GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PERSONNEL
TITLE: PROHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT WITH DEFENSE ATTORNEY'S
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
PROHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT WITH DEFENSE ATTORNEY'S
1036.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This administrative order establishes a policy prohibiting members of the Lincoln Police Department from engaging in employment with defense attorneys, whether on or off duty, to ensure impartiality, maintain professional ethics, and avoid conflicts of interest that may arise from such engagements.
1036.1.1 DEFINITIONS
DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Any lawyer or legal representative who defends individuals or entities accused of criminal/civil conduct.
EMPLOYMENT: Any work or service provided under a contract, agreement, or arrangement, whether paid or unpaid.
1036.2 POLICY
Effective immediately, no Lincoln Police Department member shall be permitted to work, consult, or provide services in any capacity, whether compensated or uncompensated, for defense attorneys or their offices. This prohibition applies to all off-duty and on-duty activities.
1036.3 JUSTIFICATION: CONFLICT OF INTEREST, IMPARTIALITY, & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
Employment with defense attorneys can create a significant conflict of interest for members working within the Lincoln Police Department, particularly when members have access to sensitive or privileged information. Such involvement may compromise the perception of impartiality and integrity, as members are expected to maintain a neutral stance in their professional roles. The prohibition against any activities that may appear biased is crucial to preserving public trust. Given the nature of their roles, members must avoid any actions that could undermine the department's mission, as adherence to professional ethics is essential for maintaining the credibility and integrity of the Lincoln Police Department.
(a) Conflict of Interest: Employment with defense attorneys creates a potential conflict of interest, especially in cases where employees have access to sensitive or privileged information.
(b) Impartiality: Employees must maintain an appearance of impartiality and integrity in their professional role's prohibition.
(c) Professional Ethics: The nature of the roles within the Lincoln Police Department necessitates the avoidance of any activity that may undermine public trust or the department's mission.
Prohibition on Employment with Defense Attorney's
1036.4 QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATION
Members who have questions are encouraged to reach out to the Chief of Police or his or her designee for additional guidance or clarification.
1036.5 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring adherence to this order and are required to report any violations to the designated authority.
1036.6 DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Members are expected to adhere to this order. Any violation will result in disciplinary action, which may include termination, as outlined within the Lincoln Police Department's Standards of Conduct.
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.