GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PERSONNEL
TITLE: SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PERSONNEL
TITLE: SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
1002.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for promotions and for making special assignments within the Lincoln Police Department.
1002.2 POLICY
The Chief of Police has the ultimate authority to make special assignments. The Deputy Chief of Police also has the authority to assign employees based on the needs of their division. Typically, assignments are additional duties and are not permanent. However, if the department requires it, the Chief of Police may designate an assignment as a permanent duty. Additionally, assignment duties may be general in nature. Employees with special assignments may be responsible for specific duties in addition to their general duties.
1002.3 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT POSITIONS
The following list shall indicate the Department's Special Assignments and their division attachment and are not considered promotions. This list will consist of both current and proposed assignments. Those that have an asterisk before the title denote an on-call position:
(a) Administrative Division Assignments:
Training Coordinator/Officer: The training coordinator/officer(s) are responsible for ensuring all aspects of training are facilitated, both logistically and through course curriculums.
Animal Control Officer: An Animal Control Officer responds to animal-related calls when possible, enforces the ordinances established by the City of Lincoln pertaining to animal abatements, and captures or attempts to capture stray or otherwise nuisance animals.
Firearms Instructor: These instructors work under the direction of the Training Coordinator and facilitate all aspects of firearms training.
Recruiting Officer: Recruiting Officers manage the department's recruiting efforts through social media, special events, and other platforms where information may be disseminated to prospective employees.
Policy Officer: The Policy Officer implements and develops new policies as directed and approved by the Chief of Police. The Policy Officer is also responsible for maintaining a master copy of the department's policy and the distribution of new manuals as they become available.
Administrative Compliance Clerks: Clerks of the department who aid in the compliance of administrative strategies by assisting departmental administrators.
Chief's Administrative Assistant: The Chief's Administrative Assistant ensures his directives are met through direct assistance. The Chief's Administrative Assistant works directly for the Chief of Police.
Property Control Officer: These officers work to ensure accountability measures are met in regard to the department's assets. The Executive Officer to the Chief shall administer all property accountability protocols.
*Peer Support Officer: The officers assist fellow employees in post-high-stress events by providing support to the employee and the employee's family, if needed, through methods acquired through training and approved by the Chief of Police.
Chief Firearms Instructor: This officer coordinates all aspects of departmental firearms training and regulates and inspects firearms used by officers of the department while on duty.
Training Instructors: Instructors assist the department's Training Coordinator by ensuring all aspects of training are facilitated at the direction of the Training Coordinator.
Public Information Officer: This officer is responsible for releasing information to the news media outlets under the direction of the Chief of Police.
*Chaplain: The Chaplain shall be the Clerical representative for members of the Lincoln Police Department.
(b) Uniformed Division Assignments:
Field Training Officer: FTOs are officers whose primary responsibilities are to train new officers as they are hired.
Drug Recognition Expert: This officer shall be properly certified and responsible for the designation and/or classification of suspected drugs/intoxicants as he/she primarily provides assistance to the department's officers.
*Traffic Homicide Investigations/Crash Reconstruction Unit (THI): Officers are responsible for conducting investigations related to fatal crashes, those causing potentially life-threatening injuries, cashes involving impaired drivers where criminal prosecution may result in DUI-related assault charges, and hit-and-run cases. They also assist with crashes involving city vehicles and any other incidents that require specialized assistance. These Officers use a range of analytical and forensic techniques to reconstruct and understand the cause of a crash.
(c) *Investigations Division Assignments:
Office of Professional Standards: Officers assigned to the O.P.S. report directly to the Chief of Police and facilitate all matters of suspected officer misconduct.
Warrant Officer: Warrant Officers ensure wanted persons (those with valid local warrants) are sought in an efficient manner, and the process of arresting and processing these subjects is completed properly.
Sex Offender Registration and Notification Officer: An investigator whose responsibility is to ensure sex offenders comply with all State and Federal laws pertaining to the registration and notification requirements. It is also the responsibility of this investigator to ensure the public is sufficiently notified of the offender's residence location and the details of their crimes as allowed by law.
*Technical Services/ Artificial Intelligence Unit (TSU): Officers assigned to this unit are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the department's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) platforms. These officers are also responsible for the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for special operations and city support.
1002.3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements should be considered when selecting a candidate for a special assignment:
(a) Relevant experience
(b) Off probation (at the discretion of the Chief of Police.)
(c) Possession of or ability to obtain any certification required by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards Training Commission (APOSTC) or law
(d) Exceptional skills, experience, or abilities related to the special assignment
1002.3.2 NOTIFICATION OF OPEN POSITIONS
When openings for assignments or positions exist, the Deputy Chief of Police, their designee, or the Unit Commander for which the prospective officer or civilian employee will be assigned shall notify all department members of the vacancy, details, and consideration requirements.
The notification shall be sent via email to all members of the Lincoln Police Department, and the official "sign up" sheet shall be posted within the roll-call room. However, a digital application and/or "sign-up" form may replace any printed format so long as the notification email contains a link to the appropriate form.
The notification shall be sent and /or posted at least ten days prior to fulfilling the opening. No part of this section shall mandate the manner in which employees are ultimately assigned.
1002.3.3 EVALUATION CRITERIA
The following criteria will be used in evaluating candidates for a special assignment:
(a) Presents a professional, neat appearance.
(b) Maintains a physical condition that aids in his/her performance.
(c) Expressed an interest in the assignment.
(d) Demonstrates the following traits:
Emotional stability and maturity
Stress tolerance
Sound judgment and decision-making
Personal integrity and ethical conduct
Leadership skills
Initiative
Adaptability and flexibility
Ability to conform to department goals and objectives in a positive manner
1002.3.4 SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for some special assignments may include an administrative evaluation as determined by the Chief of Police to include:
(a) Supervisor recommendations - Each supervisor who has supervised or otherwise been involved with the candidate will submit a recommendation.
The supervisor recommendations will be submitted to the Deputy Chief of Police.
(b) Deputy Chief of Police interview - The Deputy Chief of Police will schedule interviews with each candidate.
Based on supervisor recommendations and those of the Deputy Chief of Police after the interview, the Deputy Chief of Police will submit his/her recommendations to the Chief of Police.
(c) Assignment by the Chief of Police.
The selection process for special assignment positions may be waived in emergency situations, training, and at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
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 Lincoln 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.