GENERAL ORDERS POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: LAW ENFORCEMENT ROLE & AUTHORITY
TITLE: AUTHORITY & JURISDICTION
EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 31, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF
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AUTHORITY & JURISDICTION
100.1 AUTHORITY
The purpose of this policy is to affirm the authority of the members of the Police Department to perform their functions based on established legal authority and the requirement of the Oath of Office.
100.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Police Department to limit its members to only exercise the authority granted to them by law. While this department recognizes the power of peace officers to make arrests and take other enforcement action, officers are encouraged to use sound discretion in the enforcement of the law. This department does not tolerate abuse of law enforcement authority. Officers of this department are required and expected to operate under the "Oath of Office".
100.3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that oaths, when appropriate, are administered to department members.
100.4 PEACE OFFICER POWERS
Certified members of this department are authorized to exercise peace officer powers pursuant to applicable state law.
100.4.1 OATH OF OFFICE
All department members, when appropriate, shall take and subscribe to the oaths or affirmations applicable to their positions (Ala. Const. art. XVI, § 279).
The form of the oath should be as follows:
I, (John Allen Doe), do solemnly (swear or affirm), that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office of upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help me God.
100.4.2 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
The oath of office shall be filed as prescribed by law (Ala. Code § 36-4-2; Ala. Code § 36-4-4; Ala. Code § 36-4-5).
These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.
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