Field Inspection

PURPOSE: The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners has delegated to the members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department the responsibility for the inspection of licensed couriers. (1) Standards of Conduct. Couriers are required to conduct themselves at all times in a manner reflecting the highest standards of professional behavior. Any conduct on the part of a courier which, in the judgment of a commissioned officer of this department, may be harmful to the good order, discipline, or reputation of this department, or which may involve the integrity of this department, may be punished by oral or written reprimand, suspension for a designated period of time, or permanent revocation of license. (2) Field Inspections. All couriers are subject to inspection by officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The purpose of this inspection is to insure that the license-holder has been in compliance with the provisions of this rule. This inspection will determine that the license holder— (A) Has in his/her possession a proper badge/identification (ID) card issued by the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners; (B) Is wearing a full uniform when carrying an exposed firearm; and (C) Has not disregarded or deviated from the manual. (3) Failure to Cooperate. Failure by any license holder to cooperate with a commissioned member of the St. Louis Police Department or with personnel assigned to the private security section in the inspection procedures will constitute grounds for disciplinary action. (4) Arrest of License Holder. During an inspection, if a license holder is arrested for a felony, a misdemeanor, or an infraction involving moral turpitude or license violation, the holder’s badge/ID card will be seized and forwarded to the private security section of the St. Louis Police Department with a copy of the arrest report. The license holder is to be informed that s/he is suspended and not to continue to work until the matter is resolved by the private security section. If arrested for a felony violation, a formal suspension number will be obtained in the normal manner. The private security section will conduct any necessary investigation or make notification to the jurisdictional agency. AUTHORITY: section 84.340, RSMo 2000.* Original rule filed April 8, 1988, effective July 11, 1988. Amended: Filed April 28, 2010, effective Oct. 30, 2010. *Original authority: 84.340, RSMo 1939. 17 CRS 20-3.125 Complaint/Disciplinary Procedures PURPOSE: The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners has established rules of conduct and the procedures for the investigation of and the discipline for breaches of these rules. (1) Complaints. Investigation of complaints against licensed couriers will be handled by the private security section. The results of the investigation will be forwarded in the form of a report with recommendations through the chain of command to the board of police commissioners. The board will render a judgment concerning disciplinary action. The individual concerned, and his/her employer, will be informed by the private security section of all decisions made by the board of police commissioners. (2) Reprimands. In instances of misconduct not sufficiently serious to merit suspension or revocation of a license the license holder may be reprimanded orally or in writing. Any violation of the provisions in these rules may be grounds for a reprimand. Reprimands will be a factor considered upon a licensee’s application for a renewal of license or upon the occasion of any later disciplinary action. There is no appeal from a reprimand. (3) Suspension. In instances where a courier is arrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor, the commander or watch commander of the district or any officer acting in that capacity will suspend the courier. (A) In instances where a courier is arrested for a crime or ordinance violation, not a felony and depending on the situation, the commander or watch commander of the district or any officer acting in that capacity has the choice of suspending the courier or contacting the commander of the private security section, who will determine whether or not the courier is to be suspended. If unable to contact the commander of the private security section, the report of the incident will be forwarded to the private security section at the earliest opportunity. (B) Whenever a licensed courier is suspended it will be required that the courier surrender his/her badge/identification (ID) card until a decision is made for its return by the commander of the private security section or a disposition is rendered by the board of police commissioners. (C) Where no warrant is issued, no cause for discipline is apparent, or both, the courier’s return to duty is to be determined by the commander of the private security section. (4) Revocations. A license may be revoked by order of the board of police commissioners for any violations of the rules. (5) Notification/Appeal. Whenever the license of a courier is suspended or revoked by the board of police commissioners, the private security section shall notify the licensee in writing of the action. This notice will be mailed to his/her last address of record. The licensee shall have ten (10) days from the date of posting notice to request a review of the disciplinary action. The request shall be directed in writing to the commander of the private security section. The request shall state additional supporting facts in his/her defense, rebuttal of the board of police commissioner’s decision, or both. (A) The commander of the private security section may meet with the licensee and discuss his/her request for review, shall conduct a further investigation of the disciplinary case, or both. (B) The commander, within thirty (30) days of appeal, shall submit the appeal in a report to the board of police commissioners for final action. (C) Judgments and decisions of the board concerning appeals in disciplinary matters are final, and once the board has ruled, the matter is permanently closed. (6) Disciplinary Action, Punishment, or Both. (A) The board of police commissioners retains final authority in all disciplinary matters, including reinstruction, verbal reprimand, written reprimand, suspension, and revocation. (B) Licensed couriers, whether on or off duty, are subject to disciplinary action for violations of these rules. Offenses may include, but not be limited to, the following: 1. Conviction of a felony, misdemeanor, or city ordinance; 2. Intoxication or drinking on duty; 3. Possession or illegal use of narcotic or potent drugs (controlled substance); 4. Assumption of police authority when not on duty; 5. Conduct contrary to the public peace and welfare; 6. Interference with any police officer engaged in the performance of his/her duties; 7. Overbearing or oppressive conduct during the performance of duty; 8. Failure to obey a reasonable order by an officer of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; 9. Any conduct or actions which might jeopardize the reputation or integrity of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department or its members; 10. Failure to comply with the restrictions of a firearm, while traveling in either direction, without deviation between their residences and places of assignment by the most direct route (not to exceed one (1) hour); 11. Carrying any weapon other than an approved firearm while performing the duties of a courier; 12. Failure to have a weapon inspected by the department armorer or his/her designee, not having a record of this weapon on file with the private security section, or both; 13. Carrying more than one (1) authorized firearm on duty; 14. Failure to wear a valid badge/ID card issued by this department on the breast of the outermost garment of courier uniform while on duty; 15. Serving or acting as a licensed courier for any agency or other business entity other than the one listed on his/her badge/ID card; 16. Failure to conform to uniform requirements; 17. Working as a licensed courier while under suspension; 18. Carrying or using a firearm while performing the duties of a licensed courier when not firearms-qualified; 19. Any conduct constituting a breach of security or confidence; 20. Neglect of duty; 21. Failure to notify the private security section when and if arrested on any charge; 22. Failure to aid in prosecution; 23. Defacing or altering the badge/ID card; 24. Carrying unauthorized nonlethal weapons, protective devices, or both; 25. Submitting a urine specimen which tests positive for controlled substances; 26. Failure to maintain on file at the private security section a current address and telephone number; 27. Failure to surrender badge/ID card to the private security section when license has been suspended; 28. Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the private security section; 29. Identifying himself/herself as a police officer; and 30. Engaging in a vehicular pursuit. (7) Categories of Discipline. The board of police commissioners retains final authority in all disciplinary matters, including reinstruction and firearms-training, verbal reprimand, written reprimand, suspension, and revocation. Judgments and decisions of the board are final. (8) Individuals who resign while under investigation will not be considered for a license in the future. AUTHORITY: section 84.340, RSMo 2000.* Original rule filed April 8, 1988, effective July 11, 1988. Amended: Filed April 28, 2010, effective Oct. 30, 2010. *Original authority: 84.340, RSMo 1939.