parties, the meeting may be conducted
through correspondence. Before this option is exercised, the City Employee Relations
Division must be contacted.
F. A decision letter shall be sent by the employee’s supervisor via certified mail within three (3)
working days following the meeting. The employee is immediately suspended without pay
until receipt of the decision letter.
402.01 COMMENDATIONS
A. When a supervisor identifies conduct that merits commendation, the details of the incident
shall be included in a commendation through Blue Team that will be forwarded up the
commended officer’s chain of command with a copy issued to the commended officer.
B. Once Internal Affairs receives the commendation from the chain of command, a copy of the
details provided in the Blue Team Report will be printed on a commendation form and signed
by the Chief of Police. The commendation will then be sent to the commended officer and a
copy will be placed in the employee’s permanent personnel file.
402.00 EMPLOYEE COUNSELING PROCEDURE
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C. When commendations are received from outside sources by way of letter, the commended
officer’s supervisor should initiate a commendation through Blue Team and attach a copy of
the letter from the outside source.
402.02 SUPERVISOR’S COACHING SESSIONS
A. Supervisors should handle minor, non-recurring infractions orally with the affected employee.
This shall not require documentation.
B. If the conduct of an officer should require a formal coaching session, a Supervisor’s Coaching
form shall be used as a means of documenting undesirable work performance or behavior that
may appear to be a recurring problem.
C. If the undesirable work performance was documented in an accident through Blue Team, the
Supervisor’s Coaching Session can be issued once approved by the appropriate Bureau
Deputy Chief. Supervisor’s Coaching Session stemming from behavior not related to an
accident shall be documented in an Administrative Blue Team sent through the Chain of
Command. The Supervisor’s Coaching Session should only be issued after the appropriate
Bureau Deputy Chief has reviewed all documentation and has approved the Supervisor’s
Coaching Session.
D. The supervisor’s coaching form must include a description of the violation, including date and
time, witnesses, what is expected from the employee to correct the situation, and subsequent
actions that may take place if the employee fails to comply.
E. The supervisor, employee, and any other persons present at the supervisor’s coaching session
must sign the form. The employee may provide written comments regarding the incident under
separate cover, which must also be signed by all persons involved in the session.
F. The employee may use the departmental grievance procedure to contest any supervisor’s
coaching session which they believe to be unjust.
G. The employee shall be given the original copy of the supervisor’s coaching form and the
supervisor shall upload a copy to the associated Blue Team Administrative Report.
H. A copy of the Supervisor’s Coaching form shall be placed in the employee’s unit file.
I. Supervisor’s Coaching forms shall be removed and destroyed from the unit file after six (6)
months from issue.
402.03 CAPTAIN’S COACHING SESSION
A. The Captain’s Coaching Session enables a division captain/commander or higher authority to
deal with inappropriate conduct which is more serious than conduct normally addressed in
Supervisor’s Coaching Sessions, but does not require a formal Written Reprimand.
B. If while reviewing an Administrative Blue Team or Accident Blue Team, a captain or a
commander identifies inappropriate conduct that merits more formal documentation the
commander may, with approval of the Bureau Deputy Chief, issue a Captain’s Coaching
Session.
C. The Captain’s Coaching form shall:
1. Provide the details of the inappropriate conduct, including the date of occurrence.
2. List the General Order, procedure, or rule the conduct violated.
3. Provide a statement that the Captain’s Coaching form will be placed in the employee’s
unit file for twelve (12) months.
4. Be issued under the Captain’s signature.
5. Only be issued by sworn division captains or civilian equivalent.
D. The captain shall provide the original of the Captain’s Coaching form to the employee.
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E. The captain shall have the employee sign a copy of the Captain’s Coaching form. If the officer
refuses to sign, it shall be so noted.
1. The original signed copy shall be given to the employee and a copy attached to the
associated Blue Team Administrative Report.
2. The captain shall place a copy of the Captain’s Coaching form in the employee’s unit file.
3. Captain’s Coaching forms shall be removed and destroyed from the unit file after twelve
(12) months from issue.
402.04 WRITTEN REPRIMAND
A. A Written Reprimand enables a division commander or higher authority to deal with
inappropriate conduct which is more serious than conduct normally addressed in a Captain’s
Coaching Session, but does not require a formal discipline..
B. If while reviewing an Administrative Blue Team or Accident Blue Team, a member of the
department at or above the rank of commander identifies inappropriate conduct that merits
more formal documentation the commander or above may, with approval of the Bureau
Deputy Chief or Assistant Chief issue a Written Reprimand.
C. The Written Reprimand form shall:
1. Provide the details of the inappropriate conduct, including the date of occurrence.
2. List the General Order, procedure, or rule the conduct violated.
3. Provide a statement that the Written Reprimand form will be placed in the employee’s
permanent personnel file.
4. Only be issued and signed by sworn member of the police department at or above the
rank of Commander or civilian equivalent.
D. The commander or above shall provide the original of the Written Reprimand form to the
employee.
E. The commander or above shall have the employee sign a copy of the Written Reprimand form.
If the officer refuses to sign, it shall be so noted.
1. The original signed copy shall be given to the employee and a copy attached to the
associated Blue Team Administrative Report.
2. A final signed copy of the Written Reprimand shall be placed in the employee’s
permanent file.
402.05 VERBAL COUNSELING
A. Verbal counseling stemming from any Administrative Blue Team Report may be documented
in the report when no written discipline has been issued.
B. Verbal Counseling shall not be documented in the personnel file.
403.01 EVALUATION PROCEDURES
A. Employees are evaluated on seven (7) competencies, plus several job objectives set by their
supervisor. Supervisory employees are evaluated on an additional three (3) competencies. The
Performance Standards define the competencies and describe performance standards for each
competency. TBP 4.08
403.00 EVALUATION PROCEDURES
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B. All employees are evaluated every six (6) months. The performance periods for all employees
are October – March and April – September. Both reviews are required for every employee.
TBP 4.08 and TBP 4.09
C. Probationary Employees
New employees will receive their first review six (6) months after their hire date, at the
conclusion of their probation. The employee’s second review will occur during either the
Spring or Fall cycle, in sync with the rest of the organization. A new employee’s second
review will typically be either shorter or longer than six (6) months based on date of hire.
1. The Meet and Confer Contract shall be referenced for specific information related to the
probationary period for newly hired officers, lateral officers and reappointed officers.
D. Promotions or Transfers
Employees who have been promoted or transferred will receive their reviews during the
Spring or Fall cycles at the same time as other employees. If the employee has been under the
supervision of their current supervisor for two (2) months or less, the preceding supervisor
will complete the evaluation and provide it to the current supervisor of the employee. If the
employee has worked for the current supervisor for more than two (2) months, but less than
the entire performance period, then the current supervisor will confer with the previous
supervisor and consider their input when preparing the performance appraisal. TBP 4.09
E. Employees on Medical Leave or Military Leave
If the employee worked less than two (2) months of the performance period, the employee will not
be evaluated for that performance period. If the employee worked two (2) months or more of the
performance period, the supervisor will complete the performance appraisal as scheduled, prorating performance measures as appropriate. If the employee is on leave at the time the
performance appraisal is due, the supervisor will complete the evaluation as scheduled and submit
the performance appraisal to Police Employment Services. Upon the employee’s return, the
supervisor will have a performance review discussion with the employee and submit a revised
review, signed by the employee, to Police Employment Services. TBP 4.08 and TBP 4.09
1. Any issues covered by or related to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should not be addressed within the Performance
Evaluation process. Feedback should be performance specific, not related to
circumstances that are beyond the employee’s control.
F. Sworn Appraisals
1. All supervisors evaluating officers who have been approved to carry a Conducted
Electrical Weapon (CEW) will conduct a download of the officer’s CEW for the six (6)
months of the grading period and will reconcile the Taser Use of Force reports with the
information from the download. The supervisor will also review the downloaded
information for patterns of use. The supervisor will discuss the recorded use of the CEW
with the officer to ensure the officer is in compliance with departmental policy. Any noncompliance by the officer with the department’s use of force policy shall be reflected on
the officer’s Performance Appraisal form. TBP 4.08 and TBP 4.09
2. The immediate supervisor shall then conduct a private interview with the officer being
evaluated. Prior supervisors may take part in the interview. This interview shall be
constructive in nature and the desired results shall be: TBP 4.08 and TBP 4.09
a. An understanding by the officer of the rating achieved during the period and the
factors contributing to that rating.
b. Arrival at recommended constructive actions for the next evaluation period to
improve upon any weak areas of performance.
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c. An opportunity for the officer to provide input regarding any of the categories prior
to submission of the report. The officer should self-score each of the items listed in
each of the first four (4) parts of the appraisal form.
d. The officer shall sign the form in the space containing the officer’s name. This
signature does not signify approval of the rating, but only signifies that the interview
was held.
e. The captains shall meet with their respective deputy chief, the deputy chiefs shall
meet with their respective assistant chiefs, and the assistant chiefs with the Chief of
Police to discuss evaluation of their next in command before conducting a private
interview with the lieutenant, captain, or deputy chief being evaluated.
f. All officers should be evaluated honestly and objectively. In evaluating these areas,
the supervisor should also take into consideration such things as commendations,
structured counseling sessions, attendance, personnel files, and verification with
Internal Affairs for any complaints that are available for substantiating an
individual’s rating.
g. Performance Appraisals and reviews shall not be subject to the grievance procedure,
but may be appealed only to the next highest level in the chain of command above
the grader. If the employee is in disagreement with the performance appraisal, the
employee may attach an inter-office correspondence to the appraisal that must
remain with that appraisal document.
h. A level-up supervisor cannot direct a reviewer to change their review of a
subordinate. The level-up supervisor may provide comments in the designated area
within the appraisal form.
i. Performance Appraisal forms are located on both the Police Portal and City’s Intranet
sites. Instructions for grading and Sworn Appraisal Objectives are also located on
the Police Portal. TBP 4.08
404.01 SCOPE OF GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Grievance shall mean an alleged violation or inequitable application of the rules, procedures,
regulations, or policies of the police department. A grievance is a dispute between the employer
and employee concerning working conditions, interpretations or applications of any provision of
rules and procedures relating to work which adversely and directly affects the aggrieved employee
that are not covered by the current Meet and Confer Contract. Disciplinary action covered under
Chapters 142 and 143 of the Local Government Code of Texas, issued by the Chief of Police, shall
not be subject to the grievance procedure except as provided in General Order 404.02 (A) below.
Assignments approved by the Chief of Police or transfers shall not be subject to the grievance
procedure except as provided in section 404.03 F below. It shall be the guiding principle of the
Fort Worth Police Department that no formal or informal action shall be taken against an employee
due to that employee’s participation in the grievance procedure as either a grievant or a witness to
a grievance. The current Meet and Confer Contract shall provide the procedure for dispute
resolution for all sworn personnel for conditions of employment covered by that agreement.
TBP 2.08
404.00 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
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404.02 TIME LIMITATIONS
A. The aggrieved employee shall file the grievance with their immediate supervisor at Step 1
below within ten (10) days of its occurrence or, if the employee is unaware of the grievance,
within six (6) months of its occurrence. A grievance not brought within the time limit
prescribed in Step 1, or submitted within the time limits prescribed for every step thereafter,
shall not be considered timely and shall not be grievable unless that time limitation is waived
by the Chief of Police. If a matter is first filed with the Civil Service Commission and a hearing
is denied or the complaint is first filed with the Employee and Labor Relations Division and
is denied or referred to Internal Affairs, the aggrieved officer may file a grievance complaint
within ten (10) days of that denial. If a referral is made to Internal Affairs, staff will notify
the aggrieved employee of the proper grievance procedures or investigate according to their
policies.
1. A written grievance not responded to within the time limits prescribed by the appropriate
management representative at each step shall proceed to the next step in the procedure.
The representative who did not respond within the prescribed time limits shall provide a
written explanation of the noncompliance, in addition to any gathered information, to the
next level, with a copy to the Chief of Police.
2. The time limits prescribed herein may be waived by mutual agreement, in writing, by the
aggrieved employee and the appropriate management representative at any step.
B. Police Employment Services Manager
The Police Employment Services Manager shall receive notification and copies of all
grievances and shall notify the Chief of Police of compliance or noncompliance with this
procedure and of the findings/recommendations of each level of review. If the grievance was
initiated through a referral to Internal Affairs by the Employee and Labor Relations Division
(ELRD), the final disposition of the grievance will be referred back to ELRD for investigation
and disposition by the Employment Services Manager.
C. Representation
The aggrieved employee, at steps 2 through 5 as follows, may be represented by any active
member of the department.
404.03 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE STEPS
A. Step 1
1. To file a grievance, an aggrieved employee shall meet with the employee’s immediate
supervisor within ten (10) days of the grievable incident and discuss the grievance.
2. The employee and immediate supervisor shall discuss the solutions offered at a mutually
satisfactory time and make every effort possible to resolve the grievance. The supervisor
shall, when appropriate, consult with their immediate supervisor in regard to possible
solutions to the grievance at this level. When the employee and the supervisor complete
Step 1, the supervisor shall submit an inter-office correspondence containing:
a. Name and assignment of employee.
b. Assignment of employee when grievance occurred.
c. Name of immediate supervisor when grievance occurred.
d. Specific issues of the grievance.
e. Date and time that the grieved act occurred.
f. Date and time that the employee contact occurred.
g. Specific relief requested by the employee.
h. Date of response.
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i. Results of informal discussion.
j. Actions taken in attempts to resolve the grievance.
k. Details of the supervisory response to the aggrieved employee.
l. Date and time of the acceptance or rejection by the employee.
3. The correspondence shall be directed to the appropriate division captain or commander
with a copy to the Employment Services Manager within ten (10) days of notice of the
grievance.
B. Step 2
1. If the grievance is not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction at Step 1, the aggrieved
employee may proceed to the next level by submitting a formal grievance in writing with
the following headings and data:
a. Name, identification number, and assignment.
b. Assignment at date of grievance.
c. Specific issues of the grievance.
d. Date and time of grievance.
e. Specific details of the matter that brings it into scope of the grievance procedure.
f. The date, time, and name of immediate supervisor with whom the grievance was
discussed at the informal level.
g. The results of the informal discussion.
h. The date of response by the supervisor.
i. The reason for request of formal review of the grievance.
2. This document shall be submitted to the employee’s division captain or commander with
a copy to the Employment Services Manager no later than ten (10) working days after
notification that the grievance cannot be resolved at Step 1.
3. The division captain/commander shall make a concerted effort to resolve the grievance
and shall respond in writing detailing the actions taken to resolve the matter. If the
grievance is not resolved, a copy of the division captain/commander’s response shall be
provided to the grievant and to the Employment Services Manager.
4. If the grievance is resolved, the employee and the division captain shall prepare written
explanations of the resolution, initial the formal grievance, and forward all documents to
the Employment Services Manager.
C. Step 3
If the grievance is not resolved in Step 2, the aggrieved employee may proceed to the next
level by serving written notice, along with all accompanying correspondence within ten (10)
working days with the employee’s bureau deputy chief.
1. It shall be the responsibility of the employee’s division captain or commander to ensure
that all documents, records, or any other papers that form the basis for supervisory
decisions in Steps 1 and 2 are supplied to the aggrieved employee’s bureau deputy chief.
2. The bureau deputy chief and the employee shall discuss possible solutions to the
grievance and make every effort possible to resolve the grievance at this level.
3. The bureau deputy chief shall make a concerted effort to resolve the grievance and shall
respond in writing detailing the actions taken to resolve the matter. If the grievance is not
resolved, a copy of the bureau deputy chief’s response shall be provided to the grievant
and to the Employment Services Manager.
4. If the grievance is resolved, the aggrieved employee and the bureau deputy chief shall
prepare written explanation of the resolution and forward all copies of the documents to
the Employment Services Manager.
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D. Step 4
If the grievance is not resolved in Step 3, the aggrieved employee may proceed to the next
level by serving written notice, along with all accompanying correspondence, within ten (10)
days with the employee’s bureau assistant chief.
1. The affected bureau deputy chief, upon impasse at Step 3, shall forward all documents,
records, and other papers that form the basis for supervisory decisions in Steps 1 through
3 to the bureau assistant chief within five (5) working days from the date the bureau
deputy chief receives it.
2. The bureau assistant chief and the employee shall discuss possible solutions to the
grievance and make every effort possible to resolve the grievance at this level.
3 The bureau assistant chief shall make a concerted effort to resolve the grievance and shall
respond in writing detailing the actions taken to resolve the matter. If the grievance is not
resolved, a copy of the bureau assistant chief’s response shall be provided to the grievant
and to the Employment Services Manager.
4. If the grievance is resolved, the aggrieved employee and the bureau assistant chief shall
prepare written explanation of the resolution and forward all copies of the documents to
the Employment Services Manager.
E. Step 5
If the grievance is not resolved in Step 4, the aggrieved employee may proceed to the next
level by serving written notice, along with all accompanying correspondence, within ten (10)
days with the Chief of Police or designee. The Chief of Police or designee shall schedule a
meeting with the aggrieved employee at which time the matter shall be discussed and a
determination shall be made as to the action to be taken in regard to the matter addressed in
the grievance. The chief shall respond in writing to the aggrieved employee within thirty (30)
days after the scheduled meeting with the aggrieved employee.
1. If the grievance is resolved, the employee and the Chief of Police shall initial the
grievance form and forward it, along with all accompanying documents, to the
Employment Services Manager.
2. If the grievance is not resolved, the employee may submit it, along with all accompanying
documents, within ten (10) days, to the City Manager or designated representative and to
the Employment Services Manager. The City Manager or designee shall be the final
arbitrator of the grievance.
F. If an employee makes a good faith report of violations of law by the City or another public
employee and thereafter believes that their employment has been suspended, terminated, or
other adverse personnel action has been taken against them because of that report, the
employee may file a retaliation complaint through the grievance procedure guidelines.
1. The employee must file a retaliation report not later than the 90th day after the date on
which the alleged retaliation:
a. Occurred; or
b. Was discovered by the employee through reasonable diligence.
2. The employee must state in writing in the retaliation complaint:
a. The substance of the violation of law, including the law violated, the location and
date of the violation, and the names and position of authority of the persons violating
the law,
b. To whom the report of the violation was made,
c. The date of the report,
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d. The nature of the adverse employment action taken against the employee because of
the report of a violation of the law,
e. The date the adverse employment action against the employee was taken, and
f. The name of the supervisor or other employee who caused the adverse employment
action to be taken.
406.01 DEFINITIONS
A. Normal work period for civil service positions within the Fort Worth Police Department shall
be forty (40) hours per calendar week and shall begin at 0001 hours Saturday and end at 2400
hours on Friday.
B. A pay period is an internal accounting term of the city which refers to a regularly recurring
period of 336 hours in fourteen (14) consecutive twenty-four (24) hour workdays or two (2)
workweeks. A pay period has a maximum work hour standard of eighty (80) hours. Individual
paychecks are issued to compensate officers for work time in each pay period.
C. A workweek is the time span of a regularly recurring period of 168 hours in seven (7)
consecutive twenty-four (24) hour workdays.
D. A workday is the time span of twenty-four (24) hours which begins at 0001 (12:01 am) and
ends the same day at midnight.
E. A work schedule is the usually assigned forty (40) duty hours in each workweek and/or the
usually assigned eight (8) hour or ten (10) hour work time in each workday. A work schedule
may be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the Department and conditions permitting, the
needs of the officer.
F. All work time shall be reported accurately and exactly as it is worked. Falsifying of work time
records is strictly prohibited.
G. Dual time records, e.g., one record for pay purposes and another record for actual time worked,
is strictly prohibited.
H. Officer, for the purposes of this section, shall refer to all classifications from officer through
captain unless otherwise stated.
I. Regular pay rate shall include the base salary of a classification and any of the following
additions to base salary to which the officer is entitled:
1. Step level addition (seniority within rank pay)
2. Longevity pay (at four dollars per year service to a maximum of twenty-five (25) years)
3. Educational incentive pay
4. Assignment pay
5. Shift differential pay
6. Certification pay
7. Bilingual pay
J. Premium pay rate shall be one and one half times the base pay rate.
K. Overtime is the time which an employee is required, permitted or suffered to work in excess
of the normal workweek of forty (40) hours. All work time falling within the definition of
overtime shall be reported on the payroll system by the employee.
405.00 RESERVED
406.00 SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY COMPENSATION
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L. Hours worked refers to all time during which an officer is on duty, as well as all other time
during which the officer is suffered or permitted to work. It is of no consequence whether the
work occurs on a work site, at other city premises, at home, or any other location.
M. Officers may be required to work extended hours and work on city holidays. During off-duty
hours, officers may be required to attend court and hearings, be on stand-by for court, attend
training and meetings, and respond to emergency call-backs.
NOTE: Supplemental compensation for civilian employees of the department shall be
governed by the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations.
406.02 OVERTIME COMPENSATION
A. This General Order only applies to employees of the Police Department who are licensed as
peace officers by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. All other employees should
refer to the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations regarding overtime
compensation.
B. It is the course of action of the Police Department to utilize the minimum amount of overtime
necessary to maintain essential police services. Overtime shall be limited to purposes for
which the need could not be scheduled in advance and are essential in meeting appropriate
department responsibilities. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), applicable provisions of
Chapter 141 and 142 of the Local Government Code, and City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules
and Regulations are the basis for rules and procedures contained in this General Order.
1. All levels of command and supervision shall be familiar with City of Fort Worth
Personnel Rules and Regulations governing overtime policies, rules, and procedures, and
shall assure compliance with all overtime provisions ensuring that illegal and prohibited
practices do not occur.
2. Employees shall be encouraged to consult with the City of Fort Worth Human Resources
Department concerning pay status and the U.S. Labor Department concerning wage hour
matters. An employee having unresolved questions or complaints should be advised of
appeal rights under the department’s grievance procedure. The city and the department
shall protect the employee’s right, both in matter of law and policy, and no action formally
or informally shall be taken against an employee who files a complaint and/or institutes
any proceeding related to wage matters.
3. No level of command or supervision shall promote or enter into any arrangement or
agreement which denies any officer’s rights specified under FLSA, the Local
Government Code, City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations, or department
rules and procedures. Supervisors shall ensure compliance with all overtime provisions.
4. Supervisors shall provide adequate supervision, administrative review, and control
procedures to ensure that officers are aware of and in compliance with established work
schedules. The mere establishment and articulation of work schedules do not relieve
affected commanders and supervisors of their responsibility for controlling work time.
Work sheets should be prepared by the employee and reviewed by the supervisor for
accuracy on a daily or weekly basis as determined by the assignment.
C. Overtime which totals seven (7) minutes or less on a given calendar day shall not be
compensated. Work time reported shall be reported in quarter (.25) hour increments.
1. Telephone contacts over seven (7) minutes to an off-duty officer by authorized employees
of the police department, the court, or the District Attorney’s office involving official
business are considered work time and are compensable in actual time spent and shall be
reported in quarter (.25) hour increments.
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a. All telephone contacts to an off-duty officer by authorized departmental employees
shall be held to a minimum to avoid unnecessary disruption to the officer’s off-duty
time.
b. Telephone contacts to an off-duty officer shall not constitute emergency or nonemergency call-back pay.
D. Ranks of commander and above are not eligible for overtime pay. Commanders and above
can only earn emergency call back pay in the form of compensatory time earned hour-forhour, up to a max accrual of 240 hours comp.
E. Unless emergency control procedures are in effect, any officer working overtime shall only
work assignments that are commensurate with the responsibilities of their rank. The intent of
this provision is that the officer acting in the higher rank not perform the job responsibilities
of lower ranks, except when emergency control procedures are in effect.
F. Computation of overtime
1. Hours credited to a personal day, holiday, or training shall be counted as hours worked.
2. When computing hours worked during a normal work period to determine the rate to be
paid for overtime, hours credited to the following shall not be counted as hours worked:
a. sick leave
b. vacation
c. family days
d. compensatory hours taken
e. military leave
f. injury leave
g. jury duty
h. suspension
3. The premium rate shall be paid for eligible overtime worked by officers of the rank of
captain and below during the work period unless the officer accepts compensatory time
under General Order 406.03.
G. In no case shall an officer of any rank earn unofficial compensatory time nor shall any officer
use compensatory time off while being shown on the payroll system as being present for duty.
1. All work time shall be reported and recorded for the pay period during which the work
was performed. Accumulation of work time for future reporting is strictly prohibited.
2. Employees shall be responsible for examining the payroll to ensure that they receive the
correct amount of compensation/compensatory time during each pay period.
H. Overtime shall be held to a minimum. Commanders/Captains are responsible for tracking
the use of overtime by assigned personnel and reviewing and monitoring all overtime usage
for the respective unit, section, division each pay period. Accountability for overtime usage
rests with every individual employee of the Department.
I. Commanders/Captains shall submit requests for planned overtime for bureau level approval
at least two (2) weeks in advance of the time the work is to be performed. Division
commanders/captains are responsible for ascertaining the availability of overtime funds prior
to approving overtime.
1. Whenever overtime is anticipated as part of a planned and/or permitted event, the
necessary overtime positions and cost estimates will be established during the planning
process and shared with the Deputy Chief responsible for the budget being utilized for
approval prior to the event. The estimated costs should be included in the approved
Operations Plan. At the conclusion of any planned and/or permitted event, the actual
costs will be submitted as part of the after-action summary.
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J. Overtime for Unplanned Events
1. Prior approval procedures will not apply to emergency situations. An emergency is
defined as an unexpected happening or event, or an unforeseen situation or crisis
that calls for immediate action.
2. Officers anticipating the need to work beyond their normal tour of duty on activities
occurring at or near the end of their watch shall contact a supervisor with the reason for
the overtime and an estimated overtime length for prior approval.
3. Supervisors should attempt to mitigate the overtime through the use of other available
resources. If the supervisor deems overtime is necessary, they shall contact their
lieutenant for prior approval on any overtime that is expected to be two (2) hours or
less. Whenever the overtime is expected to exceed two (2) hours, the supervisor shall
contact the division captain or commander during normal business hours, or the duty
captain if after normal business hours. If approved, the supervisor shall inform the
officer of approval and provide the appropriate task group and task profile to use when
reporting their time in the payroll system. Employee should also enter a bubble comment
stating who approved the overtime and any details.
4. When unplanned overtime is approved, the following steps shall be followed for
documentation:
a. Prior to the end of the shift, the officer shall complete the Request to Work Non Court
Overtime form on the portal with details such as the type of call, service number,
location, and approving party. The officer shall then select the appropriate task
profile and their supervisor. Once the form is completed, the officer will select
“submit and electronically sign.”
b. The officer shall enter their time in the payroll system noting the task profile provided
by their supervisor.
c. Overtime shall not be entered into the payroll system prior to obtaining approval
from the applicable supervisor.
d. Supervisors shall review all overtime forms when approving timesheets to verify the
appropriate task profile and time were entered correctly. Supervisors shall not mass
approve any timesheets with overtime.
e. The review and approval process shall route through the division
Commander/Captain. Any overtime in excess of four (4) hours shall also be routed
to the appropriate Deputy Chief.
5. The Financial Management Division will be responsible for:
a. Providing a comprehensive report at the end of each pay period to captains and above
on the use of overtime in their respective unit, section, and division.
b. Attending command staff meetings to address issues related to overtime usage.
c. Monitoring, analyzing, and identifying department overtime abuse or trends.
d. Providing an overall department summary to the Chief of Police and Assistant Chiefs
at the end of each pay period.
6. It shall be the responsibility of all supervisors to ensure that overtime work is not
performed unless necessary and that no overtime is worked without prior approval.
Officer-initiated extended watch overtime for non-emergency activities shall be held to a
minimum and have supervisor approval. Work time in excess of the forty (40) hour
workweek for administrative and support activities shall not be approved; instead work
schedules shall be adjusted in order to complete essential tasks.
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7. Supervisors will not schedule overtime details based on personnel shortages and then
permit unscheduled, non-emergency leave during the same time period.
K. In the best interest of the health and safety of officers, sworn personnel are not permitted to
work more than a total of fourteen (14) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period, including
their regular tour of duty, without prior approval from their supervisor. Inclusive of this time
restriction is department overtime, special details/events, and off-duty and/or secondary
employment. Exceptions shall only be at the discretion of the affected Bureau Deputy Chief.
1. Unless the officer is on vacation or similar form of compensated leave, excluding sick
leave or family leave:
a. The combination of department overtime, off-duty employment, and secondary
employment shall not exceed twenty-five (25) total hours per workweek.
b. The maximum hours limitation does not include court overtime, time required to
complete reports coming at the end of a shift, emergency call back, or when held over
at the end of shift by a supervisor.
c. Workday and/or workweek shall have the same definition(s) as General Order
406.01.
2. While on documented transitional duty, a police officer is allowed to work overtime and
earn overtime pay or compensatory time if permitted by their current work restrictions.
The decision for approval of working overtime will be authorized by the Chief of Police,
or designee, with consultation from the Medical Records Custodians when the officer is
placed in the transitional duty assignment. Even though initially approved for overtime
while working in the transitional duty assignment, the officer will be required to request
prior approval when work hours expand into overtime.
3. Although it shall be the responsibility of the individual officer to act in accordance with
the time limitations, supervisors shall routinely monitor the officers’ departmental
overtime and off-duty employment to ensure that officers are in compliance with this
General Order.
4. The Chief of Police, acting personally or through a designee, reserves the right to approve,
deny, revoke, or add restrictions at any time to any request for off-duty employment or
departmental overtime based upon available information at the time and the totality of the
circumstances, including during an emergency.
a. An emergency may include the need for personnel to handle minimum staffing
levels, natural or human invoked disasters, or other circumstances which require the
use of personnel other than those immediately available.
L. Off-duty officers, not engaged in secondary employment, required to take enforcement action
for the City of Fort Worth shall report work time for off-duty time spent completing reports
and other activities directly related to police service to the city.
406.03 COMPENSATORY TIME
A. Overtime worked under General Order 406.02 may be compensated in the form of accrued
compensatory time if desired by the officer.
1. Prior arrangements may be made to accept compensatory time for specific overtime
assignments.
B. Ranks of captain and below accrue compensatory time at the premium rate, i.e., equal to one
and one-half times the number of overtime hours worked.
1. Ranks of captain and below may accrue up to 240 hours of compensatory time.
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2. After the 240 hour limit is reached, all overtime worked shall be compensated in the form
of overtime pay.
C. Ranks of commander and above shall accrue compensatory time at the rate of one hour work
time for every hour worked in excess of forty (40) hour workweek. They may not accrue more
than 240 hours of compensatory time.
D. In exigent circumstances, such as the unplanned absence of a supervisor due to illness or
injury, the division commander/manager may seek approval from the Chief of Police to
authorize an exempt employee to be compensated with straight time pay. These instances shall
be kept to a minimum.
406.04 COURT APPEARANCE AND HEARINGS
Off-duty officers attending Municipal Court, Tarrant County Criminal Court, Criminal District
Court, Civil District Court, and Federal Court regarding a job-related function shall receive a
minimum of four (4) hours overtime pay and all time in court beyond the four (4) hour minimum
shall be compensated by overtime pay for the actual time spent in court subject to the following
provisions:
A. All officers attending any court shall complete the Court Appearance Verification form.
B. If an officer’s scheduled court appearance begins thirty (30) minutes or less prior to reporting
for duty, or thirty (30) minutes or less following the end of the tour of duty, the officer shall
be paid overtime for the actual time spent in court.
C. Officers attending court during their normal tour of duty who have not been dismissed at the
end of their tour of duty shall be paid overtime for the amount of time spent in court beyond
the end of their tour of duty.
D. Off-duty officers attending more than one (1) court (municipal, county, district, federal, or a
mixture of the two) on the same calendar day shall report the actual time in each court,
including recesses. If the total amount of court appearance time on any calendar day is for
four (4) hours or less, officers shall receive four (4) hours overtime pay. If the total amount of
court appearance time on any calendar day is more than four (4) hours, officers shall receive
overtime pay for the actual time spent in court.
E. All employees who are subpoenaed or called by the city to appear at a disciplinary appeal
hearing shall be compensated by the city for actual time. Employees appearing at disciplinary
appeal hearings will not be compensated as four (4) hours court overtime.
1. On-duty employees shall be compensated at their regular rate of pay.
2. Off-duty employees shall receive overtime for the actual time spent in the hearing.
F. In a disciplinary appeal hearing conducted before the Civil Service Commission, all on-duty
or off-duty employees subpoenaed or called by the appealing officer as material witnesses to
the relevant facts of the matter being appealed shall be compensated by the city in accordance
with the procedures described above.
G. In a disciplinary appeal hearing conducted before a third-party hearing examiner, all on-duty
or off-duty employees subpoenaed or called by the appealing officer shall be compensated by
the appealing officer.
1. On-duty officers will be placed on vacation leave, holiday leave, personal leave,
compensatory time off, or if necessary, leave without pay.
H. If an officer is called to court during a scheduled vacation, the vacation leave is canceled and
the officer resumes their normal work schedule until the obligation is completed. Officers
should not schedule a vacation which will conflict with a known court date and/or appearance.
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I. Employees will not be compensated four (4) hours court overtime for meetings with the
district attorney. Employees are compensated for two (2) hours of DAOT for meeting with
the district attorney. DAOT is the specific time reporting code in the payroll system to report
these meetings.
J. Officers recording any overtime for court appearance or hearings on their timesheet shall note
which court or type of hearing attended in the comment section of the payroll system, to
include the Fort Worth Police Department report number, case number, or citation number.
406.05 STANDBY COURT NOTIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
A. Officers who are notified that they have cases set for trial in any court (Municipal, Tarrant
County, Denton County, Department of Public Safety (DPS), District, or Federal)shall furnish
the court liaison officer a phone number where the officer can be contacted on the day the
case is set for trial.
NOTE: If officers wish to change the phone number where they can be contacted, the
officers must make the change by 0900 hours on the day the case is set for trial by
contacting the court liaison office and furnishing a new phone number where they
can be contacted.
B. The officer shall remain at this telephone number between 1100 hours and 1200 hours on the
day the case is set for trial.
C. For the one (1) hour standby time, an off-duty officer shall report one (1) hour work time.
D. If off-duty officers are on standby and are notified to appear in court, they shall only report
the regular court work time for their court appearance in accordance with General Order
406.04.
406.06 COURT APPEARANCE OVERTIME REPORT
A. Off-duty officers notified to appear in any criminal district or county criminal court in Tarrant
County, prior to appearing in court, shall inform their immediate supervisor of their requested
appearance, including the time and date.
B. Off-duty officers attending any municipal court shall sign in according to the Prosecutor
Office procedures. Officers will document their time of arrival and the time of dismissal from
their court appearance.
C. Officers shall not report work time for court appearances associated with off-duty employment
unless the court appearance relates to an arrest made for the jurisdiction. Responsibility for
court compensation for other off-duty employment-related activities shall rest with the offduty employer.
D. All overtime requests for court appearances require a completed Court Appearance
Verification form. Court Appearance Verification forms shall be reviewed and signed by court
personnel (i.e. prosecutors, court clerks, court liaisons, etc.) upon the officer’s appearance in
court. Once signed by court personnel it is the officer’s responsibility to forward the form to
their supervisor. The supervisor shall approve, sign, and submit the form for court overtime
compensation in the payroll system. The supervisor shall forward a copy of the form to the
court liaison personnel and retain a copy for filing.
E. Commanders/Captains shall be responsible for reviewing and monitoring all court overtime
for employees in their respective divisions/sections/units.
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406.07 HIGHER CAPACITY PAY
A. The Chief of Police may designate a person from the next lower classification to temporarily
fill a position in a higher classification. Positions shall be temporarily filled only when deemed
necessary by the Chief of Police or an assistant chief. No position shall be considered
temporarily vacant unless validated in the daily attendance record.
B. Valid absences shall include but are not limited to: regular days off, sick time, city business,
used compensatory time, vacation time, and holidays.
C. Appointments to a temporarily vacant position shall be made from the next lower rank. Due
consideration may be given seniority, and a diverse workplace shall be considered in
determining the person to fill the temporary vacancy.
D. Persons temporarily appointed to fill a vacant position shall have all the authority and
accountability of the rank being filled.
E. Any person temporarily appointed to fill a higher position shall be paid at the base rate
specified for that higher position. Longevity shall be paid at the rate to which the substituting
officer would normally be entitled. Only persons filling a position for the entire normal shift
shall be eligible for compensation.
F. The temporary performance of the duties of a higher position by a person who has not been
promoted as prescribed by Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code may not be construed
as a promotion.
406.08 CALL-BACK PAY
A. Officers who are called back to duty (excluding court appearance) for emergency situations
during the officer’s off-duty hours shall report a minimum of four (4) hours overtime.
Employees are to enter exact time in the payroll system and the system will pay the four (4)
hour minimum. Overtime is either monetary or time (comp) at time and a half rate. An
emergency is defined as an unexpected happening or event, or an unforeseen situation or crisis
that calls for immediate action. Off-duty officers shall not be called back to duty for
emergency situations unless the call-back is specifically directed by a sergeant or above.
1. If an officer is called back to duty more than one instance in a shift, the second callout
beginning time must be more than four (4) hours from the beginning of the first callout
in order to receive separate compensation.
B. Officers placed on call for emergency call-back shall be provided a cellular telephone to
facilitate contact. An officer utilizing a cellular telephone shall not report work time if they
are able to use their time effectively for their own purposes.
C. Off-duty officers shall not be called back to duty for non-emergency situations unless the callback is specifically directed by a sergeant or above. An officer responding to a non-emergency
callback shall report a minimum of two (2) hours overtime.
1. Examples of non-emergency call-back may include, but are not limited to community
meetings, or administrative meetings.
406.09 BILINGUAL SKILLS
A. Bilingual Assignment Pay
1. The Chief of Police or designee is authorized to approve assignment pay to employees
whose duties require the use of specific bilingual skills in accordance with City of Fort
Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations.
2. The language proficiency test is administered through the City of Fort Worth Human
Resources. Any expenses for testing will be billed to the employee’s department.
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3. Only employees designated by the Chief of Police or designee and who pass a language
proficiency test will be eligible to receive bilingual assignment pay. If an employee
changes positions or if their language skills are no longer needed, the assignment pay will
cease. Employees are not required to accept bilingual pay.
B. Bilingual Proficiency Test
1. The Chief of Police or designee must designate the employee eligible for assignment pay.
The employee’s name, classification, work extension, employee number, and a brief
explanation for the designation must be submitted to the City of Fort Worth Human
Resources.
2. Employees must take the test on their own time, with no compensatory time accrual or
overtime pay allowed.
3. Results of the test will be sent to the Chief of Police and the employee. Upon notification
that the employee passed the test, an Incentive Pay Authorization form must be completed
and submitted through the chain to City of Fort Worth Human Resources Compensation
Division. Employees who do not pass may retest six (6) months from the date of the
original test.
C. Bilingual Employee Responsibilities
1. Employees shall respond to the directions of the dispatcher and their supervisors in regard
to their bilingual ability and the needs for that ability on behalf of citizens and visitors to
Fort Worth.
406.10 ATTENDANCE AT OUT-OF-TOWN FUNERALS
A. Officers who desire to represent the Fort Worth Police Department at the funeral of any peace
officer killed in the line of duty within the state shall do so in an off-duty capacity.
B. The police department shall not accept responsibility for any expenses incurred by the officers
attending out-of-town funerals except as follows:
1. A marked unit may be used provided it is returned the same day, unless prior approval is
obtained from the Chief of Police.
2. Gasoline and associated maintenance for the marked unit shall be furnished.
C. When special circumstances arise, requests for use of police personnel or equipment shall be
coordinated through the police chaplain.
406.11 HONOR GUARD
A. The Police Honor Guard shall consist of volunteer members who shall represent the Fort
Worth Police Department at ceremonies and official functions.
B. Honor Guard members designated to participate in an approved function shall be assigned to
their normal watch on the date of the scheduled event.
C. The appearance shall be considered as a volunteer duty assignment and should not conflict
with their normal watch.
D. If applicable, upon the completion of the detail, Honor Guard members shall report to their
respective units for deployment for the balance of their watch.
E. All volunteer members shall participate in eight (8) hours of drill training per month which
shall be reported as eight (8) compensation or training hours on the officer’s time and
attendance records.
1. If the member is off duty during the training period, compensation time can be accrued.
2. If the member is on duty during the training period, time shall be allocated for this
purpose.
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406.12 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER ASSIGNMENT PAY
A. The Chief of Police or designee may expressly designate officers who have attained at least
D-step payroll for assignment to the duties of Field Training Officer. The Chief of Police or
his designee may waive specific qualifications listed below.
B. Qualifications for consideration for selection as a Field Training Officer shall include, but not
be limited to:
1. The officer must have at least three (3) years continuous service with the Fort Worth
Police Department, including one (1) year of probation and at least two (2) years of line
patrol duties or be a lateral entry officer who has completed probation,
2. Assigned to patrol, NPO duties, or the Traffic Division for at least twelve (12) months
immediately prior to application or be a lateral entry officer who has completed
probation,
3. Overall top two (2) levels for previous two (2) efficiency rating periods,
4. Acceptable driving record with not more than one (1) chargeable accident using a city
vehicle within previous twelve (12) months,
5. With the exception of accident-related discipline, no sustained personnel complaints
resulting in disciplinary suspension within twenty-four (24) months prior to application,
6. Proficient in areas of grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and ability to observe and
report on behaviors or activities in logical sequence, and
7. Chain of command recommendation.
C. Functions of a Field Training Officer shall include:
1. Provide on-the-job training to probationary police officers on a one-to-one basis;
2. Monitor, evaluate, and document the performance of probationary officers; and
3. Correct and counsel performance deficiencies during the training of probationary officers
and report their progress to the appropriate senior officer.
D. The position of Field Training Officer shall require the successful completion of a forty (40)
hour Field Training Officer training course conducted by the Fort Worth Police Department.
The Field Training Officer will be responsible for training probationary officers in accordance
with the training received while a recruit, as well as in accordance with training guidelines
provided in the Field Training Officer training course.
E. Field Training Officers will receive, for each day they are so assigned and perform the
functions, in addition to their regular pay an additional sum equal to ten percent (10%) of the
assigned officer’s base pay and applicable step pay for the current fiscal year. Assignment pay
shall not accrue or be payable to an individual once that person is no longer assigned to
perform the specialized duties of Field Training Officer. Base pay rate shall not include
amount otherwise received for longevity pay, educational incentive pay, certification pay,
shift differential pay other assignment pay or overtime pay.
407.01 OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT
A. General Guidelines
1. City policy allows city employees to engage in secondary employment, under certain
conditions and with some restrictions. Please see the City’s Personnel Rules and
Regulations for more information.
407.00 OFF-DUTY POLICE EMPLOYMENT
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a. Off-duty jobs which are not law enforcement or security related require the
completion of a City of Fort Worth Secondary Employment request form. These
forms can be obtained from either the Employment Services Section or the City of
Fort Worth Human Resources Department, and must be approved through the chain
of command. Any questions regarding these types of jobs should be directed to the
City of Fort Worth Human Resources Department.
2. The Fort Worth Police Department may additionally permit its officers to engage in offduty law enforcement and security-related (LE/SR) employment after they have
completed their probationary period. Both the officer and the off-duty employer/location
must be approved in accordance with this policy prior to the officer engaging in such
work. Financial arrangements in these cases shall be between the officer and the off-duty
employer. Officers approved to perform off-duty LE/SR employment shall be covered by
benefits established under the Worker’s Compensation Act provided it is determined the
officer was injured while acting in the course and scope of police duties. TBP 4.05
3. It shall be the responsibility of the designated Off-Duty Employment Coordinator to
maintain a list of established minimum hourly rates and minimum durations of duty for
all new employment vendors approved in accordance with the applicable requirements
and restrictions of General Order 407.01, Off-Duty Employment.
B. Definition of Terms
For the purposes of this General Order, the following definitions shall apply:
1. Actions Taken in the Course and Scope of Police Duties – actions by an officer when not
scheduled to work for the City of Fort Worth, taken to enforce the criminal laws of the
City of Fort Worth, the state of Texas, or the United States.
2. On-Duty Action – is any action taken by an officer while working for the Fort Worth
Police Department during assigned working hours.
3. Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions – are those taken within the scope and course of
duties as a police officer to enforce local, state or federal criminal laws, whether or not
they occur while the officer is working an off-duty LE/SR job.
C. Approval Procedures for Off-Duty LE/SR Employment TBP 4.05
1. Eligible officers desiring to engage in off-duty LE/SR employment must complete the
Off-Duty Employment form and submit it to their supervisors for review. These
supervisors shall determine if the officer and the work location should be recommended
for approval by taking the following steps:
a. Review the officer’s Internal Affairs file for sustained and unresolved complaints
against the officer. Make recommendations for approval or disapproval.
b. Check to see that the officer has completed the probationary period.
c. Check the officer’s attendance for satisfactory levels. Family and Medical Leave Actprotected absences should not be held against the officer when determining whether
to grant their request for approval to work off-duty jobs.
d. Check to see that the officer’s work productivity meets divisional expectations.
e. The supervisor over the applicant officer shall make recommendations of approval,
approval with restrictions, or disapproval. Any recommendations for restricted
approval or disapproval must be justified on the form, using attachments as necessary
for full explanation. This information shall be forwarded to the officer’s division
captain.
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2. The division captain over the applicant officer shall review the application and forward
it, along with recommendations and any included attachments, to the next level in the
chain of command.
3. The next level in the chain of command over the applicant officer shall provide the officer
with a completed copy of the application indicating either approval or disapproval and
place another copy of the completed application in the officer’s unit file.
4. It shall be each individual officer’s responsibility to comply with any restrictions that
have been instituted by the department regarding their off-duty LE/SR employment.
5. Off-duty LE/SR employment approvals shall remain in effect as long as the deputy chief,
or designee, has not taken action to withdraw an officer’s approval.
6. All original documentation applicable to off-duty LE/SR employment shall be filed in
Internal Affairs.
7. All officers approved to work off-duty LE/SR jobs shall be placed on a list maintained
by Internal Affairs.
8. Internal Affairs shall maintain a list of approved locations along with the officers
currently approved to work these locations.
9. Officers who are approved to work off-duty LE/SR employment at a location must notify
Internal Affairs when substantial changes in the approved off-duty LE/SR employment
occur such as hours of operation, etc.
10. Officers desiring to work at an approved location in a relief capacity for another Fort
Worth Police Department officer who is currently approved to work that location shall be
required to complete the Off-Duty Temporary Employment form available on the FWPD
portal after any relief shift. This notification shall be completed by the relief officer’s next
regular working day and forwarded through their chain of command.
a. Any officer working in a relief capacity shall be in good standing, including, but not
limited to, time and attendance and disciplinary record with the department.
b. An officer shall not work relief at a location on more than two (2) occasions without
submitting an application for approval to work that location.
11. Officers shall not work at an unapproved location. Officers who desire to work at a
location not currently approved for off-duty LE/SR work may submit a request by using
the Off-Duty Employment form.
12. Supervisors who receive requests to add new locations to the approved list shall conduct
a thorough investigation of the type of establishment to be approved. It should be
determined if alcoholic beverages are served, the type of calls for police service in the
past, general reputation of the establishment and the principal employees and/or owners,
and the number of officers needed to work the establishment safely.
13. This information shall be forwarded to the requesting officer’s division captain for review.
14. The division captain of the requesting officer shall collaborate with the division captain
with territorial responsibility to ensure that input is received regarding the proposed
location.
15. The requesting officer’s division captain shall forward this information, along with their
recommendation, through their chain of command.
16. The deputy chief shall determine if the location should be placed on the approved
locations list. If the location is disapproved, the deputy chief shall notify the officer
making the request. Regardless of whether a location is approved or disapproved, the
deputy chief will ensure Internal Affairs has been notified of the location status.
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17. Once a location and/or employer have been placed on the approved list, the location shall
remain approved until cause is shown for disapproval. Removal of a location will be the
responsibility of the captain, or higher, having territorial jurisdiction over the location.
18. An exception to the approval procedure for off-duty LE/SR employment may exist when
yearly or one-time events require several officers, i.e., four (4) or more officers. It will be
the responsibility of a supervisor to determine that the event falls into the approved
location criteria and to determine the assignment of the officers to work the event. An
inter-office correspondence listing the officers’ last name, initials, ID number, division
of the off-duty LE/SR employment location, and the name of the person supervising
and/or coordinating the event will be forwarded to Internal Affairs after approval has been
received through the appropriate chain of command. Yearly events will necessitate
approval and adherence to these procedures each year.
a. Personnel coordinating off-duty LE/SR jobs can only be compensated for the time
actually worked off-duty for that employer.
D. Limitations on Off-Duty LE/SR Employment TBP 4.05
1. Officers shall not engage in any outside business or occupation which limits their
effectiveness in discharging official duties.
2. Officers shall not use their official position to the direct benefit of a private business in
which they may have a conflict of interest, and shall perform their duties within the
framework of all applicable state statutes, city ordinances, and current police policies and
procedures.
3. All officers shall be mindful of the fact that participating in approved off-duty LE/SR
employment is a privilege. This privilege shall be available only so long as the individual
maintains satisfactory performance levels as a police officer and is in conformance with
all rules, regulations and other requirements.
4. Officers shall not be permitted to engage in off-duty LE/SR employment in a law
enforcement capacity outside the city limits of Fort Worth unless approved by the Chief
of Police or designee.
5. No officer shall be allowed to sell tickets, take tickets, transfer or exchange customers’
money for tickets at any business, promotion, or special event, including movie houses
and drive-in theaters.
6. No officer shall be permitted to work at collecting any bills or checks, nor may that
employment involve civil, domestic, and/or labor difficulties without the express consent
of the Chief of Police.
7. Officers are permitted to provide security for an employer when an employee is
transferring or handling money; however, officers are prohibited from personally
handling any funds.
8. Limitations on the maximum number of hours an officer is permitted to work off-duty
LE/SR employment are delineated in General Order 406.02 K.
9. Evidence of officers not fulfilling their official duties because of approved off-duty
LE/SR employment duty shall be cause for review of their privilege to work in this
capacity and may result in probation, restriction, cancellation, and/or other disciplinary
action.
10. Officers shall not be allowed to work in any establishment or for any individual whose
character might be considered questionable. Officers shall not be allowed to work at
events or establishments which operate illegal activities or, by the nature of their
operation, would bring discredit upon the department.
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11. Officers shall not be engaged in or financially interested in any detective agency or like
agency.
12. Officers shall not be commissioned by any other law enforcement agency.
13. Prior to authorizing an officer to work off-duty LE/SR employment, each officer’s
Internal Affairs record shall be carefully scrutinized in the areas of complaints, number
of complaints, type of complaints, severity of complaints, etc. The officer’s captain shall
notify the officer’s deputy chief when any officer’s record warrants review concerning
the officer’s suitability for approved off-duty LE/SR employment. The deputy chief may
deny, suspend, or restrict approved off-duty LE/SR employment privileges to any officer
who has an excessive history of complaints or other unsatisfactory conduct as an officer.
14. The officer’s attendance and production records must be satisfactory. Below standard
work, non-FMLA-related unacceptable attendance, or unsuitable appearance may result
in restriction or cancellation of the approved off-duty LE/SR employment privilege.
15. Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in denial, suspension, or restriction of any
officer’s off-duty LE/SR employment privileges. Such denial, suspension, restriction, or
subsequent restoration of such privileges shall be the sole province of the deputy chief,
or designee.
16. Officers working off-duty LE/SR employment shall provide law enforcement services
and enforce laws, regulations, and ordinances which they would normally be expected to
enforce during their normal tour of duty. Any behavior which would conflict with the
normal enforcement capabilities is prohibited. It is forbidden to engage in the
enforcement of rules promulgated by the employer, i.e., “house rules.”
17. When an off-duty officer makes an arrest, the prisoner(s) will be transported by an onduty officer. Completion of all related paperwork and any investigation becomes the
responsibility of the responding on-duty officer.
18. Officers shall not be permitted to drink alcoholic beverages while in uniform or while
working in approved off-duty LE/SR employment capacity.
19. Officers on restricted status and/or transitional duty for an occupational or nonoccupational medical matter shall be prohibited from working off-duty LE/SR
employment.
20. Officers working off-duty LE/SR employment must conform to all existing department
rules and regulations.
21. Officers must wear the approved standard uniform while engaging in off-duty LE/SR
employment unless specific approval, in writing, has been obtained from a deputy chief
to work in a plainclothes capacity.
22. An officer of lower rank shall not serve as supervisor to a member of higher rank while
both are engaged in off-duty LE/SR employment.
23. No officer shall receive total payment for a job worked and then issue payment to other
officers. All officers shall be paid on an individual basis by any off-duty employer.
24. Officers shall not work at any off-duty employment during the same hours, or portion
thereof, while on-duty or for which they fail to report for duty due to illness, injury, or
illnesses or injury of a family member.
25. Officers of the rank of captain, commander, deputy chief, and assistant chief are
prohibited from working off-duty LE/SR jobs, unless a written exception for coordination
of large special events is granted by the Chief of Police.
26. No officer shall engage in off-duty LE/SR employment which entails escorting any
vehicle or equipment, to include gas or oil rig equipment. This includes escorts both
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within and outside the city limits of Fort Worth. A deputy chief or higher can make a case
by case exception if an escort is necessary for the safety of the general public, to include
but not limited to, moving houses, planes, oversize loads, etc. If an exception is made, an
off-duty Fort Worth Police Department supervisor shall be responsible for coordinating
the job.
27. Officers are prohibited from working off-duty LE/SR employment at businesses even if
they are on the approved list during times that the business’s staff are underdressed
(including, but not limited to, wearing lingerie, body paint, wet t-shirt, etc.) or any other
form of provocative dress.
a. If a business is on the approved list and the business employees’ normal attire or
uniform can be construed as of a sexually suggestive nature (i.e., Twin Peaks,
Hooters, Coyote Ugly, etc.), officers should remain at the door or in the parking lot
unless summoned inside the business for a police objective.
28. Officers are prohibited from working off-duty LE/SR employment at establishments
which sell merchandise of a sexual or pornographic nature as their primary source of
revenue or that otherwise provides entertainment or services of a sexual nature including,
but not limited to, topless bars, X-rated video or bookstores, or adult entertainment
establishments.
29. Officers are prohibited from using city vehicles at off-duty LE/SR jobs unless the use was
pre-approved by the deputy chief or designee approving the location or event. The
approval for the city vehicles shall be limited to only marked vehicles when it is necessary
for the immediate safety of the officers and/or citizens. Regardless of approval for use of
a vehicle at a specific job, officers must have prior approval from the chain of command
to which the specific vehicle is assigned to use the vehicle.
E. Off-Duty LE/SR Employment Injuries
All injuries occurring while performing functions that are considered to be within the course
and scope of police duties (as defined in section B) should be immediately reported to an onduty patrol supervisor, who shall see that the required reports are completed. First Report of
Injury Report (DWC-1), a detailed injury IOC concerning the incident, and photographs if
applicable, shall be submitted by the end of the shift. The supervisor shall submit copies of
incident or offense reports to the Employment Services Section, Medical Records Unit for
filing.
1. Injuries occurring as a result of off-duty law enforcement action shall be treated as if they
occurred while the officer was on-duty for the purpose of compensation and benefits
provided by the City of Fort Worth.
2. Injuries sustained as a result of non-law enforcement activities are not considered job
related and any treatment and expenses incurred shall be the responsibility of the
approved off-duty employer, private insurance, or the individual officer.
F. Off-Duty Employment Time Reporting
1. Officers working off-duty employment shall submit all time worked in an off-duty
capacity on their regular timesheet using time reporting code “OFW.”
2. Supervisors shall review all time submitted using the OFW code for compliance with offduty employment policies.
407.02 POLICE RESERVES TBP 4.05
A. Reserve officers shall not work off-duty LE/SR employment for compensation.
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B. Reserve officers shall obtain permission from their deputy chief before working such jobs
without compensation.
410.01 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: SCOPE
A. All department employees shall be subject to disciplinary action for acts of misconduct.
B. In reference to civil service employees, misconduct is defined as any act committed or omitted
as required by the twelve (12) rules listed in General Order 410.02(B). TBP 2.04
C. The Professional Standards and Accountability Division is designated by the Chief of Police
as the official repository for all complaints received related to police employees. The
Professional Standards Division shall provide periodic reports to the Chief regarding the
current status of all investigations and shall keep the Chief apprised of any incident resulting
in discipline as defined in 410.02 (A). TBP 2.06
410.02 DISCIPLINARY ACTION: CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES TBP 2.06
A. The form of disciplinary action for civil service employees may be:
1. Captain’s Coaching.
2. Written reprimand.
3. Suspension without pay.
4. Demotion.
5. Indefinite suspension.
6. Dismissal.
a. In cases involving a felony conviction.
B. The following twelve (12) rules as set forth in Chapter 143, Local Government Code, and the
Rules and Regulations of the City of Fort Worth Civil Service Commission, are causes for
disciplinary action, including removal or suspension for civil service employees.
1. Conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude.
a. Conviction of a felony is cause for dismissal and conviction of a class A or B
misdemeanor may be cause for disciplinary action or indefinite suspension. (Chapter
143, Local Government Code, Section 143.056).
2. Violation of the provisions of the City of Fort Worth charter.
3. Acts of incompetency.
4. Neglect of duty.
5. Discourtesy to the public or to fellow employee while the officer is in the line of duty.
6. Acts showing lack of good moral character.
7. Drinking intoxicants while on-duty or intoxication while off-duty.
8. Conduct prejudicial to good order.
9. Refusal or neglect to pay just debts.
10. Absence without leave.
408.00 RESERVED
409.00 RESERVED
410.00 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
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11. Shirking duty or cowardice at fires, if applicable.
12. Violation of any of the rules, regulations, or any orders of the police department.
410.03 DISCIPLINARY ACTION: NON-CIVIL SERVICE PERSONNEL
A. Disciplinary procedures for non-civil service personnel are governed by the City of Fort
Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations.
B. Disciplinary action for non-civil service employees is normally applied in progressive steps
when performance is unsatisfactory. The form of disciplinary action may be:
1. Oral warning (Documented Counseling)
2. Written warning
3. Suspension (or equivalent reduction in pay)
4. Disciplinary probation
5. Demotion.
6. Termination
C. Prior to initiating disciplinary action involving non-civil service personnel, the supervisor
initiating the process shall consult the appropriate section of the City of Fort Worth Personnel
Rules and Regulations.
1. The supervisor shall also consult with appropriate personnel in the Police Employment
Services Section as well as the Employee and Labor Relations Division prior to finalizing
any disciplinary action other than an oral or written warning.
D. In the event that the actions of a non-civil service employee necessitates termination, the
supervisor shall adhere to the following procedures.
1. Provide written notice to advise the employee of the pre-disciplinary meeting and why
discipline is being considered as well as to consider the response of the affected employee
(suggested format is located in 13.5.5.1 of the General Employee PRR)
2. Immediately place the employee off work on administrative leave.
3. Allow the employee to remain on administrative leave until the scheduled meeting.
4. Obtain all city-issued equipment, keys, tools, ID cards, etc.
5. At the earliest opportunity, consult with the Police Employment Services Section
E. Subsequent to the above steps, the normal procedures outlined in the City of Fort Worth
Personnel Rules and Regulations (13.5.5), shall be followed.
F. The appeal and grievance processes for non-civil service employees are detailed in the City
of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations. Oral warnings, including documented oral
warnings, are not grievable.
410.04 PERSONNEL COMPLAINT
A. A personnel complaint is an allegation, received from any source, of misconduct or violation
of policy by a department employee.
B. When a complaint is received by Internal Affairs, the complaining party; the department
employee; and, a detailed summary of the complaint shall be documented in the database. If
it can be proven that the complaint is without merit or merely against department practice and
policy, then the department employee shall be omitted from the entry.
C. When a complaint is received by Communications/Field Supervision:
1. A “Supervisor” call shall be generated (29CC) and held in the “Citywide” que until it
can be dispatched to the appropriate field sergeant.
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2. The call taker should only obtain the complaining party’s name, phone number, and the
officer on whom they are making a complaint. The sergeant/supervisor’s unit number
shall be the only information placed in the CAD details rather than the officer’s name.
3. Whenever possible, the call should then be dispatched to the officer’s direct supervisor.
If the supervisor is unavailable, then it should be dispatched to a sergeant on the same
patrol team. As a last resort, it should be dispatched to a supervisor within the same
division.
4. The responding supervisor shall:
a. If the complaint could result in discipline as defined in 410.02A:
The supervisor shall initiate an “Administrative” case on Blue Team with the details
conveyed to the supervisor by the complaining party and shall notify Internal
Affairs, via email, requesting an Administrative Case number, a case liaison, and a
determination whether the complaint will be investigated by the field or Internal
Affairs.
b. If the complaint will not result in discipline:
The supervisor will initiate a “Field Complaint” incident on Blue Team and
document the details of the complaint.
(1) If the complaint is meritless or false, the supervisor shall NOT link the officer
to this incident with an allegation.
(2) If the complaint has merit or could not be deemed meritless, the officer shall be
linked to the incident with an allegation. The supervisor shall then note in the
“summary” portion of the incident their findings of the allegation so it can be
properly coded by the Blue Team coordinator.
(3) If the complaint requires further cursory investigation
The supervisor shall complete any follow-up investigation within ten (10) days
and enter it into Blue Team per the above guidelines.
NOTE: Unless the complaint could result in formal discipline, it can be
forwarded directly from the lieutenant/field supervisor to Internal
Affairs (“Mark Incident as Complete”)
D. The Early Intervention/Professional Standards Unit will conduct random audits to ensure that
the complaints dispatched are entered into Blue Team.
E. All personnel complaints shall be accepted and a Personnel Complaint form shall be
completed without unnecessary delay whenever: TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
1. The complaint is of misconduct of a nature which, if true, would normally result in a form
of disciplinary action outlined in General Order 410.02.
2. The complaint is received from a source outside the department or the alleged violation
involves an incident of serious nature.
F. Whenever an employee who is not a supervisor becomes aware, either through personal
observation or other means, of possible misconduct they shall, if applicable, take corrective
action to preclude continuation or escalation of the incident and shall immediately notify a
supervisor. TBP 2.04
G. When any supervisor becomes aware of possible misconduct, either through personal
observation or other means, the supervisor shall take action to prevent continuation or
aggravation of the incident. The supervisor shall also conduct a preliminary investigation,
which shall include, when applicable: TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
1. Names, identification numbers, and assignments of all involved employees, including
employees who are witnesses.
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2. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of the complaining person and any known
witnesses to the incident who are not department employees. Times, locations, and
business and residential telephone numbers where these individuals may be contacted
shall be indicated.
3. A statement from the complaining person obtained by an interview of that person by the
reporting supervisor.
4. Photographs of actual or claimed injuries to the complaining person. Photographs shall
be taken in all cases involving allegations of excessive force.
5. Any available information regarding medical treatment obtained by the complaining
person as a result of the incident.
6. The disposition of any evidence obtained.
7. A supervisor shall not be assigned to conduct an investigation of alleged misconduct if
they are the reporting party, the ultimate decision-maker regarding disciplinary action, or
if they have any personal involvement regarding the alleged misconduct.
H When warranted, the allegation of misconduct shall be reported on a Personnel Complaint
form (FWPD-12-4/95). TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
1. Signature of the reporting party.
a. Personnel Complaint forms shall be witnessed when an allegation of misconduct is
received from a source other than sworn personnel.
b. If the reporting party refuses to sign the form or cannot sign the form for a compelling
reason, such as incapacity or the person lives a considerable distance outside the city,
the interviewing supervisor shall include the reason for not obtaining the signature in
the narrative portion of the form. In instances where a valid reason exists for not
obtaining the reporting party’s signature, for the purposes of the Texas Government
Code, Chapter 614.022 and 614.023, the signature of the interviewing sergeant in the
“Reporting Party” block will be considered a valid substitute for the signature of the
reporting party.
c. If the supervisor becomes aware of the misconduct through personal observation or
the misconduct is of a nature whereby the complaining party is the administrative
entity of the department, the reporting supervisor shall sign the Personnel Complaint
form as the “Reporting Party.”
2. Information on witnesses who are not department employees and investigative results,
other than the reporting party’s statement, shall not be included in the Personnel
Complaint form. Such information shall be documented in a separate IOC and directed
to Internal Affairs.
3. The reporting supervisor shall consult with Internal Affairs to review the Personnel
Complaint prior to being served to the involved officer. TBP 2.04
I. Minor incidents which will not reflect discredit upon the department, but which indicate a
need for some form of corrective action and/or training, may be dealt with by the involved
officer’s immediate supervisor with the review and concurrence of the involved employee’s
division commander/captain. TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
J. A Personnel Complaint form shall not be completed when complaints are solely against
department policies or procedures. If a complaint is determined to be concerning department
policies or procedures and no misconduct is indicated, and the incident cannot be explained
to the complaining person’s satisfaction, that person shall be referred to the organizational
entity having administrative control over the subject matter. TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
K. Complaints from Intoxicated Persons or a Third Party Source. TBP 2.04
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1. When a personnel complaint is received from an intoxicated person, a Personnel
Complaint form shall be prepared and processed, without the complaining person’s
signature. The complaining person shall be re-interviewed at the earliest opportunity after
having regained sobriety by the supervisor assigned the investigation. During the reinterview, the complaining person shall be asked to sign the Personnel Complaint form.
2. When a personnel complaint is received from a third party source, a complaint form shall
be prepared and processed. The third party source shall be asked to sign the Personnel
Complaint form as the reporting party.
3. In either event, unless the personnel complaint is validated by subsequent interview of
the intoxicated person or an actual party to the incident, the final disposition of such
complaint shall not be listed on an officer’s Internal Affairs record. All reports related to
such complaints shall be filed as miscellaneous memorandums by Internal Affairs.
L. A Personnel Complaint form shall not be completed on personnel complaints received from
anonymous sources; however, when information is received by a supervisor which originated
from an anonymous source, the supervisor shall complete an Inter-Office Correspondence
detailing the information received and forward it to Internal Affairs. TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
1. If the information received is of a nature that would jeopardize the integrity of an
investigation by being reduced to writing, it shall be handled in accordance with General
Order 410.07.
2. If the information received describes misconduct of a nature which, if true, would
normally result in a form of disciplinary action outlined in General Order 410.02, a
preliminary investigation will be conducted by the field supervisor.
3. When warranted, the allegation of misconduct shall be reported on a Personnel Complaint
form. If the identity of the anonymous reporting party cannot be determined or the
reporting party, if identified, refuses to sign the Personnel Complaint form, for the
purposes of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 614.022 and 614.023, the signature of
the investigating supervisor in the “Reporting Party” block will be considered a valid
substitute for the signature of the reporting party. TBP 2.04
410.05 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: SENSITIVE INVESTIGATION
A. When a personnel complaint or incident is of a nature that the integrity of the investigation
may be compromised or jeopardized by reducing the incident to writing, the reporting
supervisor shall immediately report the incident to their lieutenant, who shall report said
incident to the lieutenant of Internal Affairs.
B. If the reporting supervisor has reason to believe the integrity of the investigation may be
compromised by passage through normal channels, the supervisor shall personally report the
incident directly to the lieutenant of Internal Affairs. TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
C. When immediate action is required or the seriousness of the incident is such that it may subject
the department to severe criticism or liability, the reporting supervisor shall provide
immediate notification to the involved employee’s division captain/commander and to the
Captain of the Professional Standards Division. TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
1. In incidents of this magnitude, division commanders/captains or the Internal Affairs
Lieutenant or Captain may place the involved employee on Restricted or Detached duty,
with pay, and shall, when applicable, take custody of the employee’s badge, identification
card, and service weapon (unless personally owned).
2. If the decision is made to place an officer on restricted or detached duty, Internal Affairs
shall be contacted to facilitate the process, complete required documentation, and take
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custody of the involved employees badge, commission card, and service weapon (unless
personally owned).
3. The reinstatement of the officer and return of equipment can only be authorized by the
affected officer’s bureau Assistant Chief.
410.06 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: COMMAND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Supervisors who become aware of alleged misconduct shall: TBP 2.04
1. Ensure that, when warranted, a Personnel Complaint form is prepared without
unnecessary delay and signed by the interviewing supervisor and the reporting party.
2. Ensure that an appropriate preliminary investigation has been completed.
3. Ensure a BlueTeam Administrative Incidence is generated and Internal Affairs notified
to obtain a case identification number and to review the Personnel Complaint form.
4. Ensure that all complaint forms, copies, and related reports are attached to BlueTeam
incident.
5. The investigator or supervisor performing the investigation shall provide the employee
with the written allegations in the complaint no less than 48 hours before the initial
interview or requesting any inter-office correspondence or other correspondence related
to the incident from the employee. TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
NOTE: The 48 hour notice does not apply to on-scene investigations that occur immediately
after an incident.
B. Division commanders/captains have the primary responsibility for investigating personnel
complaints made against employees of their divisions. A division commander/captain who
becomes aware of any allegation of misconduct shall monitor all resulting activities and shall
ensure that personnel under their command have fulfilled their responsibilities provided in
this order. A division commander/captain may request that Internal Affairs conduct an
investigation on any allegation of misconduct or personnel complaint. TBP 2.04 and TBP 2.06
410.07 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: INTERNAL AFFAIRS
RESPONSIBILITIES TBP 2.06
A. The lieutenant or above of Internal Affairs shall act in a staff advisory capacity when
necessary. The Internal Affairs Lieutenant may assume responsibility for the investigation of
any personnel complaint when, in the opinion of the lieutenant, it is advisable to do so.
B. Internal Affairs shall assume responsibility for a personnel complaint when:
1. It has been alleged an employee has committed any felony or Class A or B misdemeanor.
2. The allegation of misconduct is against employees of more than one division.
3. The investigation involves an allegation of:
(a) Excessive force,
(b) Sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature,
(c) Hostile work environment,
(d) Disparate treatment or inappropriate comment due to gender, race, ethnicity, age, or
sexual orientation,
(e) Retaliation for reporting the misconduct of another, or
(f) Untruthfulness.
C. The lieutenant of Internal Affairs has the authority to obtain the advice and assistance of any
departmental entity.
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410.08 ARRESTED DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEE
A. If an employee of the department is detained or arrested for any criminal offense within the
City of Fort Worth, the officer detaining or arresting the employee shall immediately notify a
supervisor of the division in which the employee is detained or arrested.
B. A supervisor who has been notified that an employee of the department has been arrested or
detained shall immediately proceed to the scene and shall ensure that a lieutenant or above of
the patrol division in which the incident occurs is immediately notified.
C. The lieutenant of the patrol division shall ensure immediate notification is made to:
1. The Internal Affairs lieutenant.
2. Special Investigations personnel.
3. The commander/captain of the employee’s division of assignment.
4. The Public Information Officer.
D. When a need is indicated to present to the jail an employee who has been arrested, Special
Investigations personnel shall contact the involved employee’s bureau deputy chief or
assistant department head for booking approval. If the involved employee’s deputy chief or
assistant department head is unavailable, the duty deputy chief shall be contacted for booking
approval.
E. The deputy chief or assistant department head contacted shall determine if the employee is to
be presented to the jail for booking.
1. If no deputy chief is available, the Captain of the Professional Standards Division shall
make the determination as to whether booking shall take place.
F. Internal Affairs shall conduct an investigation whenever an employee is arrested for or
believed to be a principal suspect in a felony or class A or B misdemeanor offense. When
warranted, Special Investigations personnel shall be responsible for submitting the criminal
case to the District Attorney for consideration of criminal prosecution. The Captain of the
Professional Standards Division has the discretion to assume responsibility for investigations
related to class C misdemeanor violations.
G. When any employee of the department is detained or becomes aware that they are believed to
be the principal suspect in a criminal offense, other than minor traffic violations committed
outside the City of Fort Worth, including offenses committed outside of the State of Texas,
the employee shall as soon as possible notify a supervisor.
1. All employees of the department must notify a supervisor as soon as possible regarding
any changes, corrections, or updates to criminal charges, including criminal convictions
for offenses other than minor traffic violations, within the employee’s criminal history
report. Quarterly audits shall be conducted to verify employees’ compliance with this
General Order.
H. When any employee of the department becomes aware that another employee has been
detained or is believed to be a principal actor in a criminal offense, other than minor traffic
violations committed outside the city, the employee shall immediately notify a supervisor.
I. Any supervisor who is notified regarding the detainment or arrest of an employee by another
law enforcement agency, other than minor traffic violations, shall ensure that immediate
notification is made to Internal Affairs and to the division commander of the involved
employee.
J. Internal Affairs personnel shall respond to the scene or to the indicated outside agency when
the incident involves an alleged felony or class A or B misdemeanor.
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1. A supervisor from the involved employee’s division of assignment shall respond on
alleged class C misdemeanor violations if the violation is of a magnitude to require
immediate investigation.
a. Regardless of whether a supervisor responds to the scene, a Personnel Complaint
form shall still be prepared and processed.
2. The responding supervisor shall conduct a preliminary investigation and a Personnel
Complaint form shall be prepared and processed as described in General Order 410.06.
3. The responding supervisor shall advise concerned members of the outside agency that
the preliminary investigation is for internal administrative purposes only and that any
evidence obtained by the responding supervisor solely as a result of interviewing the
involved employee shall not be disclosed to the agency conducting the criminal
investigation. Responding supervisors shall exercise extreme care not to interfere with
the investigation of the outside agency.
410.09 DISPOSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATIONS
A. Administrative investigations which may result in disciplinary action, whether conducted by
Internal Affairs or the involved employee’s division of assignment, shall be completed within
forty-five (45) calendar days from the date the complaint is received or initiated.
Note: Due to the complicated nature of some investigations, the investigation deadline may
be extended by the division commander.
B. Unless approved by the Chief of Police or designee, the complete administrative investigation
review, employee notification, and issuance of any discipline will be the responsibility of the
chain of command of the officer at the time of the incident or misconduct. If an employee is
moved prior to the completion of the investigation, the chain-of-command responsible for that
employee at the time the incident occurred will continue the investigation, review and
notifications. Reassignment of the officer does not reassign responsibility of any part of the
investigative, notification or discipline process.
C. The review by the chain of command shall be completed within twenty-one (21) calendar days
of the date the investigation is completed or the date the investigative report is received from
Internal Affairs. The chain of command may receive an extension with approval from the
Chief of Police.
D. A completed investigation shall be submitted to the involved employee’s division commander
by the supervisor of same and shall include a summary of facts prepared by the supervisor
with an appropriate conclusion, classifying each specific act of misconduct into one of the
following categories:
1. Unfounded: The investigation reveals sufficient evidence to believe the complained of
act did not occur.
2. Exonerated: The investigation reveals the complained of act occurred but was legal,
proper, and justified.
3. Not-Sustained: The investigation discloses insufficient evidence to believe the
complained of act either did or did not occur.
4. Sustained: The investigation discloses sufficient evidence to conclude the complained of
act occurred.
E. When an investigation subsequently discloses additional allegations of misconduct which
were not described in the original personnel complaint, and the classification of the original
complaint is other than sustained, a new complaint form shall be prepared and a supplemental
investigative report completed. When any allegation of misconduct in the original personnel
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complaint is sustained, the new allegations may be recorded as separate supplemental charges
in the investigative report for the original complaint.
F. If any allegation of misconduct is sustained, the employee’s captain at the time the incident
occurred shall:
1. Prepare the summary report using the “Field Write-up” template provided on the internal
police department portal,
2. Discuss the findings with the involved officer’s sergeant and lieutenant (or applicable
rank) to determine an appropriate discipline recommendation,
3. Discuss the findings and recommendation for disciplinary action with the involved
employee in person, documenting the meeting in the summary report, and
4. Forward the completed investigation and summary report for review to the next level in
the officer’s chain of command.
G. When a completed investigation is forwarded for review, the next higher level will meet with
the preceding level to discuss the disciplinary recommendations. Each ascending level shall
document the results of that meeting as follows:
1. If the next level up concurs with the lower level finding, they will document concurrence
in the comments section of the Blue Team report. No additional report shall be generated,
nor is a meeting with the officer required.
2. If the next level up disagrees with the lower level finding, the higher level will generate
a new report to document only their explanation and findings. Whenever there is a
disagreement with a lower level finding and/or disciplinary action, the higher level will
meet with the officer to inform them of their findings and recommendation for
disciplinary action.
H. The review process will continue moving through ascending levels in the chain of command
until it reaches one level above the designated permissible discipline levels established by the
Meet & Confer contract in effect at the time the misconduct occurred.
Example: If the conduct occurred during 2018, and the recommended discipline is a three (3)-
day suspension or less, then a commander would issue the discipline and notate in the
BlueTeam comments which deputy chief concurred with the discipline.
I. Disciplinary suspensions may only be served by the rank of commander and above. Captains
and below are not permitted to issue a disciplinary suspension. Meetings between the
appointed rank and the officer for all disciplinary suspensions shall be scheduled by the
appointed rank and held in the office of Internal Affairs or an agreed upon location. Internal
Affairs personnel will assist the appointed rank by generating the appropriate paperwork for
the meeting.
J. Upon completion of the review and issuance of discipline, the final reviewer shall forward the
investigation and all related documents to Internal Affairs.
K. Under no circumstances shall any level of review change or require a change in conclusions
and/or recommendations of another.
L. If any level of review determines that additional investigation is required, the further
investigation shall normally be conducted by the supervisor or Internal Affairs investigator
conducting the original investigation.
411.00 RESERVED
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413.01 PEER SUPPORT TEAM
Peer Support Team members are not counselors or therapists but are specially trained colleagues
who volunteer their time to provide intervention and assistance to police department employees
involved in traumatic incidents and in times of personal and/or professional crisis. These team
members shall not be additionally compensated by the department for the work done as peer
support team members. All such work shall be done in addition to the employee’s regular duties,
on a voluntary basis. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Manager/Crisis Intervention
Program will oversee the team.
A. Information given to members of the Peer Support Team is not protected by legal privilege;
however, communication between Peer Support Team members and employee is confidential
through department-mandated policy and shall not be subject to any administrative
investigation. The exceptions to confidentiality occur in cases where the law requires
divulgence:
1. A danger to self or others,
2. Suspected child abuse,
3. Narcotics offenses,
4. Domestic violence,
5. Factual elderly abuse, or
6. Felonies and serious misdemeanors.
B. When employees are directed to seek assistance from the Peer Support Coordinator or EAP
by the department, only the supervisor or command staff with the need to know may be
informed of the employee’s compliance with the directive.
C. The Peer Support Team is supervised by the Peer Support Coordinator, or Team Leader,
whose duties shall be to:
1. Select from volunteers, the employees who shall make up the unit. Applicants must be
sworn officers or full-time police department employees in good standing. An interview
process will occur and the Coordinator, with the assistance of the EAP Manager, will
recommend applicants that appear to be best suited for peer support. The Coordinator will
forward the list of recommended applicants to their Deputy Chief for review. After
review, their Deputy Chief will forward a final list of recommended applicants through
their chain of command ending with the Chief of Police for approval.
2. Maintain an accurate roster of the names, telephone numbers, duty assignments, and other
information regarding availability of team members who may respond when needed. The
Peer Support Coordinator shall provide this list to the Police Communications Division
supervisor.
3. Design and provide any specialized training the department requires in regard to peer
support, stress management, or crisis intervention.
4. Upon request by the command staff, at the time a disciplinary action has been initiated,
intervene on behalf of any officer or full-time employee of this department to determine
412.00 RESERVED
413.00 PEER SUPPORT TEAM
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if the root cause may be other than a disciplinary matter, and provide any needed
assistance and/or referral as necessary.
413.02 RECALL FOR PEER SUPPORT TEAM
A. Incidents subject to recall include but are not limited to:
1. Officer involved in a shooting with serious injury or death.
2. Officer involved in a major vehicle accident involving serious bodily injury or death.
3. Any similar incident that might be viewed as a cause of serious psychological stress upon
the officer or police employee.
B. The Peer Support Coordinator shall be contacted by a Police Communications Division
supervisor when a patrol supervisor has requested the services of the Peer Support Team. The
Police Chaplain shall be notified if requested by the employee.
C. Notification of a peer support team member shall be initiated by the Peer Support Coordinator
or the Police Communications Division supervisor. On-duty members shall be given priority
in selection due to the importance associated with rapid response; however, officers or
employees may specifically request any peer support team member on the active list.
D. The team member may be allowed to accompany the employee through all phases of the
investigation, if requested by the concerned employee and with the permission of the
investigator. The peer member’s status is not official and they shall take no part in the
investigation. Under no circumstances shall the peer member do anything that might disrupt
or interfere with the investigation. The Peer Support Coordinator shall be responsible for the
supervision of the team member working with the concerned employee during the initial
phases of their contact.
E. Peer Support Team members shall not be used for police duties when off duty and acting in
their capacity as a peer support team member.
F. In accordance with General Order 413.01 A, Peer Support Team members shall maintain
confidentiality for all conversations they are a party to between the officers and/or employees
when performing peer support duties.
413.03 REASSIGNMENT OF PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN A MAJOR INCIDENT
A. Officers involved in shootings, accidents, or other major incidents which result in death or
serious injury to any of the parties involved, may be temporarily reassigned to other duties by
the Chief of Police or designee.
B. This reassignment is not automatic and is subject to review and concurrence by the Chief of
Police or designee after the request is made by either the officer involved, a division
commander or captain with concurrence of their bureau deputy chief, or the Peer Support
Coordinator.
C. The reassigned position shall be determined by the Chief of Police or designee and shall
conform, as closely as possible, to the employee’s normal tour of duty.
D. The duration of the temporary assignment shall be decided by the Chief of Police or designee
upon determination that the employee has had sufficient time to readjust, and has successfully
recovered.
E. During the period of readjustment, if so indicated or requested, the Peer Support Coordinator
may meet with the officer and/or refer the officer to an outside professional or agency for
counseling. This referral shall in no way indicate departmental liability for subsequent
treatment.
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F. This procedure shall not affect the prerogative of the Chief of Police to place an employee on
detached duty or any other restricted status.
414.01 VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS
A. The police lead chaplain shall be appointed by the Chief of Police and is organizationally
attached to the office of the Assistant Chief over the Finance and Personnel Bureau. The
mission of the volunteer chaplain program is to provide non-denominational spiritual
guidance, counseling and crisis intervention to the employees of the Fort Worth Police
Department. Police Chaplain(s) shall demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for cultural,
religion, gender, sexual orientation and physical differences when working with employees
and the public.
1. The police lead chaplain shall maintain a list of representative faiths and seek to recruit
clergy members from those faiths to assist in the responsibilities of the police department
as needed.
2. The police lead chaplain shall be responsible for supervision, direction, and coordination
with team police chaplains and, with assistance from the appropriate division(s), is
responsible for background screening of team members, including but not limited to,
criminal history checks, reference check, and degree and employment verification.
B. The police chaplain(s) shall be aware of the unique responsibilities of sworn and non-sworn
employees.
1. The police chaplain(s) will be available to all police personnel and their family members.
Because of the confidential nature of the relationship, employees are not required to notify
their supervisor of the consultation; however, the officer shall call off if the consultation
will cause them to miss work.
a. An employee’s discussion with the chaplain concerning an addiction issue does not
equate to self-referral. Refer to the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and
Regulations, Alcohol Misuse and Drug Abuse Policy, for information related to selfreferral.
2. To the extent allowed by law, any communication that a person makes to a police chaplain
is on strictly confidential basis and shall not be released to any party other than the person
being counseled. Records and files shall be provided the utmost security.
3. The police chaplain may be contacted either through Police Communications or directly
by cell phone at any time.
C. The police chaplain(s) may not transport any person in their personal vehicle while on-duty
with the police department.
D. The police chaplain(s) may ride-in with the officers to observe police operations and be on
call to assist in situations where counseling or advice may be beneficial.
1. Police chaplain(s) shall not interfere with any investigation or divulge information to
family members, witnesses or victims without an approval from an on-duty supervisor.
2. Police chaplain(s) shall refer all news media requests to the on-scene police supervisor or
the Public Relations Office.
3. Police chaplain(s) shall complete and sign a waiver which shall be kept on file with the
Patrol Bureau office. Once the waiver has been completed and filed, the member will not
be required to complete the waiver or have a criminal history check for each ride-in.
414.00 SERVICES OF POLICE CHAPLAIN
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E. The police chaplain shall be notified immediately by Police Communications of an employee’s
on-duty death or serious injury.
1. If requested by the department or the family, the lead police chaplain will assist in
coordination of funeral or memorial services for in-the-line of duty deaths, and upon
approval by the Assistant Chief may assist with the funeral or memorial services of any
police employee.
2. If requested by the department or employee, the police chaplain(s) will be available for
visitation of a hospitalized or home-bound employee.
F. Police Chaplains(s) serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police.
416.01 USE OF TRAINING CENTER FACILITIES
A. The Police Training Academy shall be open from 0730 to 1700, Monday through Friday,
remaining closed on weekends and holidays unless special provisions are made. First priority
for the use of the facilities shall remain official police department training. In situations of a
police department mission-critical function, police personnel will have priority over any noncritical group that has scheduled use of the training facilities.
B. During those times when the gymnasium and weight room are not in official use for approved
training by the police department, other organized activities or individual use may be
scheduled by contacting the Police Training Division Captain or designee, who shall have full
authority and responsibility for scheduling. When using the training center after normal hours,
it shall be the responsibility of each person to verify that any doors used in the building by the
person and/or their group are secured.
C. Use of the training center gymnasium and weight room shall be limited to police employees,
both sworn and civilian. No individual or group activities shall be allowed involving non-city
employees. Employees are strictly prohibited from loaning ID cards to family, friends, or
associates for access to the facility or controlled areas.
D. Any organization, other than Fort Worth Police or Fire Departments, requesting use of the
Training Division building will be required to sign a release form.
E. Employees are strictly prohibited from bypassing security systems in the Training Center.
Bypassing security may include, but not be limited to, tampering with or making an electronic
door lock or electronic gate inoperable, bypassing the card reader, circumventing settings or
programing by tampering with the on/off switch, parking on the gate sensor to keep the gate
open, and/or bracing open an exterior access or an exit-only door or gate which is scheduled
to be locked.
NOTE: An exception to bracing open a door for training or other legitimate purposes requires
advanced authorization from the Training Captain.
415.00 RESERVED
416.00 USE OF TRAINING CENTER FACILITIES
417.00 RESERVED
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418.01 SENIORITY PROCEDURES
A. The Fort Worth Police Department subscribes to the following values and philosophies
concerning personnel assignments:
1. Public safety is our primary concern.
2. The department’s goal is to place the best qualified officer in each position; therefore,
qualification is the first consideration for assignment.
3. Civil service rules and procedures determine qualifications for advancement from rank to
rank.
4. Management retains the right to set job requirements, make assignments, and exercise
judgments within the civil service framework; however, management must be prepared
to explain its decisions.
5. Seniority is rewarded by the provisions for longevity pay.
6. Seniority may be considered for personnel assignments of officers below the rank of
lieutenant.
7. Special needs or hardships of individual officers may be considered when making
assignments.
8. The decisions of the Chief of Police on transfers and/or assignments are not subject to the
grievance procedure.
B. Assignment for all officers will normally be determined by the following factors:
1. Special skills or experiences required by the job.
2. Special training or educational requirements.
3. Previous job performance.
4. Special needs or hardships of individual officers.
C. Normally, seniority for the purpose of asserting a seniority preference, shall be determined by
the date of commission or promotion to the present rank. If the date of promotion or
commission are identical for two or more officers, seniority will be determined by officers’
final position in their graduating academy class or on their promotional list.
1. Seniority for officers who have received a demotion due to a reduction in force shall be
determined by the date of original appointment to the rank to which they are being
demoted.
2. Seniority for officers who are involuntarily demoted under provisions of chapter 143 of
the Texas Local Government Code shall be determined by the effective date of the
demotion.
3. Seniority for officers who are reappointed after voluntary resignation shall be determined
by their date of reappointment.
D. Officers in the rank of lieutenant and above may not assert seniority preference for unit
assignment, shift assignment, days off, vacation leave, or holiday leave. These are
discretionary personnel decisions made by the Chief of Police in the best interests of the
department with consideration for any special needs or hardships of individual officers.
E. Officers below the rank of lieutenant may not assert seniority preference for unit or shift
assignment, but may assert seniority within their work unit for:
1. Vacation preference.
2. Days off preferences by work unit as soon as the days become available. Officers may
not bump other officers from their days off because of seniority.
418.00 SENIORITY PROCEDURES
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3. In the case of unwanted transfers, the senior officer may not bump days off, holidays, or
vacations already set; however, at the first day off vacancy, etc., the senior officer may
assert their seniority preference.
NOTE: Unit shall mean a first line supervisor’s work group.
F. Holiday deployment shall follow the normal course of days off except in those instances when
increased or reduced deployment is mandated by the circumstances of the holiday.
Commanders and supervisors shall endeavor to keep holiday deployment at the minimum
necessary to provide adequate police service.
419.01 POLICE OFFICERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
A. Contacts
1. An investigator shall make every attempt to contact the employee at a reasonable time
and place, and to conduct the interview during the employee’s normal tour of duty.
2. If the employee is caused to return to duty for the purpose of any interview, the city shall
be required to compensate the employee at the current compensation rate in effect for
call-back.
B. Telephone Interviews
Interviews held by telephone must indicate the person interviewing the employee, the time,
place, and date, which must be reasonable, and the nature of the allegations or act. If the
investigator reduces the recording to writing, the employees involved shall be furnished with
an accurate transcript of the conversation which they in turn must proofread for error and then
sign under the seal of a notary.
C. Investigations and Polygraph Examinations
1. Employees shall be entitled to all legal rights including:
a. Notice of allegation.
(1) The involved employee shall be given a copy of the Personnel Complaint form
signed by the reporting party and/or the supervisor who completed the form,
within a reasonable time after the complaint is filed. A “reasonable time” is
generally to be interpreted as being at the time of the employee’s investigative
interview; however, this does not apply to an investigation that takes place
immediately after an incident occurs. In such instances, the involved employee
shall be furnished with a copy of the Personnel Complaint form as soon as
practicable.
(2) A sign back receipt shall be required when the involved employee receives a
copy of the Personnel Complaint form.
b. Nature of charges either criminal, civil, or administrative.
c. Appropriate constitutional warning, in the case of a criminal investigation.
d. List of witnesses alleging such act.
e. Right to advice by counsel outside of the interview.
2. The investigator shall inform the employee whether they are being interviewed as a
witness or an involved party.
3. If at any time the nature of the investigation encompasses criminal matter where the
officer could be criminally charged, the employee shall be informed they are being
419.00 POLICE OFFICERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
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interviewed as a suspect, and shall have the right to constitutional warning, privilege
against self-incrimination, and right to counsel.
4. The employee shall enjoy reasonable freedoms during the investigation, including
smoking, drinking, restroom privileges, and telephone calls.
5. The investigator shall in no way subject the employee to harsh, abusive language or
humiliating treatment and if said treatment occurs, the exception shall be recorded in the
interview record.
6. Interviews must be related to the act alleged.
7. The employee must answer all questions truthfully and not withhold any pertinent
information.
8. Any employee attempting to influence or interfere with an investigative action, other than
through prescribed channels, shall be subject to disciplinary action.
9. In investigative actions where citizens of the community are contacted as to the character
of the employee at the request of the employee being investigated, it shall be the
responsibility of the investigator instituting such interviews to recontact the citizen and
advise them of the outcome of the investigation.
10. The Chief of Police has the authority to require an employee to take a polygraph for the
purposes of an investigation.
11. Employees shall not be required to sign any document indicating that they were not under
duress when undergoing a polygraph examination at the direction of the Chief of Police.
12. In polygraph examinations, except for preliminary control questions, questions must be
specifically addressed to the particular allegations charged in the original investigation.
13. Any information concerning the acts shall not be made available to any Civil Service
Commission or appeal board if that information was obtained under false pretenses.
14. Employees shall have the right to know if their Internal Affairs interview is being
recorded. They shall also:
a. Have the right to bring their own recording device to the interview.
b. Both parties must be aware of all recordings.
c. The device must be in full sight.
d. If the recorded interview is to be used in an Internal Affairs case investigation, it will
normally be reduced to writing.
e. If the employee requests a copy of their transcript:
(1) The employee shall be furnished with a transcript of their interview.
(2) They must initial the transcript for error.
(3) Said employees must sign the transcript under the seal of a notary.
15. All Internal Affairs investigations shall be used exclusively by administration and shall
not be released to outside agencies without the permission of the Chief of Police.
D. Right to Counsel
All employees shall have the right to free counsel when civil suits are instigated against them
as a result of a situation arising out of the normal duties required by their position, providing
they are acting within the scope of their assignment.
E. Internal Investigation Warning
The following warning shall be given to any employee before the interview begins:
I wish to advise you that you are being questioned as part of an official investigation of the
police department. You shall be asked questions specifically directed and narrowly related to
the performance of your official duties or fitness for office. You are entitled to all the rights
and privileges guaranteed by the laws and rules and regulations of the Fort Worth Police
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Department. I further wish to advise you that if you refuse to testify or to answer questions
relating to the performance of your official duties or fitness for duty, you shall be subject to
departmental disciplinary action which could result in your dismissal from the police
department. These statements may be used against you in relation to subsequent departmental
administrative charges. Moreover, if this investigation reveals information which becomes
criminal in nature, you shall then be advised of your rights under criminal procedures.
420.01 VACATION LEAVE
A. All division commanders/captains/division managers are responsible for scheduling vacation
leave on an annual basis for all members of their command/supervision and shall maintain the
vacation schedule for one (1) full calendar year.
B. Officers shall sign up for vacations by seniority within their units.
C. In cases of transfers, emergencies, or employees with less than one (1) year of continuous
employment, supervisors shall render decisions which reflect consideration of the employee’s
problem, but which are in the best interests of the department. In no instance shall an officer
be allowed to use unearned time.
D. It shall be the responsibility of supervisors to monitor vacation and holiday time to avoid
abuse. Additionally, the supervisor shall ensure appropriate staffing before approval of
vacation leave.
420.02 COMPENSATORY AND HOLIDAY LEAVE
A. Compensatory and accumulated holiday leave may be used in hourly increments.
B. Employees shall request use of compensatory and holiday leave in advance whenever
possible.
1. Accumulated compensatory time may be used when the employee desires to use the time,
if the supervisor agrees the time off may be scheduled at that time.
2. Supervisors shall grant leaves when the work unit functions shall not be unduly
interrupted by the requesting officer’s absence.
C. Whenever an employee uses any accumulated holiday or compensatory leave, they shall
complete their timesheet reflecting the use of this leave. If the use is via a call-off, the
supervisor shall complete the timesheet on the employee’s behalf and provide notification of
the entry to the employee.
421.01 TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS
This General Order applies to any department employee, sworn or civilian, who is involved in a
traumatic incident. It is not intended to displace or contradict Critical Police Incident (CPI)
investigative processes, but to facilitate the prompt access to assistance and return to work.
421.02 DEFINITIONS
A. A Traumatic Incident, for the purposes of this section, includes shootings, accidents and other
incidents that result in the serious bodily injury or death to any person. TBP 6.08
420.00 VACATION, COMPENSATORY, AND HOLIDAY LEAVE
421.00 TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS
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B. Traumatic Incident Leave is a designation of paid reprieve from regular duties for three (3)
workdays after the traumatic incident. The leave will commence on the employee’s first
regularly scheduled shift after the traumatic incident. TBP 6.08
C. The Traumatic Incident Coordinator (TIC) is an employee appointed by the Chief of Police
who will be the point of contact during a traumatic incident. The Peer Support Coordinator
has been appointed by the Chief of Police to serve in this position.
D. The Peer Support Team is defined in General Order 413.01, Peer Support Team.
E. Occupational injuries/illness is caused by exposure to factors associated with the scope of
employment. Workers’ Compensation claims may be filed for physical or psychological
occupational injuries.
421.03 TRAUMATIC INCIDENT LEAVE
A. Officers who, in the scope of their duties as a Fort Worth Police Officer, cause the death of
another person are required to take Traumatic Incident Leave. TBP 6.08
B. If above 421.03A does not apply, employees, sworn or civilian, involved in a traumatic
incident in the scope of their duties as an employee of the Police Department, may request to
take Traumatic Incident Leave. TBP 6.08
1. The division commander or captain has the discretion to activate the policy and require
employees impacted by a traumatic incident to take Traumatic Incident Leave.
C. The first workday after the traumatic incident will be defined as Day 1 of Traumatic Incident
Leave and the employee will not report for duty.
D. The second and third workdays, will be defined as Day 2 and Day 3 of Traumatic Incident
Leave, and the employee will be on administrative duties as directed by the Traumatic Incident
Coordinator. The employee will report to the Captain of the Training Division at the Training
Academy or other agreed upon location.
E. If the employee has a regularly scheduled day off, or pre-approved day off, the Traumatic
Incident Leave will commence or resume on the employee’s first regularly scheduled shift
after the incident.
F. If the employee is injured during the incident and has to take occupational leave, the
occupational leave day(s) will count as part of the Traumatic Incident Leave.
G. The employee will meet with the Traumatic Incident Coordinator, at the Training Center or at
another agreed upon location on the employee’s first scheduled shift after the three (3) days
of leave.
H. The employee will be available to meet with other City or Police Department officials as
necessary, i.e., Major Case, Law Department, range personnel, Chaplain, etc. The Traumatic
Incident Coordinator will be available to accompany or escort the officer to these meetings,
as requested.
421.04 SUPERVISORY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. At the time a traumatic incident occurs, the first line supervisor should communicate with the
Traumatic Incident Coordinator or designee upon his/her arrival on site.
B. The supervisor will be responsible for reviewing and approving time sheets for the period the
employee is on Traumatic Incident Leave, in compliance with this General Order.
C. If a supervisor has a concern about how an employee under his/her authority is dealing with
the traumatic incident, they are encouraged to provide the employee the list of Available
Resources for Assistance form, and to notify the employee’s chain of command.
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421.05 THE ROLE OF THE TRAUMATIC INCIDENT COORDINATOR
The Traumatic Incident Coordinator will be appointed by the Chief of Police. The Traumatic
Incident Coordinator will be available at any shift on any day to provide options to the involved
employee in order for the employee to make an informed decision about their mental health.
A. The Traumatic Incident Coordinator will provide the employee with the Available Resources
for Assistance form. The Traumatic Incident Coordinator is not authorized to accept medical
information, but may direct the employee to the Medical Records Custodian to file a Workers’
Compensation claim.
B. The employee is not required to disclose information to the Traumatic Incident Coordinator
about the traumatic incident, but may do so at his or her discretion.
1. The Police Department will endeavor to maintain confidentiality, but will be required to
release information as required by law
2. No information or details shared with the Traumatic Incident Coordinator will be
disclosed to any party without the employee’s knowledge unless required by state or
federal law.
421.06 RETURN TO REGULAR DUTIES
Prior to the end of Day 3 of Traumatic Incident Leave, the employee will meet with the Traumatic
Incident Coordinator to determine readiness to return to work and other available options.
A. The employee may return to his or her regular duty assignment, provided there are no medical
restrictions the Department cannot accommodate.
B. The employee may submit a Workers’ Compensation Claim, by filing a DWC-1, First Report
of Injury, through the Medical Records Custodian. This may result in occupational leave or
medical restrictions that limit the employee’s duties.
C. The employee may utilize personal leave in accordance with policies.
D. The employee may request a temporary reassignment to other duties that serve the
Department’s needs and best use of the employee’s skills and experience. Temporary
assignments are made by the Chief of Police or designee. The Chief or Designee may place
the employee in one of the positions available to officers on medically transitional duty.
E. The appropriate Deputy Chief, in consultation with the Traumatic Incident Coordinator, may
override the decision of the employee to return to full duty and recommend a temporary
assignment, or encourage the employee to seek evaluation by an appropriate medical provider,
if it is in the best interest of the employee and/or the Police Department.
F. In the event a temporary reassignment is made, the Police Department reserves the right to
review the status of the employee and his/her temporary assignment every thirty (30) days.
421.07 CONFIDENTIALITY
It is expected that any person involved in the traumatic incident process maintain the standards of
professional conduct as outlined in General Order 703.00, Professional Conduct, and respect the
privacy of the involved employee by not sharing any information regarding the incident, or the
persons involved, unless at the request of the Chief of Police or designee, the Law Department,
the court or as required by state or federal law.
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422.01 CALL-OFF PROCEDURES
It shall be the responsibility of employees who cannot report for duty to notify their supervisor at
the prescribed time for their respective division in accordance with their established standard
operating procedures. TBP 2.16
423.01 MILITARY LEAVE/LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
A. An employee requiring military leave shall comply with the City of Fort Worth Personnel
Rules and Regulations pertaining to active duty for military training. Employees of the city
who are members of the National Guard or official militia of Texas or any of the reserve
components of the armed forces of the United States are entitled to leaves of absence from
their respective duties without loss of time or efficiency rating on all days during which they
shall be engaged in training or when ordered or authorized by proper military authority to duty
B. Regular full-time, part-time, temporary and probationary employees will be given paid leave
for military duty covered by Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights
Act (USERRA). A maximum of 120 hours during the City’s payroll year will be paid military
leave. Employees absent for more than 120 hours shall be considered on leave of absence
without pay for all days in excess of those 120 hours. An employee may also use accumulated
vacation or compensatory time, if eligible. If an employee has no available leave time and is
placed on approved leave without pay, the employee will not accrue any leave benefits during
this time period.
1. When military duty exceeds 120 hours in any one (1) calendar year, the employee may
request a leave of absence without pay.
a. Any employee seeking a leave of absence without pay must submit a written notice
to the department head at least two (2) weeks prior to the date upon which the leave
is to begin. The written notice must include the following information: the
employee’s name, employee number, date of employment, classification, work unit
and supervisor, the reason for the leave, amount of leave time required including an
effective date, and the estimated date of return to work.
b. Any supervisor informed of impending military service shall work with the employee
to ensure that all additional paperwork required to report pay status and benefit
deduction information has been completed.
2. The employee may be eligible for a military leave supplement if the City Council has an
existing military leave benefit policy in place during the duration of deployment. If the
employee wishes to pursue this option, a copy of a current Leave and Earnings statement
from the military must be sent to Police Employment Services Section to determine
eligibility for this program. If the entitlement on the Leave and Earnings statement
changes during the employee’s absence for military duty, the employee must provide an
updated statement so that the supplement amount can be recalculated. A copy of the
completed worksheet will then be sent to the employee.
C. Required Steps for Military Deployment
1. Notify immediate supervisor.
422.00 CALL-OFF PROCEDURES
423.00 MILITARY LEAVE/LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY
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a. Provide a copy of deployment orders.
b. Turn in equipment such as laptops to Police Technology Services, cell phones and
pagers to the supervisor, and leave gas cards with the vehicle.
2. Notify the Military Leave Coordinator in Police Employment Services Section
concerning how the time will be carried after military leave is expended (i.e., vacation,
compensation time, accrued holiday, or without pay). Also provide the Military
Coordinator with a copy of deployment orders.
3. Provide a copy of deployment orders to the Training Division Records office.
4. Contact the City Human Resources Benefits office.
a. Provide a copy of deployment orders.
b. Verify beneficiary and assignment of benefits information.
c. Provide instructions on stopping or continuing deductions for benefits, life insurance,
deferred compensation and miscellaneous benefits.
NOTE: To continue coverage for miscellaneous benefits provided by other vendors such as
automobile, disability, optional life, etc., contact the provider directly with
instructions.
5. Contact the City Payroll Department to make changes to Direct Deposit or to drop any
unnecessary or unwanted deductions such as deductions to payroll for automobile or
personal loans. The Credit Union should be contacted for any arrangements unrelated to
the payroll deduction.
D. When returning to work after military leave, the employee shall comply with the City of Fort
Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations for reinstatement. If all requirements are met, the
employee shall:
1. Notify the current supervisor of the expected return date.
a. The current supervisor shall contact the Training Academy for requirements such as
firearms qualification, in-service training, and other training/qualification that may
be necessary before the officer returns to duty, and ensure the officer is aware of
those requirements.
2. Submit a copy of the Release from Active Duty orders to the Military Leave Coordinator
in Police Employment Services Section and Training Division Records.
3. Contact the City Human Resources Benefits office and City Payroll to reinstate health
benefits and other voluntary deductions as necessary.
424.01 GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. The following definitions apply:
1. Fit/unfit for duty – a medical determination as to whether or not an employee is able to
physically/mentally perform the essential functions of their job, with or without
reasonable accommodations.
2. Full duty – a medical determination that an employee can safely perform all of the
essential functions of their job with no limitations or restrictions.
3. Physician – a medical or osteopathic doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
424.00 SICK, FAMILY ILLNESS OR OCCUPATIONAL INJURY
LEAVE
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4. Transitional duty – a medical designation that an employee may return to work with
specific and detailed limitations or restrictions. This designation was previously referred
to as limited duty.
5. Transitional duty assignments – temporary assignments that include transitional, partial,
and part-time work which meets the following criteria:
a. The work must be productive;
b. The assignment must be consistent with the employee’s medically determined
restrictions; and
c. The employee must possess the necessary skills to perform the assignment.
6. Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) –
a. A declaration by the physician that no further medical treatment will improve the
officer’s capacity to perform the job; or
b. 104 weeks from the date the worker became eligible to receive income benefits
(statutory MMI), or
c. A date assigned by the Texas Insurance Commission as being an officer’s MMI date
as allowed for spinal injuries covered under Labor Code 408.104.
7. Major life activity – an activity that is of central importance to the individual’s daily life,
within the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as walking, seeing,
reading, bending, communication, and hearing.
8. Major body functions – an activity affecting functions of the immune system, normal cell
growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine,
and reproductive functions as provided in the ADA Amendment Act of 2008.
9. Medical Records Custodian (MRC) – The employee designated by the Police Department
to receive, maintain, and retain employee medical records and information as well as
maintaining the confidentiality and proper release of such records and information.
10. Supervisor – The person to whom the injured employee reported at the time/place the
injury or illness occurred. This may or may not be the person to whom the employee
reports on a regular basis.
B. An employee who is off duty on either sick or occupational leave or who is on transitional
duty shall not engage in any activities that are inconsistent with their physician’s instructions
or that would tend to aggravate or extend their illness or injury. Officers assigned to the K-9
unit must submit to the MRC written documentation from their physician indicating whether
or not they are physically able to continue to perform animal care while on medical leave or
transitional duty.
C. An employee, off duty on either sick or occupational leave, who intends to leave their
permanent residence for any period in excess of twenty-four (24) hours shall notify a
supervisor at the employee’s place of assignment, as well as the MRC, and provide the location
where the employee will be, and a telephone number where the employee can be reached.
D. Any employee on sick or occupational leave or transitional duty shall not engage in any offduty or secondary law enforcement or security-related (LE/SR) employment, unless
specifically authorized by the Chief of Police.
E. Officers on sick or injury leave or transitional duty shall not wear the police uniform.
F. The supervisor of any employee on sick leave or any employee on occupational leave shall
ensure at least one (1) interview is conducted when the employee has been on leave for a
period of seven (7) days and that interviews are made at least once during the thirty (30) day
period thereafter. The purpose of the interview is to relay concern for the officer’s well-being,
provide points to contact regarding their medical case and/or benefits, and to keep the officer
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engaged with the department as they convalesce from their injury/illness. Written notes of
these interviews should be provided to the MRC for documentation purposes. TBP 4.10
G. When an employee is on extended sick or occupational-related leave, at least one (1) interview
shall be conducted during each thirty (30) day period. TBP 4.10
H. A supervisor conducting an initial or follow-up interview shall determine whether the
interview is to be accomplished by telephone or in person. TBP 4.10
1. An interview may be conducted by telephone when:
a. The supervisor has prior knowledge of the illness or injury,
b. The employee has been hospitalized,
c. The employee has a communicable disease; or
d. The employee’s personnel record indicates no history of unauthorized use of sick or
occupational leave time.
2. An interview may be conducted in person when:
a. There is any indication that the ill or injured employee needs assistance,
b. When occupational illness or injury is claimed and the illness or injury was not
reported as required by General Order 424.06; or
c. The employee has a history of using unauthorized sick or occupational leave time
and/or there is an indication the employee may be doing so on this occasion.
I. As soon as the supervisor is made aware that an employee will be on sick leave for more than
three (3) consecutive work days, the supervisor will notify the MRC. TBP 4.10
J. An employee on leave because of personal illness or injury shall complete and provide to the
MRC the City of Fort Worth Non-Occupational Illness/Injury form during each thirty (30)
day period the employee is on such leave. TBP 4.10
K. Officers on sick leave, occupational leave or transitional duty:
1. Shall not participate in any physical exertion or activity, on-duty or off-duty, which may
or has the potential to aggravate or prolong the original injury or illness or cause a new
injury.
2. Shall submit required documentation in a timely manner:
a. Injury Reports by the end of the shift of the day of occurrence,
b. Requests for leave thirty (30) days in advance, whenever possible,
c. Return to Work documents within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt, and
d. FMLA Certification forms within fifteen (15) days.
3. When released to transitional duty shall maintain an acceptable level of performance in
their assignment.
424.02 ACCUMULATION AND PAYMENT OF SICK LEAVE: SWORN EMPLOYEES
A. A sworn employee is entitled to accrue sick leave with pay at the rate of 4.62 work hours for
each full pay period which computes to 1¼ days for each full month employed for a maximum
of 120 hours for each twelve (12) months of employment.
B. Police trainees begin accumulating sick leave on the first day of their initial employment.
However, sick leave may not be used until the trainee has been employed at least six (6)
months.
C. A sworn employee may accumulate sick leave without limit and may use the leave if unable
to work because of a legitimate illness.
D. A sworn employee who is temporarily disabled by an illness or injury and whose physician
does not release the employee to perform work of any nature may use all accumulated sick
leave, vacation time and other accumulated time before being placed on temporary leave
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without pay. Regular sick leave procedures shall apply when a sworn employee uses vacation
or other accumulated leave time to extend sick leave.
424.03 USE OF SICK LEAVE TBP 4.10
A. A sworn employee shall be entitled to take sick leave only:
1. When the employee is physically or psychologically unable to perform regular duties
because of illness or injury,
2. While undergoing medical, dental, ocular, or other diagnosis or treatment related to an
illness or injury,
3. When appearing for medical, dental, or ocular appointments which cannot be made
outside working hours,
4. After off-duty exposure to contagious disease or hazardous materials when in the opinion
of a city or personal physician, the presence of the employee for duty would jeopardize
the health of others; or
5. When the sworn employee requests to use accumulated sick leave in order to necessarily
extend leave beyond 520 workdays when the leave is required due to an occupational
illness or injury for which the employee’s physician has not released the employee to
perform work of any nature, or if released to work transitional duty, after the employee
has already worked six (6) months in a transitional duty capacity related to that same
illness or injury.
B. Sick leave shall not be used when:
1. The illness or injury arises from any sickness or injury purposely inflicted or caused by
willful misconduct except in those cases in which the employee has been referred to and
is involved in the City’s Employee Assistance Program,
2. The illness or injury is sustained while the employee is on any leave without pay,
3. The inability to work is a result of the employee’s own intemperance or “hangover.”
C. Any abuse of sick leave benefits shall be considered neglect of duty.
D. The City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations, “Voluntary Leave Bank Program,”
provides for a leave bank and delineates the requirements.
E. Civilian employees’ use of Sick/Family and Major Medical Sick Leave shall be governed by
the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations for general employees.
424.04 REQUESTING SICK LEAVE TBP 4.10
A. Any employee who must go off duty on sick leave due to a non-occupational illness or injury
shall notify to their immediate supervisor. If employee is unable to report for work due to
becoming ill or injured while off duty, the employee shall notify a supervisor at their place of
assignment immediately upon becoming aware of the inability to report. If a supervisor is not
available, the notification, including a telephone number where the employee can be reached,
shall be documented by the person receiving the call and a supervisor shall be informed at the
earliest convenience.
B. When an employee’s supervisor is made aware that an employee has called off sick and the
employee did not contact a supervisor, the employee’s supervisor shall contact the employee.
The contact shall be attempted as soon as practicable but, in any event, shall be attempted and
each attempt separately documented via Inter-Office Correspondence (IOC) to their
Commanding Officer during the first tour of duty the employee is on sick leave. If it is learned
that the employee will be absent from work for five (5) or more days, the employee shall be
required to complete the forms as outlined in General Order 424.05.
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C. If the employee is on leave for a FMLA-qualifying personal or family illness, the supervisor
shall notify the Medical Records Custodian (MRC) as outlined in General Order 424.10 and
the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations.
424.05 NON-OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS/INJURY
A. An employee suffering a non-occupational related injury or illness requiring the employee to
be absent from work for five (5) or more days, shall secure the appropriate form from their
supervisor. TBP 4.10
1. Each division commander/captain/manager is responsible for maintaining a supply of
City of Fort Worth Non-Occupational Illness/Injury Status forms. These forms are
available on the police portal.
B. The attending physician shall complete the form and the employee is responsible for returning
the form to their supervisor no later than the next working day after the injury/illness or
physician’s visit. TBP 4.10
1. A new form is required for each follow-up visit to the doctor, or not less than every thirty
(30) days.
C. Should the employee be incapable of complying with A and B above, the employee shall
furnish the physician with the form and request that the physician return the form to the police
department by fax or email, followed by mail.
D. It will be the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure the forms are completed and provided
to the Medical Records Custodian (MRC). TBP 4.10
E. Any employee who is on sick leave shall notify a supervisor at their place of assignment as
soon as practicable after being released to work in a full or transitional duty capacity. TBP 4.10
F. Any employee who has been on sick leave for five (5) or more days shall at the time they
return to duty submit written documentation from a doctor in the form of a City of Fort Worth
Non-Occupational Illness/Injury Status form, or the doctor’s written statement which shall
indicate the employee’s fitness to return to duty and any work restrictions due to their medical
condition.
G. The City of Fort Worth Non-Occupational Illness/Injury Status form shall be forwarded to the
MRC the next workday. The Police Employment Services Section shall maintain permanent
employee medical files. No copies of forms containing medical information shall be
maintained at the division level nor shall copies be maintained in any personnel files available
to supervisors. The MRC notifies supervisors when medical documentation restricting an
employee from work or returning the employee to work has been received. TBP 4.10
424.06 OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS OR INJURY
A. Any Department employee who sustains an on-duty illness or injury, however minor, shall
immediately report the incident to their supervisor. An employee shall report any injury that
is a result of a prior on-duty activity as soon as the employee becomes aware of the injury.
Any occupational illness or injury not reported to a supervisor within thirty (30) days of the
incident could be denied Workers’ Compensation benefits.
1. In the case of an exposure to an infectious disease, to qualify for Workers’ Compensation
or any similar benefits it must be documented that, within ten (10) days of the exposure,
the officer had a test result that indicated an absence of the reportable disease, including
HIV. General Order 431.05 provides additional reporting requirements for an exposure
to an infectious disease.
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2. In reference to General Order 421.06, Return to Regular Duties, if an officer is involved
in an unusually severe incident or shooting and having difficulty coping with the incident,
the supervisor should complete a First Report of Injury (DWC – 1) as soon as the
supervisor becomes aware of the situation. The employee may seek help and should go
to a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to identify any mental health issues treatment
and documentation. The employee may go directly to the Medical Records Custodian
(MRC) for assistance if they wish to maintain confidentiality.
B. Any employee covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act who sustains an occupational
illness or injury must seek medical treatment for the injury from a Primary Treating Physician
within the BlackStone Health Care Network, unless a serious medical emergency exists. The
supervisor may accompany the employee for treatment. Any doctor who agrees to accept
workers’ compensation remuneration under the Texas insurance code is responsible for
providing a DWC-73 at the time of treatment.
C. Any employee who requires emergency medical treatment due to an occupational illness or
injury should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room. Emergency room physicians
are not required by law to complete a DWC-73, so the medical discharge papers given to the
employee which typically include a brief diagnosis and follow up instructions to include
medication, treatment and physical restrictions will be accepted in lieu of the DWC-73
NOTE: All forms or Inter-Office Correspondence containing any medical information including,
but not limited to, the First Report of Injury form DWC-1, City of Fort Worth NonOccupational Illness/Injury Status form, and supervisor’s inter-office correspondence
shall be forwarded to the MRC in the Police Employment Services Section to be
maintained by the department. No copies shall be maintained in any other manner except
that the affected employee may retain a copy.
424.07 FIRST REPORT OF INJURY FORM DWC-1 AND FORT WORTH POLICE
DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR’S ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT
TBP 4.10
A. The employee’s supervisor, or the supervisor on duty, to whom an occupational illness or
injury is reported, however minor, including any exposure to hazardous materials or an
infectious disease, shall conduct an initial interview with the reporting employee and complete
the First Report of Injury form DWC-1 prior to concluding the workday.
1. The name of the employer should be shown as the “City of Fort Worth” on the DWC-1
form.
2. The supervisor completing the DWC-1 form shall include a work telephone number
beside supervisor’s name.
B. The supervisor will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the illness/injury and
will prepare an inter-office correspondence (IOC) describing the incident and the results of
the investigation.
C. The First Report of Injury form DWC-1 and investigation report (IOC) shall be sent
electronically to Public Folders/Injury Reports-Police Department on the same business day.
It is the responsibility of the employee’s supervisor or on duty supervisor for reporting to the
employee’s chain of command.
D. The Police Employment Services Section Medical Records Custodian (MRC) shall enter the
DWC-1 report into the insurance company’s system to be approved by Occupational Health
and Safety. The original report from the supervisor will be retained in the Police Department
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medical file as well as any investigation report submitted. No other copies shall be retained
by any division.
424.08 EMPLOYER’S SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT OF INJURY FORM
A. If the occupational injury or illness reported on the First Report of Injury form DWC-1 results
in a change in duty status from full duty to time off beyond the shift in which the injury occurs
or return to work with restrictions, the supervisor will ensure that the employee receives a
DWC-73 (Work Status Form) from the physician. This form must be completed by the
medical practitioner when a change in duty status occurs. TBP 4.10
B. When an employee loses time due to an occupational injury or illness, the Medical Records
Custodian (MRC) in the Police Employment Services Section will send out FMLA forms.
One copy will be retained by the MRC in the employee’s departmental medical file.
C. It will be the responsibility of the MRC in the Police Employment Services Section to review
the completed FMLA forms for accuracy and completeness. The Supervisor will be notified
if there is missing or inaccurate information.
424.09 LEAVE FOR FAMILY ILLNESS
A. Family Illness Leave benefits are accrued by Civil Service personnel in the Police Department.
B. Family Illness Leave is provided to allow Civil Service employees time off with pay when
their presence is required to assist an immediate family member due to an illness and/or injury,
doctor’s, dentist, or other medical appointments, or for a death in the immediate family.
C. Family Illness Leave shall be granted only as necessary under the following circumstances.
1. To enable the sworn employee to provide care for a member of the immediate family
when such member is seriously ill or injured requiring the care or attendance of the
employee.
a. For the purposes of this procedure, immediate family is defined as the employee’s
wife, husband, domestic partner, mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter,
mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandson, granddaughter,
stepmother, stepfather, stepson, stepsister, stepbrother, stepdaughter, sister-in-law,
brother-in-law, grandmother and grandfather, and grandmother-in-law and
grandfather-in-law.
2. For the sworn employee to be present during the hospitalization of an immediate family
member.
3. A sworn employee may use up to 24 hours Family Illness Leave to enable the sworn
employee’s personal attendance due to a death of a member of the immediate family.
D. When a sworn employee becomes aware they will be unable to report for work due to
circumstances justifying Family Illness Leave, the employee shall, as much in advance as
possible, contact and notify a supervisor at the employee’s place of assignment. When time
permits, this notification shall be made in writing.
E. Supervisors may require a sworn employee to submit proof of illness, injury, or death of an
immediate family member when circumstances indicate a necessity to do so. If proof cannot
be provided as required, the request to use Family Illness Leave shall be denied. If the leave
has already been used and the required proof is not provided, appropriate disciplinary action
shall be initiated.
F. A sworn employee shall, on a daily basis, keep their supervisor informed of the employee’s
need to continue on Family Illness Leave unless prior arrangements were authorized for a
specific period of leave.
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G. In cases where three (3) or more days of Family Illness Leave will be used, Supervisors are
responsible for notifying the Medical Records Custodian (MRC) so FMLA forms can be sent
to employee.
H. Civilian employees’ use of Sick/Family Leave for family illness shall be governed by the City
of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations for General Employees.
424.10 FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
A. The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires covered employers to provide up to
twelve (12) weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees, both sworn and nonsworn, for certain family and medical reasons:
1. To care for the employee’s child after birth, or placement for adoption or foster care.
2. To care for the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent, who has a serious health
condition. Unmarried domestic partners do not qualify under the Act.
3. For a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform their job.
4. For qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son,
daughter, or parent is on covered active duty or has been notified of pending call to active
duty in the Armed Forces.
5. For Military Caregiver Leave Entitlement – an eligible employee who is a spouse, son,
daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered service member up to twenty-six (26) weeks
of leave in a twelve (12) month period to care for the service member with a serious injury
or illness.
B. Employees are eligible if they have worked for at least one (1) year, and for 1,250 hours over
the previous twelve (12) months.
C. Refer to the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations for requirements, eligibility,
and use of leave under FMLA.
D. Employees requesting leave under this policy shall complete the request for FMLA form as
far in advance as possible.
E. Upon supervisor’s notification that an employee will be off work for three (3) or more days
for a FMLA-qualifying reason, the Medical Records Custodian (MRC) shall prepare the
appropriate Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) notification, and send it to the employee
to be completed. One copy will be retained in the employee’s departmental medical file.
424.11 TEMPORARY TRANSITIONAL DUTY
A. This policy is not intended to create a permanent transitional duty career path; rather, it is
designed to provide an ill or injured officer with a temporary position with the understanding
that the officer is expected to return to full duty at the conclusion of a maximum of six (6)
months, or seek other options. A sworn employee authorized by the employee’s physician to
return to work from either an on-duty or off-duty illness or injury, with limitations and
restrictions specified in writing, may be placed in transitional duty status. It is expected that
employees return to work in full or transitional duty status to their next scheduled, assigned
shift after the Medical Records Custodian (MRC) receives supporting medical documentation.
TBP 4.10
B. The Chief of Police, or designee, has the authority to determine whether it is in the best
interests of the department to place an employee in transitional duty status and, if so, in what
position in the department. TBP 4.10
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1. For transitional duty of five (5) days or less, an assignment may be given within the home
division. If transitional duty is not available within the home division, the MRC will find
another assignment elsewhere that meets the medical restrictions.
2. All transitional duty assignments regardless of the duration shall be immediately reported
to the MRC designated to monitor such assignments. The actual position into which an
officer is assigned is not appealable.
C. Employees placed in transitional duty status due to either an occupational or non-occupational
injury or illness are allowed to work overtime and earn overtime pay or compensatory time,
if permitted by their current work restrictions. Officers will not be approved for any law
enforcement or security-related off duty or secondary employment while on transitional duty.
D. Employees placed in transitional duty status will be provided a legitimate employment offer
letter outlining the assignment location, duties, and the employee’s activity restrictions based
on medical restrictions submitted by the employee’s treating medical provider. The employee
shall sign the letter and return it to the MRC in Police Employment Services Section within
five (5) days. The MRC will maintain a copy of the letter in the employee’s confidential
medical file and forward a copy to City Human Resources.
E. When in transitional duty status, whether occupational or non-occupational, it will be the
employee’s responsibility to comply with their medical limitations both on and off duty.
F. Whenever an employee is placed on temporary loan to another division due to the employee’s
transitional duty status, the commander/captain/manager of the division to which the
employee is loaned shall be responsible for monitoring and addressing time and attendance
and other administrative matters involving the employee.
1. If a sworn employee is assigned to a civilian supervisor, the civilian
supervisor/manager/assistant director shall confer with the sworn employee’s
regularly assigned supervisor and jointly outline job responsibilities.
2. If an efficiency or performance review is due for the employee while on loan, the
commander/captain/manager to which the employee is on loan will complete the review
with input from the previous commander/manager.
G. While in transitional duty, the officer is required to provide updated medical status to the MRC
during each thirty (30) day period the employee is in such status to determine whether the
officer is physically or mentally capable of returning to full duty. The DWC-73 for Workers’
Compensation Work Status report or the Non-Occupational Illness/Injury Status form will be
used as documentation. If the Chief, or designee, questions the report, the Chief may require
the officer to submit to an examination by a physician selected by the department. State laws
regarding fitness for duty evaluations shall be followed.
1. The Chief of Police has the authority to require an independent medical examination if a
question arises as to whether the officer is sufficiently physically or mentally fit to return
to full duty. TBP 4.10
H. Officers in transitional duty status shall not wear the police uniform.
I. For occupational illness and injuries, transitional duty shall be for a maximum of six (6)
months. If after working six (6) months in temporary transitional duty status due to an
occupational illness or injury, an officer who has not been released by the officer’s physician
to safely perform all the essential functions of the officer’s regular assignment with no
limitations or restrictions, may seek an extension of their transitional duty assignment for up
to six (6) months. Requests are submitted through the officer’s chain of command for the
Chief’s determination if the extension is expected to bridge the officer’s return to work. The
officer must provide medical documentation to the Medical Records Unit supporting their
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request for the extension. If an extension is not granted, or when the extension time frame has
elapsed, the officer may use occupational leave until they are released to full duty or the latter
of the following occurs:
1. The officer’s first two (2) years of occupational leave (520 work days) under City
Council Resolution number 4420-03-2015 expires, or
2. The officer is assigned and reaches a Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) date of
more than two (2) years past the date of injury as allowed for spinal injuries covered
under Labor Code section 408.104.
The employee will then be referred to the City’s ADA Coordinator for assistance in evaluating
the employee’s options when approaching the sixty (60) days of leave still available to him or
her. Those options can include reasonable accommodations, employment in a civilian
position, early or medical retirement, use of any additional appropriate personal leave, or
temporary leaves of absence under state law. TBP 4.10
J. For non-occupational illnesses and injuries, transitional duty shall be for a maximum of six
(6) months. An officer in transitional duty due to a non-occupational illness or injury, who has
not been released by the officer’s physician to safely perform all the essential functions of the
officer’s job with no limitations at the end of the officer’s six (6) month transitional duty
assignment, shall resume use of the officer’s appropriate personal leave, such as sick, vacation
or compensatory leave. If not returned to full duty prior to that time, the employee will be
referred to the City’s ADA Coordinator for assistance in evaluation the employee’s options.
The ADA Coordinator will make every effort to contact the employee when the employee has
at least sixty (60) days of leave still available to him or her. Those options can include
reasonable accommodations, employment in a civilian position, early retirement, use of any
additional appropriate personal leave, or temporary leaves of absence under state law. TBP 4.10
K. Officers in a temporary transitional duty assignment must still meet the Texas Commission
on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) peace officer licensing requirements.
1. If the licensing requirements cannot be met, the officer shall be referred to the City’s
ADA Coordinator for assistance in evaluating the employee’s options. TBP 4.10
L. The availability of temporary transitional duty assignments does not affect an officer’s
entitlement to a paid leave of absence for an injury or illness that is sustained in the line of
duty pursuant to Local Government Code Section 143.073 or any other form of leave to which
the officer may be entitled to under city policy, and state or federal law.
424.12 OCCUPATIONAL LEAVE
A. The Police Employment Services Section will administer the process for all sworn employees
on occupational related leave. All employees must submit a medical return to work release,
detailing restrictions, if any, to the Medical Records Custodian (MRC) prior to reporting back
to work. Employees shall return to their original division at the end of their injury leave;
however, the employee’s shift assignment and days off in the original division may be
reassigned at the discretion of that division commander/manager in order to assist in minimum
staffing levels. When a long-term vacancy in a specialized unit is created by an employee on
injury leave, the position may be filled at the discretion of the division commander, captain,
or manager.
B. A sworn employee who is injured in the line of duty may receive up to 520 workdays (two
years of workdays) of occupational leave per occupational illness or injury commensurate
with the nature of the injury if the officer has been returned to work full duty the occupational
leave will end and the officer may work up to six (6) months’ transitional duty if medically
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cleared to do so at any time. This leave can be used over an extended period of time if used
intermittently for a total equaling 520 workdays. The sworn employee receives 100% salary
supplement payments directly from the City beginning with the first day of lost time. TBP 4.10
1. All compensable occupational injuries that are not in the line of duty and Local
Government Code Chapter 143 protected will be managed according to the occupational
injury guidelines for general employees as stated in the City of Fort Worth Personnel
Rules and Regulations.
2. All normal deductions are withheld from the salary supplement paycheck from the City.
C. Exception to the two-year period:
For injuries which necessitate spinal surgery as contemplated by Texas Labor Code section
408.104, the Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) date set by the commissioner might fall
after the 520 days of occupational leave has been used. Under these circumstances, officers
for whom the commissioner has ordered an adjusted MMI date may receive more than 520
days of occupational injury leave.
D. Concurrent injuries to the same body part:
If an officer using intermittent leave reinjures the same body part/area while still using leave
for an earlier injury, a new two (2) year (520 workdays) period will commence and run
concurrently with whatever time may be left from the first injury.
E. Contested Claims:
Officers who are contesting a determination regarding compensability of their claim should
pursue treatment via any other health care coverage they might have available to them through
the City. TBP 4.10
1. When claims are not initially accepted but are later accepted on appeal, the officer will
have the option to reinstate their personal leave used due to the injury and occupational
leave will be used in its place. If this option is taken, the retroactively credited time will
count against the 520 workdays of occupational injury leave.
If the officer does not request reinstatement of his/her personal leave, the 520 workdays of
occupational leave will commence the first time leave is taken for the injury after the claim is
accepted on appeal
F. To request an extension of the two (2) year period of occupational leave, the employee must
submit a written request to the Chief of Police delivered through the Medical Records
Custodian (MRC) in the Police Employment Services Section. The Chief of Police will submit
a recommendation to the City Human Resources Director based on the extension request, and
a copy of the recommendation will be forwarded to the employee. These requests will be
forwarded to the City Human Resources Director to prepare a Mayor and Council (M&C) for
consideration by the city council. TBP 4.10
G. Sworn employees on occupational-related leave will continue to accrue all leave and seniority.
H. Prior to the end of the two (2) year period, and preferably at or near the point the officer has
sixty (60) days remaining, an appointment shall be scheduled between the sworn employee,
the Police Employment Services Manager, the City’s ADA Coordinator, and a designated
person from the employee’s chain of command for interview to determine the options for the
employee. TBP 4.10
I. Options that may be available for sworn employees who have exhausted all accumulated time
and whose physician has not released to perform work of any nature include:
1. Exhaustion of all applicable personal leave.
2. Employment in a civilian position.
3. Service-related disability retirement.
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a. Sworn employees who wish to apply for a service-related disability retirement must
complete their application to the City Retirement Administration before their layoff
date.
b. If otherwise qualified, sworn employees who receive a service-related disability
retirement are, upon recovery, eligible for reappointment with approval by the Civil
Service Commission. Recovery must be certified by a physician selected by the
retirement fund.
4. Temporary leave without pay per Chapter 143.073 of the Local Government Code.
a. Once all accumulated leave time, including extensions, is exhausted and applicable
personal leave, the sworn employee will be placed on temporary leave without pay
from the City.
b. Upon recovery, sworn employees placed on temporary leave due to an occupational
or non-occupational illness/injury shall be reinstated at their last rank.
5. The Chief of Police has the discretion to extend the transitional duty assignment.
J. The MRC in Police Employment Services Section will prepare a quarterly Occupational
Injury Leave Report and a Transitional Duty Report and will forward the reports to the Police
Assistant Director for dissemination.
425.01 ASSIGNMENT OF PREGNANT EMPLOYEES
A. An employee who is pregnant is not required to disclose her pregnancy to her supervisor, and
is not required to modify her job duties or schedule. A pregnant employee may request
transitional duty or alterations to her regular duties due to medical restrictions. If she makes a
request for transitional duty, she is required to follow the procedures in General Order 424.00,
Sick, Family Illness or Occupational Injury Leave, and the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules
and Regulations.
1. As stated in General Order 424.11, Temporary Transitional Duty, when requesting
temporary transitional duty status, the employee must provide a Non-occupational
Designation of Duty Status Form or alternative medical documentation completed by the
employee’s medical provider that includes information regarding the employee’s ability
to work, including any work restrictions, and the expected duration of any such work
restrictions.
2. When released to return to work without restrictions by a medical provider, the
employee must provide a Non-occupational Designation of Duty Status form or
alternative medical documentation indicating the employee is released to perform full
duty work without restrictions.
B. Probationary officers who are pregnant and who, because of pregnancy, cannot perform the
essential functions of their job, will be treated the same as other probationary officers who
cannot perform the essential functions of their job because of a temporary disability, illness,
or condition. Probationary officers who are pregnant cannot be terminated simply for being
pregnant. However, as in the case with probationary officers with temporary disabilities,
illnesses, or conditions, a pregnant probationary officer’s probationary status may be
suspended and resumed after her return to full duty.
425.00 MATERNITY
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425.02 MATERNITY LEAVE OF ABSENCE
A. Employees are directed to follow the policy for pregnant employees and nursing mothers in
the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations.
B. When employees seek to return following temporary disability, they shall be required to
furnish a statement from their doctor to the effect that their physical condition permits the
resumption of continuous employment without endangering health.
426.01 PURPOSE
A. This General Order is designed to give guidance regarding the definition of “course and scope
of employment” for the City of Fort Worth as it relates to off-duty activities of Fort Worth
police officers and reserve police officers.
B. The City of Fort Worth provides extensive benefits to police officers who become ill, injured
or are killed while on duty. Although no policy can prescribe the decision regarding eligibility
for benefits in every possible situation, this general order defines the conditions in which a
police officer will be considered in the course and scope of employment for the purposes of
granting benefits when the officer is not on duty.
C. This general order does not create a duty to act beyond what is required by law. Police officers
and reserve officers who take action that is permitted, but not required by law, should carefully
consider other alternatives prior to taking action that might result in their injury or death.
However, if an officer chooses to take action permitted, but not required by law, and is injured
or killed, the officer will be compensated in accordance with this general order.
D. For purposes of this general order, the following are definitions of the Texas Workers
Compensation Act:
1. Course and scope of employment – an activity of any kind or character that has to do with
and originates in the work, business, trade, or profession of the employer, and is
performed by an employee while engaged in or about the furtherance of the affairs or
business of the employer.
2. Employer – the entity with the “right to control” the worker at the time of the accident.
426.02 BENEFIT COVERAGE
A. Full-Time Officers
1. An off-duty officer within the State of Texas will be considered acting within the course
and scope of employment when the officer takes action either required or permitted
pursuant to state law and consistent with the general orders, special orders, directives, and
training of the Fort Worth Police Department.
2. An off-duty officer outside the State of Texas will be considered acting within the course
and scope of employment when the officer responds to imminent threats to life or physical
well-being in a manner that is the same or similar to that provided by the Fort Worth
Police Department and consistent with the general orders, special orders, directives, and
training of the Fort Worth Police Department.
B. Reserve Officers
1. An off-duty police Reserve Officer as defined in General Order 217.02, Reserve Officer
Status, within the city limits of Fort Worth will be considered acting within the course
and scope of their volunteer service with the City of Fort Worth when the reserve officer
426.00 OFF-DUTY BENEFITS FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
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takes action either required or permitted pursuant to state law and consistent with the
general orders, special orders, directives, and training of the Fort Worth Police
Department unless acting within the course and scope of employment of another entity,
whether compensated or not, as an independent contractor to another or while selfemployed.
C. This general order is limited to the issue of line of duty benefits. When taking action while
off-duty, officers are expected to comply with the law as well as the general orders, special
orders, directives, and training of the Fort Worth Police Department. Even if line-of-duty
benefits are paid, the Chief of Police still has the option of imposing discipline if, in the Chief’s
judgment, discipline is warranted.
427.01 POSTING OF EXAMINATION NOTICES TBP 4..06
A. Upon receiving a notice of promotional examination from the Director of the Civil Service
Commission, the Finance/Personnel Bureau Assistant Chief shall notify each of the remaining
Assistant Chiefs that such notice has been received.
B. The Finance/Personnel Bureau Assistant Chief shall furnish a copy of the notice for each of
the Assistant Chiefs and shall require an initialed receipt. A copy of the notices and the receipts
from each Assistant Chief shall be filed in the Finance/Personnel Bureau office for a period
of one (1) year.
C. The office of the Assistant Chiefs shall furnish sufficient copies of the notice for each division
under their command. Each division commander/captain, or their designee, shall initial a
receipt that the notice has been received.
D. The division commander/captain or designee shall post the notice on the bulletin board of
their respective division in the space provided.
E. If the bulletin board cannot be secured, a supervisor designated by the division
commander/captain shall check the bulletin board at least once each week to ensure the notice
has not been removed.
F. Each division shall maintain a log indicating the date each notice is posted and the date it is
removed.
G. The division commander/captain shall furnish copies of the notice to the supervisor of each
district, section, unit, and detail under their command. The supervisor shall be responsible for
disseminating the information through roll call or other suitable means. The supervisor shall
also furnish their division commander/captain with documentation that all personnel have
been informed of the impending examination, taking care to consider officers on authorized
absences.
H. The notice, receipt, and related documents shall be maintained in a file by the division
commander/captain for a period of one (1) year.
I. All officers have a responsibility to check the bulletin boards in their respective division or
section for information affecting their duties and/or career development.
427.00 CIVIL SERVICE NOTICES OF PROMOTIONAL
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428.01 PERSONNEL ORDERS – SWORN EMPLOYEES
These guidelines shall be followed when transferring sworn personnel and making promotions.
NOTE: All transfers and assignments are the sole prerogative of the Chief of Police and are
not subject to the grievance procedure.
A. Transfers
1. All transfers shall be effective at the beginning of pay periods, unless approved by Chief
of Police.
2. All inter-bureau transfers shall be approved by the Chief of Police. All requests shall
include proper selection documentation and approval signatures of both assistant chiefs.
3. The Assistant Chief shall notify the appropriate deputy chiefs of approval or disapproval
of a transfer. The division commander/captain shall notify all affected personnel.
4. Approved transfers must be received by the Police Employment Services no later than
1700 hours, Friday, two (2) weeks preceding the effective date of the transfer.
5. The effective date of transfers shall be restricted to once every two (2) weeks for all ranks
below the rank of sergeant. An exception is permitted upon agreement between the deputy
chiefs or above over the releasing and receiving units.
6. Police Employment Services shall be responsible for the distribution of a personnel order
no later than one (1) week before the effective date of the transfer, or within one (1)
business day upon receipt of the Chief of Police’s approval and signature.
B. Promotions TBP 4.07
1. Whenever possible, promotions shall be effective at the beginning of pay periods, or as
directed by the Chief of Police.
2. Police Employment Services shall furnish the Patrol Bureau Assistant Chief with a
current vacancy list and a current eligibility list three (3) weeks preceding the effective
date of a promotion.
3. The Chief of Police shall determine the number of promotions to be made and the
effective date of promotions.
4. The Chief of Police shall notify affected assistant chiefs of upcoming promotions and
effective dates.
5. The Chief of Police office shall notify the Police Employment Services of all promotions
to be included in the current personnel order.
6. The division commander/captain shall be responsible for notification of the affected
employee.
C. Assignments
1. A deputy chief or their designee shall approve all personnel loaned out of their assigned
bureau and acting status assignments involving higher capacity pay.
2. Bureau assistant chiefs shall be responsible for informing Police Employment Services
of personnel loaned from their bureau for a period exceeding fifteen (15) days.
3. These personnel transactions shall be carried on the first personnel order following the
change in status.
428.00 PERSONNEL ORDERS – SWORN EMPLOYEES
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429.01 PERSONNEL DEFINITIONS
A. Civil Service – Refers to personnel subject to and covered by the laws and regulations set forth
in the Local Government Code, Chapter 143. Classifications globally covered are:
1. Assistant Chief
2. Deputy Chief
3. Commander
4. Captain
5. Lieutenant
6. Sergeant
7. Corporal/Detective
8. Police Officer
B. Non-Civil Service Commissioned Officer – Refers to the Chief of Police.
C. Civilian Employee – Refers to all persons employed by the department who are not covered
by Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code, with the exception of those employees
covered in paragraph B above.
D. Chain of Command
1. The number of persons reporting directly to the Chief of Police must out of necessity be
limited. To ensure unity of command, clearly defined lines of command and authority
must be obvious so that there exists an organizational relationship between each
department employee and the Chief of Police. Each employee must be aware of the
employee’s position in the organization, to whom the employee is accountable, and those
persons who are accountable to the employee. All employees must strive to operate within
their chain of command and to keep their supervisors informed as to their activities.
E. Delegation of Duties
1. A command or supervisory employee may delegate to subordinates appropriate portions
of responsibilities together with equivalent authority, but may not delegate or relinquish
overall responsibility for results nor any portion of accountability.
F. Command – Refers to authority and responsibility to direct the operations of a bureau, division,
district, section, unit, or detail. The actions for this position will be held accountable to a
higher standard due to compensation, leadership, training, knowledge, education, and ability
to motivate employees. Responsibilities of command shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Direction of the operations of an organizational entity.
2. Oversight of an organizational entity to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules,
regulations, and orders emanating from higher ranks.
3. Developing and recommending policies and procedures affecting functions of the entity
being commanded.
4. Planning of operations, both short-term and long-range.
5. Administration of discipline.
6. Ensuring that descending levels of personnel are kept informed of necessary items,
including policies, procedures, and operational changes.
7. Providing information to ascending levels of rank as to the conformance to policies and
procedures.
8. Administration and management of an organizational entity to include establishing and
monitoring the budget, selection of personnel, ensuring proper supervision is utilized,
429.00 PERSONNEL STRUCTURE
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provision of necessary supplies and equipment, obtaining adequate training for assigned
personnel, monitoring the productivity of personnel.
9. Implementation of strategies and policies set forth by the Chief of Police.
G. Supervision – To provide oversight, direction, and control of employees or an organizational
entity below a section. The actions for this position will be held accountable to a higher
standard due to compensation, leadership, training, knowledge, education, and ability to
motivate employees. Responsibilities of supervision shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Monitoring the performance of subordinates to ensure appropriate levels of productivity
and to ensure that employees comply with all laws, rules, regulations, and orders.
2. Initiating disciplinary or remedial action towards employees who violate any law, rule,
regulation, order, or who fail to maintain appropriate levels of productivity.
3. To either deliver, or cause to be delivered, appropriate training for subordinate
employees.
4. To assume accountability for the actions or non-actions of all subordinate employees.
5. To direct and control the operations of a unit, detail, or district, including issuance of
orders or instructions, review and correction of work products, setting work priorities,
and appropriating necessary supplies and equipment.
H. Command responsibility and authority, also referred to as a commanding officer, shall in
general refer to persons holding the rank of assistant chief, deputy chief, commander, captain,
lieutenant, or equivalent civilian classifications.
I. Supervisor shall in general refer to anyone with the responsibility of supervising a subordinate
employee and, as a class, shall denote a sergeant or equivalent civilian classification.
429.02 POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
A. Assistant Chief (Appointment)
1. Advancement to the assistant chief position is through appointment by the Chief of
Police.
2. Appointment to assistant chief can be made from any rank at the discretion of the Chief
of Police and shall be made in accordance with Local Government Code, Chapter 143.
Minimum requirements are:
a. Must be a sworn officer.
b. Must have served as a law enforcement officer for at least five (5) years.
c. Must have at least two (2) years continuous service with the department as a sworn
officer.
d. Must be eligible for Intermediate level certification by TCOLE.
3. A person appointed to the rank of assistant chief may be returned to the last civil service
rank held at the discretion of the Chief of Police, with such action not subject to appeal
or arbitration.
4. The assistant chief has both command and supervisory responsibility.
5. Responsibilities of the assistant chief position shall include:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. The administration and management of the bureau of assignment.
c. The monitoring of all operations of the bureau.
d. Serving as an advisor to the Chief of Police.
e. Providing timely and accurate information to the Chief of Police regarding
operations, problems, and critical issues.
f. Serving as a representative and role model of the department.
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g. Overseeing the formation of the bureau budget and monitoring expenditures of the
bureau.
h. Thorough review of all proposed and/or revised general orders.
i. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
j. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
k. Planning of operations, both short-term and long-range.
l. Establishing and maintaining an active role within the community.
m. Ensuring that employees are provided with training necessary to complete their
responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner.
n. Administration of discipline, including personally serving letters of suspension.
B. Deputy Chief (Appointment)
1. Advancement to the deputy chief position is through appointment by the Chief of Police.
2. Appointment to deputy chief can be made from any rank at the discretion of the Chief of
Police and shall be made in accordance with Local Government Code, Chapter 143.
Minimum requirements are:
a. Must be a sworn officer.
b. Must have served as a law enforcement officer for at least five (5) years.
c. Must have at least two (2) years continuous service with the department as a sworn
officer.
d. Must be eligible for Intermediate level certification by TCOLE.
3. A person appointed to the rank of deputy chief may be returned to the last civil service
rank held at the discretion of the chief of police, with such action not subject to appeal or
arbitration.
4. The deputy chief has both command and supervisory responsibility.
5. Responsibilities of the deputy chief position shall include:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. The administration and management of the command of assignment.
c. The monitoring of all operations of the command.
d. Serving as an advisor to the Chief of Police.
e. Providing timely and accurate information to the assistant chief regarding operations,
problems, and critical issues.
f. Periodically serving as a representative and role model of the department.
g. Overseeing the formation of the command budget and monitoring expenditures of
the command.
h. Thorough review of all proposed and/or revised general orders.
i. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
j. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
k. Planning of operations, both short-term and long-range.
l. Establishing and maintaining an active role within the community.
m. Ensuring that employees are provided with training necessary to complete their
responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner.
n. Administration of discipline, including personally serving letters of suspension.
C. Commander – (Appointment)
1. Advancement to the commander position is through appointment by the Chief of Police.
2. Appointment to commander can be made from any rank at the discretion of the Chief of
Police and shall be made in accordance with Local Government Code, Chapter 143.
Minimum requirements are:
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a. Must be a sworn officer.
b. Must have served as a law enforcement officer for at least five (5) years.
c. Must have at least two (2) years continuous service with the department as a sworn
officer.
d. Must be eligible for Intermediate level certification by TCOLE.
3. A person appointed to the rank of commander may be returned to the last civil service
rank held at the discretion of the chief of police, with such action not subject to appeal or
arbitration.
4. The commander has both command and supervisory responsibility.
5. Because of the level of leadership and commitment required to effectively manage a
patrol division, the rank of commander is reserved for those positions in the Patrol Bureau
that have direct oversight of a patrol division.
6. Responsibilities of the commander position shall include:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. Oversight, direction, and control of the assigned patrol division.
c. Review of the productivity of the patrol division.
d. Formulation and monitoring of the patrol division budget.
e. Providing timely and accurate information on operations, problems, and critical
issues to the appropriate deputy chief.
f. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
g. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
h. Planning of operations, both short-term and long-range.
i. Provide strategic direction for the assigned patrol division.
j. Establishing and maintaining an active role within the community.
k. Ensuring that employees are provided with training necessary to complete their
responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner.
l. Administration of discipline, including personally serving letters of suspension.
m. Managing the executive officer (captain) assigned to the patrol division to ensure a
member of the command rank is routinely having face-to-face interaction with our
officers and supervisors at roll call and in the field.
D. Captain – (Civil Service)
1. Advancement to the rank of captain is through competitive examination and assessment
process as mandated in the Meet and Confer Contract, three (3) years of service in the
immediately preceding rank is required.
2. The rank of captain bears both command and supervisory responsibility.
3. Responsibilities of the captain rank shall include, but not be limited to:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. Oversight, direction, and control of the assigned division when outside of the patrol
bureau or as directed by the commander when assigned as an executive officer within
the patrol bureau.
c. Review of the productivity of the division.
d. Formulation and monitoring of the division budget.
e. Providing timely and accurate information on operations, problems, and critical
issues to the appropriate deputy chief or commander.
f. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
g. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
h. Planning of operations, both short-term and long-range.
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i. Establishing and maintaining an active role within the community.
j. Ensuring that employees are provided with training necessary to complete their
responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner.
k. Administration of non-disciplinary actions (e.g. Captain’s Coaching Sessions)
E. Lieutenant – (Civil Service)
1. Advancement to the rank of lieutenant is through competitive examination as mandated
in the Meet and Confer Contract. Three (3) years of service in the immediately-preceding
rank is required.
2. The rank of lieutenant shall have both command and supervisory responsibility.
3. Responsibilities of the lieutenant rank shall include, but not be limited to:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. Control, command, and direction of a section or district.
c. Monitoring expenditures of the section budget.
d. Reviewing all work products of the section.
e. Providing timely and accurate information on operations, problems, and critical
issues to the appropriate captain.
f. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
g. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
F. Sergeant – (Civil Service)
1. Advancement to the rank of sergeant is through competitive examination as mandated in
the Meet and Confer Contract. Three (3) years of service in the immediately-preceding
rank is required.
2. The sergeant rank has supervisory responsibility both for employees and the operations
of the specific unit or district.
3. Responsibilities of the sergeant rank shall include, but not be limited to:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. Direction of the activities of the assigned unit or detail.
c. Review of the productivity and/or work products of assigned employees. This shall
include a review of any worksheets or other daily activity sheet completed by the
employee. The sergeant shall be responsible for ensuring that all calls and markouts
are properly documented.
d. Initial performance appraisal of all assigned employees.
e. Initiation of disciplinary and/or remedial action for employees who have violated a
law, rule, regulation, or order.
f. Prioritization of assignments.
g. Providing direction, advice, and assistance to assigned employees.
h. Providing timely and accurate information on operations, problems, and critical
issues to the appropriate lieutenant.
i. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
j. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
k. Appropriate staffing to properly answer calls for service
l. Monitoring the use of vacation and holiday time of assigned employees and ensuring
appropriate staffing before approving vacation leave.
4. It is the field supervisor’s responsibility to ensure appropriate staffing to properly answer
calls for service. Additionally, the field supervisor will monitor the officer’s time on call
to ensure that field units clear calls as expeditiously as possible.
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G. Corporal/Detective – (Civil Service)
1. Advancement to the rank of corporal/detective is through competitive examination as
mandated in the Meet and Confer Contract. Four (4) years of service in the immediatelypreceding rank is required.
2. Persons assigned to a non-uniformed position holding this rank shall be referred to as a
detective. Responsibilities of persons in this assignment shall include, but not be limited
to, the following:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. The investigation of all assigned offense reports.
c. The interview of victims, suspects, and witnesses in an attempt to develop sufficient
information to lead to the apprehension of the perpetrator of an offense.
d. The successful operation of surveillance strategies.
e. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
f. Providing timely and accurate information on operations, problems, and critical
issues to the appropriate sergeant.
g. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
3. All other persons of this rank shall be referred to as corporal and shall include, but not be
limited to, the following responsibilities:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. Maintaining acceptable levels of productivity.
c. Limited supervisory responsibilities.
d. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
e. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
H. Police Officer – (Civil Service)
1. Advancement to the rank of police officer is through competitive examination as
mandated in the Local Government Code, Chapter 143, completion of an approved basic
academy, passing of a proficiency test, and satisfying all requirements established by the
department. A one (1) year probationary status is required during the initial advancement
to this position.
2. Responsibilities of this position shall include, but not be limited to:
a. The completion of all assignments or lawful orders.
b. Maintaining acceptable levels of productivity.
c. Serving as a positive image for the department.
d. Adherence to all laws, rules, regulations, and general orders.
e. The judicious use of time and departmental supplies, services, and equipment.
430.01 DETECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
The detective training program will acquaint uniformed patrol officers with detectives’ duties by
using a hands-on training approach. This training is intended to give as many officers as possible
the opportunity to learn the detective function either in preparation for assignment as detectives or
in helping the patrol officer be more efficient, productive, and knowledgeable.
A. Officers who have completed their probation shall be selected by the division commanders of
the Patrol Bureau.
430.00 SPECIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
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1. The officer’s placement on the eligibility list for corporal/detective rank as well as the
department’s affirmative action goals shall be considered.
2. Officers desiring to participate may be asked to submit a letter of intent to the appropriate
division commander.
3. Selected officers may serve in the position from twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months.
Higher capacity pay shall not be authorized for this assignment.
B. Detective commanding officers shall develop a formal training program including a training
manual to be used for officers assigned to this program.
C. Detectives to whom these officers are assigned remain accountable for the proper
investigation of their cases. Officers shall not be assigned cases independently, but shall work
with the detective.
431.01 GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fort Worth Police Department is concerned with the health and well-being of its employees.
In an effort to facilitate compliance with state and federal laws concerning communicable disease
protection, emerging health and safety issues, chemical exposures, and to provide employees of
the police department with the best possible source of information, the police department has
developed this infectious disease, personal safety, and health protection procedure. All aspects of
this program, including but not limited to education, availability of updated information, control
methods, exposure procedures, emerging infectious diseases, and medical emergency planning
shall be overseen by the department Health and Exposure coordinator in the Policy Management
and Safety Unit.
A. Definitions
1. Bloodborne Pathogens – pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and
can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis B
Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
2. Contaminated – the presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other
potentially infectious or dangerous materials on/in an item or on a surface.
3. Exposure Incident – specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or
parenteral contact (piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events
as needlesticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions) with blood or other potentially
infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee’s duties.
a. An exposure incident may also include ingestion or inhalation of a harmful chemical
or substance.
4. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – the causative agent of Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This virus causes a disease that basically destroys the
host’s immune system allowing other microorganisms, many of which are normally not
dangerous, to invade and grow in the body. Once infected, these microorganisms may
produce various diseases and eventual death.
5. HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis – A preventive medical treatment that, when
administered immediately after an exposure to an HIV-positive source, will significantly
reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
431.00 HEALTH AND SAFETY -EXPOSURE CONTROL AND
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
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6. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – the final stage of HIV infection. With
the loss of the body’s natural immunity system, the individual falls victim to a host of
what are called “opportunistic infections.” These are unusual infections or tumors not
ordinarily seen in otherwise healthy individuals.
7. Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) – the most common type of hepatitis. Hepatitis A Virus is
acquired by mouth (fecal-oral) and replicates in the liver. Police personnel are not
considered at high risk for HAV since it is normally transmitted through eating food or
drinking water contaminated by the virus, household contact with an infected person, or
travel to countries where HAV is common. A vaccination is available for the Hepatitis A
virus.
8. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) – a type of chronic hepatitis in which there is intense and
progressive inflammation and destruction of cells surrounding certain structures within
the liver. Chronic active hepatitis may be caused in any of four (4) ways: as a result of an
autoimmune reaction (immune system disturbance), a viral infection, a reaction to a
medication (rare), or to a metabolic disorder (rare). A vaccination is available for the
hepatitis B virus.
9. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) – the most common chronic bloodborne liver disease in the
United States. The Hepatitis C Virus is transmitted primarily through large or repeated
direct percutaneous exposures to blood. Persons with HCV are at a greater risk of liver
failure and liver cancer. There is no current vaccination available for hepatitis C.
10. Tuberculosis – a disease caused by bacteria that are spread through the air from person to
person. If not treated properly, tuberculosis can be fatal. People infected with tuberculosis
bacteria who are not sick may still need treatment to prevent tuberculosis disease from
developing in the future.
11. Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
– a bacteria commonly carried on the skin, or in the nose of healthy people. Staph bacteria
are one of the most common causes of skin infections in addition to causing pneumonia,
surgical wound infections, and bloodstream infections. MRSA is a type of staph that is
resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics which include common medications such as
methicillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. There is no vaccination available; however,
prevention is accomplished through good hygiene practices.
12. Health hazard – possible exposure to a chemical or other harmful substance though air,
food, and/or contact.
13. Universal Precautions/Body Substance Isolation – an approach to infection control to
consider all individuals as possible exposure threats for bloodborne or airborne pathogens
and should be approached and treated using the appropriate procedures and personal
protective equipment (PPE).
B. Infectious Body Fluids.
1. Blood and blood products
2. Semen
3. Vaginal Secretions
4. Amniotic fluid
5. Saliva – in the case of Hepatitis B and TB.
6. Other potentially infectious body fluids including cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural,
pericardial, and peritoneal fluids
C. Modes of Transmission
Bloodborne:
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1. Unprotected sex with someone who is infected
2. Sharing needles or syringes with someone who is infected
3. From infected mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth
4. By transfusion of infected blood and by blood components such as plasma and
transplanted tissue or organs
5. By infected blood through accidental needlesticks, by direct contact of blood with nonintact skin (i.e., open cuts, sores, eczema), or by splashes of blood onto mucous
membranes (i.e., mouth, nose, eyes)
Airborne:
1. In the case of tuberculosis, spread primarily by airborne droplets expelled through
coughing up by a person with untreated tuberculosis of the lungs or larynx.
2. In the cases of harmful chemicals or organisms, inhaled through intentional or
unintentional release.
Contact:
1. In the case of staph, direct physical contact with a person who has the skin infection, or
physical contact of a hard surface contaminated by fluid from the open wounds.
Ingestion:
1. Harmful chemicals or substances contained in food products whether intentional or
unintentional.
D. Possible On-Duty Exposures
Bloodborne:
1. Human or animal bite
2. Needlestick, conducted electrical weapon probe, or other puncture wound where blood
is present on the instrument
3. Blood on non-intact skin such as cut, skin rash, or open wound
4. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation without a mask
5. Blood splashes or saliva into the mouth, eyes, or nose
Airborne:
1. In the case of tuberculosis, confinement in small, enclosed, poorly ventilated area with a
person with active tuberculosis.
2. In the case of chemicals, entry or confinement in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas
containing the substance or through release in the immediate environment.
Contact:
1. In the case of staph, physical contact with an infected person, or a hard surface an infected
person has touched with an open wound.
E. Cardiac Health Response – Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
The supervisor over Policy Management and Safety serves as the department’s AED coordinator
and should be contacted for recommendation of placement and use of the devices in the department
or if the device is in need of maintenance. The AED Coordinator works with the Fort Worth Fire
Department for maintenance and ordering of all AEDs for police facilities.
431.02 EDUCATION TBP 4.10
A. Basic
Each class of recruits, full-time and reserve, will receive four (4) hours of training and
education in the area of communicable disease which will include all required elements as set
forth by the Texas Department of Health. Instruction will include modes of transmission for
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all at-risk communicable diseases, methods of prevention of transmission, behaviors that
create a potential risk for infection, and procedures for line of duty exposure incidents.
B. In-Service
After the initial instruction, officers will receive updated education as part of the annual inservice training.
C. Periodic Training
Training or Roll Call bulletins will be developed to inform officers of new health and safety
developments or procedures, as needed. Commanders/captains will ensure that periodic rollcall and workplace training is conducted. Commanders/captains will also ensure that up-todate equipment and supplies are available, providing instructions for their proper use.
431.03 CONTROL METHODS FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
A. Universal Precautions
The police department will recognize and utilize Universal Precautions which state that when
emergency medical and public safety workers encounter body fluids under uncontrolled,
emergency circumstances in which differentiation between fluid types is difficult, if not
impossible, they should treat all body fluids as potentially hazardous. In circumstances where
it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between fluid types, employees shall assume that
the fluid is potentially infectious and use the appropriate level of PPE.
B. Infectious Disease Control Supplies
All divisions are responsible for ordering and maintaining an adequate supply of commonly
needed infectious disease control supplies unique to their duties. Supervisors should consult
with the department Health and Exposure Coordinator concerning specific situations or
supplies. The supplies shall be kept in a location which is readily available to all employees,
and it will be the responsibility of the employee to maintain their supply of any item. Infectious
disease control supplies will consist of, but not be limited to, the following items:
1. Disposable gloves. Latex-free gloves should be made available to personnel who have an
allergic sensitivity to latex
2. Antimicrobial towelettes, gels, or sprays
3. Disposable CPR mask
4. Liquid soap available at all sink areas
5. Additional items, depending on assignment, may include:
a. Goggles
b. Disposable hospital mask
c. Needle tube
d. Band-aids
e. Disposable shoe covers
C. Biohazard Clean-up Kit
A Biohazard Clean-up Kit shall be located in any area to which the public has access and shall
be made available to any employee required to clean-up a biohazard spill. The kit will consist
of, but not be limited to, the following items:
1. Disposable latex gloves
2. Disposable biohazard bag
3 Disinfectant
4. Paper towels
5. An absorbent material such as cat litter may also be appropriate
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D. Engineering Controls
1. Each division will establish a procedure for ordering, distribution and replacement of
infection control supplies. On a quarterly basis, examination, maintenance, and
replacement of infection control supplies will be conducted to ensure their effectiveness.
2. Puncture-resistant sharps containers will be utilized for disposal of sharps. Needle tubes
shall be used for the submission of evidence to the Crime Lab, Property Room, or other
units as necessary.
3. Red plastic bags with proper labeling will be used to transport infectious disposal
equipment to an infectious material disposal location. The bags will then be placed in
burn boxes for proper destruction.
4. Broken glassware, which may be contaminated or placing employee at risk of injury,
must be picked up only by using mechanical means such as tongs, brush and dust pan, or
forceps, and never with bare or gloved hands.
5. Contaminated reusable items may not be stored or processed in a way that requires
employees to reach into containers where the contents cannot be seen or safely handled.
6. Contaminated work surfaces shall be decontaminated with a disinfectant upon completion
of procedures or when contaminated by splashes, spills, or contact with blood or other
potentially-infectious materials.
7. All working surfaces and equipment that could have become contaminated shall be
cleaned and checked routinely and shall be decontaminated as necessary.
a. Supervisors for work assignments that require continual staffing at the same
workstation shall ensure that additional precautions to disinfect the work area are
performed at the end of each shift. Specific disinfectants for the work area shall be
readily available for use by the employees.
8. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be considered “appropriate” only if it does not
permit blood or other potentially-infectious substances and contaminated materials to
pass through to or reach an employee’s work clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth,
or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time
the protective equipment is in use. Hypoallergenic alternatives must be available to
employees who have an allergic sensitivity to protective equipment.
9. Disposable gloves should be a standard component of emergency response equipment
and should be donned by all personnel prior to initiating any emergency patient care tasks
involving occupational exposure. There is no single type or thickness of glove appropriate
for all situations. Selection criteria should include dexterity, durability, fit, and the tasks
that will be undertaken while the gloves are worn.
a. Disposable gloves should always be utilized when searching a person with visible
sores and/or blood.
10. An employee may temporarily and briefly decline wearing personal protective equipment
under rare and extraordinary circumstances, and when in the employee’s professional
judgment, it prevents the delivery of public safety services or poses a greater hazard to
others. When the employee makes this judgment, the circumstances shall be investigated
by their supervisor and documented to determine whether changes can be instituted to
prevent such occurrences in the future.
11. A “spit sock” or similar product which safely covers the mouth without interfering with
breathing may be used on a suspect that is spitting on officers. The spit sock will be
utilized in situations where a suspect presents a viable danger to the officer for exposure
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to infectious disease and with the officer following proper departmental tactical
guidelines for the product.
12. Employees should not place their hands in areas where sharp instruments might be
hidden. An initial search of the area should be conducted using flashlights, batons, or
other tools rather than hands.
E. Work Practice Controls
1. Antimicrobial Towelettes or sanitizing gel will be available to officers; however, hand
washing with soap and water must be performed as soon as possible. Top priority upon
exposure is to cleanse and disinfect the area exposed.
2. Any contaminated personal garment/uniform will be removed and placed in a biohazard
bag for transport to an outside laundry. The laundry will be one that is approved for
decontamination procedures.
3. Contaminated vehicles will be taken to the city service center, marked as biohazard, for
proper decontamination.
4. No person at any potentially contaminated crime scene will be allowed to eat, drink,
smoke, handle contact lens, or touch their face (i.e., mouth, nose, eyes).
5. Disposable gloves will be worn when handling blood and other body fluids, items soiled
with blood, or substances that contain visible blood. Replace gloves if torn, punctured,
contaminated, or if their ability to function as a barrier is compromised. They shall not be
washed or decontaminated for reuse. Gloves will be placed in a plastic bag to prevent
further contamination.
6. Utility gloves may be decontaminated for reuse if the integrity of the glove is not
compromised. However, they must be discarded if they are cracked, peeling, torn,
punctured, or exhibits other signs of deterioration, or when their ability to function as a
barrier is compromised.
a. Leather and cloth gloves are not considered infectious disease control. However,
officers utilizing leather or cloth gloves shall immediately disinfect the gloves after
contact with body fluids or open wounds.
7. Caution shall be taken when removing contaminated personal protective equipment to
prevent the spread of contamination to exposed skin and clothing.
8. To prevent injuries when transporting needles as evidence, used needles shall not be
recapped, broken, or bent. A needle tube shall be used to submit evidence.
9. It is recommended that any cut or other open wound on hands and lower arm be covered
with a waterproof bandage, sealing on all sides.
10. Mouth-to-mask resuscitation will be used when administering CPR. Hands only CPR is
approved for situations where the employee does not have a mask with a one-way valve.
11. It is recommended that a flashlight be used to search hidden areas.
12. Extreme caution shall be taken when searching suspects, especially IV drug users, due to
the possible presence of hidden syringes.
13. Before submission to the Crime Lab and/or Property Room, any evidence that is
suspected of being contaminated by body fluids shall be placed in a leakproof container
or package and marked as biohazard.
F. Specialized Procedures
In addition to the requirements of General Order 431.00, the Crime Lab and Crime Scene
Search Unit will formulate and file with the Policy Management and Safety Unit additional
work practice controls inherent to those units.
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431.04 GENERAL PREVENTIVE MEASURES
A. Any employee who suspects they may have been exposed to a contagious or communicable
disease shall inform their supervisor as soon as they are aware of the potential exposure.
Employees who contract a contagious disease that may be transmitted from one person to
another via work-related contact are expected to seek appropriate medical attention and
remain off work until medically approved to return to the workplace.
B. Any employee coming to work suspected of having a contagious or communicable disease
that could significantly impact others in the workplace, may be required by the applicable
commander/captain/manager to leave the workplace and remain off work until such time that
the infected employee may no longer transmit the disease to another person via work-related
contact.
1. By City of Fort Worth regulations, the employee would be required to use accrued leave
or be on leave without pay if no accrued leave is available.
2. The supervisor may require the employee to provide to the Police Department Medical
Records Custodian (MRC) a medical release from a medical doctor before allowing the
employee to return to work.
C. The police department will make available, free of charge and at a reasonable time and place,
the Hepatitis A and B vaccines, influenza vaccine, and tetanus vaccine at the recommended
vaccination series schedule to all employees who are at risk of occupational exposure. Any
booster doses or titers recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service also will be provided.
D. The Hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series will be offered after initial infectious disease
training and within ten (10) working days of initial assignment to employees who have
occupational exposure unless:
1. The employee provides documentation that they have previously received the complete
Hepatitis B vaccination series,
2. Antibody testing reveals that the employee is immune, or
3. Medical reasons prevent the employee from being vaccinated.
E. The employee cannot be required to participate in an antibody prescreening program to receive
the Hepatitis A or B vaccination series. All medical evaluations and procedures must be
performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician or an appropriately trained and
licensed health care provider and administered according to current recommendations of the
U.S. Public Health Service.
F. Vaccinations will be provided even if the employee initially declines but later accepts
treatment while covered by the standard. It will be the employee’s responsibility to request
such treatment. Employees who decline the Hepatitis B vaccination must sign a declination
form.
G. Specific at-risk work assignments shall develop procedures to protect employees from
chemical exposure and contact diseases such as Staph. Assignments such as the Crime Lab
Firearms Unit, and the Weapons Range will make available specific screening for lead
exposure in addition to hearing exams.
1. The Jail facility, Communications, DRU, and Training Academy will develop specific
procedures for the prevention of contact diseases including, but not limited to,
Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
H. Employees should not consume products that may not be safe due to food safety violations,
tampering, or unknown source of delivery. When food products are suspect, the employee
should dispose of the products in a way that others will not consume it.
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431.05 EXPOSURE INCIDENT PROCEDURES
A. Officer’s Initial Responsibility
The officer experiencing a possible exposure to an infectious disease shall:
1. Immediately cleanse and disinfect the exposed area.
2. Immediately notify a supervisor.
3. Assist in delivering suspect/source to hospital, if possible. It is recommended the
source and exposed officer are treated at the same hospital.
a. If the suspect/source is taken to the hospital, complete all documents required by
the hospital and police department.
4. If appropriate, preserve and collect any physical evidence pertaining to the exposure.
5. Even if the medical attention was delivered by a hospital, the officer shall visit the citydesignated medical health care facility for a medical needs assessment the next normal
workday. To qualify for Workers’ Compensation or any similar benefits for
compensations, it must be documented that within ten (10) days of the exposure, the
officer had a test result that indicated an absence of the reportable disease, including HIV.
6. If the officer is electing to refuse testing, the officer must sign the Testing Upon
Possible Exposure To Reportable Disease Waiver (FWPD-91, Rev 11/02) form.
Officers shall be made aware that refusal to be tested may result in loss of workers
compensation and similar benefits.
7. Complete a Support of Mandatory Testing Affidavit (FWPD-43, Rev 12/18) for all
exposures with the date and circumstances of the incident to be forwarded to the police
department Health and Exposure Coordinator.
8. During normal workday hours, counseling is available through the city-designated
medical health care facility. Counseling for after-hours, weekends, and holidays is
available by calling the city-designated medical health care facility and requesting a
doctor call-back response.
B. Supervisor’s Responsibility
1. If assistance is needed with the exposure, immediately contact the on-duty Police Tactical
Medic or the Health and Exposure Coordinator.
2. If emergency treatment is necessary, have the officer taken to an area hospital. Whenever
feasible, it is preferable the officer and source are taken to the same hospital.
a. Complete DWC-1 and IOC with as much information as possible.
b. If requested, have the health care provider contact the Police Medical Records
Custodian(s) concerning authorization for assessment, testing, and treatment for
exposure to infectious disease.
c. When the officer is discharged from the hospital, advise the officer to contact the
city-designated medical health care facility for follow-up.
3. The supervisor shall immediately ensure voluntary consent to test is requested from the
suspect/source. If the suspect/source is taken to the hospital:
a. Request that a hospital staff member or Tactical Medic seek consent; if not feasible,
then the supervisor should request the consent. The officer experiencing the exposure
should not request, nor be present, when the source is asked for voluntary consent.
b. If the supervisor is the person who seeks consent, have the suspect/source sign
a Consent/Refusal to Draw Blood (FWPD-75, Rev. 11/03) form denoting decision.
(1) If the hospital staff requests the consent, their staff will complete their required
consent forms and the police department form will not be necessary.
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c. If the suspect/source refuses to be tested, contact the Tactical Medic or the
department Health and Exposure Coordinator immediately.
4. If the suspect/source is deceased, contact Major Case immediately. Major Case will
coordinate with the Medical Examiner’s office for the blood draw and for a police officer
to pick up the blood sample from the Medical Examiner and deliver the sample to the
City’s designated medical clinic.
5. All infectious disease reporting forms are available on the police department’s portal
under the “Exposure Program” link. Prior to completing tour of duty, the supervisor shall
a. Complete the on-line First Report of Injury form (DWC-1) and IOC
b. Complete the Infectious Exposure Cases Checklist (FWPD-56, Rev.12/18) and email the checklist to the department’s Health and Exposure Coordinator.
c. Ensure the officer has completed:
(1) The Support of Mandatory Testing Affidavit.
(2) If the officer refuses medical attention or testing, Testing Upon Possible
Exposure to Reportable Disease Waiver. Ensure that the officer is aware that
refusal to be tested may result in loss of workers compensation and similar
benefits. If completed, this form is forwarded to the department Health and
Exposure Coordinator.
6. The supervisor will ensure that by the next workday the DWC-1and IOC has been filed
with the Injury Reports site and the Support of Mandatory Testing Affidavit, Infectious
Exposure Cases Checklist and, if applicable, the Consent/Refusal to Draw Blood has been
forwarded to the department’s Health and Exposure Coordinator.
7. If an Administrative Order must be served on a source who has refused consent, a
supervisor will assist Tactical Medic, Major Case, or the Health and Exposure
Coordinator in locating the source and serving the Administrative Order. If the exposed
employee is a Fort Worth Fire Department firefighter or paramedic, a police supervisor
in the district where the source will be served will assist the Fort Worth Fire Department
in serving the Administrative Order if requested.
8. In addition to exposures, supervisors should be cognizant at all times of unusual medical
situations involving their personnel. If a situation appears to be possibly communicable
or a threat to the employee or to public health, the supervisor will immediately contact
the department Health and Exposure Coordinator.
C. Major Case’s Responsibility
1. When contacted by a person other than the department’s Health and Exposure
Coordinator, Major Case shall verify that the department’s coordinator is aware of the
situation.
2. Contact the medical examiner if the source is deceased and follow the chain of custody
for source testing.
3. Assist in locating the source, when necessary.
4. Notify the District Attorney’s Office to assist with a court order when source has refused
voluntary testing under the Health Authority’s Administrative Order.
5. Assist officers and/or supervisors if department Health and Exposure Coordinator is
unavailable for extended period.
6. In the case of a possible criminal case, Major Case shall determine the appropriate
investigative entity.
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D. Department Health and Exposure Coordinator’s Responsibility
1. Ensure that the County Health Authority is notified of the exposure in a timely
manner.
2. Act as a liaison between the police department and other agencies on infectious disease
exposures or required vaccinations, if applicable.
3. Immediately notify Major Case of any situation with possible criminal implications.
4. Notify the Public Information Officer of any situation that may involve the media or
overall department.
5. Maintaining strict confidentiality, track the statistical data on all exposures.
6. Handle all exposure incidents with strict confidentiality, observing all federal and state
privacy laws.
7. Assist with all unusual or difficult exposure or health situations.
8. Coordinate with Major Case on necessary court orders.
9. Disclose exposure information only as authorized by law and only to authorized parties
to uphold privacy.
10. Develop and maintain the police department’s Model Exposure Control Plan which shall
meet all mandatory federal and state regulations.
E. Confidentiality
1. All personnel are restricted in what can be conveyed to officers, other emergency
personnel, or citizens concerning medical information, most notably HIV/AIDS.
Information regarding persons suspected of being infected with HIV/AIDS must be kept
strictly confidential and cannot be transmitted across the radio or the MDCs. Disclosure
of test results or other confidential HIV/AIDS-related information carries both civil and
criminal penalties.
a. Do not place any sensitive information related to the exposure in the offense/incident
report summary.
2. Based on the Federal Privacy Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, and the
Texas Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Act, any medical documentation
or information provided by an HIV/AIDS-infected employee to medical or management
personnel must be considered confidential and private information. As such, employers
are forbidden by law to disclose this information without the employee’s knowledge and
consent, except as required by Public Health laws.
3. All personnel should be knowledgeable on the Health Insurance Portability
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and only disclose information when authorized
under the law enforcement exceptions.
431.06 COMMUNICABLE DISEASE STATUTES
A. Sexual Assault – “Testing for AIDS and Certain Other Diseases” Texas Code of Criminal
Procedure Chapter 21, art. 21.31 sets forth procedures for court-ordered testing for AIDS/HIV
and STD of persons indicted for Sexual Assault or Aggravated Sexual Assault.
B. “Conditions Requiring AIDS and HIV Instruction,” Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art.
17.45 sets forth when a person charged with Prostitution under Texas Penal Code sec. 43.02
may be required to receive counseling and/or education relating to AIDS/HIV.
C. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 81, “Communicable Diseases” and 85, “Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection,” pertain to
mandatory testing of suspects and penalties for disclosure of test results without authorization.
Sec. 81.095 “Testing for Accidental Exposure” allows for testing of the source for Hepatitis
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B and C without consent when an officer is accidentally exposed to body fluids while
rendering assistance at the scene of an emergency. Sec 81.050 “Mandatory Testing of Persons
Suspected of Exposing Certain Other Persons to Reportable Diseases, Including HIV
Infection” provides the criteria that will constitute exposure to reportable diseases and the
required procedure for testing of the source.
D. Title 25, Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter A, sec. 97.11 and 97.13
sets forth the guidelines for the Texas Board of Health to implement procedures stated in
General Order 431.05.
E. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 18, art. 18.22, “Testing for Communicable
Diseases Following Certain Arrests,” allows the court to order a person arrested for an offense
under section 38.04 of the Texas Penal Code who, during the arrest, exposed the officer to
body fluids, to undergo testing for infectious diseases.
F. Code of Federal Regulations, section 164.512 states that a medical entity may disclose
protected health information without written authorization of the individual to the Public
Health Authority when a person has been exposed to a communicable disease or may
otherwise be at risk of contracting or spreading a disease or condition.
501.01 WEARING OF THE POLICE UNIFORM (Revised 12/13/18)
A. Definitions
1. Standard Uniform shall consist of an approved short or long-sleeved shirt with or without
an approved outer vest carrier, the standard uniform pants and no tie.
2. Dress Uniform shall consist of a long-sleeved shirt, tie, and the standard uniform pants.
Outer vest carriers are not approved to be worn with a tie.
3. Class A Uniform shall consist of a dress jacket, white collared shirt, and the standard
uniform pants. The Class A Uniform may be worn with or without the gun belt. If worn,
the gun belt shall be worn around the waist, over the dress jacket.
4. Alternate Uniforms are those uniforms worn by specialized units, or are seasonal or
temporary in nature. Alternate Uniforms are described in General Order 511.00,
Specialized Units Uniform Requirements.
B. Sworn personnel in the department shall wear such uniform and insignia as the Chief of Police
may prescribe. TBP 2.13
1. In addition to the police uniforms described above, the term uniform shall be defined to
include any clothing, footwear, headgear, etc., worn on-duty while carrying out assigned
duties and shall include, but not be limited to, raid outfits, shirts with a facsimile of the
police badge and the word “police” on it or the name of a functional entity of the
department, ball caps, helmets and six-pocket pants.
a. Only insignia, patches, monograms, emblems or other markings stated as approved
in the General Orders shall be permitted on any visible uniform item. Commercial
emblems, markings, brands, slogans, logos or other insignia are prohibited on any
visible uniform item.
2. No alternate uniform, or alternate uniform item, shall be worn unless specifically
provided for in General Order 511.00, Specialized Units Uniform Requirements.
501.00 DRESS CODE
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a. Alternate uniforms may have items such as nameplate, badge, pins, and patches
which are embroidered on the uniform for tactical purposes and, if so specified in
General Order 511.00, Specialized Units Uniform Requirements, may be excluded
from the requirements to wear the standard uniform item.
b. Guidelines prescribed in this General Order pertaining to the care, appearance, and
wearing of the uniform or any accessory or hair style shall also apply to alternate
uniforms and headgear.
3. Any officer with a medical necessity to vary from the standard or alternate uniform,
including uniform items, shall have the medical documentation on file with the Medical
Records Custodian (MRC) in Police Employment Services.
4. Outer Vest Carrier
a. The Training Academy shall maintain a list of approved outer vest carriers.
b. The outer vest carrier shall be considered part of the standard uniform and
embroidery or screen printing of the badge, name plate, rank and insignia, and
“Police” or “FWPD” are not authorized on the vest carrier.
c. When the outer vest is removed in a secure environment, the uniform shirt worn
underneath the vest carrier may have the name, and badge embroidered.
C. Uniform Headgear
1. Only the uniform cap, western hat, ball cap, bicycle helmet, or motorcycle helmet issued
or approved shall be worn, unless an exemption is provided for in General Order 511.00,
Specialized Units Uniform Requirements, or by Special Order. TBP 2.13
a. The motorcycle helmet may only be worn by officers assigned to motorcycle patrol.
b. Officers are authorized to wear the western hat except with shorts.
c. The bicycle helmet may only be worn by officers assigned to bike patrol.
2. The uniform cap shall be worn:
a. Level on the head as viewed from the front and back, and with the front tip of the cap
bill level with the top of the eyebrows as viewed from the side.
b. Uniformed personnel below the supervisory ranks shall have a silver-colored scroll
mesh cap strap and cap shield.
c. Supervisors shall have a gold-colored scroll mesh cap strap and cap shield.
d. Appropriate gold or silver cap shields shall be centered in front of the cap and ¼ inch
below the top seam.
3. Western Hat
a. Not approved to be worn with the alternate summer shorts.
b. The western hat will be worn well-balanced on the head front and back with the front
tip of the hat brim level with the top of the eyebrows as viewed from the side. There
will be no extreme dips in the front or back, or excessive roll of the brim.
c. No customization of any type may be made to, worn with, or attached to the hat and
the highest degree of cleanliness of the hat is to be maintained at all times.
d. Specifications shall include:
Resistol Double-weave Shantung (worn April1 through October 31). Resistol Black
Felt (worn November 1 through March 31)
(1) 4 3/8” finished crown
(2) 4” brim
(3) Cattleman crease with medium square front brim
(4) 1 ¾” black or brown leather sweat band
(5) Buckskin or black ribbon and bow
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4. Ball Cap
Unless otherwise authorized by the Chief of Police in writing, ball caps shall have the
specifications outlined on the FWPD portal approved uniform list for style, fabric, front and
back lettering, font, color, and the letter size.
a. The highest degree of cleanliness of the ball cap is to be maintained at all times.
Faded, damaged, or worn ball caps shall be replaced.
5. In addition to wearing approved headgear for outdoor assignments, officers may only
wear the approved headgear when working indoor assignments such as concerts, exhibits,
sports events, or any additional indoor event as authorized by the Chief of Police.
6. All rules regarding wearing of the police uniform, including headgear, are applicable whether
the officer is wearing the uniform on or off duty. TBP 2.13
7. When duties permit, while in uniform and wearing the uniform cap, western hat, bicycle
helmet, ball cap, or motorcycle helmet, officers shall salute the national colors during
public occasions, ceremonies, or parades. During the playing of the national anthem,
officers shall stand at attention, face the flag, and maintain a military salute. When no
flag is presented, members shall face the direction of the music while saluting. When
officers are not wearing the approved cap or headgear, or while in civilian attire, they
shall not salute but shall stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart.
a. Officers who are members of the Armed Forces or veterans who are present, but not
in uniform, may render the military salute as provided by the United States Code.
8. When duties permit, the uniform cap, western hat, ball cap, or motorcycle or bicycle
helmet should be removed at events where invocations or prayers are offered, in court
rooms and at all times where proper decorum should be maintained. An officer shall show
proper respect at funerals by placing their headgear over the left chest when passing the
casket. Uniformed officers on escort duty shall come to attention and salute the hearse
and family cars when providing traffic escort and point control, duties permitting.
D. If an officer of the department receives any clothing allowance, said allowance shall be used
solely for equipment or clothing purchases connected with official duties and maintenance.
Each officer shall possess and maintain one (1) complete standard uniform and at least one
(1) additional uniform shirt and pants.
E. All equipment issued to an officer is the property of the police department and is subject to
inspection at any time. When police personnel leave the department, all police property shall
be disposed of according to the provisions contained in General Order 401.03, Termination
Procedure for Police Employees.
F. All police personnel shall, when on duty, carry such equipment as the Chief of Police may
prescribe.
G. All uniformed personnel shall report for roll call in the complete standard police uniform as
prescribed in this order or by special provision in General Order 511.00, Specialized Units
Uniform Requirements. No employee assigned to wear the uniform shall report to duty in
civilian clothing without their supervisor’s permission. TBP 2.13
H. Uniforms shall be kept neat, clean, well pressed, and in good condition at all times. Leather
goods shall be kept in good condition to include maintenance with polish on a regular basis.
A complete standard police uniform inspection, including uniform cap, shall be conducted
weekly. In accordance with each unit’s or section’s standard operating procedures, additional
standard police uniform inspections may be conducted. TBP 2.13
I. There is no established period for wearing either the summer or winter standard police
uniform. Both long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts are optional throughout the year.
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J. The uniform shall not be worn off duty except when:
1. Traveling to and from work.
2. Appearing in court.
3. Engaging in off-duty Law Enforcement/Security Related (LE/SR) employment as
approved by the Chief of Police.
K. Officers working approved off-duty LE/SR duty, whose regular assignment allows long hair
or beard, shall not work the duty unless in compliance with uniform standards. TBP 2.13
L. No substitutions for issued uniform items shall be allowed unless specifically provided for in
this directive or General Order 511.00, Specialized Units Uniform Requirements. All
proposed additions or deletions to the uniform shall be reviewed by the Uniform Committee
and approved by the Chief of Police or designated representative as provided for in General
Order 510.00, Equipment and Uniform Committee. Exemptions may include a medical waiver
issued by a physician, approved by the Chief of Police and filed with the Medical Records
Custodian (MRC) in Police Employment Services. TBP 2.13
M. No item of the uniform shall be worn at any time except as a part of a complete uniform.
(Exception: motorcycle helmet)
N. Appropriate patches, badge, and insignia shall be worn on the police uniform as specified in
General Order 503.00, Uniform Items for Sworn Personnel. TBP 2.13
O. Personnel assigned to special details such as funerals, ceremonial functions, etc., may be
required to wear specific uniform combinations as prescribed by the Chief of Police.
P. Officers are authorized to make alterations and/or repairs to the uniform as may become
necessary due to normal wear and tear.
Q. Employees in uniform may wear a wristwatch and/or identification bracelet. Rings may be
worn, but only one (1) on each hand is permitted. A wedding set is considered as one ring. TBP
2.13
R. Female officers may wear one (1) pair of small earrings or ear studs while in uniform. TBP 2.13
S. All employees are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, jewelry, or
ornamentation through the nose, tongue, or any visible part of the body while in uniform or
when performing official duty in non-uniformed attire, unless otherwise authorized by
General Orders. TBP 2.13
T. Any cosmetics, if worn, will be conservatively applied in shades complimentary to natural
skin tones. Fingernails will be no longer than ¼ inch from the tip of the finger. Nail polish, if
worn, shall be a conservative tone or clear-coated. Fluorescent or bright colored nail polish is
prohibited.
U. Uniformed personnel are prohibited from wearing any necklace or neck chain which is not
concealed from view. All non-uniformed personnel may wear necklaces or neck chains in
view, but may not wear any such items that shall detract from the officer’s professional
appearance because of gaudiness or excessive size. No more than one (1) necklace or chain
may be worn in view at any given time and no medallion or pendant may be worn in
conjunction with the neck chain that exceeds the size of a standard silver dollar. TBP 2.13
V. Body Art TBP 2.13
The Fort Worth Police Department is a professional organization that has a responsibility to avoid
offending or appearing unprofessional before the diverse public we serve. For this reason, the
Department prohibits the display of tattoos/body art that are profane, demeaning, patently
offensive, give the appearance of a preference or bias to the public or other members of the
Department or that contain messages that may be disruptive in the workplace or impact
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productivity. For the purpose of this General Order, the term tattoo and body art shall have the
same meaning and guidelines.
1. Body Art Locations
a. Visible tattoos, brands or other body art are prohibited in the following locations on
the body:
(1) On the head, face, neck, or scalp to include inside the eyelids, mouth and ears,
and
(2) On the hands, fingers, or wrists (below the wrist bone).
2. Unauthorized Body Art – The following body art is prohibited, regardless of visibility:
a. Extremist – Body art affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist
philosophies, organizations, or activities, including those advocating racial, gender,
ethnic, sexual orientation hatred or intolerance, or illegal discrimination based on
race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin and/or
tattoos advocating violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights
under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law.
b. Indecent – Body art grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or
professionalism, including but not limited to, vulgar images, nudity, or sexually
implicit images, words, or phrases.
c. Sexist – Body art advocating a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based
on gender.
d. Racist – Body art advocating a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based
on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
e. Contrary to the purpose of law enforcement – Depictions symbolizing or indicative
of alcohol or narcotics, illegal or gang-related activity, or symbols suggestive of
activity that undermines the purpose of law enforcement.
3. Authorization of Visible Body Art
a. Prospective Employees – The Training Division is responsible for ensuring that
prospective employees’ body art is acceptable as outlined in this policy.
Employment packages will include the information on any visible tattoos/body art
of the applicant.
b. Pre-existing Body Art – Tattoos existing prior to the authorization date of
this General Order which are not prohibited above are not required to be covered.
After the authorized date of this General Order revision, employees are required to
acquire authorization prior to the addition of any new visible body art.
4. Covering Visible Prohibited Tattoos
Any employee in a uniformed or non-uniformed assignment with a prohibited tattoo or a brand
that is visible while wearing the alternate summer uniform or a short-sleeved shirt shall have
the following options:
a. If in uniformed assignment, wear the standard long-sleeved uniform shirt. If
in a non-uniformed assignment, cover with appropriate clothing.
b. Cover the tattoo or brand with a skin-tone patch. A skin-tone patch shall not be an
option to cover a tattoo or brand on the employee’s leg(s).
c. Have the tattoo or brand removed at the employee’s expense.
5. Process for Seeking Authorization to Display Body Art
a. The employee will submit the following to their immediate supervisor for
determination of whether or not the tattoo follows the guidelines and may be
visible, i.e., does not have to be covered:
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(1) A graphic depiction of the body art;
(2) The size, and;
(3) The location on the body where it will be visible.
b. The employee’s immediate supervisor will electronically submit the information
regarding the requested body art through the chain of command, up to the
Captain/Manager level, who will determine if the employee may display the tattoo.
If the employee requesting to be allowed to display a tattoo holds the rank of
captain/manager or above, the approval process will be decided at the next highest
rank.
c. If an employee disagrees with a determination of the chain of command, the
employee may appeal for a review by the Uniform Committee who can make a
final determination as to whether or not the employee may display the tattoo.
6. Intentional mutilation of the parts of the body including, but not limited to, tongue
bifurcation (splitting), ear gauging (enlarged holes in the lobe of the ear), or foreign
objects inserted under the skin to create a design, effect or pattern that would be visible
when wearing the standard or specialized uniform are not authorized. TBP 2.13
501.02 NON-UNIFORMED ASSIGNMENTS: APPEARANCE (Revised 7/18/16)
A. Personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, assigned to non-uniformed positions shall wear
clothing which presents a professional businesslike appearance. Business casual shall be
appropriate throughout the year on normal business days that do not require activities such as
court appearance, council meetings, meetings with businesses, or any official department
function or ceremony that would require a more formal business attire or full dress uniform.
B. Business Casual
1. Male employees are not required to wear a tie and have the option of a long or shortsleeved shirt.
2. Traditional dress shirts, banded-collar dress shirts, and knit shirts with placket and collar
(i.e. polo shirts) are approved for business casual wear.
a. Polo-styled shirts may have the official city of Fort Worth Molly emblem with
“Police” (sworn personnel) or “Police Department” (non-sworn personnel)
embroidered on the left side of the shirt. Polo Shirts with a printed or embroidered
badge or patch are not permitted for non-sworn personnel.
3. Officers shall ensure their badge or clothing displaying the approved police department
logo is clearly visible when a jacket is not worn and their firearm is not concealed.
C. Business Attire
Male employees shall wear either a suit or sport coat and slacks with a dress shirt and tie.
Female employees shall wear a dress, business suit, pants suit or a skirt or slacks with blouse,
sweater or jacket.
D. Inappropriate clothing, including footwear, as outlined in the City of Fort Worth Rules and
Regulations Professional Dress Policy will be prohibited in sworn and non-sworn nonuniformed assignments.
E. Exceptions to non-uniformed dress standards for officers in specialized assignments may be
granted by division captains.
F. Officers actively engaged in an undercover assignment are exempt from these rules and will
dress in a manner determined by their supervisor.
G. Non-sworn personnel assigned to divisions having a specific uniform will follow the division’s
guidelines for wearing of the uniform.
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H. All sworn personnel in non-uniformed assignments shall have a standard police uniform
readily available at all times.
I. A complete standard police uniform inspection, including uniform cap, shall be conducted at
least once during each evaluation period. In accordance with each unit’s or section’s standard
operating procedures, additional standard police uniform inspections may be conducted.
502.01 HAIR AND MUSTACHES (Revised 2/01/17)
Commissioned personnel, Traffic Control Technicians, and Police Trainees shall conform to the
guidelines A through C below:
A. Hair Standards – Non-Uniformed
Hairstyles worn by personnel shall be neat, clean, present a well-groomed conservative and
professional appearance. Hair color shall be of conservative tone and will not distract from a
professional appearance and will be limited to colors that are natural or conservative artificial
variations. Exceptions shall be permitted at the discretion of a division captain and while the
employee is on active undercover or vice control assignment.
B. Mustaches and Sideburns – Non-Uniformed and Uniformed
1. The face shall be clean shaven; however, mustaches are permitted. If a mustache is worn,
it shall be neatly trimmed off the lips, not to extend more than ¼” below the corners of
the mouth, and never excessively bushy, rolled, or curled. Beards and goatees are not
authorized.
2. If an individual desires to wear sideburns, they shall be neatly trimmed and tapered.
Sideburns may extend to the lowest part of the earlobe and shall end in a clean-shaven
horizontal line. Sideburns shall not be flared or any wider at the bottom than their natural
width at the top.
3. Exceptions
The department recognizes that employees may have a medical need to have facial hair
which is outside of policy. A reason for this includes, but is not limited to,
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or types of skin cancer.
a. Exemptions shall be case-by-case and require a medical waiver issued by a
dermatologist (licensed in Texas), approved by an Assistant Chief, and filed
with the Medical Records Custodian (MRC) in Police Employment Services.
(1) Medical Records Custodians shall review and monitor the waiver every
three (3) months.
(2) Exemptions expire one (1) year from the date of approval and the officer
must re-apply.
b. If the waiver is approved, facial hair will be kept trimmed and neat, not to
exceed ¼” in length. Goatees, “chin strap,” and designer beards are strictly
prohibited.
c. If the officer shaves his facial hair after receiving a waiver, the waiver will
become void and the officer will have to submit another waiver request for
facial hair.
d. The officer shall be assigned to a transitional duty assignment that does not
require the wearing of a standard police uniform or special assignment
502.00 HAIR AND MUSTACHES
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uniform. The transitional duty assignment shall continue until the condition is
alleviated.
(1) As a safety issue, it is critical that facial hair does not interfere with the
ability of officers to effectively don personal protective gear such as a gas
mask.
C. Hair Standards – Uniformed
1. Hair must be neat and of professional style. The length and/or bulk of the hair shall be
conservative and not be represented by ragged or unkempt fashions.
2. Hair pieces, including extensions and wigs, are acceptable if they meet the prescribed
requirements for hairstyles.
3. Hairstyles shall not feature unkempt styles, or styles that incorporate shaved emblems,
symbols, and/or names; tails; Mohawks; faux hawks; or any other styles that distract
from the professional appearance of officers. Ponytails and pigtails are prohibited. Hair
color shall be of conservative tone and will not distract from a professional appearance
and will be limited to colors that are natural or conservative artificial variations.
4. Officers shall wear their hair in styles that permit the proper wearing of the prescribed
headgear.
5. Hair shall be arranged so as not to interfere with vision in any way. Bangs must be kept
above the brow line.
6. Male Employees – Additional Specifications
a. The block cut in the back is permitted as long as a tapered appearance is maintained.
b. When combed, the hair shall not cover more than half the ear and shall not extend
beyond the top portion of the collar. Any hairstyle must not extend outward from the
scalp more than 1½” in length.
c. The bulk or length of the hair shall not interfere with the normal wearing of all
standard issue headgear. Hair shall not protrude onto the forehead below the band of
properly worn headgear.
7. Female Employees – Additional Specifications
a. The grooming and style must be maintained under all but the most adverse
conditions. Longer hair must be fashioned in a way that it does not extend outward
from the scalp more than 1½” in length and never below the bottom edge of the shirt
collar. Braiding, twisting and locking hairstyles are permitted provided they are
conservative and have a professional appearance.
b. Hairpins, barrettes, hair clips or hair bands should be black, dark blue or closely
match the hair color so as not to be conspicuous. Items used by officers to hold the
hair in place shall be concealed as much as possible. Decorative items, such as
ribbons, shall not be worn in the hair.
D. Non-Sworn Personnel
Hairstyles for non-sworn personnel shall be professional in appearance and not feature
unkempt styles. Hair color shall be of conservative tone and will not distract from a
professional appearance and will be limited to colors that are natural or conservative
artificial variations.
E. Immediate supervisors shall determine compliance of hair styles. Officers may appeal a
supervisor’s decision through the chain of command up to their Deputy Chief or the Duty
Deputy Chief.
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503.01 UNIFORM ITEMS FOR SWORN PERSONNEL (Revised 12/13/18)
A. Shirts
1. Only uniform shirts as prescribed shall be worn. The Training Division shall maintain a
list of approved uniform shirts.
2. Long-sleeved shirts shall not be worn with the sleeves rolled up.
3. Uniformed personnel below the supervisory ranks shall wear silver-colored FWPD metal
collar pins on both winter and summer shirts. Velcro tie downs may be worn under the
short-sleeved shirt collar to hold it down.
4. Sergeants shall wear gold-colored FWPD metal collar pins on both the long-sleeved and
short-sleeved shirts.
5. Lieutenants and above shall wear the insignia of their rank on the collar of the uniform
shirt.
6. Rank Insignia:
Corporal Two Blue Chevrons – worn on sleeves
Sergeant Three Gold Chevrons – worn on sleeves
Lieutenant One bar – worn on collar
Captain Two bars – worn on collar
Commander One star – worn on collar
Deputy Chief Two stars – worn on collar
Assistant Chief Three stars – worn on collar
Chief of Police Four stars – worn on collar
7. All buttons on the shirt shall be buttoned at all times. (Exceptions: Collar button on shortsleeved summer shirt or long-sleeved shirt without a tie.) Metal buttons worn with the
uniform shall be silver-colored for ranks of corporal/detective and below and goldcolored for ranks of sergeant and above.
8. White, navy or black crew-cut undershirts may be worn with the open-collared uniform
shirt.
9. Officers may wear a black or navy blue turtleneck sweater or mock turtleneck sweater
underneath the long-sleeved uniform shirt during the period October 1 through April 30.
The collar of the turtleneck must be smooth knit. Wearing of the turtleneck sweater will
replace wearing of a tie or scarf.
a. The collar of the turtleneck may have “FWPD” printed on the left side of the shirt
starting 1” from the center of the front. Initials shall be no larger than ½” embroidered
block lettering in silver for ranks of corporal/detective and below or gold for ranks
of sergeant and above. The gold color must match the gold in the shoulder patch.
b. As an option, officers may place a panther on the right side of the collar. The panther
shall have a height of approximately ½”, in the same color as the block lettering, and
in the approximate distance from the center as the lettering.
10. Service hash marks are optional; they may be worn on the left sleeve of long-sleeved
shirts. Gold hash marks indicate five (5) years of service. Hash marks shall be the same
color for all personnel. The hash marks shall be 1 ½” in length.
11. The Fort Worth Police Department patch shall be worn on both shoulders of the uniform
shirt and jacket.
503.00 UNIFORM ITEMS FOR SWORN PERSONNEL
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a. The Honor Guard shoulder patch may be worn by active members on their regular
field uniform.
12. Service and award pins may be worn on the right breast below the name plate and above
the pocket.
13. Metal or embroidered alternate uniform nameplates with the last name and initial(s) shall
be worn by all uniformed personnel. The nameplate is required on the shirt and any other
garment worn over the uniform shirt. Patrol officers have the option of wearing a metal
nameplate or an embroidered nameplate on their uniform jacket.
a. Uniformed personnel in the ranks of corporal/detective and below shall wear silvercolored metal nameplates or embroidery.
b. The ranks of sergeant and above shall wear gold-colored metal nameplates or
embroidery.
c. The Honor Guard nameplate may be worn any time an officer assigned to Honor
Guard is in uniform.
B. Ties
1. Ties worn with the uniform shall be black in color. The tie shall be the clip-on type and
the bottom width shall not exceed 4″ nor be less than 3.”
2. A western bolo tie shall not be accepted as appropriate attire for uniform or non-uniform
personnel.
3. Ties shall be optional with the long-sleeved shirt; however, a tie shall be worn with a
long-sleeved shirt in activities such as court appearances or any official department
function or ceremony that would require a more formal appearance.
4. Only police, school, or fraternally-oriented tie clasps tie tacks, and lapel pins are approved
to be worn with the tie when in uniform. This includes the Fort Worth Police Officers
Association, the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the
National Latino Peace Officers Association – Fort Worth Chapter tie tacks and lapel pins.
5. Service award pins issued by the City of Fort Worth may be worn.
C. Pants
1. Only the prescribed uniform pants may be worn. The Training Division shall maintain a
current list of approved pants.
2. Pant length shall be no shorter than 3″ from the ground, and no longer than ½” from the
ground when standing.
3. Flared legs are permissible, but shall not exceed a 2″ flare. Pant legs shall not be
excessively tight.
D. Shoes
1. Shoes worn with uniform must be black, smooth-grained leather or similar synthetic
material having an acceptable likeness to leather. The shoes may be low cut or high top
and must have black stitching and black edged soles. Heels, measured from the top of the
sole to the bottom of the heel, shall not exceed 1 ½” in height. Only shoes with eyelets
and shoelaces shall be worn.
a. Shoes bearing stripes, commercial emblems or other insignia are prohibited.
2. Loafers, wing tips, or shoes with buckles or straps are not acceptable for wear with the
police uniform.
3. Shoes shall be polished at all times. Shoes shall be in a good state of repair at all times.
4. Socks worn with the uniform shall be black or dark navy blue in color.
5. Black overshoes may be worn in inclement weather.
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E. Boots
1. Motorcycle boots shall be worn only by Traffic Division officers assigned to solo
motorcycle duty.
2. Boots that are black and of smooth-grained leather may be worn by uniformed personnel
if the pant cuffs are worn outside the boot tops. Boots must meet the following
requirements:
a. Heel styles are limited to: 1 ½” long-base walking, 1 5/8″ utility, 1 ½” block, and
ladies 1¼” utility heels.
b. Heels measured from the top of the sole to the bottom of the heel shall be a maximum
of 1 5/8.” Toe style shall be either round or medium round.
c. Stitching shall be black.
d. Soles shall be black edged.
e. There shall be no ornamental straps or stitching.
f. The tops of the boots, measured from the top of the sole to the top of the boot, shall
be a minimum of twelve (12) inches.
g. Boots must be polished at all times.
F. Steel toe footwear is prohibited.
G. Jackets
1. Jackets specified by the Chief of Police in writing shall be worn by sworn personnel. The
Training Division shall maintain a list of approved jackets.
2. All personnel shall wear the Fort Worth Police Department shoulder patch on both
shoulders and the badge on the left breast of the jacket.
a. The inner liner for the authorized police jacket shall have the Fort Worth Police
Department shoulder patch on both shoulders.
(1) Uniformed personnel in the ranks of corporal/detective and below shall have an
embroidered silver-colored name and badge.
(2) Uniformed personnel in the ranks of Sergeant and above shall have an
embroidered gold-colored name and badge.
503.02 UNIFORM ACCESSORIES
1. Cap shields – To be no lower than ¼” below top seam.
2. Metal buttons – Two (2) to be worn on upper epaulet, and two (2) worn on the breast
pockets.
3. Insignia of rank – Lieutenant or above.
4. Metal nameplate – Silver for police officers and corporals, gold for sergeant and above,
worn ¼” above award pins. In the absence of service or award pins, the nameplate shall
be worn on the right breast ¼” above pocket.
5. Award and Service pins – Worn ¼” above right breast pocket.
a. Award and service pins are worn in three (3) rows with no space between rows and
no more than three (3) award pins to a row.
b. All award and service pins are aligned vertically on center of the nameplate. If one
row has less than three (3) award pins, the top row will contain the lesser number
and will be centered above the row underneath.
c. The highest award pin(s) as directed by General Order 508.02, Awards for
Outstanding Acts, shall always be worn closest to the center of the uniform starting
on the top row. Service and educational pins will follow with the officer’s order of
preference.
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d. Only the most recent or the highest of the service and educational award pins (i.e.
safe driving, weapons proficiency, service, educational achievement, etc) will be
worn.
6. Chevrons – Worn by sergeants and corporals on both summer and winter uniforms.
7. Ammunition carrier – To be worn in the front, either side of the buckle.
8. FWPD ornament/rank insignia – Silver for police officers and corporals/detectives, gold
for sergeant and above.
a. The Rank Insignia for lieutenant and above shall be worn on the collar ½” from the
front edge of the collar and in the center of the collar. Lieutenants shall wear one (1)
bar on each side of the collar, captains shall wear two (2) bars on each side of the
collar. Bar insignias shall be worn with the long edge of the bar insignia parallel to
the front edge of the collar.
b. The assistant and deputy chief star(s) shall be ½” from the front edge of the collar
and in the center of the collar. Multiple stars should be perpendicular to the front
edge.
c. The rank insignia for lieutenant and above shall be worn in place of the FWPD
ornament. Sergeants and below will continue to wear the FWPD ornament on the
collar, parallel to the top side and 1¼” from the front side. When appropriate, all
ranks will continue to wear the brass rank insignias on the epaulets for uniform
outerwear such as jackets.
9. Service weapon – worn on strong side, butt of the weapon to the rear, grips of dark
conservative color.
10. Hash marks – Shall be optional on winter uniform, and if worn, placed 1″ above the left
cuff.
11. Badge – Worn on left side, above pocket. When in uniform, the badge shall be worn on
the outer garment, in view. Officers and corporal/detectives shall be issued a silvercolored badge; sergeants and above shall be issued a gold-colored badge.
503.03 BADGES AND CAP SHIELDS (Revised 4/28/15)
A. All badges and cap shields, whether issued or purchased for use, shall remain the property of
the Fort Worth Police Department. Officers shall ensure any issued or personally-maintained
badges are secured at all times.
B. An officer commissioned by the department shall be issued one (1) large size badge and cap
shield.
1. No officer shall have more than three (3) badges of the current rank: one (1) original issue
and two (2) additional badges which may be purchased for use at the officer’s expense.
2. Officers are prohibited from purchasing a badge or cap shield directly from a vendor
without approval. An officer requesting any additional badges/cap shield, whether
department-issue or purchased for use through an authorized vendor, shall submit a
request form to the Chief of Police for approval. An exception shall be Fort Worth Police
Historical Association board members purchasing a badge for archival purposes.
3. All badges/cap shields, whether issued or purchased for use, shall be delivered to the
Training Division. Training Division personnel shall contact the officer when the
badge/cap shield is received. Once the badge has been issued to the officer, the completed
request form will be placed in the officer’s equipment file and the database will be
updated.
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4. Training Division personnel shall verify the officer’s current number of badges. If the
officer currently has three (3) badges for current rank, the officer shall return a badge
before the Training Division issues an additional badge.
5. Except as stated in section D of this order, officers shall return all badge(s) and cap shield
to the Training Division before out-processing can be completed.
a. Employees who are terminated or have resigned shall, upon return of all additional
badge(s) purchased for use at the officer’s expense, be reimbursed for the returned
badge(s) at a rate equal to the cost of an issued badge.
6. Centennial badges were commissioned from June 9, 2012 to June 9, 2013 and shall no
longer be worn as a commissioned badge. Centennial badges will not be included in the
determination of the number of badges an officer may retain.
C. Promotion
Upon promotion, all badges and cap shield of the previous rank shall be returned to the Police
Training Division before new badge(s) and cap shield can be issued.
1. Promotees shall be given an even exchange of large issued badges for those returned, not
to exceed a maximum of three (3) badges.
a. At the time of the exchange, one (1) officer rank badge which is imprinted with the
officer’s ID may be retained by the officer as a memento. If the officer chooses to
retain a memento badge, that badge shall count as one of the badges being exchanged.
An example of retention and exchange would be:
(1) An officer has three (3) badges, one (1) originally issued by the department and
two (2) purchased by the officer for personal use. If the officer chooses to keep
one (1) of the three (3) badges as a memento, the department will exchange the
other two (2) badges for the new rank.
(2) An officer has three (3) badges, one (1) originally issued by the department and
two (2) purchased by the officer for personal use. If the officer chooses not to
retain a badge as a memento, then the department will exchange all three (3)
badges for the new rank.
2. Officers who did not retain a memento badge from a previous rank and desire to purchase
one (1) badge shall submit a request form to the Chief of Police for approval. Badges
retained as a memento shall be used only for the following:
a. Display as part of a collection.
b. Secured for eventual mounting as a display.
NOTE: Badges shall not be traded, sold, transferred, assigned, or in any way disposed
of without written authorization of the Chief of Police or designee.
D. Retirement
Officers who desire to keep a badge and cap shield upon retirement shall submit a written
request to the Chief of Police for one (1) badge to be secured, without cost to the officer, as a
personal memento. All other badge(s), other than memento badge(s) retained from previous
ranks, shall be returned to the Training Division.
1. In addition to the memento badge, a retired officer may receive, without cost to the
officer, a badge displaying their identification number below the word “Retired.” The
Training Division shall maintain a list of all “Retired” badges issued.
a. For the purposes of this section, retired officer means:
(1) An officer who separates in good standing after at least fifteen (15) years of
service; or
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(2) An officer who medically retires as the result of a service-connected injury or
illness, and the officer has completed probation.
2. The officer will be reimbursed for badge(s) returned to the Training Division up to a
maximum of three (3) badges. If the officer chooses to retain a memento badge, that badge
shall count as one of the badges being returned. Written notification by the Training
Division shall be made to Employment Services Section for placement in officer’s
permanent personnel file.
3. The officer will sign a statement of understanding that they are specifically prohibited
from using these items to indicate they are serving in an official police capacity for the
Fort Worth Police Department.
4. Badges shall not be traded, sold, transferred, assigned, or in any way disposed of without
written authorization of the Chief of Police or designee.
5. Officers who are terminated, separate from the department under less than honorable
conditions or while under investigation, and those who resign or retire in lieu of
discipline/termination will not be eligible to retain a badge or cap shield, or receive a
retirement badge.
E. Lost or Stolen Badge
An officer whose badge(s), issued or purchased for use, or cap shield is stolen or lost shall
immediately:
1. Report stolen or lost badge(s) and/or cap shield to the Police Data Collection and
Reporting Unit (DRU) for appropriate offense report.
2. Notify immediate supervisor of loss.
3. Submit an inter-office correspondence through the chain of command to the Chief of
Police, with attached copy of offense or incident report, giving circumstances of loss
along with any request for replacement of issued badge(s).
4. Report the theft to the Training Division for replacement of issued badge(s) and/or cap
shield and forward a copy of the appropriate offense or incident report to Training.
5. When a badge is lost or stolen due to negligence, as determine by an investigation of the
circumstances, the disciplinary process shall be followed to address the misconduct.
F. Damaged Badge
An officer whose issued badge(s) is damaged shall immediately:
1. Notify immediate supervisor of damage.
2. Submit an inter-office correspondence to supervisor giving circumstances of damage and
request for repairs or replacement. The supervisor shall ensure a copy is forwarded to the
Employment Services Section for placement in employee’s permanent personnel file.
3. When damage to the badge is due to negligence, as determined by an investigation of the
circumstances, the disciplinary process shall be followed to address the misconduct.
4. The department will not be responsible for repair or replacement of any badge(s)
purchased for use.
G. Line of Duty Death
When an officer is slain in the line of duty:
1. Upon written request and approval of the Chief of Police, the badge and cap shield shall
be given to the present spouse, parent, or child of the slain officer.
2. Only one (1) badge and cap shield shall be secured as a personal memento unless special
circumstances exist. Such circumstances must be approved by the Chief of Police.
3. The family member requesting and receiving the badge and/or cap shield shall be apprised
of conditions, ownership, and restrictions concerning memento badge and cap shield.
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4. The family member may at any time surrender a memento badge and/or cap shield to the
department.
503.04 IDENTIFICATION CARDS FOR HONORABLY RETIRED OFFICERS (Revised
4/28/15)
A. Officers who retire from the department may request an identification card designating them
as an honorably retired officer. Officers who are terminated, separate from the department
under less than honorable conditions or while under investigation, and those who resign or
retire in lieu of discipline or termination will not be eligible to receive an identification card.
1. For the purposes of this section, retired officer means:
a. An officer who separates after at least fifteen (15) years of service; or
b. An officer who medically retires as the result of a service-connected injury or
illness, and the officer has completed probation.
B. Qualified retirees may choose from the following two options:
1. Honorably Retired – Retired officers who desire an identification card designating them
as an honorably retired officer shall submit a written request to the Captain of the Training
Division. The Training Division Captain (or designee) shall contact Internal Affairs to
determine the status of the retired officer prior to issuing the ID card.
2. Honorably Retired; Certificate of Weapon Proficiency – Retired officers who wish to
obtain an identification card that authorizes them to carry a firearm in accordance with
Title 18 Chapter 44, Section 926C of the United States Code shall comply with Section
1701.357 of the Texas Occupations Code and submit a written request to that effect to
the Captain of the Training Division. The Training Division Captain (or designee) shall
contact Internal Affairs to determine the status of the retired officer. If the retired officer
meets the requirements, the Training Division Captain shall allow the retired officer the
opportunity to demonstrate firearms proficiency at the weapons range. Retired officers
who meet the minimum qualification score as mandated by TCOLE can then obtain an
identification card designating them as an honorably retired officer authorized to carry a
weapon. This identification card will expire one (1) year from date of issue. Retired
officers must demonstrate firearms proficiency annually to receive an updated
identification card.
C. The Training Division will maintain standard operating procedures that outline any additional
procedures for obtaining a retiree identification card and the laws that pertain to the issuance.
The Training Division will maintain records of all retirees who are issued identification cards
and which type of card each retiree is issued. The Training Division will also maintain the
qualifications scores of each retiree who demonstrates firearms proficiency in accordance with
this section.
D. If the retirement status of any former officer cannot be clearly determined, the request for any
identification card will be denied.
E. Any exceptions to the above procedures must be approved in writing by the Chief of Police.
504.01 WEAPONS
RESTRICTED
504.02 LEATHER GOODS
RESTRICTED
504.00 POLICE WEAPONS AND LEATHER GOODS
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505.01 MISCELLANEOUS UNIFORM ITEMS
A. All uniformed officers may carry the approved chemical agents on the uniform belt in the
holster provided. The position on the belt is optional so long as it does not interfere with access
to the handgun.
B. Only the authorized police raincoat shall be worn. A list of authorized raincoats shall be
maintained by the Training Division.
C. Black dress gloves may be worn in cold weather, and white gloves may be worn by officers
performing traffic point control. Only black full-fingered leather or tactical gloves may be
worn all year. No fingerless gloves may be worn unless prior written approval from the Chief
of Police.
D. Scarves, mufflers, and earmuffs may be worn provided they are black or navy blue. Scarves
or mufflers shall not be worn so as to show above the collar of the outer garment.
E. Only an authorized watch cap with the appropriate lettering may be worn when it is necessary
for the officer to be outside, exposed to the cold, for extended periods of time. Example:
Directing traffic around an accident or guarding the perimeter of a suspected burglary. The
watch cap shall not be worn when the officer is making routine calls which would include
entering a complainant’s home or place of business. Lettering on the watch cap shall be 1½”
block FWPD in silver for detective rank and below or gold for ranks of sergeant and above.
The gold color must match the gold in the shoulder patch.
F. Whenever sworn or non-sworn personnel work any traffic point control, investigation of an
accident, lane closures, obstructed roadways, or any disasters within the right-of-way of a
Federal-aid highway, whether on duty or off duty, the employee shall wear a reflective vest
and, if appropriate, the approved headgear.
G. Smith and Wesson or Peerless handcuffs shall be carried by all uniformed officers in the
department-issued handcuff holder.
H. Officers may wear a folding knife with sheath on the uniform belt provided the knife and
sheath meet the following guidelines:
1. The knife is not defined as illegal or prohibited in Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code.
2. The knife when carried on duty is to be holstered in its sheath or in the officer’s pocket.
3. The sheath shall be black in color and the finish shall be consistent with other leather
goods on the belt.
4. A folding multi-tool may be carried in lieu of a knife.
I. Slapjacks, blackjacks, leaded gloves, and metal knuckles are prohibited. No weapon or
restraint other than those approved by the order of the Chief of Police shall be carried.
J. Flashlights shall not be used in substitution of the baton or as an offensive or defensive weapon
except in situations wherein it reasonably appears necessary for officers to protect themselves
or others from an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury.
K. Flashlight batteries shall be furnished by the department for officers performing official police
duties. When batteries lose their effectiveness, officers may obtain replacements by:
1. Presenting the flashlight containing the used batteries to the divisional employee
designated this responsibility and exchanging the used batteries for replacements.
2. Signing the appropriate control log provided for the issuance of batteries.
505.00 MISCELLANEOUS UNIFORM ITEMS
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3. Each patrol division captain and the Traffic Division Captain is responsible for
maintaining an accurate and legible record (control log) regarding the issuance of
batteries and for maintaining the integrity of their use.
506.01 PORTABLE RADIOS
A. Assignment
1. Portable radios shall be issued to all sworn personnel and some non-sworn employees
based on work assignment or operational needs.
a. Due to the specific configurations for department radios, all radios shall be assigned
through City Radio Services. Radios shall not be purchased from any other source
and service will only be provided to department radios.
2. When in uniform, personnel issued a portable radio are required to carry them at all times.
While away from their primary duty station or mobile radio, all employees will have their
portable radios on and able to receive communications.
3. Reserve officers and civilian employees who are issued portable radios shall use them
only while on duty and the radios shall be secured by the employee while off-duty.
a. Any exceptions for civilian employees and reserve officers for off-duty usage shall
require written approval by the Chief of Police or designee.
4. Officers transferring from one unit to another unit shall retain the portable radio and
related equipment which they have been issued.
a. Officers transferring from a division shall take their portable radio to the City Radio
Services for reprogramming. Only officers transferred via a Personnel Order shall be
eligible for portable radio reprogramming. Officers who need portable radio
reprogramming for other reasons must obtain a signed inter-office correspondence
from the deputy chief and take this form and their portable radio to the City Radio
Services.
5. Changes in the issuance of portable radios and accessories will be forwarded to the
Finance and Personnel Bureau from City Radio Services. All commissioned officers will
be issued portable radios if they are available.
6. In the event an employee is assigned to a division and no portable radios are available,
the division captain shall direct a written request to the City Radio Services for a portable
radio.
7. City Radio Services shall maintain a pool of radios for use in the event of equipment
malfunction and for special operations, or other similar circumstances.
B. Police Asset Management and City Radio Services shall be responsible for the inventory of
portable radio equipment which has been assigned to officers and divisions throughout the
department.
C. Use of Portable Radios While Off-Duty
1. Portable radios shall be used off-duty only during exigent circumstances, i.e., where the
reporting of an incident will reduce the threat of imminent or possible harm to life or
property.
2. The use of portable radios while off-duty for unit-to-unit or unit-to-base station (other
than Police Communications Division) contact is prohibited, except following the report
506.00 PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
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of an incident where further communications can provide an additional safety factor for
responding officers.
3. The use of portable radios while off-duty to request information from the Police
Information Center or any other unit is prohibited.
4. When using a portable radio while off-duty, proper radio discipline shall be followed as
outlined in General Order 604.01, Radio Discipline.
a. Employees using a portable radio off-duty shall use the alpha prefix “R” and then
their identification number when contacting the dispatcher while off-duty.
5. The mere reporting of an eligible incident via a portable radio while off-duty shall not
warrant any compensation, either monetary or compensatory time, and shall not place the
employee in an on-duty status.
6. When engaged in off-duty law enforcement and security-related (LE/SR) employment,
use of the portable radio shall be in compliance with the provisions for off-duty use of
portable radios.
7. Any exceptions to provisions for off-duty LE/SR employment use of portable radios shall
require written approval by the Chief of Police or designee.
D. Responsibility for Issued Portable Radios
1. Any employee assigned a portable radio is responsible for the proper care and
maintenance of the equipment. All personnel shall use due diligence to ensure that no
issued item of equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen.
2. In the event a portable radio is damaged or becomes non-functional, it shall be swapped
out in a one for one exchange with the City Radio Services.
a. A supervisor receiving a damaged or malfunctioning radio shall follow division
guidelines for obtaining the repair of the equipment.
b. If the supervisor suspects the radio was damaged due to negligence, they shall
conduct an investigation and provide a written report to the captain of their division
reporting their findings. A copy of the report shall be sent to the City Radio Services.
c. During the time an officer’s assigned radio is being repaired, the officer shall check
out a pool radio from the City Radio Services.
3. The loss or theft of any portable radio shall be reported to a supervisor within the affected
employee’s division immediately and the supervisor shall ensure that the City Radio
Services is notified.
a. Within seventy-two (72) hours after the discovery of the loss or theft of an assigned
portable radio, following the above notification, the employee shall submit a written
report of the circumstances of the loss or theft of the radio to their supervisor. The
supervisor shall submit the report to the division captain through the appropriate
chain of command.
b. In the event of the theft of the portable radio, it shall be reported to the appropriate
police jurisdiction immediately and an offense report shall be completed. The
employee shall ensure that the agency is provided with the manufacturer’s name,
model number, and serial number of the radio in order to allow entry into the NCIC
system. If the employee does not have the serial number, they shall obtain it from the
City Radio Services at the earliest possible time and provide it to the agency who
took the offense report.
c. The division captain shall ensure that an investigation is completed regarding the loss
or theft of the radio and that the completed report of the investigation is forwarded
to the appropriate deputy chief with a copy being sent to the City Radio Services.
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When a radio is damaged, lost or stolen due to negligence, as determine by an
investigation of the circumstances, the disciplinary process shall be followed to
address the misconduct.
E. Portable radios may be temporarily assigned to other law enforcement agencies, if available,
or personnel upon written request from the agency or individual involved and after written
approval of the Chief of Police has been obtained.
F. Reporting of Violations
1. The Police Communications Division shall have primary responsibility for reporting
violations of this order regarding the misuse of portable radios while off-duty.
a. The dispatcher detecting the violation shall contact their supervisor and inform them
of the nature of the violation, the time it occurred, and the radio call number of the
violator.
b. The supervisor shall complete an Inter-Office Correspondence containing the above
information and forward it to their Assistant Chief through the chain of command.
c. The Assistant Chief shall forward the report of misuse to the deputy chief of the
person allegedly committing the violation.
d. It shall be the responsibility of the deputy chief of the employee allegedly committing
the infraction to investigate the complaint and take appropriate disciplinary action.
2. Although the Police Communications Division has primary responsibility for reporting
infractions, this does not relieve field supervisors from the responsibility of noting and
reporting violations of this General Order.
506.02 CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A. Employees who are issued departmental electronic devices, including cellular phones with
messaging functions, shall have the device with them at all times and will monitor the device
for incoming messages and calls. Employees shall answer all calls or messages in a timely
manner unless the employee is aware the telephone number is one that has been used for
telephone harassment.
1. As per General Order 406.08, Call-Back Pay, off-duty employees using an electronic
device shall not report work time if the employee is able to use their time effectively for
their own purposes.
a. Employees on scheduled vacation, holidays, Workers Comp Control Group or
Extended Leave Control Group, or sick or occupational leave shall not be responsible
for monitoring their devices, unless exigent circumstances exist and prior approval
has been received by their supervisor.
B. Personnel authorized to use departmental electronic devices, including cellular telephones,
shall use the devices in a professional manner, consistent with the rules for radio discipline
covered in General Order 604.01, Radio Discipline.
C. Employees shall limit the use of departmental cellular telephones for personal or nondepartmental matters. Personal or non-departmental long distance calls are prohibited.
1. Employees shall be responsible for reimbursement to the department for all charges for
long distance, roamer, and directory assistance related to personal calls both outgoing and
incoming at 100% of the charges.
2. Employees shall limit long distance, roamer, or directory assistance calls for departmental
business to emergency situations only.
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D. Any abuse in the use of electronic devices which indicates an inordinate amount of time is
being used for either incoming or outgoing personal calls or messages will be considered as
neglect of duty and disciplinary action may be taken.
E. All personnel should be aware that a cellular phone is not a secure phone and that
conversations can be intercepted and monitored by skilled personnel using easily available
radio scanners. Sensitive conversations should always be conducted on a secure land line.
F. All electronic devices, including cellular phones, equipped with a locking code will be locked
when the device is unattended.
G. While attending meetings, training, public events, or other situations were an audible mode
could be disruptive, the device shall be set on a silent mode, if the device is equipped with
that function.
H. Any employee authorized to use departmental electronic devices, including cellular
telephones, will be responsible for the proper care of the equipment and shall use due diligence
to ensure the device is not damaged, lost, or stolen.
1. Any employee whose departmentally-owned electronic device, including a cellular
phone, is lost, stolen, or misplaced shall immediately notify their supervisor and an
incident or offense report shall be generated.
I. No employee may use a personal electronic device, including a cell phone, to photograph or
electronically record any crime scene or potential criminal evidence without prior approval of
their supervisor. In accordance with General Order 224.04, Social Media, employees shall not
post department photos to social media.
J. Employees are prohibited from taking or transmitting digital images, including videos, in any
location that a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including but not
limited to, meetings, locker rooms, classrooms, or testing areas. without the subject’s
knowledge and permission. Violations of this order may result in the equipment being
confiscated as evidence and the employee subject to disciplinary action.
K. Employees may carry personally-owned electronic devices, including cellular phones, instead
of the department-issued device on-duty only after receiving written permission from a
supervisor, When used on-duty, if City business is conducted on a personally-owned
electronic devices and the City has a warrant or consent, it may be subject to Public
Information Requests.
1. Employees electing to carry a personally-owned device instead of a departmental device
shall be held to the same standard outlined in this General Order.
2. When electing to carry a personal device rather than a departmental device, the employee
shall immediately provide the phone number to Employment Services Section and
promptly report any changes to the device’s number.
3. Personally-owned electronic devices, including cell phones and smart phones, are not
eligible for replacement per General Order 509.02, Replacement of Equipment.
L. Proper cellular phone and other electronic device etiquette should be followed by all
employees when dealing with the public.
1. Use discretion with the use of electronic devices in public places. Unless it is an
emergency, never talk on the cell phone in elevators, libraries, auditoriums, classrooms,
meetings or other enclosed public spaces. Silence or turn off your phone in areas such as
doctor offices or hospital emergency rooms.
2. Unless it involves the service call, do not talk on a cellular phone or text while in direct
contact with the public. When in face to face contact with the public, do not wear cellular
phone accessories such as ear buds or bluetooth headsets.
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506.03 RESTRICTED
506.04 IN-CAR RECORDING SYSTEM (Revised 3/14/17)
The in-car recording system is an effective law enforcement tool which can also provide a degree
of safety and peace of mind for the officer using the system. Supervisors and officers shall be
familiar with the Standard Operating Procedures for the In-Car Recording System and refer to that
document for specific responsibilities, requirements and documentation.
A. Definitions
1. Continuous Recording Loop – the portion of in-car recording system’s hard drive
containing footage that is continuously recorded but not necessarily written to a DVD.
No audio is recorded to the loop unless an Event is being Written.
2. Writing an Event – the act of causing the in-car recording system to write audio and video
footage to a DVD. The system will automatically capture one (1) minute of pre-event
video and one (1) minute of post-event video. The pre- and post-event recordings will not
have an audio component.
3. Tagging an Event – the act of naming or designating specific footage.
4. Isolate an Event – to cause an event to be separated out from other events on a DVD and
written to another DVD.
B. Legal Aspects
1. Recordings generated on department-owned equipment are the property of the City of
Fort Worth Police Department and shall be treated as evidence. Unless specifically
authorized by this order or done in accordance with the City Document Retention
Schedule, tampering with evidence (including alteration, overwriting, erasure or other
efforts to purposely destroy or modify any recordings) may constitute a criminal offense
and/or an administrative violation.
2. Concealing or making a vehicle inaccessible to others or taking a vehicle out of service
for any amount of time in order to allow the continuous loop to record over footage is
prohibited.
3. Use of department-owned recording equipment for any purpose other than authorized law
enforcement action is prohibited.
4. DVDs written by the in-car recording systems are official documents subject to the Public
Information Act and the City’s Records Retention Policy. Public Information requests for
such DVDs shall be handled as directed in General Order 212.05, Information from Police
Files, the Public Information Act and the City’s Records Retention policy.
5. DVDs written by the in-car recording system in situations where a Critical Police Incident
has occurred shall be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years.
6. Violation of any portion of this order may lead to disciplinary action.
C. Maintenance of the in-car recording system
1. Prior to using the recording system, officers shall receive training on the proper operation
and care.
2. With the exception of positioning the camera to ensure recording from the best vantage
point, officers shall not remove, add other equipment, alter, relocate or otherwise change
the recording equipment installed in a department vehicle. Officers may be subject to
discipline for intentional or negligent loss of or damage to recording system equipment.
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3. Officers will treat the in-car recording system as equipment to be inspected as directed in
General Order 507.01, Checking Out Marked Units, and will notify a supervisor of any
malfunctions.
D. Operation of the in-car recording system
1. Officers shall cause the in-car recording system to write an event in the following
situations:
a. When addressing criminal violations and engaging in enforcement activities,
including but not limited to:
(1) Traffic stops
(2) DWI stops
(3) Pedestrian detentions
(4) Pursuits – whether or not the vehicle is the primary vehicle
(5) Other on-view offenses
b. Calls involving mentally-distressed persons.
c. Transportation of any non-police department personnel – exceptions include
Explorers, CAPA members, MAC members, and previously approved ride alongs.
d. Officer-involved accidents – a copy of the DVD shall be made and submitted to the
Accident Review Board.
e. Code 3 Operation – officers will not stop the recording while the light bar is in
operation and the vehicle is still moving.
f. The system may be used to record other law enforcement actions at the discretion of
the officer.
2. Officers at the scene of an extended event may stop writing an event during periods of
limited citizen interaction or when no enforcement action is occurring.
3. Officers may temporarily deactivate the audio portion of the in-car recording system
under the following circumstances, but only when no citizen contact is taking place:
a. To exchange NCIC/TCIC, DPS or other law enforcement sensitive data either in
person or via the police radio or MDC,
b. To facilitate the discussion of training issues or to discuss operation strategies; and
c. To share information such as telephone numbers or personal information with
another officer.
4. The termination of an audio or video event with the in-car recording system will require
the officer to tag the event.
5. If conducting a custodial interrogation near a department vehicle that is equipped with an
in-car recording system, it is highly recommended that an event be written that includes
recording of the Miranda warning.
6. Officers shall notify a supervisor if a tagged event of evidentiary value was written during
the shift and needs to be isolated and forwarded to the appropriate investigating unit.
Officers shall also document that information in the narrative portion of their reports.
7. Original DVDs are official documents subject to the Public Information Act and the City’s
Records Retention Policy. No DVD shall be erased or destroyed without the written
approval of the relevant deputy chief and the Records and Information Management
Office.
8. Officers utilizing an on-officer recording device in accordance with General Order
506.03, Officer-Worn Digital Recording Devices, may elect not to wear the audio body
microphone portion of the in-car video system.
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E. Supervisor Review
1. Supervisors shall ensure that officers are utilizing the system as intended.
2. Monthly random audits of the in-car recording DVDs shall be completed by reviewing
supervisors outside of the chain of command of the officer(s) with the in car recording
system (i.e., North Command supervisors will audit South Command officers, and viceversa, etc.).
a. Personnel assigned to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) will provide the
division captains with a list of names and vehicles for random audits in a
timely manner to facilitate completion of audits within the stated timeframe.
b The Divisional Commanding Officer (Captain) shall ensure that supervisors
conducting random/monthly audits of DVDs submit their findings by the
4th day of every month in a comprehensive monthly report to the applicable
Deputy Chief.
c. Additionally, supervisors are required to articulate the reason for their review
of DVD (i.e., monthly audit, misconduct, random audit, etc.). In the event a
monthly or random audit reveals minor infractions or inappropriate activities,
the Divisional Captain shall address the infraction in the appropriate corrective
manner immediately, and retain documentation of the results (i.e., retraining,
verbal warning, etc.)
507.01 CHECKING OUT MARKED UNITS
A. Officers shall carefully inspect the patrol vehicle for damage, proper operation and cleanliness
before accepting responsibility for the vehicle. Once completing the inspection, the officer(s)
shall sign on the MDC of the vehicle, indicating the officer(s) assumes all responsibility for
the patrol vehicle. When an officer encounters a vehicle which is in unacceptable condition,
the officer shall not leave the police lot before a supervisor inspects the vehicle.
B. If an officer relieves another officer of duty and fails to report any damage or discrepancy
involving the vehicle’s condition, it shall be presumed that vehicle and equipment were in
order at the beginning of the officer’s tour of duty, and the relieving officer shall be held fully
accountable for the presence and condition of such equipment.
C. When any damage which has not been previously reported is noted on a vehicle, the vehicle
shall not be moved and a supervisor shall be called to the scene. The supervisor shall determine
if the Crime Scene Search Unit shall be needed to take photographs of the damage and shall
complete a damage report. When emergency equipment is reported to be missing, the field
supervisor shall be notified to initiate an investigation into the matter. All reports concerning
the investigation shall be forwarded to the deputy chief.
D. If an officer must change vehicles during a shift, upon notifying the supervisor, the guidelines
below shall be followed:
1. Vehicles that are inoperable shall not be left on any police parking lot for repairs to be
completed by another person unless repairs are of such nature that the appropriate division
to make the repairs is closed.
2. When a vehicle breaks down, it is the officer’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is
transported to the James Avenue Service Center for repairs. The officer may then opt for
one of two ways to obtain a relief unit:
507.00 USE OF THE POLICE VEHICLE
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a. The officer may pick up any unit from the ready line designated for their particular
division and drive it the rest of the shift. When a shortage of vehicles exists, any
marked unit may be used. Arrangements must be made to return the unit to the proper
division before the end of the shift.
b. If no units are available at the designated service center, the officer shall
communicate with their division to have an officer transport them back to the sector
to obtain another vehicle.
3. When repairs are such that the vehicle needs the services of the James Avenue Service
Center, radio shop, fleet services or body shop, the vehicle shall be taken directly to these
operations by the assigned operator of that vehicle along with instructions as to the
problems encountered with the vehicle. After the necessary repairs are completed, the
vehicle shall be placed on the ready line of the designated repair facility. The appropriate
commander shall then be notified of the vehicle’s ready status.
507.02 OPERATION OF THE POLICE UNIT
A. Officers shall not operate any marked vehicle unless they have attended departmentallyrequired training and received certification.
B. Officers operating police vehicles must demonstrate good driving habits and safe operation of
the vehicle whether on public roadway or private property.
C. Officers shall exercise extreme caution while entering or leaving police parking lots, being
alert for fixed objects in their path.
D. Officers shall not drive at night without the use of headlights.
E. Employees shall operate city vehicles in accordance with state law, city ordinances, and the
procedures of the Fort Worth Police Department and the City of Fort Worth. Employees shall
adjust their driving to maintain the safety of themselves and other drivers during inclement
weather, traffic congestion, and in accordance with the conditions of the road surface.
F. Employees shall not park city vehicles in such a manner that would reasonably lead to the
vehicle being involved in an accident, or would obstruct the view of other vehicles thus
creating a potential accident situation.
G. Employees shall not operate city vehicles in a manner that leads to unnecessary wear and tear
or damage to the vehicle.
H. In accordance with the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations, “Smoking in the
Workplace,” employees are prohibited from smoking, including electronic cigarettes, in any
city vehicle.
I. Seat belts and shoulder straps shall be worn by all persons during vehicle operation. Prisoners
shall be strapped in with seat belts whenever possible.
1. When approaching an incident scene or a call where the officer believes that a rapid exit
from the vehicle may be required, the officer may release the seat belt.
J. Use of Mobile Devices During the Operation of Vehicles While On Duty
The use of a cellular phone, PDA or other mobile device, whether supplied by the City or
owned by the employee, while operating a police vehicle or a personal vehicle can cause
unnecessary distractions, can interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle, and in the case
of police vehicles, presents a negative image to the public and can impede a response to a call
for service. Therefore, for the safety of our employees and the general public, employees are
prohibited from using any mobile device while operating a police vehicle or while on duty in
a personal vehicle, subject to the following provisions:
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1. While the vehicle is in motion, employees shall not engage in writing, sending, searching,
replying, utilizing an application (an “app”) or reading any text-based communication on
electronic wireless communication devices, including but not limited to, cell phones,
smart phones, laptops, tablets, or any other mobile communication de- vice, whether the
electronic device is supplied by the City of Fort Worth or owned by the employee. For
marked police vehicles:
a. Digital portable radios and Mobile Data Computers (MDC) are exempt under this
provision when safely used to perform legitimate police functions. Officers are
responsible for operating a police vehicle in a safe manner at all times, if the safe
operation of the vehicle is impaired by reading or viewing of the MDC screen (i.e.
heavy traffic, school zones, adverse weather or road conditions, complex or multiple
inquiries, etc) officers should attempt to move to a safe location and stop the vehicle
to use the MDC.
b. Officers shall not type on the MDC when the vehicle is in motion unless an exigent
circumstance exists requiring immediate action. This restriction does not include one
button or one touch responses for indicating the officer is en route to a call, arriving
on scene, emergency button, or clearing a scene.
c. These procedures do not strictly prohibit officers actively engaged in an undercover
capacity from using mobile devices when such limitations may prove impractical or
place the officer in danger.
2. While the vehicle is in motion, dialing or answering a call on a cellular phone is
discouraged except for matters of an urgent nature or when the action can be done in a
safe manner. Employees are encouraged to use hands-free technology whenever possible
or have frequently called numbers preprogrammed into the device; however, employees
shall remove any cellular phone hands-free devices such as headsets, Bluetooth, ear buds,
etc. during contact with the public.
507.03 AUTOMATED FUELING SYSTEMS
A. Employees, when refueling, shall adhere to the following procedure:
1. Whenever possible it is recommended employees utilize Equipment Services automated
fueling sites located throughout the City of Fort Worth, including Fire Stations having
automated sites.
2. To activate the pumps employees shall enter:
a. Employee ID number
b. Unit number
c. Mileage
d. Last four (4) digits of employee’s social security number
3. Fuel access will be denied if either the equipment number or mileage is incorrect or
incomplete. Equipment numbers are on all police department vehicles, either on the
driver’s side pillar post or door.
4. Service center personnel will assist if there is a problem, and in checking oil and other
fluid levels.
B. Personnel not familiar with the automated fuel system can receive instruction from certain
Fleet Services personnel, the officer’s supervisors, or any Equipment Services personnel
located at the authorized fueling sites.
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507.04 VEHICLE GASCARD
A. The Chief of Police or designee shall approve and request fuel cards for all police department
vehicles and related equipment.
B. Responsibility of Police Fleet/Auto Pound Division
1. The Equipment Services Division is responsible for establishment of the procedures for
the use of the Gascard, and for the compliance, monitoring, and auditing of those
procedures. A monthly audit shall be conducted of the Gascard transaction file to
determine compliance. Instances of non-compliance shall be reported to Police Fleet
Services personnel who shall report discrepancies to the affected deputy chief for further
investigation and appropriate action.
2. The assignment of the Gascard shall be to each approved vehicle and will be issued or
reissued, with the approval of the Chief of Police, through the Police Fleet/Auto Pound
Division.
3. The maintenance of the records of the issued Gascards will be the responsibility of the
Police Fleet/Auto Pound Division.
4. The Police Fleet/Auto Pound Division shall provide a supervisor all available information
to aid in that supervisor’s investigation of recent Gascard transactions for a vehicle.
5. Each employee approved to use the Gascard shall be assigned a Personal Identification
Number (PIN) by the Police Fleet/Auto Pound Division.
C. Responsibility of Employees
1. It is the responsibility of the employee assigned a particular vehicle to ensure the Gascard
for that vehicle is in the vehicle at the beginning and end of the work period. If the Gascard
for that vehicle is missing, the employee shall immediately notify their supervisor.
a. The supervisor shall immediately conduct an investigation to locate the missing
Gascard.
2. Employees shall limit their use of the Gascard to their assigned vehicle and only to
procure approved fuel.
a. Gascards are approved to purchase fuel with an octane rating that meets the vehicle
manufacturer’s minimum requirements. Employees shall not request or direct a
service station operator to override the fuel type limitation, any violation may result
in disciplinary action and/or revocation of Gascard privileges.
b. Employees shall accurately enter the vehicle’s current odometer reading when in the
process of procuring vehicle fuel.
3. At the risk of disciplinary action or revocation of Gascard privileges, employees shall not
divulge their Gascard PIN to another person. If an employee is unsure of their PIN, they
should contact the Police Fleet/Auto Pound Division for verification of the number.
507.05 USE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
If appropriate, the following emergency equipment may be used:
A. Bumper guards may be used to push stalled or damaged vehicles from the roadway within the
following limitations:
1. Stalled and Damaged Vehicles
a. No stalled vehicle shall be pushed unless it is a hazard and must be moved to prevent
the occurrence of an accident, additional damage or possible injury.
b. No stalled vehicle shall be pushed further than is necessary to clear the roadway. The
driver of a stalled vehicle may be transported to a nearby service area.
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c. No stalled vehicle shall be pushed over rough terrain or in any manner that may result
in damage to the police vehicle or the vehicle being pushed.
d. No stalled vehicle shall be pushed at a speed exceeding fifteen (15) miles per hour.
B. Jumper cables shall be used as follows:
1. The police radio and MDC must be turned off.
2. The ignition switch on both vehicles must be off before the cables are connected.
3. Cables must be connected so that the positive post on one vehicle is connected to the
positive post on the other. The same applies to the negative post.
4. Once the cables are connected to the battery, the loose ends of the cables should never be
touched together.
5. Do not tap the tops of the battery posts with the cable clamps to see if they spark, as this
may cause an explosion.
6. Most batteries are marked indicating the positive and negative posts. If for some reason
the marking cannot be found or is not readable on a 12-volt negative ground ignition
system, the posts can be identified by tracing the battery cable. The negative cable is
connected to the engine block. As a general rule, the positive post is connected to the
starter or the solenoid.
C. Each officer shall be required to read the instructions printed on the side of the fire
extinguisher mounted in the vehicle trunk to ensure proper use.
507.06 FUEL CONSERVATION
Each department employee shall use all means possible to conserve gasoline in the operation of
police vehicles. To assist in this effort, the following practices shall be adhered to:
A. Avoid rapid acceleration and stops.
B. Maintain steady speed when traffic permits.
C. No excessive idling of vehicles. In situations where vehicles are stationary for extended
periods, the engine shall be stopped when practical.
D. Speeds in excess of the posted speed limit are not permitted except in emergencies.
507.07 VEHICLE CONTAMINATION
A. In the event of the contamination of a police vehicle through exposure to infectious disease or
hazardous material, personnel shall contact their supervisor and take the vehicle immediately
to the service center for proper cleaning, and inform the attendants of the contamination.
B. The vehicle which has been potentially contaminated shall be deadlined and written
instructions shall be attached to the vehicle marked bio-hazard and indicating the nature and
area of the exposure. If the exterior of the vehicle has been contaminated, it shall be washed
at the service center.
507.08 PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS ON PATROL VEHICLES
Police personnel operating vehicles with public address systems may use the system as follows:
A. As an aid in directing and controlling large crowds of citizens at the scene of:
1. Motor vehicle accidents.
2. A crowd where immediate dispersal is necessary.
3. A barricaded person in a house or building.
4. A catastrophe or suspected catastrophe where a large area is to be evacuated immediately
and under emergency conditions.
B. In the direction and control of known or suspected felons emerging from motor vehicles.
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C. Public address systems shall not be used for:
1. Stopping routine traffic offenders.
2. Directing pedestrians except under the conditions previously stated.
3. To amplify the police radio while out of the vehicle.
4. Any other purpose that would result in the unnecessary disturbance of citizens,
particularly in residential areas.
507.09 SPEED ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS (Revised 3/14/17)
The Fort Worth Police Department uses approved radar and laser-based speed assessment systems
to improve public and traffic safety.
A. All speed assessment systems approved for use in the department shall meet or exceed the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association
of Chiefs of Police (IACP) standards.
B. All officers utilizing a police department speed assessment system are required to attend and
successfully complete the certification program.
1. Officer certification will consist of classroom instruction followed by supervised
observation of Field Training Officers.
2. Officers who are not certified are prohibited from operating any speed assessment system
until certification is successfully completed.
3. The operational procedures for the use of the speed assessment system will be in
accordance with the training the officers receive. The use of a speed assessment system
shall be in conjunction with a uniformed certified officer and a marked patrol vehicle or
motorcycle.
C. Recertification of the speed assessment system shall be every three (3) years with additional
recertification as determined by the Chief of Police based on budgetary considerations.
1. Officers utilizing speed assessment systems are responsible for the care of the unit and
daily testing according to the operator’s manual for the device. Officers shall log the
calibration results on their worksheet. If the unit fails the test, it will be taken out of
service and sent to the equipment officer who will return the unit to the manufacturer or
local authorized repair center.
2. Speed assessment systems shall be inventoried daily by the equipment officer and any
parts missing or in need of repair will be replaced or repaired according the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
508.01 AWARDS COMMITTEE
In the performance of their duties, officers and civilian employees many times conduct themselves
in an exemplary manner that is above and beyond the norm. To assure that outstanding service is
recognized, this procedure shall be followed:
A. Upon notification, by any means, of an act by an officer or civilian employee that may be
deemed as outstanding service, an Awards Recommendation form shall be submitted to the
Training Division Captain.
B. The form may be submitted by an officer or civilian employee and shall include a detailed
description of the act, any eyewitness information, and identification of witnesses to include
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city employees with knowledge of the circumstances of the act. The nomination must be
submitted within 180 days of the occurrence of the act.
C. Within three (3) months of the date of the forms receipt, the Training Division Captain shall
ensure that the incident is considered by the Awards Committee and that the employee in
question is made aware of the committee’s recommendation to the Chief of Police. The
committee’s recommendation will be submitted to the Chief of Police, who will make the final
decision on awards.
1. The Training Division Captain shall be responsible for dissemination of the
recommendation of the Awards Committee and the decision of the Chief of Police.
2. The Awards Committee’s recommendation shall specify the conclusion of the committee
and specific award recommended for the act, if any.
3. The Training Division Captain shall ensure that approved awards presentations are
scheduled and carried out at least once per year and that appropriate notifications
regarding awards presentations are made to the City Manager, City Council, Mayor, and
other appropriate persons.
D. The Awards Committee’s recommendation shall be based upon a full investigation of the
incident, consideration of the circumstances, and action taken. It shall be the responsibility of
the committee to determine the validity of the commendation and decide the level of the
award. A majority decision shall prevail.
E. Presentation of the awards shall be on a date and time designated by the Chief of Police.
F. The Awards Committee shall consist of seven (7) voting members, the Chair and the
coordinator. The voting members shall be selected by the Chief of Police. The members of
the committee shall be:
1. The Assistant Chief of the Finance and Personnel Bureau (Chair).
2. One (1) civilian police employee.
3. One (1) lieutenant.
4. One (1) sergeant.
5. Three (3) police officers below the rank of sergeant.
6. The Captain of Training – Coordinator (non-voting member).
G. Voting members of the Awards Committee shall serve an undesignated term. Replacement of
members shall be at the member’s request or for reasons of non-attendance at the direction of
the chair.
H. Voting committee members shall have an equal vote regardless of rank. The Finance and
Personnel Bureau Assistant Chief shall act as the chairperson of the Awards Committee and
shall vote only in the event of a tie.
I. The immediate supervisor of the nominated employee shall assist in the investigation of the
circumstances prompting the nomination for the award. The results of the investigation shall
be returned to the Awards Committee chairperson within the time frame set for consideration
by the committee.
J. Unit level awards and individual performance recognition commendations shall not be
reviewed by the Awards Committee.
1. Recommendations for such awards should be forwarded directly to the Chief of Police.
2. Individual performance recognition commendations may be given for outstanding work
in investigation, administration, or for any other meritorious work outside the scope of
the awards program.
K. Multiple commendations may be awarded for a single action when appropriate.
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508.02 AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACTS (Revised 2/15/19)
Police employees may earn awards and/or uniform pins, plus recognition from the Fort Worth
Police Officers’ Award Foundation, in the performance of their duties. Non-police department
employees may also qualify for awards from the Fort Worth Police Department. In the case of an
award for outstanding acts, the procedure for initiation is found in General Order 508.01, Awards
Committee. The awards for outstanding acts are issued by the Chief of Police.
A. The following is a list of awards:
1. The Police Cross is awarded to the family of police officers who have lost their lives as a
result of honorable duty-related police service.
2. The Police Medal of Honor is the highest decoration presented by the police department
and is awarded for heroism above and beyond the call of duty performed at imminent risk
of life or serious bodily injury. Heroism is defined as the act of consciously rising to a
specific test by drawing on a reserve of moral strength and courage. The Medal of Honor
includes a uniform pin which the commissioned recipient may wear on the standard police
uniform, as well as a medal to be worn on special formal dress occasions, a recognition
pin for non-commissioned recipients to wear, and recognition from the Fort Worth Police
Officers’ Award Foundation.
3. The Police Medal of Valor is the second highest decoration presented by the police
department and is awarded for exceptional bravery performed at imminent risk of life or
serious bodily injury. Bravery is defined as an act of admirable human action under a
stressful and dangerous situation. The Medal of Valor includes a uniform pin which the
commissioned recipient may wear on the standard police uniform, as well as a medal to
be worn on special formal dress occasions, a recognition pin for non-commissioned
recipients to wear, and recognition from the Fort Worth Police Officers’ Award
Foundation.
4. The Police Medal of Commendation is the third highest decoration presented by the
police department and is awarded for outstanding work involving either great risk or for
an act of such nature as to bring honor and recognition to oneself and the police
department. Consideration for this award shall be given any officer who receives a wound
or serious injury as a result of honorable police duty-related circumstances that do not
meet the criteria necessary for a higher decoration. The Police Medal of Commendation
includes a uniform pin, which the commissioned recipient may wear on the standard
police uniform, as well as a medal to be worn on special formal dress occasions, a
recognition pin for non-commissioned recipients to wear, and recognition from the Fort
Worth Police Officers’ Award Foundation.
5. The Certificate of Merit is the fourth highest decoration presented by the police
department and is awarded for excellence in police work. The award is bestowed upon:
a. An individual police employee for outstanding performance of their duties under
unusual, complicated, or hazardous conditions.
b. Any police employee from another law enforcement agency qualifying under the
above-mentioned circumstances if earned while aiding, assisting, or working with
any Fort Worth Police Department employee. The Certificate of Merit includes a
uniform pin, which the commissioned recipient may wear on the standard police
uniform, a recognition pin for non-commissioned recipients to wear, and recognition
from the Fort Worth Police Officers’ Award Foundation.
6. The Distinguished Service Award is the fifth highest decoration presented by the police
department and is awarded to an individual police employee for their outstanding
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contribution to law enforcement in general or to any police employee in cases where the
service of such employee has contributed greatly to the success of a difficult police project
or job. The commendation shall be awarded only to those employees who perform in a
clearly exceptional manner over a period of time. The Distinguished Service Award
includes a uniform pin, which the commissioned recipient may wear on the standard
police uniform, a recognition pin for non-commissioned recipients to wear, and
recognition from the Fort Worth Police Officers’ Award Foundation.
7. The Chief’s Letter of Recognition is a letter signed by the Chief of Police and is presented
by the police department to a police employee who, in the opinion of the Awards
Committee, has performed an act or service that merits recognition above unit action by
the officer’s chain of command.
8. The Life Saving Award is bestowed upon any police employee in recognition of the
saving of a human life. It is intended that this award be given in all cases where an
employee saves a life or their actions led to the prolonging of the victim’s life to the extent
that the victim was released to the care of medical authorities, and it may be given in
addition to the awarding of another commendation where the facts indicate that the
recipient is entitled to both awards. The Life Saving Award includes a uniform pin, which
the commissioned recipient may wear on the standard police uniform, a recognition pin
for non-commissioned recipients to wear, and recognition from the Fort Worth Police
Officers’ Award Foundation.
9. Group/Team Exceptional Performance Award is presented to a group of departmental
employees whose performance is indicative of a high degree of initiative, determination,
diligence, and cooperative effort in the fulfillment of a difficult mission, operation,
investigation, task, or project significantly beyond what is normally expected. This
performance award may be based on a single act or on exemplary work over an extended
period of time. The accomplishment must be the result of a combined effort of the group.
Examples of exceptional performance may include, but are not limited to, developing a
method or program that significantly affects the operation of one or more divisions in the
Department, exceptional performance in conducting a major investigation, or completion
of a major project or task in a significantly shorter period of time, resulting in substantial
benefits to the Department. The Group/Team Exceptional Performance Award includes
a uniform pin, which the commissioned recipient may wear on the standard police
uniform, or a recognition pin for non-commissioned recipients to wear.
10. The Fort Worth Police Distinguished Person Award may be presented to a person who,
at risk of grave and imminent personal danger, provides extraordinary service to a Fort
Worth Police Department employee. The Fort Worth Police Department Distinguished
Person Award shall be a plaque attesting to the person’s actions performed under grave
and imminent personal risk.
11. The Fort Worth Police Appreciation Award may be presented to a person or organization
that provides extraordinary service to the Fort Worth Police Department or substantially
assists in the apprehensive of a felon. The Fort Worth Police Appreciation Award shall
be a certificate attesting to the exceptional services or actions of a person or an
organization.
12. The Chief’s Letter of Appreciation may be presented to a person or an organization,
which has aided the Fort Worth Police Department. The Chief’s Letter of Appreciation
shall be a letter from the Chief expressing the Department’s gratitude for a person’s or
organization’s assistance to the police department.
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B. With approval from the Chief of Police, officers who have earned awards for outstanding acts
from other governmental agencies may wear the pins on the standard police uniform.
508.03 SERVICE AWARDS (Revised 3/17/16)
Service awards are the responsibility of the recipient to initiate. These award pins are available
through the Training Division, unless otherwise noted.
A. Service Awards are issued for years of service. Service begins on the date of the officer’s
commission. The awards are available for two (2) years, five (5) years, and thereafter, intervals
of five (5) years. Sworn personnel and Traffic Control Technicians are eligible to receive this
award. This is a permanent award.
B. Safe Driving Awards are issued to officers having no chargeable accident on their driving
record. Service begins on the date of the officer’s commission. If an officer has a chargeable
accident, then the service begins on the date of the accident. The awards are issued at five (5)
year intervals. Sworn personnel and Traffic Control Technicians with a good driving record
are eligible. This is a permanent award.
C. TCOLE Proficiency Certificate
1. To qualify for the TCOLE Proficiency Certificates, the officer must meet all the following
proficiency requirements:
a. Submit any required application currently prescribed by the commission, requested
documentation, and any required fee;
b. Have an active license or appointment for the corresponding certificate;
c. Officers licensed after March 1, 2002 must not ever have had a license or certificate
issued by the commission suspended or revoked;
d. Meet the continuing education requirements for the previous training cycle;
e. Meet the current enrollment standards; and
f. For firearms related certificates, not be prohibited by state or federal law or rule from
attending training related to firearms or from possessing a firearm.
2. To qualify for basic, intermediate, advanced or master peace officer proficiency
certificate(s), an applicant must meet all proficiency requirements or certificates as
prescribed by TCOLE.
3. The commission may refuse an application if the applicant has not reported meeting all
minimum standards; the form is not signed; the forms are incomplete; the documentation
is incomplete, illegible, or not attached; or the application contains a false assertion. The
commission shall cancel and recall any certificate that was issued by mistake or based on
false or incorrect information.
D. Service Awards may be worn for:
1. The highest level of academic achievement from an accredited college or university
as defined by the Texas Administrative Code in Chapter 211.1.
2. Successful completion of the:
a. FBI National Academy.
b. Southern Police Institute.
c. FBI-LEEDA Trilogy.
d. Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
e. Police Executive Research Forum-Senior Management Institute for Police.
508.04 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT AWARDS (Revised 3/17/16)
A. Honor Guard pins are issued to members of the honor guard. This is a permanent award.
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B. Community Service Unit pins are issued to officers while assigned to the Community Service
Unit or assigned as a Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) or NPO sergeant.
C. Special Weapons and Tactics pins are issued to current and past personnel upon completion
of one (1) year assignment to SWAT completion of SWAT’s Operator Training Course, and
certification in both TTPOA Basic and Advanced SWAT schools. The pin is issued through
SWAT and is a permanent award.
D. Control Tactics and Physical Fitness (CT/PT) Instructor pins are issued to personnel upon
completion on one (1) year assignment to the Training Division as a CT/PT Instructor. This
pin is also presented to past officers that were assigned to the CT/PT section. The pin is issued
through the CT/PT section and is a permanent award.
E. The City of Fort Worth Molly Pin is issued to the officers to be worn centered above the name
plate.
508.05 WEAPONS PROFICIENCY AWARDS
A. Designation and Color Descriptions
1. High Master
a. Qualifying Score: 100.
b. White enamel center with gold pistol and royal blue color bars.
2. Master
a. Qualifying Score: 96 – 99.9.
b. White enamel center with gold pistol and red color bars.
3. Expert
a. Qualifying Score: 92 – 95.9.
b. White enamel center with gold pistol and green color bars.
4. Sharpshooter
a. Qualifying Score: 85 – 91.9.
b. White enamel background with gold pistol.
B. Qualifying Procedures
1. Officers may qualify for weapons proficiency awards only during department-wide
qualifications.
2. The officer’s first attempt with their primary duty weapon will constitute the score used
to determine which level, if any, the officer has earned. The officer will check the
appropriate block on the qualifying record form to designate their primary duty weapon.
C. Subsequent Year Awards
1. During a subsequent qualifying period, if an officer qualifies for a different level, the
previous weapons proficiency award shall be brought to Training and exchanged for the
current qualification level. An officer who fails to qualify for any level shall return the
previous weapons proficiency award to the same location. The rangemaster shall be
responsible for retrieval of previous weapons proficiency awards and shall submit an
inter-office correspondence through the officer’s chain of command if the bar is not
exchanged at the time of qualification.
2. An officer who qualifies three (3) consecutive times for the same level may permanently
retain the weapons proficiency award but may only wear them if currently qualified at
that level. This will not preclude an officer from qualifying for a higher level in the future.
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508.06 SPECIAL UNIT OR ASSIGNMENT PINS
A. The design of a special unit/assignment pin must be approved by the Uniform Committee and
the Chief of Police prior to acquisition and use.
B. Appropriate pins designating an employee’s unit and/or assignment may be worn with the
uniform or plainclothes, following the approval process.
508.07 MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS
A Physical Fitness Award – Officers may qualify for the Physical Fitness Award pin upon
completion of the fitness test in one (1) minute forty-eight (48) seconds or less.
B. Intermediate Control Tactics Award – Officers may qualify for the Intermediate Control
Tactics Award pin upon completion of the Intermediate Control Tactics course.
C. Advanced Control Tactics Award – Officers may qualify for the Advanced Control Tactics
Award pin upon completion of the Advanced Control Tactics course.
508.08 POLICE AWARDS FOUNDATION
A. The Fort Worth Police Officers Awards Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to
support Fort Worth Police Department officers in performance of their duties and
responsibilities. They provide financial support through travel awards to supplement
professional training activities and by providing personal equipment to all newly promoted
sworn officers.
509.01 BODY ARMOR (Revised 7/2/18)
The main storage for police body armor shall be at the Police Training Academy. Some bureaus
and divisions may maintain a supply of body armor, but the supply and inventory shall be
controlled by Asset Management in coordination with the Training Academy personnel. Asset
Management shall be responsible for active officers’ body armor and the Training Academy will
be responsible for issuance of the recruits’ body armor. Each entity will be responsible for the
proper storage of the armor and shall provide for the issue and receipt of same. Asset Management,
in coordination with the Training Academy personnel, shall keep all necessary records on
inventory, issues, and returns.
A. Officers in need of body armor shall complete the proper form. Upon receipt of body armor,
officers are to comply with regulations specifying the use of same as outlined below.
B. Unless an exception has been authorized by the Chief of Police, all sworn personnel shall wear
body armor under the following conditions:
1. All uniformed personnel shall wear their issued body armor when:
a. Performing field duties.
b. Working a non-patrol assignment where their duties may require the officer to act in
an enforcement capacity or while engaged in public activities.
c. Working an assignment that requires interaction with the public. This includes
uniformed officers of any rank in administrative assignments whenever they leave
their assignment and go into a public place.
2. All non-uniformed officers shall wear their issued body armor when:
a. Serving of a criminal warrant.
b. Planned apprehension of a wanted person.
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EQUIPMENT
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c. Planned surveillance where an apprehension might logically occur.
d. While undercover and providing cover in field operations unless their position as an
officer would be compromised.
e. Any other investigative assignment where the supervisor or the individual
investigator concerned believes the armor should be worn.
C. Exceptions
Sworn personnel may elect not to wear protective armor under the below circumstances;
however, an exception shall not relieve uniformed personnel of the responsibility to have their
vest readily available and immediately accessible:
1. When exempt status has been granted in writing from the Chief of Police. Exempt status
is a privilege granted by the Chief of Police, not an entitlement or a right and may be
revoked at any time. Exemptions may include, but are not limited to:
a. Medical waiver issued by a physician, approved by the Chief of Police and filed with
the Medical Records Custodian (MRC) in Police Employment Services.
b. When wearing the Class A dress uniform.
c. Any other situation the Chief of Police approves in writing.
D. To guard against the potential development of heat-related issues while wearing body armor,
supervisors should be cognizant of particular assignments that may have abnormal heat or
humid conditions. In such circumstances, supervisors should ensure their personnel have
adequate breaks to cool down and remain hydrated. Officers should monitor their health and
notify their supervisors of the need for breaks during such times.
1. Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness vary based on the condition, but may include
an elevated body temperature, headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, fainting,
excessive sweating, fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, seizures, confusion, and coma.
E. Rifle-Resistant Body Armor
1. Officers will receive warranty information and proper care guidelines provided by the
manufacturer at the time of issuance.
a. Avoid exposure to chemicals and/or solvents other than approved cleaning agents.
b. Avoid storage in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Body armor should
not be permanently stored in vehicles when an officer is not on duty to minimize the
heat damage to the armor. Officers should avoid leaving the armor in an unsecured
vehicle to prevent the loss of the body armor.
2. All officers will be properly fitted for the rifle-resistant body armor at the time of the
purchase.
3. Frequent inspection of the external carrier and accessories by the officer is required.
a. Torque test by twisting and pinching the edges of the Hard Armor Plate to check for
any cracks, breaks, or other imperfections while listening for any crunching or
grinding noise in the Hard Armor Plate.
b. The officer shall contact their supervisor immediately if any flaws are discovered
during inspection. If body armor is possibly damaged, the officer will take the body
armor to the weapons range personnel who will coordinate the appropriate inspection
of the components of the body armor and any necessary action.
4. Maintenance
a. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on proper maintenance and cleaning of
issued body armor.
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F. Ballistic Helmets
1. Officers will receive warranty information and proper care guidelines provided by the
manufacturer at the time of issuance.
a. Avoid exposure to chemicals and/or solvents other than approved cleaning agents.
b. Avoid storage in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Ballistic Helmets
should not be permanently stored in vehicles when an officer is not on duty to
minimize the heat damage. Officers should avoid leaving the helmet in an unsecured
vehicle to prevent the loss of the equipment.
2. All officers will be properly fitted for the ballistic helmet at the time of the purchase.
3. Frequent inspection of the helmet by the officer is required.
a. The officer shall contact their supervisor immediately if any flaws are discovered
during inspection. If the helmet is possibly damaged, the officer will take the helmet
to the weapons range personnel who will coordinate the appropriate inspection and
any necessary action.
G. Supervisors shall ensure compliance with this General Order.
H. Off-duty employment: Officers shall wear their issued soft-body armor when working offduty jobs where the police uniform is worn.
509.02 REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
A. Items Eligible for Replacement
1. Body armor that is five (5) years or older, no longer fits, or is in poor condition.
2. Uniforms and leather goods that are damaged beyond repair and items required for a
particular assignment such as western hats, special holsters, etc. which will be subject to
the limit set by Budget and Finance Section.
3. Prescription eyeglasses/contact lenses which will be limited only to the cost of lenses up
to a $200 maximum and frames up to a $150 maximum, unless an exception is approved
by the Chief of Police.
4. Watches up to a fifty dollar (50) maximum.
5. Flashlights up to a fifty dollar (50) maximum.
6. Mapsco/traffic law books.
7. Miscellaneous items such as ticket book holders, personally-owned handheld radio
holders, pens, sunglasses, etc., which shall be individually considered for replacement,
up to a twenty-five dollar (25) maximum, by the deputy chief subject to the on-duty
damage guidelines.
B. For replacement of a personal item eligible for replacement, the officer shall prepare a
replacement request with approval from their chain of command through the deputy chief,
attach an inter-office correspondence and deliver the documents to the Budget and Finance
Section for appropriate action.
C. No item, except body armor, shall be eligible for replacement due to wear-out. The officer
shall prepare a replacement form and with approval of their chain of command deliver it to
the Police Training Division for appropriate action. Items that are defective shall be returned
to the vendor for replacement as part of the warranty process.
D. Items Not Eligible for Replacement
1. Personal jewelry.
2. Personally-owned weapons.
3. Footwear, unless issued by the police department for the assignment.
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4. Non-issued uniform items that are not required for a particular assignment, i.e., chillchaser jackets, knives, etc.
5. Personally-owned cellular and/or smart phones or electronic devices which may include,
but not limited to, audio/video recorders, MP3 players, personal computers and mobile
media devices.
6. Uniform clothing which becomes unusable as a result of normal wear.
E. When an article of clothing or issued equipment becomes unusable as a result of damage
which occurs in the line of duty, the officer shall prepare a replacement request and with
approval from their supervisor, take the request to the Police Training Division where a
replacement will be issued, an order will be generated or it shall be exchanged with an item
from the existing supply.
F. To replace an issued item as a result of loss or theft, the officer shall prepare a replacement
request with approval from their chain of command through the deputy chief and attach a copy
of any applicable offense/incident report or inter-office correspondence and deliver to the
Police Training Division.
1. If the lost or stolen equipment is subject to any type of insurance coverage payment, the
officer shall reimburse the city for the replacement cost, up to the covered amount. Proof
of insurance coverage shall be provided by the officer at the time of replacement through
the Police Training Division. The Training Division shall forward the documentation to
the Budget and Finance Section for appropriate action.
G. Replacement for portable radio batteries shall be made through the City Radio Services
following approval through the appropriate chain of command.
H. On any other item of city-owned, non-expendable equipment which through normal use
becomes unserviceable, the officer shall prepare a replacement form and with approval of their
chain of command deliver it to the Police Training Division for appropriate action. Mapscos
are replaced at the division level.
509.03 ASSET MANAGEMENT (Revised 10/3/18)
Asset Management shall maintain uniform procedures for proper reporting, classification and
control of fixed assets and all other department assets, owned or donated, to ensure that such assets
are efficiently utilized and protected against damage and loss.
A. Definitions TBP 1.10
1. Fixed or Capital Asset – A fixed asset is a tangible item owned by the City with an original
monetary cost of at least $5,000. Such items have an original life expectancy of greater
than three (3) years and shall include land, buildings, equipment and improvements other
than buildings.
a. Resource – Fixed assets over $5,000 or more.
b. Weapons, Equipment and Property (WEP) – All weapons, electronic devices,
equipment and property over $1,000.
2. Mission Critical Management (MCM) – database utilized by Asset Management for the
inventory of department assets.
3. Land – A capital asset classification which includes all land purchases by or donated to
the City. Donated land is recorded at its appraised value at the time of acquisition.
4. Buildings – A capital asset classification which includes all City-owned buildings and all
permanently attached fixtures. If buildings are donated to the City, the value is recorded
at its appraised value at the time of the acquisition.
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5. Equipment – All tangible items owned by the City that are useful in carrying on
operations. Examples may include, but are not limited to, machinery, tools, rolling stock,
furniture and fixtures. Equipment donated to the City is recorded at estimated value.
6. Animals – All service animals are considered as fixed assets.
B. Asset Management will work with the Fleet Services, which shall be responsible for all
vehicles and vehicle equipment, and with the City Radio Services Manager, who is
responsible for maintaining all mobile and portable radios, to ensure all assets are entered into
the MCM database.
C. When a purchase is approved by management, including grant-acquired property, the activity
shall be reported to Asset Management.
1. Upon approval to purchase equipment or fixed asset, Police Finance staff will perform a
budget review and assign a funding identifier (FID).
a. If funds from asset forfeiture, Crime Control and Prevention District, or grants are
used, Police Finance will route the PAF to the appropriate section for additional
details.
b. Once finalized, Police Finance staff will forward the PAF to Police Procurement.
2. Police Procurement staff will review the PAF, provide the Purchase Order (PO) number,
and forward to Asset Management.
3. Police Procurement staff will forward all P-card purchases for equipment, machinery and
weapons that are valued at $1,000 or more to Asset Management.
4. Upon delivery of equipment valued at $1,000 or more, the packing slip shall be forwarded
to Asset Management.
D. Donations of Fixed Assets and/or Equipment
1. The guidelines for accepting gifts and donations, both cash and non-cash, are found in
the City of Fort Worth Donations Policy.
2. Any and all non-cash donations which result in a capital asset as outlined within the
City’s Capital Asset Policy shall be accepted following the procedures outlined in the
City of Fort Worth Donation Policy.
3. No member of the department may accept any donation of fixed assets and/or equipment
of any value that will result in the need of expenditure of other City funds or having a
contractual obligation incurred by the City without approval of the City Council.
4. Monetary donations equal to or less than $5,000 may be received only by the Chief of
Police.
E. Issued Property, Equipment, and Clothing TBP 1.12
1. Employees shall acknowledge the receipt of all property, equipment, and clothing by
signing an Acknowledgment of Receipt form. The signed form shall be maintained in the
employee’s personnel file and a copy forwarded within ten (10) working days to Asset
Management.
a. Any change in the status of property or equipment issued to an employee will be
immediately forwarded to Asset Management.
2. If issued property, equipment, or clothing is lost, stolen or damaged the employee must
complete a Financial Liability Investigation form which shall be routed through their
chain of command for investigation and review. Lost or stolen property and equipment
also requires an offense report.
a. Once the supervisor determines whether the officer used reasonable care and the reissue of the property or equipment is approved, a copy of the form and justification
shall be forwarded to Asset Management in a timely manner.
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F. Inventory of City Property
1. With assistance from each division, Asset Management shall be responsible for
conducting an annual audit of all department-owned property and equipment, including
all capital assets and federally controlled equipment listed in General Order 509.04, Local
Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition. A computerized listing of all property and
equipment assigned to the division shall be provided by Asset Management prior to the
audit. Once the annual audit is completed, Asset Management shall forward the Annual
Report in a timely manner through the chain of command to the Chief of Police. TBP 1.10
2. Each organizational level shall notify Asset Management of any property items received,
whether purchased, donated, confiscated or retained for police department use or forfeited
to the police department by a court. Asset Management will be responsible for
determining if the item will be entered into the asset management system.
3. Each organizational level is responsible for proper notification to Asset Management of
any transfer, disposal or retirement of property or any lost, stolen or damaged to fixed
asset or WEP property. Once notified, Asset Management will be responsible for
processing any property item that is to be disposed of or retired.
509.04 LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION (New Order 7/20/16)
This policy identifies the strategies and oversight concerning the appropriate use of federally
controlled equipment. Federally controlled equipment is defined as only that equipment as outlined
in this order and issued by the federal government or purchased with federal funds. The appropriate
training, oversight and documentation for the use of federally controlled equipment shall be
adhered to as directed by Executive Order 13688 issued May 2015.
A. Definitions and Applications/Use – Federally Controlled Equipment
1. Manned Aircraft, Fixed Wing – Powered aircraft with a crew aboard, such as airplanes
that use a fixed wing for lift.
a. Application/Use – Routine patrol, situational awareness and victim location/rescue
operations.
2. Manned Aircraft, Rotary Wing – Powered aircraft with a crew aboard, such as
helicopters that use a rotary wing for lift.
a. Application/Use – Routine patrol, situational awareness and victim location/rescue
operations.
3. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – A remotely piloted, powered aircraft without a crew
aboard.
a. Application/Use – Aerial operations requiring low altitude or stationary flight
operations, HAZ‐MAT, accident reconstruction, situational awareness, or
operations posing a risk to human life.
4. Armored Vehicles, Wheeled – Any wheeled vehicle either purpose‐built or modified to
provide ballistic protection to its occupants, such as a Mine‐Resistant Ambush
Protected (MRAP) vehicle or an Armored Personnel Carrier. These vehicles are also
referred to as Armored Rescue Vehicles (ARVs).
a. Application/Use – During operations where there is concern for officer or civilian
safety, such as fugitive apprehensions, search warrant service, hostage rescue and
barricaded subject operations. These vehicles provide ballistic protection and
subsequently a higher level of safety for both officers and victims.
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5. Tactical Vehicles, Wheeled – A vehicle purpose‐built to operate on and off road in
support of military operations, such as a HMMWV (“Humvee”), 2.5‐ton truck, 5‐ton
truck, or a vehicle with a breaching or entry apparatus attached.
a. Application/Use – Rough terrain or inclement weather for search and rescue
operations, victim evacuations, disaster supply deliveries and emergency personnel
transportation.
6. Command and Control Vehicles – Any wheeled vehicle either purpose‐built or modified
to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units responding to an
incident.
a. Application/Use – Serve as a centralized location for command decision-making,
enhanced communication and other situational awareness capabilities.
7. Explosives and Pyrotechnics – Includes explosive breaching tools often used by special
operations units.
a. Application/Use – Create a breach point opening in a structure during a hostage
rescue operation or other high risk entry. It may also include devices used to
distract or temporarily disorient a suspect prior to law enforcement entry into a
structure.
8. Breaching Apparatus – Tools designed to provide law enforcement rapid entry into a
building or through a secured doorway. These tools may be mechanical in nature, such
as a battering ram); ballistic such as slugs; or explosive.
a. Application/Use – To gain rapid entry into a structure that may be fortified or where
a suspect refuses entry.
9. Riot Batons – Non‐expandable baton of greater length (generally in excess of 24 inches)
than service‐issued types and are intended to protect officers during melees by
providing distance from assailants. These batons offer a greater level of safety for
officers by extending the distance between them and a violent or non‐compliant subject.
a. Application/Use – Deployed during demonstrations or civil disorder events.
10. Riot Helmets – Helmets designed to protect the officer’s face and head from injury
during demonstrations or civil order events from projectiles including rocks, bricks,
liquids, etc. Riot helmets include a visor which protects the face.
a. Application/Use – Worn by officers during demonstrations or civil disorder events
where the threat or presence of dangerous projectiles is likely.
11. Riot Shields – Shields intended to protect officers from their head to their knees in
demonstrations or civil disorder events. Most are designed for the protection of the
officer from projectiles including rocks, bricks, and liquids. Some afford limited
ballistic protection as well.
a. Application/Use – Utilized in conjunction with riot helmets to protect officers from
projectiles and other hazards while trying to contain, move or disperse people
during demonstrations or civil disorder events where the threat or presence of
dangerous projectiles is likely.
B. Appropriate Use of Federally Controlled Equipment
1. Prior planning, to include the requirements for deployment and the level of supervisory
approval necessary, should precede any use of federally controlled equipment. When,
due to exigent circumstances, this is not possible and immediate use of the equipment is
necessary for officer safety reasons or lifesaving operations, the involved officer(s) will
make appropriate notification to their supervisor as soon as possible after the incident.
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2. Any officer who will utilize federally controlled equipment, or any supervisor who
authorizes the use of federally controlled equipment, will receive initial and recurring
training that addresses the appropriate and safe use of such equipment, or certification
when mandated by other local, state or federal law. Only personnel who have been
properly trained may use departmentally-owned equipment, even when deployed in
other jurisdictions. Authorization for use of equipment in other jurisdictions must be
approved by the Chief of Police or designee(s).
C. Supervision of Use
1. Absent exigent circumstances, federally controlled equipment should only be utilized
for previously approved purposes and with the appropriate level of supervision.
2. Proper deployment and accountability with supporting or neighboring agencies that may
request the use of resources and capabilities of the department’s federally controlled
equipment shall follow department guidelines and be properly documented.
D. Evaluation
1. With reports furnished through Asset Management, the Assistant Chief over the Finance
and Personnel Bureau will evaluate the need for continued use of such equipment on an
annual basis.
2. Following each deployment, an after-action report will be completed by the supervisor
over the employee(s) using the federally controlled equipment that captures information
such as the equipment utilized, the manner in which it was utilized, and the location of
the utilization. This information shall be forwarded to and maintained by the Assistant
Chief over the Finance/Personnel Bureau within five (5) days of use.
E. Auditing and Accountability
1. An internal auditing procedure shall be established by Asset Management to ensure that
federally controlled equipment is being maintained and utilized as intended. This
procedure will include provisions for accountability at the individual officer level to
mitigate any misuse or unauthorized use. Such procedures will also support any
reporting requirements.
F. Transparency and Notice Considerations
1. The Fort Worth Police Department and its officers will actively engage the public to
inform them of the purpose and intended use of federally controlled equipment. While
maintaining operational security needs, personnel should explain the application of
certain pieces of equipment and how its use will protect both citizens and officers.
2. Information regarding the cost realized by the department as a result of participation in
such federally controlled equipment programs shall be provided if requested.
510.01 EQUIPMENT & UNIFORM COMMITTEE (Revised 3/17/16)
A. The responsibilities of the Equipment & Uniform Committee shall be to consider any changes
in the uniform and personal equipment worn by commissioned personnel and make
recommendations to the Chief of Police relative to:
1. New uniform and police equipment on the market.
2. Analyze and evaluate present uniform and personal equipment needs.
3. Investigate and report any problems with the quality of equipment or uniform materials.
4. Review bid specifications on police equipment and recommend department action.
510.00 EQUIPMENT & UNIFORM COMMITTEE
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5. Maintain a current roster of authorized equipment and uniform dealers.
6. Maintain all correspondence regarding uniform and equipment dealers.
B. Each member shall serve for a one (1) year tenure, except for the chairperson. The designated
chairperson shall be the Training Division Captain and shall maintain a permanent authorized
position. The chairperson shall not have voting privileges except when committee votes end
in a tie and then the chairperson will vote to break the tie.
C. The committee shall consist of commissioned personnel desiring to serve an appointment as
volunteers. Personnel serving on the committee shall vary depending upon each individual’s
expertise to effectively evaluate equipment and uniform materials.
D. During the first quarter of each calendar year, the Training Division Captain shall solicit
interest from officers in serving on the committee. Current members may request to be
considered to serve another term. The chairperson will gather all letters of interest and
forward, along with any recommendations, through the chain of command. The Chief of
Police or designee shall approve all final appointments of committee members.
E The committee shall be comprised of no more than fourteen (14) members. The goal is for
committee members to represent the different assignments in the department. The committee
shall include:
1 Captain Chairperson Police Training Division
2 Lieutenants from a uniformed assignment
Up to 2 officers, any rank from Investigative & Support Command
Up to 2 officers, any rank from Tactical Command
Up to 3 officers, any rank from North Command
Up to 3 officers, any rank from South Command
1 Officer, any rank from the Police Officers’ Association Board
F. All equipment and uniform reviews, complaints, evaluations, and other pertinent data shall be
gathered and presented by the committee chairperson. The information shall, along with
committee recommendations, be forwarded through the chain of command for review by the
Chief of Police or designee. The Training Division Captain shall make the necessary
notifications of any approved item(s) to the affected parties and, when appropriate, to
Research and Planning for any General Order revision.
G. The Administrative Support Command shall serve as an advisory and information center to
the committee on appropriate items being addressed. A catalog of items shall be created
detailing items reviewed or acted upon in the past.
H. Committee meetings shall be held quarterly and minutes of the meetings shall be maintained
by the Training Division Captain. The Captain may cancel quarterly meetings if there is no
agenda to discuss or call more frequent meetings if circumstances warrant.
I. The first hour of the scheduled meeting session shall be utilized to receive officer suggestions
and to allow comments about equipment problems that have been personally experienced. All
of the comments shall be taken under advisement and answers shall be provided during the
next scheduled meeting.
510.02 FLEET AND EQUIPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Revised 6/9/2016)
A. The responsibilities of the Fleet and Equipment Advisory Committee shall be to research and
review proposed equipment and make recommendations relative to:
1. Review of new police equipment on the market, other than personal equipment reserved
for review by the uniform committee,
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2. Analysis and evaluation of present equipment needs, other than furniture or office
fixtures,
3. Investigation and reports of any problems with the quality of equipment,
4. Review of bid specifications on police equipment and recommended department action,
and
5. Approval and prioritization of all requests that involve vehicle or equipment purchases
that:
a. Are expected to be classified as a capital expense exceeding $5,000 acquisition
cost,
b. Must be registered with the Texas Department of Transportation,
c. Have a fuel capacity in excess of five (5) U.S. gallons, and/or
d. Require maintenance and/or repair by the Property Management Department’s
Fleet Division.
B. The Budget and Finance Section’s Budget Committee shall promptly forward all vehicle and
equipment needs request meeting the above criteria to the Fleet and Equipment Advisory
Committee Chair for review.
C. The Fleet and Equipment Advisory Committee shall complete the review process prior to the
end of the second quarter of the fiscal year for items that are to be included for the subsequent
budget year. During the review, the Fleet and Equipment Advisory Committee shall consider
the justification for the request, how the purchase of the requested vehicles or equipment
contributes to the goals and objectives of the department, and make a final recommendation
that is based on available resources and operational benefit to the department.
D. Each member shall serve for one (1) year tenure, except for the chairperson. The designated
chairperson shall be the Manager of the Police Fleet/Auto Pound Division and shall maintain
a permanent authorized position.
E. The committee shall consist of commissioned personnel desiring to serve an appointment as
a volunteer. Qualifications of the personnel serving on the committee shall vary depending
upon each individual’s expertise to effectively evaluate equipment. Committee members shall
serve as a liaison to employees regarding equipment issues.
F. The Deputy Chief over the Fleet/Auto Pound Division shall approve all final appointments of
committee members. The committee shall be comprised of the following eleven (11)
members:
Chairperson Public Safety Support Manager
Administrative Sergeant Operational Command
3 appointed officers, North Command
3 appointed officers, South Command, including the Traffic Division
1 appointed officer, any rank Tactical Command
1 officer, any rank Investigative & Support Command
1 officer, any rank Police Officers’ Association Board
G. All equipment reviews, complaints, evaluations, and other pertinent data shall be gathered and
presented by the committee chairperson for review by the Deputy Chief over the Fleet/Auto
Pound Division. The Deputy Chief will then forward relevant information to the Assistant
Chief. Complaints pertaining to current equipment will be maintained by the committee
chairperson in the files on vendors, solicitations, and awards.
H. Committee meetings shall be held quarterly, if determined appropriate by the Chairperson, at
a designated location and minutes shall be maintained by the Finance and Personnel Bureau
Administrative Sergeant. The date, time, and location of the meetings will be posted no less
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than ten (10) days before the planned meeting. These dates and times may be changed due to
holidays or conflicts in scheduling.
511.01 K-9 (CANINE) UNIT UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
A. The uniform for officers assigned to the K-9 (Canine) Unit shall consist of:
1. BDU (tactical or military-style) uniform in authorized color.
2. Black nylon duty rig with approved holster.
3. Black lace-up boots.
4. T-shirt in authorized color matching the uniform.
5. Ball caps black or color matching the uniform, with “K9” patch.
6. “K9” embroidered on collars in black thread, not required if “K9 rockers are worn over
the patch.
7. Cloth badge and patches with black and subdued silver thread. The officer’s name
embroidered over the right breast in black thread.
B. When a standard uniform is worn, the customary uniform patches will be displayed except for
a “K-9” rocker over the patch.
511.02 BICYCLE PATROL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
A. Officers assigned to the Bicycle Patrol Unit shall wear their authorized uniform and headgear
while on duty.
1. Bicycle patrol shorts may be worn year round.
2. Standard-issue short-sleeved uniform shirt may be worn with winter pants.
3. Solid black or navy blue skullcaps are permitted to be worn underneath the bicycle patrol
helmet.
4. Bicycle helmets shall be predominantly white in color, have “POLICE” annotated on the
sides of the helmet and shall meet or exceed standards set by SNELL, ANSI or ASTM.
5. Shoes, including specialized cycling shoes, shall be black or navy blue in color and not
clash with the bicycle patrol uniform. Only black or white socks shall be permitted.
511.03 MOUNTED PATROL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
A. The uniform for officers assigned to mounted patrol shall consist of:
1. Navy blue western-style shirts with military creases, velcro pocket closure, and western
yokes on front and back. Pants will be of the same navy blue material with keystone belt
loops, scalloped back pockets with snap closure, and double-stitched seat seams.
2. Western straw hat in the summer and western black felt hat in the winter.
3. Standard black boots. Officers may wear spurs when riding, provided the spurs are of a
conservative design and appearance that does not detract from the uniform.
4. Black, heavy oilskin drover coat with “Police” printed on the back and having a sheepskin
liner for extremely cold weather (optional).
5. Standard uniform patches except for a “Mounted” rocker over the patch.
511.04 MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS
A. Motorcycle Officers shall wear the approved uniform which shall consist of:
1. Motor Pants.
511.00 SPECIALIZED UNITS UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
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2. Standard-issue uniform shirt, short-and long-sleeved.
3. Motorcycle Patrol Boots.
a. Each assigned officer and supervisor will receive a new pair of motorcycle patrol
boots every other calendar year. On the off year, officers will receive a resole of their
boots.
4. Motorcycle Helmet.
a. Each helmet will be replaced every three (3) years or as recommended by the
manufacturer.
5. Rain Suit.
6. Leather Jacket.
7. Winter Gloves.
B. Optional items may be worn in accordance with the Motorcycle Unit Standard Operating
Procedures.
C. In addition to all other approved items, motor officers may wear a winged wheel pin with their
uniform.
511.05 HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR’S VEST
A. Hostage negotiators may wear a distinctive vest, identifying them as such, while on call.
511.06 SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS (Revised 3/17/16)
A. Special Response Team officers shall wear the department approved uniform or the section
approved uniform which shall consist of:
1. Black tactical uniform shirt, either short-sleeved or long-sleeved as specified by the
uniform committee.
a. The shirt shall have subdued patches on both sleeves with Special Response Team
rockers.
b. An embroidered badge – silver thread.
c. Officer’s name embroidered over the right breast pocket-silver thread.
2. Black tactical uniform pants as specified by the uniform committee.
3. Ball caps shall be black in color and with the specifications outlined by the uniform
committee for style, fabric, front and back lettering, font and the letter size.
511.07 TACTICAL MEDIC UNIT UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
A. Officers assigned to Tactical Medic Unit shall wear the department approved uniform or the
section approved uniform which shall consist of:
1. Dark Navy tactical uniform shirt, either short-sleeved or long-sleeved as specified by the
uniform committee.
a. The shirt shall have subdued Fort Worth Police Department patch on the left sleeve
and Texas Department of State Health Services (TX DSHS) approved EMS patch on
the right sleeve. This patch should denote the officer’s EMS rank as required by TX
DSHS.
b. An embroidered badge – silver thread.
c. Officer’s name embroidered over the right breast pocket-silver thread.
2. Dark navy tactical uniform pants as specified by the uniform committee.
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511.08 ALTERNATE UNIFORM (Revised 12/13/18)
A. Alternate uniforms shall be defined to include any clothing, footwear, headgear, etc., other
than the standard police uniform, worn on duty while carrying out assigned duties. Alternate
uniforms differ from specialized unit uniforms and are considered temporary or seasonal in
nature,
1. Any alternate uniform or alternate uniform item, unless specifically provided for in
General Order 511.00, shall be approved in writing by the deputy chief. The deputy chief
shall review the approval for any alternate uniform every six (6) months.
B. An optional alternate summer uniform is authorized during the period April 1 through October
30. The alternate summer uniform shall not be authorized for court appearance or any official
department function or ceremony in which a full dress uniform or business attire would be
appropriate.
C. Uniformed Assignments
An optional alternate summer uniform is authorized for the following uniformed assignments:
1. On-Duty – Field assignments, to include Patrol, Traffic, NPO, and Traffic Control
Technician.
2. Off-Duty Employment – Non-climate controlled environments, or events where a large
percentage of the officer’s time will be spent outdoors. Due consideration will be given
to the type of event being worked, the appropriateness of the summer uniform, and the
dress code requirements of the off-duty employer.
D. Uniformed officers selecting the optional alternate summer uniform must purchase the
uniform at their own expense and adhere to the following restrictions:
1. Shirts must be the approved standard uniform shirt.
2. Only uniform shorts as prescribed shall be worn. The Training Division shall maintain a
list of departmentally-approved shorts:
a. Short length will be no longer than two (2) inches above the knee and no shorter than
four (4) inches above the knee for a more uniform appearance.
b. Bike shorts and exposed athletic sportswear shall not be worn as part of the alternate
summer uniform, except by personnel assigned to the Bicycle Unit.
3. Socks
a. Only plain white, ankle length socks will be permitted.
b. Rolled top or socks bearing stripes, commercial emblems, or other insignia are
prohibited.
4. Shoes
a. Shoes worn with the alternate summer uniform shall be in accordance with General
Order 503.01 D (1-3). Boots or high top athletic shoes are not authorized while
wearing the summer uniform.
b. Shoes bearing stripes, commercial emblems or other insignia are prohibited.
5. Only standard issue leather gear will be worn with the alternate summer uniform. Web gear
will not be worn with the summer uniform.
512.01 FORMAL FUNCTION PROTOCOL
The purpose of this order shall be to establish the protocol followed when attending the funeral or
memorial service of any deceased police officer, whether a member of this department or any other
police department, and for events that may include presentation of colors.
512.00 PROFESSIONAL PROTOCOL (Revised 4/28/15)
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A. Definitions
1. Formal Function – any function in which a member of the Fort Worth Police Department
participates, at which a military bearing and any type of honor to colors is called for,
whether in ranks or individually.
2. Attention – bring heels together smartly on the same line, turn feet out equally forming
an angle at 45 degrees, legs should be straight without stiffening or locking of the knees,
hold the body erect with hips level, chest lifted and arched, and shoulders square and even
resting the body weight equally on the heels and balls of the feet. Let arms hang straight
without stiffness alongside of the body with back of hand outward with the fingers curled
to touch the thumb to the tip of the forefinger. Keep thumb along the seam of your slacks.
Keep head erect and eyes squarely to the front.
3. Parade Rest – from the position of attention, move the left foot about ten (10) inches to
the left of the right foot. Keep the legs straight without locking the knees, resting the
weight of the body equally on the heels and balls of the feet. Simultaneously, place the
hands at the small of the back and centered at the belt at gun level. Keep the fingers of
both hands extended and joined right hand over left, interlocking the thumbs so that the
palm of the hand is outward. Keep the head and eyes focused straight ahead.
4. Present Arms – a command to give a hand salute.
5. Salute – while standing at attention, raise the right hand smartly until the tip of the
forefinger lightly touches the brim of the cap or forehead (if without cover is permitted)
above and slightly to the right of the right eye, thumb and fingers must be straight and
touching each other, palm angled slightly to the left, upper arm horizontal with the ground
forearm inclined at 45 degrees, hand and wrist straight as a continuation of the line made
by your forearm, at the time same time turn head toward the flag or object/person being
saluted. To complete the salute, drop the arm to its normal position by the side in one
motion, at the same time turning the head and eyes to the front.
B. Formal Functions
1. For uniformed officers, the appropriate attire for a formal function, including a funeral or
memorial service, shall be the Class A uniform or long-sleeved uniform shirt, slacks, and
tie. Turtleneck sweaters or short-sleeved shirts are not appropriate. The uniform hat
(referred to as cover) is required at memorial services and funerals. When necessary, outer
wear shall be in good condition and appropriate for the conditions. When a uniform is not
worn, both sworn and non-sworn employees shall wear the appropriate business attire as
outlined in General Order 501.02C, Non-Uniformed Assignments: Apparel.
2. During all formal functions, employees shall silence all cell phones, and any other
electronic communication devices and accessories, including earpieces. Unless directed
by a supervisor as part of security, body cameras shall not be worn. Employees shall not
text, email, or read messages during a memorial service or formal event.
a. All police radios shall be turned off during a memorial service or visitation, unless
the officer is assigned to the service and must maintain communication with other
officers in the detail. If the radio remains on, the officer(s) shall use discretion to
maintain a respectful environment.
3. When in uniform and cover, but not in ranks, officers shall render the salute when the
flag advances within a distance of six (6) paces and hold the salute until the flag has
passed six (6) paces beyond.
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a. When the National Anthem is played, officers will hold a salute at the first note of
the Anthem until the last note of the Anthem. During an event, officers will face the
flag if present; if not, the officers will face the source of the music.
b. Uniformed officers without cover, officers in business attire, and civilian employees
shall place their right hand over left chest or arms straight, but not stiff, at sides and
stand in a respectful stance.
c. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present, but not in uniform, may
render the military salute when the flag advances and during the National Anthem as
provided by the United States Code.
C. Officer Funerals
1. When notified of a Fort Worth Police Department officer’s death, the assigned personnel
shall coordinate through the officer’s family the planning of the memorial service and
support for the family. Funeral arrangements of the officer shall be decided by the family
with their wishes taking precedence over the department.
2. Services provided by the Department – In addition to the Honor Guard, the Chief of Police
may approve participation by other police personnel such as the Mounted Patrol Unit and
Traffic Division. The decision of which services the department provides is predicated
on request by the family.
a. Death in the line of duty
(1) Honor Guard
(2) Colors
(3) Taps
(4) Honor Watch
(5) Flag Folding/Presentation
(6) Bag Piper
(7) Twenty-one Gun Salute
(8) Pall Bearers
(9) Assist Family
b. Honorable deaths of active officers not in the line of duty, and honorably discharged
retired officers and retired reserve officers with fifteen (15) years of service at time
of retirement.
(1) If the family of the deceased active, retired officer, or retired reserve officer
requests the Honor Guard and the funeral, memorial service, or gravesite service
is within the boundaries of Tarrant County, the Honor Guard will provide two
(2) officers for the Honor Watch one (1) hour prior to the service.
(2) If the family of the deceased requests a bagpiper and the service is within the
boundaries of Tarrant County, the Pipe and Drum Corps will provide one (1)
piper for the service.
(3) No traffic escorts will be provided.
(4) If the service is to be held outside the boundaries of Tarrant County, the decision
to send official representatives of the Department shall rest solely with the Chief
of Police or designee.
(5) If the officer or retiree is a veteran, the family should contact the U.S. Armed
Forces if a flag folding ceremony is wanted. If the family does not want a
military flag folding ceremony, or if the officer or retiree is not a veteran, the
Honor Guard will present the family with a pre-folded flag during the service.
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(6) If the family requests assistance with selecting pallbearers, the Department will
assist the family with locating volunteers to serve as pallbearers.
(7) Instructions for family members can be found on the Fort Worth Police
Department and Fort Worth Police Officer Association websites.
3. When arriving at the visitation, memorial service, or gravesite
a. Uniformed officers shall immediately put on the police hat upon exiting a vehicle.
b. Unless otherwise directed, upon entering any building the officer shall remove the
hat placing it under the left arm with the bottom against the body and the brim facing
forward. When seated, the hat shall be placed on the officer’s lap with the bottom on
the officer’s lap with the brim facing forward. Once the officer is outdoors, the officer
shall again put on the hat.
c. With the presentation of colors, whether indoors or outdoors
(1) Unless otherwise directed, when in ranks officers shall place the hat on and wait
for the order to present arms before saluting.
(2) If applicable, officers will hold the salute for the Pledge of Allegiance and/or the
National Anthem.
(3) A motion or command will be given to order arms and if applicable, be seated.
If indoors, the officers shall remove their hat at this time.
(4) Uniformed officers without cover, officers in business attire, and civilian
employees shall place their right hand over left chest or arms straight, but not
stiff, at sides and stand in a respectful stance.
(5) Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present, but not in uniform,
may render the military salute as provided by the United States Code.
4. At the end of a memorial service or funeral
a. Officers shall remain seated as the Honor Guard does a pass and view of the casket.
When instructed to stand and exit pew, officers shall stand and place their hat on their
head.
b. When passing the casket, officers shall continue walking and present arms when
reaching the foot of the casket and hold the salute until reaching the head of the
casket. Unless otherwise directed, officers shall continue moving and exit the
building. If directed to return to the pew, officers shall remove the hat when seated;
otherwise, the hat shall remain on until seated in the vehicle.
(1) Uniformed officers without cover, officers in business attire, and civilian
employees shall place their right hand over left chest or arms straight, but not
stiff, at sides when passing the casket.
c. When directed, uniformed officers shall line up in rank and upon command, salute
the casket as it is carried from the building to the hearse and retain salute until
command to rest is given.
5. Arriving at Gravesite
a. Uniformed officers shall immediately put on the police hat upon exiting a vehicle.
b. Officers will line up in rank and stand at ease. When the Color Guard approaches,
officers shall come to attention and present arms until the family passes. Officers
shall then order arms and parade rest until the Honorary Pallbearers pass, at which
time officers will fall into a walking procession to the gravesite.
c. At gravesite, officers will line up in ranks and stand at ease. Since services may vary,
officers will be prompted by command as appropriate.
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D. Wearing of Mourning Bands
1. Mourning bands will be worn from the time of death until midnight on the 14th day after
an in the line of duty death of any Fort Worth Police Department officer. If the death is
of an officer in an agency within our region, the band will be worn from the time of death
until midnight on the day of the funeral. If a Fort Worth Police Department officer attends
an out of region funeral, the band is worn while attending the funeral.
2. The Chief of Police shall have the discretion to alter the requirements for wearing of the
mourning band; however, if not otherwise directed, mourning bands may be worn from
the time of death until completion of the interment for the death of an active Fort Worth
Police Department officer that was not classified as a line of duty death. Mourning bands
may be worn for retired Fort Worth Police Department officers the day of the funeral.
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608.01 STORAGE OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS (Revised 11/5/18)
A. Police personnel responsible for keeping and maintaining criminal history record information
are instructed to ensure that there are no files being kept within this department which do not
meet the following criteria:
1. Files and information on arrested parties.
2. Files on persons alleged to have committed crimes.
B. Persons maintaining said files are responsible for ensuring the security of the files entrusted
to them as set forth in the Privacy and Security Plan of Texas. TBP 5.01
601.00 RADIO PERSONALITIES/TALK GROUPS, CODES,
SIGNALS AND TEN (10) SERIES
602.00 RADIO CALL NUMBER ASSIGNMENTS
603.00 ASSIGNED RADIO TALK GROUP USAGE
604.00 RADIO PROCEDURES
605.00 DISPATCHING AND PRIORITIZING OF RADIO CALLS
606.00 NOTIFICATIONS AND CALL BACKS
607.00 POLICE INFORMATION CENTER
608.00 CRIMINAL HISTORY AND ARREST RECORDS
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608.02 DISSEMINATION OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS TBP 5.03
A. Members of the Fort Worth Police Department while on assigned duty who are otherwise
authorized may receive through normal channels, any criminal history records which are
pertinent to their duties and in compliance with NCIC and TCIC procedures. Officers shall
not make secondary dissemination or pass on to another any record or file they have obtained.
B. No officer or individual shall obtain or provide such information to part-time employers,
places of business, or any other person or agency. TBP 5.01
C. Any agency and/or individual violating privacy regulations may be subject to a fine or
criminal charges as reference in Texas Government Code 411.085.
608.03 ACCESS TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION
A. Right to Review Information
1. Individuals desiring a review of their criminal history record information shall be directed
to call the TXDPS Crime records Service Criminal History Inquiry Unit.
608.04 EXPUNCTION OF RECORDS OF ARREST
A. Provisions of Law
1. Article 55.01, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure provides procedure which allows a
person to obtain expunction in a district court for the county in which they were arrested.
2. The Department of Law is responsible for representing the City and the Police
Department in Expunction matters.
B. Motions (Petitions) and Orders for Expunction of Arrest Records
1. Motions and Orders for Expunction are received from the Court by Police Records staff
to process.
2. The Police Records staff are responsible for the following:
a. A copy of the Petition (Motion) is forwarded to the Department of Law for review.
b. A copy of the arrest history of the petitioner is gathered and attached to the petition
and held in a pending file until the Expunction Order is received.
c. The Expunction Petition is attached to the Expunction Order along with pertinent
offense reports.
d. An Expunction Order Transmittal form is completed and attached to the Expunction
packet.
e. This packet is referred to the appropriate divisions of the Police Department and to
the Information Technology Solutions Department where records will be expunged
and returned to the Legal Liaison Section within two (2) weeks of distribution.
f. Ensure all steps regarding the expunction process are completed and all information
forwarded to the court within forty-five (45) days of the date of the expunction order.
609.01 OFFENSE REPORT SUBMISSION (Revised 11/5/18)
A. Data Reporting Unit (DRU) personnel shall review the report to ensure completeness, verify
the offense, screen the case, and determine the status according to set criteria.
B. The status is one of the following:
609.00 REPORT REVIEW
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1. Active – Case is under active investigation and investigative supplements are due every
fifteen (15) days. If the offense is still open after two (2) supplements have been
submitted, the offense must be supplemented every thirty (30) days until the status is
changed.
NOTE: Exceptions are theft and criminal mischief offenses which must be supplemented
every sixty (60) days.
2. Pending – Case is inactive and the submission of investigative supplements is not
required. When all workable leads have been investigated, the investigator may change
the status of an open case to pending with supervisory approval. Any officer may change
the status from pending to open by submitting a supplement detailing the reasons for the
change. The case status in the case assignment section should also be changed to pending
status
3. Closed – Not all offenses can be closed. Cases can only be closed when an arrest has been
made (to include the issuance of a class C citation); when the criteria detailed in the
National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Handbook for clearing a case by
exceptional means are met; when investigation reveals that the offense is unfounded; or
when a juvenile arrest is made. NIBRS closures should be made in both the Case Status
and Case Management places in the Tritech software. Closures that are not NIBRS can
be closed in just the Case Management/assignment area of the software.
C. All stolen property that meets the proper criteria shall be entered on NCIC and into the pawn
shop computer system so that if recovered, it can be returned to the owner and the case can be
reopened at that time for investigation.
D. Queues are used by the investigative unit having follow-up responsibility based on set criteria.
Notifications are used when the report has not been assigned to an investigative unit, upon
review by the Data Reporting Unit (DRU).
609.02 PENDING OFFENSES
A. The Data Reporting Unit (DRU) and/or the NIBRS unit shall check each report to ensure that
proper procedure is being followed in the closure of offenses.
B. The screen officer for each detail in the investigative section of each division shall review
pended reports to determine if follow-up is warranted. The officer shall ensure that the report
is properly classified as an actual offense or reported offense as listed. If the report is incorrect,
the screen officer shall supplement the report, add the correct offense or unfound the case (if
it meets the NIBRS rules for unfounding), and forward it to DRU. DRU will review the
unfounded cases to ensure they meet the proper NIBRS classification.
C. The crime analyst shall review pended reports and check them against the nickname file, the
field interrogation cards, methods of operations, pattern, linkage to other reports and persons
arrested on other offenses. They shall be alert for cases where physical evidence is present
that is not a direct lead at the time but later may lead to the identification of the actor.
D. All offenses meeting the following criteria shall be left open; all others shall be pended by the
detective assigned to the case.
1. Murders and Criminal Attempted Murders.
2. Assaults and Kidnappings.
3. Rapes, Criminal Attempted Rapes, and Sexual Assaults.
4. Robberies and Criminal Attempted Robberies.
5. All reports which list named suspects or information sufficiently specific that
identification is likely.
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6. All reports listing witnesses who can provide pertinent information.
7. All reports that give investigative leads that should be followed up.
8. All incident reports listing found or recovered property.
609.03 SUPERVISORY REVIEW
A. The patrol sergeants and lieutenants, along with specialized units, will review their RMS
queues each day, pulling up the officers in their charge that have reports in “review” status.
As software is upgraded, improved procedure may be put into place for review.
1. If the direct supervisor of the officer is not available, the acting or covering supervisor
and lieutenant shall review the RMS queues.
B. The division captain or district lieutenant will review the Report Admin queue for their
division to ensure officers have not left any reports in progress, rejected and all reports by
officers working in their divisional command have been reviewed. Specialized units should
do the same for the officers in their command. No report should be in the queue for longer
than four (4) days.
C. The district sergeants shall contact the officers involved and review the errors. The officer
shall supplement the report or make corrections to the report and resubmit for review. Officers
shall remedy all validation errors in the software before submitting the report.
D. The division captain shall ensure that all reports are being reviewed by the appropriate
sergeant/personnel no later than twenty-four (24) hours from the time the report is made. They
will also ensure that all rejected and in-progress reports are completed and accepted in RMS
by the officers assigned to their division.
609.04 COLOR STANDARDIZATION
All personnel involved in the receipt and follow-up of offense reports shall use the standard color
code when referring to color.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
610.00 POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING ALARM SYSTEM
611.00 HAZARDOUS LOCATION FILE
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A. The Code of Conduct of the Fort Worth Police Department officially adopted and set forth
in this manual is enacted by the Chief of Police by authority of section 27-22 of the Code of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas and takes precedence over other regulatory directives. The Code of
Conduct shall provide rules and regulations for the regulation of employee conduct, and shall
serve as this department’s rules and regulations.
B. Pursuant to section 27-22 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, the Chief of Police
shall have immediate control and direction of the police department, subject to the supervision
of the City Manager, and shall promulgate all orders, rules and regulations, make assignments,
prescribe the uniforms and badges for members of the police department, and direct the
manner in which the members of said force shall be armed.
C. Pursuant to Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code of Texas, as amended, the Chief of
Police shall have the power to take disciplinary action or suspend indefinitely an officer or
employee for violation of Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code of Texas, the Code of
Conduct, General Orders Manual, or the regulations contained in the City of Fort Worth
Personnel Rules and Regulations.
A. The provisions of the Code of Conduct shall be observed by all members of the department in
order to maintain the confidence, respect, and support of the public.
B. Officers of the Fort Worth Police Department shall acquire a working knowledge of the
General Orders, special orders, city ordinances, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas
Penal Code, federal statutes, and current court cases.
C. All officers and employees shall comply with the General Orders, special orders, directives,
procedures of the department, orders and instructions of supervising officers, federal law and
regulations, state law and regulations, and city ordinances and regulations.
D. All officers are required to possess a valid Texas Driver’s License. Quarterly driver’s records
checks shall be conducted to compliance with this General Order.
1. Civilian employees who are required to operate City or personal vehicles while
performing their essential job functions must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Quarterly checks shall be conducted to verify employees’ compliance with this General
Order.
E. Ignorance of any provision contained in the General Orders Manual, special orders, or other
directive shall neither be an excuse nor serve as a defense for a violation of these materials.
1. In the event of improper action or breach of discipline, it shall be presumed the officer
was familiar with the law, order, or policy in question.
F. Officers and employees, whether on-duty or off-duty, shall follow the General Orders, special
orders, and directives of the Department regarding good conduct and behavior and shall not
commit any act in an official or private capacity that would be an applicable violation of any
General Order, special order, directive, procedure.
G. No member of the department shall wear their uniform or carry a pistol while under suspension
for any cause.
701.00 AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE TITLE
702.00 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (Revised 2/4/16)
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H. No officer shall procure appointment in the department by means of intentional
misrepresentation or omission of any fact concerning personal history, qualifications for
employment, or physical condition.
I. All employees or candidates for employment must submit to a physical and/or psychological
examination when directed by the Chief of Police.
J. Commissioned officers within the probationary period of employment may be terminated by
the Chief of Police without cause when they fail to meet the minimum standards of employee
performance or when they violate the General Orders, Civil Service Rules and Regulations,
City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations, charter provisions, ordinances, or the
laws of Texas or the United States. Such employees have no right of appeal under the
provisions of Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code of Texas, and the decision of the
Chief of Police shall be final.
K. All employees shall handle any fine or financial responsibility in a timely manner. Employees
shall not allow any personal fine or legal action progress to a warrant against the employee.
At any time the employee learns a warrant has been issued against them, the employee will
notify their supervisor immediately and contact the issuing department immediately to resolve
the situation.
A. Neglect of Duty – Defined
1. Neglect of duty is defined as the abandonment, either through omission or commission,
intentional or otherwise, of any duty which has been designated to an employee of the
department, whether through the General Orders, special orders, orally, or through written
directive from a superior. The assignment of the duty may be either explicit or implicit.
TBP 1.08
B. Neglect of duty on the part of any employee is cause for disciplinary action. The offender
shall be disciplined according to the severity of the violation, the commensurate responsibility
or accountability of their rank or position, the results brought about by the action or inaction,
and the effect it has upon the discipline, good order, and best interest of the department.
Neglect of duty includes, but is not limited to, the following: TBP 1.08
1. Failure of a supervisor to immediately take action when a violation of rules or regulations
comes to their attention, regardless of the supervisor’s or violator’s assignment or rank
within the department.
2. Failure to observe and give effect to the federal, state, and local statutes and the policies
and procedures of the department.
3. Failure to deliver to an official departmental custodian any property found, confiscated
by, or relinquished to employees of the department without undue delay and at least prior
to the end of their watch. TBP 12.03
4. Failure to place evidence in its officially designated place for preservation and storage.
5. Failure to give name and identification number to any person upon request, unless
otherwise officially excepted.
6. Using excessive force, toward any person.
7. Being disrespectful to any person.
8. Use of indecent, profane, or harsh language in the performance of official duties.
703.00 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT (Revised 8/10/18)
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9. Accepting, agreeing to accept, or soliciting a bribe. A bribe is defined as a gift,
emolument, money, thing of value, testimonial, appointment or personal advantage, or
the promise or solicitation of same for the purpose of obtaining special privileges or
personal gain by the donor or other person.
10. Failure to command as defined in General Order 429.01 (F).
11. Failure to supervise as defined in General Order 429.01 (G).
12. Failure to protect the property belonging to a person in custody or property which has
come into possession of the officer by reason of their office.
C. No officer shall engage in any personal conduct which could result in justified unfavorable
criticism of that officer or the department.
D. Officers shall not publicly criticize or ridicule the department or other law enforcement
agencies associated with the department, the department’s policies and/or procedures, or other
officers by speech, writing, or other expression where such speech, writing, or other
expression is defamatory, false, obscene, unlawful, or is made with reckless disregard for
truth. Officers shall not publicly relay statements about the department or personnel that are
not based on a known authority for its truth.
E. No officer shall ridicule, mock, deride, taunt, or belittle any person. Neither shall the officer
knowingly embarrass, humiliate, or shame any person nor do anything that might incite such
person to violence.
F. Proper judgment, demeanor, courtesy and discretion are mandatory, both within the
department and when interfacing with the public. The use of words or gestures which are
derogatory or inflammatory in nature to or about any person or group of persons, because of
their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, economic status, sexual
orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender status, membership in a cultural
group, or other individual characteristics or distinctions or taking any discriminatory actions
is strictly prohibited.
G. The following appropriate terminology or combination thereof shall be the only terms used
by department employees to describe certain persons, unless required otherwise by the
necessity to state quotes in official reports using terms, words, phrases, or expressions actually
spoken.
1. Female Person:
Female, woman, subject, suspect, juvenile, offender, person.
2. Male Person:
Male, man, subject, suspect, juvenile, offender, person.
3. Black Person:
Black, African-American.
4. Spanish Surname American:
Spanish surname American, Mexican-American, Spanish-speaking American, Hispanic,
Latino, Latina, Latin-American.
5. Undocumented Migrant:
Non-registered or unauthorized migrant.
6. Foreign National:
Mexican-national, French-national, Canadian-national, e.g., (country of origin) national.
7. Asian Person:
Asian, Pacific American, Asian/Pacific Islander.
8. Physically disabled:
Person with physical disability, Physically challenged, Physically disabled.
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9. Mentally disabled:
Person with mental disability, Mentally challenged, Mentally disabled, Mentally
disturbed.
10. White Person:
White, Caucasian.
H. Within the city limits of Fort Worth, officers shall at all times take appropriate action to:
1. Protect life and property.
2. Preserve the peace.
3. Prevent crime.
4. Detect and arrest violators of the law.
5. Promptly respond to all calls for service and provide quality service.
6. Thoroughly investigate all offenses and incidents that are the responsibility of the officer.
7. Enforce all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances within departmental jurisdiction.
NOTE: When off-duty and/or in a personal vehicle, even if in uniform, enforcement of traffic
violations or Class C misdemeanors shall be allowed only when there is an immediate
danger of a breach of the peace or danger to persons or property.
I. Officers shall, at all times, respond to the lawful orders of supervisors and other proper
authorities as well as requests for police assistance from citizens. The administrative
delegation of the enforcement of certain laws and ordinances to particular units of the
department does not relieve officers of other units from the responsibility of taking prompt,
effective police action within the scope of those laws and ordinances when the occasion so
requires. Officers assigned to special duty are not relieved from taking enforcement action
outside the scope of their specialized assignment when necessary. All members shall perform
their duties as required or directed by law, departmental rule, policy, or by order of a
supervisor. TBP 1.08
1. During an emergency situation in which the Incident Command System (ICS) has been
implemented, if an employee receives an order that conflicts with one previously given
them by a supervisor, the employee receiving the order shall respectfully inform the
supervisor who gave the second order of the order that was given by the first supervisor.
If the supervisor giving the second order does not consult with the first supervisor and
change the order in a way that eliminates the conflict, the first order shall stand and remain
the responsibility of the first supervisor. The first supervisor may direct the officer to
follow orders given by the second supervisor if necessary.
2. During normal operations, if an employee receives an order that conflicts with one
previously given them by a supervisor, the order of the ranking supervisor will be
followed. Orders shall be countermanded only when necessary for the good of the
department. TBP 1.08
J. Officers shall not address public gatherings, appear on radio or television, prepare any articles
for publication, act as correspondents to a newspaper or periodical, release or divulge
investigative information, or any other matters of the department while holding themselves
out as representing the department in such matters without proper authority. Officers may
lecture on police or other related subjects only with the prior approval of the Chief of Police.
1. Officers, authorized by assignment, rank, or specialized training, will not be restricted
from addressing community policing functions or granting interviews at police-related
incidents if no conflict exists with another General Order, i.e., Critical Police Incident,
Release of Information, etc.
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2. Any employee who is contacted by the news media for an interview or for information
shall immediately notify the Public Relations Office by telephone or e-mail with the name
of the person requesting the information or interview, the substance of the interview, and
if applicable, copies of any materials provided. Contacting the Public Relations Office
will not be necessary if the request for information or an interview was directed to the
employee by the Public Relations Office.
K. Officers are required to take appropriate police action to aid a fellow peace officer exposed to
danger or in a situation where danger might be impending.
L. Employees are prohibited from engaging in the following activities while on duty: TBP 2.19
1. Sleeping.
2. Drinking intoxicating beverages, except in performance of police duty, and then only by
the specific direction of a supervisory officer, and never in uniform.
3. Reporting for duty when it is apparent they have consumed intoxicants or being
intoxicated while on duty.
4. Gambling, except in performance of police duty, and then only by the specific direction
of a supervisor, and never in uniform.
5. Any sexual conduct.
M. No officer shall purchase or consume intoxicating beverages while in uniform.
N. Employees shall not bring any intoxicating liquor into any police facility or city vehicle,
except in the line of duty or as evidence.
O. While on or off duty, employees shall not use any illegal drug or any controlled drug not
prescribed or not used as prescribed by a physician. An officer who is not fit for duty due to
injury, illness or certain medications should follow the call-off procedures and not report for
duty unless on approved light duty. TBP 2.20
1. Employees should be aware that restrictions on driving, whether caused by physical
conditions or medications, do not relieve employees of the responsibility to report to
work, absent further restrictions or issues that would take them off work. Therefore,
employees with driving restrictions who choose not to utilize public transportation or
other methods for traveling to and from work must obtain permission from their
supervisors to take off work and must use their own paid leave for that purpose. No
employee with a valid restriction against driving will be required to drive while at work
for work purposes.
P. The use of smokeless tobacco products shall be prohibited by officers on duty and by officers
off-duty who are in uniform. No officer shall smoke or chew gum while making personal
contact with citizens in the performance of duty.
1. In accordance with the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations, “Smoking
in the Workplace,” employees are prohibited from smoking in any city vehicle or facility.
Q. The police department cannot legally contract in its own name; therefore, all contracts should
list “The City of Fort Worth” or “The City of Fort Worth, by and through its Police
Department” as a party. No expenditure of money shall be made or liability incurred unless
authorized by the Chief of Police and the Assistant City Manager over the police department.
Some expenditures and/or acceptance of liability must also be approved by the City Council.
Contracts should be coordinated with the Procurement and Contracts Section.
NOTE: This restriction applies to contract situations only and does not apply to general
purchases for office supplies, etc. or other situations that are authorized under law.
R. No unprofessional poster, picture, or slogan shall be displayed in any police facility or police
vehicle. This shall include any display of a sexually explicit/graphic nature and any material
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which may be offensive to the public or other employees. Supervisors will conduct quarterly
audits of their workplace to assure compliance.
S. Officers deployed to a geographic assignment such as a division, zone, beat, or designated
area shall devote their full attention to duties within that assignment. Officers may leave their
assignment when required by reason of being dispatched to another geographic area or to
perform activities directly related to their assigned duties, i.e., signal calls, administrative
activity, pursuits, response to assist calls from other officers, etc.
1. Officers shall obtain supervisory approval to leave their geographic assignment for any
other reason than directly related to duty.
2. Officers shall inform the dispatcher of their intended destination and purpose when
leaving geographic assignment for any reason other than by dispatch authority.
3. Officers shall use the most direct route to and from any activities which require the officer
to leave their geographic assignment.
4. Unless otherwise directed, supervisors shall remain in the field to monitor and supervise
subordinates.
5. Personnel such as detectives and crime scene officers whose duties normally require
travel across geographic areas will not be required to obtain dispatch approval before
crossing geographic boundaries.
T. While on-duty or off-duty and carrying a firearm, all officers shall have their badge and
current commission card in their possession.
1. A captain or above may grant temporary permission to forego this requirement to on-duty
officers in an undercover or other special capacity.
U. While on-duty, all officers are required to have in their possession a valid State of Texas
driver’s license.
V. In each contact with the public, officers shall be aware their actions, appearance, and
statements are those of the department. For that reason, all interactions with persons
encountered through official duties shall be conducted with the highest professional and
ethical standards. TBP 2.18
1. Officers shall refrain from initiating or responding to an invitation for a social relationship
with a complainant, victim, witness, suspect, arrested person, or traffic contact both
during the initial encounter and while the case is pending.
2. Employees will not knowingly associate with convicted felons if doing so will bring about
justified unfavorable criticism to the department. This policy is not meant to discourage
efforts to rehabilitate persons with criminal records.
W. No officer shall arrest any person or search any premises or persons except with a warrant of
arrest, a search warrant, or where such arrest or search is authorized without a warrant by law.
X. No officer shall falsely arrest, imprison, or cause any malicious prosecution to be instituted
against any person.
Y. All officers shall protect the rights of any person held in custody. No officer shall verbally
abuse or use excessive force against any such person, nor allow another officer or individual
to do so.
1. Officers are required to protect the rights of all persons and are prohibited from engaging
in any form of discrimination, oppression or favoritism.
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A. The department has jurisdiction in criminal cases only. No officer shall investigate, intervene,
render aid or assistance to resolve civil cases or disputes except to prevent an immediate
breach of the peace or to quell a disturbance in progress. This regulation is not intended to
prevent officers from advising citizens that a civil remedy may exist.
B. Officers shall not engage in any of the following conduct:
1. Interfering with the service of lawful process.
2. Interfering in any way with the attendance or testimony of witnesses.
3. Attempting to have any citation reduced, voided, or stricken from the calendar except in
a manner prescribed by General Order 318.01 on mitigation of municipal court cases.
4. Recommending a dismissal, reduction of charges, or other disposition of a pending
criminal case except by prior written approval of their division captain.
5. Taking any other action which impedes the efficiency or integrity of the administration
of criminal justice.
6. Failing to inform a supervisor in writing of such interference either by their own actions
or by another officer when having knowledge of same.
7. Officers shall not wear the police uniform when testifying in criminal or civil court unless
the testimony is directly related to their position as a Fort Worth police officer.
C. Officers shall not suggest, recommend, advise, solicit on behalf of, or otherwise counsel the
retention of any specific attorney or bail bond broker to any person as a result of police
business.
D. Officers shall not furnish bail or act as a principal or surety on any bail bond or bail bond
application for personal gain of goods or services, for any person charged with a criminal
offense.
E. No officer shall personally investigate any criminal case, or personally file any criminal
charge, for an offense committed against them personally or any member of their family or
which may involve the officer or family member as a witness to the offense(s). Criminal
offenses involving officers or their family members shall be reported to the division of the
department having responsibility for the investigation of such offenses. This regulation is not
intended to prevent officers from taking appropriate action if a crime is being committed in
their presence.
F. Officers and civilian employees shall be truthful, candid and make full disclosure of all
relevant and material information at all times when responding to supervisors and/or coworkers, while testifying in court, while testifying under oath at a deposition, while testifying
at any administrative proceeding, and while responding to an administrative investigation.
1. Employees shall be truthful at all times in their dealings with co-workers, supervisors,
managers and other law enforcement personnel. Any statement or omission of pertinent
or material information which misrepresents facts or misleads others will be considered
a false statement.
G. Officers and civilian employees shall answer all questions candidly, provide full disclosure,
and give material and relevant statements when requested by any appropriate authority in a
departmental administrative investigation.
704.00 CIVIL, CRIMINAL, JUDICIAL, AND INVESTIGATIVE
ACTIONS
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H. No officer or civilian employee shall knowingly misrepresent any matter, make a false
statement or report, commit perjury, mislead, or give false testimony before any court, grand
jury, board, commission, official hearing, or departmental hearing.
I. No officer or civilian employee shall knowingly falsify any report, document, or record nor
cause to be entered any inaccurate, false, or improper information on records, documents, or
reports of the department or of any court, or alter any record, document, or report.
J. Reports may be supplemented to correct, to add additional information, to change the status
or classification or a report, or to include comments regarding the investigation of an offense.
However, tampering with, altering, or falsifying any report, document or record is prohibited
and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
K. Unless authorized by law, no officer or civilian employee shall remove or destroy or cause the
removal or destruction of any original report, document, or record without prior written
authorization.
L. With the exception of an original report, document, or record which requires legal
authorization for destruction, any document that contains sensitive information, that can be
misused for potential physical harm or financial fraud, such as personal identifiers and/or a
person’s home address, shall be shredded before being discarded. Such documents may
include, but are not limited to, non-original copies of offense reports and supplements,
officer’s notes, and personnel documents.
M. A subpoena may be issued to or otherwise received by an officer or civilian employee to
appear to testify, or to bring certain documents. The only person who can release an officer or
civilian employee from a subpoena is the judge of the court from which it was issued.
1. When an officer or civilian employee is served with or otherwise receives in any manner
a subpoena, the employee shall immediately notify their supervisor and present to the
supervisor a copy of the subpoena, who shall then also notify the appropriate chain of
command and Internal Affairs.
2. Unless exigent circumstances exist, the employee will be personally served with the
subpoena. If the employee is unavailable to accept the subpoena, only the employee’s
supervisor shall accept on their behalf. Personnel in Internal Affairs shall be authorized
to accept subpoenas on behalf of undercover officers. Before accepting a subpoena on
behalf of any other police department employee, the subpoenaed employee must be
contacted to confirm the employee will be available to comply with the subpoena on the
date and time the employee’s presence is requested.
3. When an officer or civilian employee is served with or receives a subpoena duces tecum,
which is a court order to a person to come and bring certain records and/or files, the
employee shall immediately deliver the original subpoena to Internal Affairs and retain a
copy for their own information. No officer or civilian employee shall release any
department records or evidentiary matters pursuant to a subpoena duces tecum without
prior written approval from Internal Affairs commander. Internal Affairs or the Law
Department shall be the only entities to release departmental records and/or files
requested in a subpoena duces tecum.
4. Original documents will not be released unless specifically ordered by the judge presiding
over the court involved; otherwise, only copies of documents shall be provided.
N. Officers or civilian employees must be present or available to testify in any court or before
any grand jury in Tarrant or Denton County when officially notified by the department chain
of command or when subpoenaed to appear. In criminal cases outside Tarrant or Denton
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County and in all civil cases, employees shall respond to a proper subpoena or the specific
direction of the Chief of Police or designated representative.
O. Officers or civilian employees who, for a valid reason, are unable to answer or otherwise
respond to an official summons must immediately so notify the court, grand jury, or person
causing the summons to be issued when they become aware of their inability to answer and
prior to the time they are scheduled to appear. The reason for the request to be excused shall
also be contemporaneously reported to the officer’s or civilian employee’s supervisor.
P. Court-Ordered Production of Documents or Evidentiary Items
In the event that an officer or civilian employee receives service or notice of a court order
requiring their presence in court on a particular date and time, and/or which requires the
employee to bring certain items to court on a particular date and time, the employee named in
the order shall immediately photocopy the order and either FAX or hand carry a copy to
Internal Affairs who shall then coordinate with the City Attorney’s office. The employee
named in the order shall make all necessary preparations to abide by the order and to be present
in court or directed by the order. The employee shall also make all appropriate arrangements
with Internal Affairs to secure or transport any items specified in the order to the court on the
date and time specified.
Q. No officer or civilian employee shall give any lawyer, bail bond broker, private investigator,
or any other person unauthorized information regarding prisoners in confinement, property in
custody, or other records of the department.
R. No officer or civilian employee shall reveal confidential information or documents to anyone
unless authorized to do so and then only to a person or persons authorized to receive such
confidential information.
S. Officers or civilian employees shall not communicate any information or documents which
may assist persons accused of criminal acts to escape arrest or punishment or which may
enable them to dispose of or secrete evidence of unlawful activity.
T. No officer or civilian employee shall use any official department file or utilize any computer
terminal to examine or retrieve offense/incidents for personal means.
705.01 PUBLIC ACTIVITIES, REWARDS
A. No employee shall engage in any strike against the city government or actively participate in
a strike against any other person, association of persons, agency, firm, corporation, the United
States, the state of Texas, or any political subdivision thereof.
B. No employee shall attempt to influence members of the Civil Service Commission, City
Manager, City Council, or any other persons outside of the police department for the purpose
of obtaining any transfer, assignment, promotion, benefit, or favor.
C. Employees of the Police Department shall not be permitted to take an active part in any
political campaign of another for an elective position of the city if they are in uniform or on
active duty. This shall prohibit such acts as making political speeches, passing out cards, or
other political literature, writing letters, signing petitions, actively and openly soliciting votes,
and making public derogatory remarks about candidates for such elective positions.
1. No employee shall knowingly become a candidate for nomination or election to any
public office unless in compliance with City of Fort Worth policy.
705.00 PUBLIC ACTIVITIES
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D. Members of the department shall not join or be members of any organization which has as its
purpose the overthrow of, or interference with the established government, either by force or
illegal means. Neither will members of the department join organizations that advocate hatred
toward any group, with specific reference to race, creed, color, gender, and religion.
E. No employee shall accept any gift for the purpose of influencing said employee in the
performance of their duty, or as an inducement to favor the one offering the same.
F. All employees of the department shall deposit any reward with the Chief of Police.
G. No officer shall use their position in a manner designed to harass, belittle, intimidate, oppress
or influence any person, group, fraternal organization, club, or business.
H. Employees of the department shall not solicit, seek, or accept free or otherwise discounted
food, drink, goods or services from any merchant or business establishment during the
employee’s performance of duty or by reason of them being employees of the Fort Worth
Police Department.
I. No officer shall display their badge or other identification while off-duty for the purpose of
seeking free admission to any place of entertainment.
J. No employee, either directly or indirectly, shall attempt to influence the outcome of any
department disciplinary matter by using the newspaper or television unless in compliance with
General Order 703.00J.
705.02 ETHICAL STANDARDS
No employee of the police department shall knowingly:
A. Accept or solicit any gift or favor from any person, corporation, or association of persons that
might reasonably tend to influence the member in the discharge of their official duties, or in
consideration of such member having exercised any official power or having performed any
official duty.
B. Accept or solicit any gift or favor, including a promise of future employment, or a favor or
service from another member or any other person, corporation or association of persons:
1. Who is licensed or has a substantial interest in any business entity that is licensed by the
city, or by any department, agency, commission, or board on which the member serves;
or
2. Who has a personal financial interest in any proposed ordinance or decision upon which
the member may or must act or make a recommendation provided; however, that the
members and their spouses may attend ceremonial functions, and that such attendance
has been approved by the City Council prior to the occurrence of the ceremonial function.
C. Disclose any confidential information gained by reason of the position of the member
concerning the property, operations, policies, or affairs of the city, or use such confidential
information to advance any personal interest, financial or otherwise, of such member or others.
D. Use one’s position or office of employment, or the city facilities, personnel, equipment, or
supplies for the employee’s own private gain or grant in the discharge of their official duties
any improper favor, service, or thing of value. This prohibition shall be construed to
specifically prohibit the soliciting of another employee’s retirement or voluntary demotion to
create a position vacancy to facilitate a promotion from an existing promotion list and, also,
the acceptance of any gift, favor, or thing of value by or on behalf of one employee from
another employee, directly or indirectly, in consideration of retirement or creating a position
vacancy by voluntary demotion for the purpose of facilitating promotion from an existing
promotion list.
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E. Engage in any exchange, purchase, or sale of property, goods, or services with the city, or
enter into any contract with the city, except:
1. Rendering services for which the employee is employed;
2. The paying of fines, utility franchise or filing fees, and taxes; and
3. Subject to restrictions contained in the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas executing
and performing any community facilities contract or plat in compliance with laws and
regulations applicable to any person; provided, however, that if any city ordinance, rule
or regulation allows any discretion by the appropriate officers or employees of the city in
the interpretation or enforcement of such ordinance, rule or regulation, any such
discretion shall be exercised in favor of the city in connection with any such community
facilities contract or plat.
F. Appear before a city or departmental body of which the employee is a part as a representative
for any private person, group, or interest; or represent, directly or indirectly, any private
person, group, or interest before any department, agency, commission or board of the City of
Fort Worth.
G. Represent, directly or indirectly, any private person, group, or interest in any action or
proceeding against the interests of the city or in any litigation in which the city or any
department, agency, commission, or board thereof is a party. This section does not prohibit
truthful testimony when an employee is subpoenaed for that purpose.
H. Represent, directly or indirectly, any other private person, group, or interest in any action or
proceeding in the municipal courts of the City of Fort Worth which was instituted by a city
officer or employee in the course of official duties, or criminal proceeding in which any city
officer or employee is a material witness for the prosecution.
I. If any employee of the department has a substantial interest, direct or indirect, in any
individual or entity involved in any decision pending before such member or an official body,
agency or commission to which the member has been appointed, the member shall not vote
or otherwise participate in the consideration of the matter, but shall publicly disclose the nature
and extent of such interest in the official records of the body, agency, or commission prior to
any discussion or determination of the matter.
J. Employees shall not permit their name, photograph, or identities as employees of the Fort
Worth Police Department to be used to endorse any product or service without prior written
permission of the Chief of Police or designee. Permission shall not be granted for personal or
business profit.
K. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the acceptance by the department of
donations of:
1. Money or items to be used for or in conjunction with ceremonies or appreciation events
to honor employees of the department; or
2. Real property, equipment or other items to be used by the department in the normal scope
of business.
L. Employees have an obligation and responsibility to report all facts or credible information
regarding any criminal activity by another employee or any serious breach of written
directives.
M. No employee shall in any way cause or conspire to cause retaliatory action against any
individual who has been involved in any such investigation as a defendant, complainant,
witness, victim, investigator, or any other capacity.
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706.01 PROCEDURES
A. A conflict of interest arises whenever an employee disregards the public interest in favor of
other interests such as personal, family or business relationships. A conflict may exist
whenever an employee because of one of these relationships is incapable of impartially
performing their official duties. A conflict of interest may result in favorable or unfavorable
actions whenever decisions are based on personal, family or business relationships.
B. The avoidance of conflict is particularly important for all levels of command and supervision
with their subordinates by rank or classification especially within the same chain of command
or workgroup. The authority given a supervisor over a subordinate is a responsibility entrusted
to that supervisor by the Chief of Police. That extended responsibility demands that every
decision made by the supervisor be totally objective, impeccably fair, and above all, devoid
of any favorable or unfavorable actions due to any relationship between the supervisor and
the subordinate. Also, when a supervisor has a personal, family or business relationship with
a subordinate, any one of these relationships may result in a negative perception by others and
the motive for decisions made by the supervisor may become suspect and compromise the
integrity of all involved. This could lead to a disruptive work environment, reduced
productivity and a decline in overall morale.
C. Definitions
1. For purposes of this order, a supervisor is defined as a person who has command, control,
direction or supervision over others.
2. For purposes of this order, workgroup includes a division, section, district, or unit.
3. A supervisor/subordinate work relationship exists when, within the chain of command or
workgroup, one employee commands, controls, directs, supervises, or may influence
another employee’s terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
D. When any employee determines a conflict exists or may exist due to personal, family or
business reasons, the employee shall immediately contact their immediate supervisor or
commander. The supervisor or commander contacted will resolve the situation in accordance
with the provisions of this order.
E. An employee required to report a relationship in which they are involved or one involving
others may find it uncomfortable or awkward to report the matter to their immediate
supervisor. Therefore, employees may report the matter to any ascending-level supervisor in
their chain of command, the police chaplain, or the female employees coordinator. The person
receiving the information shall immediately report the matter to the appropriate assistant chief
or the Chief of Police.
F. Supervisors making personnel assignments or selecting personnel for in-house vacancies shall
not assign or select any employee for an assignment in which a personal, family or business
relationship exists, when such relationship would constitute a conflict as described by this
order.
706.02 PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
A. A personal relationship in and of itself is not inappropriate. The department shall exercise due
respect for the right of personal associations and privacy of all employees of this
organization. However, all decisions by a supervisor must be viewed as fair, objective, and
impartial. Therefore, when personal relationships between supervisors and subordinates that
706.00 DEPARTMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS
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create a conflict occur in the workplace, there is cause for concern by the department. These
relationships must be addressed and resolved as directed by this order in the interest of
maintaining an objective and impartial working environment for all employees.
1. A personal relationship means a sexual, romantic, or dating relationship or any
interpersonal relationship or social activity in which there is a real or potential nonplatonic interest between two employees.
2. Supervisors shall not maintain or continue in a personal relationship with any subordinate
in their chain of command or within their same workgroup.
3. When a personal relationship exists or occurs between a supervisor and subordinate who
are in the same chain of command or within the same workgroup, the involved supervisor
shall immediately inform their immediate supervisor. The appropriate division
commander or manager shall also be notified and shall ensure one of the involved
employees is immediately reassigned to a position in which the supervisor/subordinate
relationship conflict no longer exists. The bureau assistant chief shall be notified to ensure
the action taken is appropriate. Transfers on the basis of personal relationships shall be
made in accordance with existing transfer procedures, but in any case, the bureau assistant
chief shall ensure immediate and appropriate action is taken to preclude the continuance
of the personal relationship conflict in the chain of command or within a workgroup.
4. If any supervisor has any indication that a personal relationship as defined in 707.02 A.1
exists or is developing which would be a conflict, the supervisor shall ask reasonable
questions relating to the matter as it involves the workplace. If it is determined that a
conflict does exist, the action as described in 707.02, A.3 above shall be taken. If it is
determined a relationship exists and the supervisor involved in the relationship has not
reported it as required by 707.02 A.3, a disciplinary investigation will be initiated in
accordance with existing procedures for such investigations.
5. An employee who has a personal relationship with any employee shall not contact any
person within the department for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing any
decisions concerning that employee’s terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
706.03 FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
A. Family members may be employed and work together within the department. A family
member shall not occupy a position which could affect another family member’s employment,
conditions or terms of employment, or other management-related personnel action.
1. A family relationship means immediate family such as spouse, child, stepchild, parent,
stepparent, grandparent, grandparent-in-law, grandchild, parent-in-law, brother, sister,
brother or sister-in-law, and son or daughter-in-law.
2. If a family relationship exists or occurs between a supervisor and subordinate who are in
the same chain of command or workgroup, the supervisor shall immediately inform their
commander or manager. The commander or manager shall ensure one of the involved
employees is immediately reassigned so that the supervisor/subordinate relationship
conflict no longer exists. The bureau assistant chief shall be notified to ensure the action
taken is appropriate. Transfers on the basis of family relationship conflicts shall be made
in accordance with existing transfer procedures but, in any case, the bureau assistant chief
shall ensure immediate and appropriate action is taken to preclude continuation of the
family relationship conflict in the chain of command.
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3. An employee who has a family relationship with any employee shall not contact any
person within the department for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing any
decisions concerning that employee’s terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
706.04 BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
A. Public trust requires that employees avoid even the appearance of a conflict between their
professional responsibilities and their personal business interests.
1. For purposes of this order, a business relationship means any association of two or more
persons to carry on a business for profit; the association of two or more persons to own
and/or to operate a business venture as equal members; two or more persons who have a
financial or pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in a business, service, or contract;
or, any employee of the department who is employed directly or indirectly with any
company or individual that does or seeks to do business with the city.
2. Supervisors shall not enter into or continue a business relationship with members of their
chain of command. If a pre-existing business relationship exists or should a transfer create
a business relationship conflict, the involved supervisor shall immediately inform their
commander or manager. The commander or manager shall ensure one of the involved
employees is immediately reassigned so that the supervisor/subordinate business
relationship no longer exists. The concerned bureau assistant chief shall be notified to
ensure the action taken is appropriate. Transfers on the basis of business relationship
conflicts shall be made in accordance with existing transfer procedures but, in any case,
the bureau assistant chief shall ensure immediate and appropriate action is taken to
preclude continuation of the business relationship conflict in the chain of command.
3. Any employee who has a business relationship with any other employee shall not contact
any person within the department for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing any
decisions concerning that employee’s terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
4. No employee shall have a business relationship with any company or person that does or
seeks to do business with the city.
706.05 EMPLOYEE APPLICANTS, TRAINEES, AND PROBATIONARY
EMPLOYEES
A. Employee applicants, trainees, and probationary employees in their selection, employment
and training are especially vulnerable to implied threats or coercion, as they are constantly
being evaluated.
1. Regular and permanent employees are in a position to exert influence over and may
participate in some way in the selection, training or evaluation of employee applicants,
trainees, or probationary employees. Therefore, regular and permanent employees shall
not initiate any personal or business relationship with any applicant, trainee, or
probationary employee.
2. Employees who have a pre-existing personal, family, or business relationship with an
applicant, trainee, or probationary employee shall refrain from making any decisions
regarding the application, selection, training, or probationary employee status of the
individual. Employees who have such a pre-existing personal, family, or business
relationship shall immediately inform their commander or manager. The commander or
manager shall ensure that the involved employee makes no decisions that may directly or
indirectly affect the application, selection, trainee, or probationary employee/officer
process.
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3. Employees who do share a personal, family, or business relationship with any employee
applicant, trainee, a probationary officer or employee shall not contact any person within
the department or any person involved in the selection, training, or evaluation process for
the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing any decisions concerning the subject
individual’s terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
4. Employees who are in their entry-level trainee or probationary status are prohibited from
establishing a personal or business relationship with any other employee of the
department.
5. Employees who are in their entry-level trainee or probationary status shall immediately
report to their division commander or manager any actions by any regular or permanent
employee which they perceive as an effort to initiate a business or personal relationship.
707.01 DIVERSE WORKFORCE POLICY
A. Recruitment, selection, assignment, evaluation, training, compensation, promotion, discipline,
discharge, and other personnel actions shall be based on uniformly applied criteria of relative
fitness to perform the duties of the position and not solely upon considerations of race,
religion, national origin, gender, age, and/or disability.
B. In any instance where the appointing authority (Chief of Police or designee) determines that
two or more candidates are equally qualified for appointment, the appointing authority shall
consider the diversity of the workgroup in filling the position.
C. In accordance with the City of Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations, all employees,
including civil service, non-civil service, part time, temporary, and management level, may
file a complaint alleging discrimination or retaliation. Acceptable bases upon which to file a
discrimination complaint are: race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age (over
40), religion, and disability. Acceptable bases upon which to file a retaliation complaint may
be found in the City of Fort Worth Rules and Regulations.
1. An individual may invoke the grievance procedure by filing a retaliation or discrimination
report not later than the 90th day after the date on which the alleged adverse employment
action occurred or was discovered by the employee through reasonable diligence. All
complaints must be filed in writing with the Human Resources Department’s Employee
Relations Division. Complaints filed by sworn personnel may be reported and filed with
Internal Affairs.
a. Complaints against sworn personnel shall be reported to and investigated by Internal
Affairs.
b. Complaints by or against non-sworn personnel may be reported through the Human
Resources Coordinator of the Police Department. Complaints may also be reported
to Internal Affairs who will coordinate with the Human Resources Coordinator of the
Police Department.
707.02 DIVERSE WORKPLACE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. CHIEF OF POLICE
1. Ensuring adherence of subordinates to a diverse workplace.
2. Maintaining liaison with the City of Fort Worth Department of Human Resources, City
Manager’s Office and community groups interested in diverse workplace issues.
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B. BUREAU ASSISTANT CHIEFS
Assistant chiefs are required to ensure that personnel practices within their organizational
units are supportive of the department’s commitment to a diverse workplace. Their specific
responsibilities are to:
1. Ensure that all employees who supervise, recruit, interview, train, discipline, or have
responsibility for personnel actions, utilize job-related standards and contribute to the
achievement of a diverse workplace.
2. Personally monitor and evaluate the personnel actions of subordinate supervisors to
ensure compliance with the department’s diverse workplace commitment, relevant state
and federal EEO laws/regulations, and city directives.
C. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
All supervisors shall encourage employee support for the department’s diverse workplace
commitment by demonstrating commitment to equal employment opportunity. Supervisors
are responsible for:
1. Informing employees under their supervision of EEO directives and regulations.
2. Requiring all their employees to demonstrate an awareness of and respect for gender and
cultural differences when working with other employees and the public.
3. Counseling employees in order to resolve complaints alleging discrimination as quickly
as possible.
4. Conducting interviews with employees who are leaving the unit in order to obtain
information on supervisory practices and working conditions within the unit.
5. Taking appropriate corrective action to ensure that employee actions are consistent with
EEO objectives.
6. Justifying personnel actions by:
a. Asking all candidates interviewed for a job similar questions which shall evaluate
their abilities to perform the jobs being filled, and avoiding questions which are not
job-related.
b. Keeping written records on the qualifications of all persons interviewed for transfers,
pay grade advancements, promotions, emergency appointments, and considering
only that information which relates to the individual’s ability to perform the duties
of the position.
7. Documenting disciplinary actions in writing.
8. Assisting employees in preparing for pay grade advancement or promotion by:
a. Advising employees of the criteria upon which their performance shall be evaluated.
b. Advising employees concerning the lines of promotion within the department.
c. Making training information available to all employees and encouraging them to
review this information.
d. Encouraging employees in low-salaried classes to aspire to and prepare for available
avenues of advancement.
9. Providing employee development and training by:
a. Accurately evaluating each applicant’s personal attributes when considering requests
for job assignments or training. To successfully execute this responsibility,
supervisors must be informed of each applicant’s skills, abilities, personal
qualifications, interest, ambitions, education, and job experience.
b. Identifying employees with promotional potential and recommending that they
receive additional training to prepare them for advancement.
c. Providing employees with on-the-job training when feasible.
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d. When feasible, giving employees an opportunity to rotate to different positions to
prepare them for advancement.
e. Encouraging employees to take courses during their off-duty hours and informing
them of tuition reimbursement benefits.
D. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Demonstrating sensitivity to and respect for cultural, gender, sexual orientation, and
physical differences when working with other employees and the public.
2. Submitting suggestions for strengthening the department’s diverse workplace
commitment and for improving, through merit selection, the representation of targeted
groups.
3. Displaying job performance which demonstrates commitment to equal employment
opportunity and diverse workplace commitment objectives.
A. It is the responsibility of each employee to engage in and promote workplace behaviors that
create and maintain an environment of respect and that promote effective teamwork.
Employees shall report behaviors of a harassing nature to a supervisor. Employees have a
cause of action for a hostile work environment when:
1. The employee was subjected to unwelcome harassment based on a protected trait such as
race, gender, religion, age, and disability;
2. The harassment affected a term, condition, or privilege of the employee’s employment;
3. The employer knew or should have known of the harassment; and
4. The employer failed to take prompt remedial action.
B. Any supervisor who learns of an allegation of hostile work environment has a duty to take
prompt remedial action to protect the alleged victim and to investigate promptly and
thoroughly all claims of harassment whether;
1. A complaint is made in writing or verbally.
2. The complainant wants an investigation.
3. No actual complaint has been made; however, the supervisor has a constructive
knowledge of the harassment.
709.01 SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
A. It is the policy of the Fort Worth Police Department that sexual harassment in any form is
strictly prohibited. All employees shall be provided a professional work environment
representative of fair and courteous treatment that is free of any intimidation, hostility, or
harassment.
B. Sexual harassment of any degree or form in the workplace negatively affects morale,
motivation and job performance and is damaging to a harmonious working environment.
Employees shall not engage in activities or conduct that may be perceived to be sexual
harassment and sexual harassment of any form shall be considered serious misconduct.
708.00 HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE
709.00 SEXUAL HARASSMENT
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709.02 SEXUAL HARASSMENT DEFINITIONS
Although it is impossible to completely explain all prohibited behavior, the following represents a
general explanation of what constitutes sexual harassment, all of which is prohibited in the
workplace. The definitions listed below are in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
A Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal (slurs, jokes) or
physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of
employment, or
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an employee is used as the basis for
employment decisions affecting the individual, or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an employee’s work
performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment, or
4. A person alleges conduct which a reasonable person would consider sufficiently severe
or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive working
environment.
B. Specific prohibited behaviors include any unwelcome sexually motivated physical contacts,
sexually derogatory statements, and verbal sexual advances. Work-related incidents which are
sexual in nature or connotation and which an employee finds objectionable are prohibited.
The following types of conduct are examples of sexual harassment and are prohibited. These
examples do not represent all the ways in which sexual harassment may occur and are not
intended to limit the definition of sexual harassment.
1. Written examples of sexual harassment include suggestive or obscene letters, notes, and
invitations.
2. Verbal examples include sexually suggestive remarks, derogatory comments, slurs, jokes,
and epithets.
3. Visual examples include leering, gestures, or displays of sexually suggestive objects or
pictures, cartoons, or posters.
4. Physical examples include deliberate and unsolicited single touching of a sexual nature.
Deliberate and unsolicited repeated touching of any kind. Includes touching, patting,
pinching, or the repeated brushing against another person’s body.
5. Threats that an employee will be adversely affected if sexual demands are rejected. Such
threats include, but are not limited to, lower evaluations, denial of promotions, punitive
transfers, terminations, and altered or increased work assignments.
6. Explicit or implicit promises of career advancement or preferential treatment in return for
sexual favors. Included, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, training opportunities,
acceptance of a lower standard of performance, providing higher performance
evaluations, and lax time-keeping. Denial of an employment opportunity or benefit to an
individual because of refusal to submit to sexual advances. The provision of an
employment opportunity or benefit to an employee because of submission to sexual
advances, when a similar opportunity or benefit is not granted to similarly qualified
persons with whom the harasser is not sexually involved.
709.03 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Prevention is recognized as the most effective means for the elimination of sexual harassment.
Therefore, all supervisory personnel shall:
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A. Act promptly and affirmatively when they observe behavior that violates this regulation,
and/or when they receive complaints of sexual harassment.
B. Ensure sexual harassment does not occur and that a hostile atmosphere does not exist for any
employee.
C. Personally express strong disapproval for all forms of sexual harassment.
D. Enforce and ensure compliance with the sexual harassment policy.
E. Inform employees of the right to raise and the procedures for raising issues or filing complaints
of sexual harassment with this department or other appropriate agencies.
F. Properly document and forward to Internal Affairs, with a copy to the Female Employees
Coordinator, any reported incidents or complaints of sexual harassment.
G. Take immediate and appropriate action to preclude further aggravation of any incidents or
complaints of sexual harassment.
H. Ensure all complaints of sexual harassment are dealt with in strict confidentiality to preclude
retaliation or further harassment toward any involved employee. Any form of retaliation
directed toward any employee who has filed a sexual harassment complaint will be dealt with
severely.
I. Develop methods to sensitize all employees within individual commands and supervisory
areas of responsibility.
709.04 FEMALE EMPLOYEES COORDINATOR
A. The Female Employees Coordinator shall be a female member of the department and shall be
assigned as directed by the Chief of Police.
B. The Female Employees Coordinator shall:
1. Develop and participate in training programs on the department’s sexual harassment
policy.
2. Assist in familiarizing all command and supervisory personnel with their responsibilities
regarding sexual harassment.
3. Present sexual harassment policy training and orientation to all newly promoted
supervisors.
4. Present sexual harassment policy training to all police trainee classes and to all newly
hired civilian employees.
5. Assist Internal Affairs as needed with investigations into complaints or reported incidents
of sexual harassment.
6. Review the final Internal Affairs investigative report of all sexual harassment complaints.
7. Keep the Chief of Police informed about documented or perceived incidents or
complaints of sexual harassment.
8. Make notification of final disposition of all allegations of sexual harassment to the City
of Fort Worth Department of Human Resources.
9. Provide a written report to the Chief of Police as necessary.
C. The Female Employees Coordinator shall also be responsible for:
1. Coordinating activities and solutions to matters and concerns unique to female personnel.
2. Representing the department with agencies and/or organizations of interest to female
personnel.
3. Assisting in recruitment or in developing recruitment activities for female officers.
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709.05 REPORTING PROCEDURES
A. Any complaint alleging sexual harassment shall be construed as being a claim against the City
of Fort Worth. Each complaint, unless determined by legal counsel to be facially invalid, shall
be investigated as if it were a claim. Employees who believe they have been the subject of or
who become aware of sexual harassment activities shall file a complaint or written report on
Inter-office Correspondence regarding the matter within 30 days of the occurrence. Reports
may be filed with the Female Employees Coordinator, their immediate supervisor, any other
employee of supervisory rank, Internal Affairs, or the City of Fort Worth Department of
Human Resources. Civilian employees will file a complaint in accordance with the City of
Fort Worth Personnel Rules and Regulations on Sexual Harassment, with written notification
to their immediate supervisor or Internal Affairs.
1. Complaints may be made by telephone, Inter-office Correspondence, or in person.
2. Employees wishing to meet with the Female Employees Coordinator to discuss any
concerns of sexual harassment may do so on duty.
3. Employees are under no obligation to report incidents of sexual harassment to their
immediate supervisor prior to or subsequent to filing a complaint.
4. Any employee receiving written or verbal information of incidents involving sexual
harassment shall properly document the information within five (5) days and immediately
forward the original complaint or report of the incident to Internal Affairs with a copy
directed to the Female Employees Coordinator.
5. All complaints of sexual harassment shall be investigated by Internal Affairs a
confidential and expeditious manner.
B. Internal Affairs shall submit the final investigative report of all sexual harassment complaints
to the Female Employees Coordinator for review.
709.06 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL PERSONNEL
A. Individual preference may lead some employees who experience sexually harassing conduct
to seek to resolve the problem by dealing directly with the offending individual. Employees
are expressly not required to deal directly with an offending individual in seeking resolution
of a complaint of sexual harassment.
B. Any employee feeling uncomfortable or having difficulty with a situation may obtain
assistance from the Female Employees Coordinator.
C. Reprisal or retaliation is strictly forbidden. This includes direct retaliation or reprisal or the
encouragement of others to engage in retaliation or reprisal against any person who:
1. Opposes any conduct prohibited by this order, or
2. Complies or encourages others to comply with any provision of this order, or
3. Files a complaint concerning any violation of this order, or
4. Testifies, assists or participates in any investigation or hearing resulting from a complaint
under this order, or
5. Exercises or attempts to exercise any right conferred under this order.
D. Any employee of the city found to have engaged in sexual harassment; knowingly condoned,
encouraged, or perpetuated an act or acts of sexual harassment; or found to have in some way
participated in retaliation or reprisal, shall be subject to disciplinary action, including but not
limited to suspension, loss of pay increment, demotion, and dismissal.
E. Where any employee of the city who claims to be the recipient of sexually harassing behavior
and an investigation into the claim reveals the allegations were contrived, and therefore
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maliciously alleged, the employee shall be subject to severe disciplinary action up to and
including termination.