RULE 3 - RESPONSIBILITY OF COMMAND - RANK

1/030.00 During the temporary absence of a Commanding Officer, when no other provision is made by competent authority, the command automatically devolves upon the subordinate present next in seniority to such Commanding Officer. Seniority is determined: first, by rank; second, by continuous service in the rank. 

1/030.05 The relative rank in position of officers on the Department shall be as numerically designated:

                                                1. Chief of Police

                                                2. Assistant Chief of Police

                                                3. Deputy Chief of Police

                                                4. Police Commander

                                                5. Deputy Inspector of Police

                                                6. Captain of Police

                                                7. Lieutenant of Police/Lieutenant of Detectives

                                                8. Police Sergeant

          It is intended that Lieutenants of Detectives shall exercise the authority of their designated rank only when necessary in the investigation of criminal cases and in such other emergencies where conditions require that in the best interests of the service they use such authority. However, they shall not unnecessarily countermand any orders of supervisory officers, or needlessly interfere with the specific duties of any members ranking below them. Similarly, other ranking officers not enumerated above may be called upon in certain circumstances to exercise authority over persons of lesser rank, but shall not unnecessarily countermand orders of supervisory officers.

1/030.10 Whenever supervisory officers, in the necessary performance of their duties, give orders to any subordinate members not attached to their district, bureau or division, they must exercise great care that such orders do not unnecessarily conflict with those of the Commanding Officer of the district, bureau or division to which such members are assigned. Whenever orders so given are important or require the subordinates receiving them to leave their regular posts or assignments, the supervisory officer giving such orders shall, as soon as practicable, inform such subordinate's Commanding Officer of the action taken.

1/030.15 The Commanding Officer of the Training Bureau shall exercise authority over all persons subordinate to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police in areas of training and special services for which he/she has responsibility, subject to the orders of the Chief of Police.

1/030.20 During the absence of the Chief of Police, the Assistant Chief of Police, or a Deputy Chief of Police, as designated by the Chief of Police, shall perform all the duties of the Chief of Police, except to appoint, promote or demote members of the Department, or to dismiss any supervisory officer or head of any bureau. The person performing such duties shall be known as the Acting Chief of Police.

1/030.25 The Acting Chief of Police shall be particularly careful to carry out the orders of the Chief of Police, previously given. Such orders shall not, except in cases of extreme emergency, be countermanded or set aside; and when such action is taken, the Acting Chief shall report in writing to the Chief of Police, the reasons in each instance.

1/030.30 In the event of a vacancy in the Office of the Chief of Police, during such vacancy the Assistant Chief of Police shall perform all of the duties of the Chief of Police and carry the working title of Acting Chief of Police.

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