GENERAL ORDERS POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: ORGANIZATION & ADMINISTRATION
TITLE: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITY
EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 31, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: YES
APPROVAL: CHIEF
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITY
200.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes the organizational structure of the Department and defines general responsibilities of department members.
200.2 POLICY
The Police Department will implement and maintain an organizational structure that provides clear and identifiable roles for command, control and guidance of the Department. Each position and assignment should have clearly identified responsibilities and a defined chain of command.
200.3 DIVISIONS
The Chief of Police is responsible for administering and managing the Police Department. There are three divisions in the Department:
Administrative Division
Uniform Division
Criminal Investigations Division
200.3.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
The Administrative Division is commanded by the Chief of Police or his designee, whose primary responsibility is to provide general management, direction and control for the Administrative Division. The Administrative Division consists of technical and administrative services.
200.3.2 UNIFORM
The Uniform Division is commanded by the Chief of Police or his designee, whose primary responsibility is to provide general management, direction and control for the Uniform Division. The Uniform Division consists of uniformed patrol and special operations, which includes Traffic Homicide Investigations, Communications and police aides/assistants.
200.3.3 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
The Criminal Investigations Division is commanded by the Chief of Police or his designee, whose primary responsibility is to provide general management, direction, and control for the Criminal Investigations Division. The Criminal Investigations Division consists of Criminal Investigations, Forensic Unit, crime analysis, and forensic services.
200.4 COMMAND PROTOCOL
200.4.1 SUCCESSION OF COMMAND
The Chief of Police exercises command over all members of the Lincoln Police Department. During planned absences, the Chief of Police will designate the Lieutenant to serve as the acting Chief of Police. Except when designated as above, the order of command authority in the absence or unavailability of the Chief of Police is as follows:
(a) On-duty Watch Commander (Lieutenant)
(b) Ranking On-duty Supervisor (Sergeant)
(c) Ranking On-duty Supervisor (Corporal)
(d) Senior Officer-In-Charge
200.4.2 UNITY OF COMMAND
The principles of unity of command ensure efficient supervision and control within the Department. Generally, each member shall be accountable to one supervisor at any time for a given assignment or responsibility. Except where specifically delegated authority may exist by policy or special assignment (e.g., Canine, School Resource, Investigations), any supervisor may temporarily direct any subordinate if an operational necessity exists.
200.5 AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The delineation of responsibilities of each individual assigned to the Police Department is established by the Human Resources Office in Job Description. Each member will be assigned duties and responsibilities. Each member is delegated the authority necessary to effectively execute those responsibilities. Each member will also be held accountable for the appropriate application of that delegated authority.
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.
UNAPPROVED
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