The St. Michaels Police Department Operations and Regulations Manual (hereafter sometimes referred to as the "Manual") is issued for the administration and members of the St. Michaels Police Department (hereafter sometimes referred to as the "Department"). The contents of this manual shall constitute the official rules, regulations ("regulations"), general orders ("orders"), and operational policies and procedures ("procedures") of the Department, and shall replace and supersede any previously issued manuals or directives. These Regulations will supersede the general policies of the Commissioners of the Town of St. Michaels when specifically stated or when required by the Maryland or Federal Law.
While these Regulations cannot cover all situations, it is expected and required that all personnel employed by the Department will know and adhere to all the Regulations and Procedures detailed in this Manual. Other directives and amendments to the Manual may be posted following the issuance of this Manual, and shall be taken as additions and supplements to this Manual when so designated by the Chief of Police.
Employees of the Department shall be familiar with all of the Regulations and Procedures in this manual. In addition, all of the employees of the Department shall be familiar with local, county, state, and federal laws or ordinances which are enforced by the Department, and which are within the field of operations of the Department. Members and employees of the Department shall not violate any federal, state, county, or local laws or ordinances, and nothing in this Manual shall be taken as justification for such violations.
This Manual and its rules and regulations herein should not be construed as a creation of a higher legal standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense with respect to third-party claims. Violations of this policy will only form the basis for administrative sanctions by the St. Michaels Police Department and possibly the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions. The Policies and Procedures in this Manual do not hold the St. Michaels Police Department, its officers, or the Town of St. Michaels liable for any third-party claims and is not intended for use in any civil actions.
Jeffrey A. Oswald
Chief of Police