GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: GENERAL OPERATIONS
TITLE: POLICE FACILITY SECURITY
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
Embedded Files
POLICE FACILITY SECURITY
341.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the safety and security of Department members within, and the physical security of, all Department facilities.
341.1.1 DEFINITIONS
BREACH OF SECURITY - Unauthorized access to a secure portion of the facilities.Non-Secure/Public Portion of the Facilities -- That portion of the facilities that are open to the general public. It includes the foyer, restrooms in the foyer area, and the front parking lot of the PD's main building.
SALLYPORT - The secure, controlled entryway to an enclosed area that consists of a series of doors of the police facility where a vehicle may enter.
SECURE PORTION OF THE FACILITY - That portion of the facility that is not generally open to the public. It includes but is not limited to the Administration Division offices, Patrol Division offices, Investigation Division offices, conference rooms, Special Operations Facility, evidence areas, fitness room, locker rooms, prisoner processing/temporary detention areas, Armory, Records and storage rooms, sallyport, general storage rooms, mechanical, electrical, computer server rooms and areas that, by their nature or function, are not open to the public.
341.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Lincoln Police Department to provide physical security measures for all facilities under department control. Access to the Lincoln Police Department facilities is allowed only to authorized persons, based upon their job duties and/or status. Employees will grant access to the facilities pursuant to the provisions of this Order. Exceptions can be granted by the Chief of Police or his/her designee. In cases of emergency or operational need, exceptions can be granted on a limited basis by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
341.3 AUTHORITY CONTROLLING ACCESS
Access to the Police Department and within the facility is controlled under the authority of the Chief of Police or his/her designee. To ensure high standards of security within the Lincoln Police Department, all individuals entering the facilities, building(s), and property beyond the Front Lobby must have permission and authority to enter and must adhere to the guidelines within this policy.
341.4 PROCEDURE
Police Department members should be mindful of their responsibility to protect themselves from any potential physical threats and to protect the security of department facilities.
Members are responsible for ensuring that all department facilities remain secure from unauthorized access at all times. All police facility exterior doors that are not general public access should be equipped with self-closing and self-locking doors.
All exterior doors that are not general public access should be kept closed and locked at all times, unless there are secondary barriers or a member is present to prevent unauthorized access to controlled areas. All points of access, excluding the main lobby area, to any police facility should be closed and locked any time no members are present. All exterior storage rooms, lockers, or other facilities should remain locked at all times unless directly observed by a department member.
Secure parking areas (i.e., fenced or gated) should be kept secured at all times unless directly observed by a department member.
Any criminal activity discovered should be immediately documented in a police report and reported through the chain of command to the Watch Commander. Any criminal activity that occurs and posed or poses a threat to department members should immediately be reported, through the chain of command, to the Chief of Police.
Police Department members should apply the following guidelines whenever practicable.
341.4.1 PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS
Public access to police facilities should only be during established business hours and only when sufficient staffing is available to monitor the movement of visitors and restrict access to areas containing confidential or sensitive materials or information. Any department facility allowing access to the public should have a designated reception area and some method of limiting public access to controlled areas. Care should be taken to ensure that information system devices are positioned in such a way as to prevent viewing from publicly accessible areas such as lobbies or reception areas.
341.4.2 FACILITY ACCESS CONTROL
(a) Employees
Employees of the Lincoln Police Department are allowed access to the facility as indicated by their job duties and/or status.
(a) Employees will not access or attempt to access any room or area in which they are not authorized.
(b) Employees who are under suspension are allowed access to the secure portions of the facility only by the escort of a supervisor.
(c) Former employees who retire from or leave City employment under good standing may be granted access as members of the general public.
(d) Former employees who leave their employment at the City of Lincoln and are not in good standing shall not be allowed access to any secured area of the police department. Said former employees will only have access to the general public areas of the police department without the express consent of the Chief of Police.
(b) General Public -- Non-Secure
The general public is allowed access to the non-secure/public portion of the facility.
Members of the public will be permitted to enter the facility only through the main entrance doors that access the foyer area of the police department.
Persons who request entry through other entrances will be advised, to use the main entrance.
(c) General Public -- Secure
General public access to the secure portions of the facility will be permitted for defined needs (i.e., fingerprinting, tour, interview, report request, etc.).
Members of the public should be prohibited from using photographic, electronic imaging, or recording equipment while inside the controlled areas of the facility, unless such use is necessary for the business purpose of the visit and then only with the approval of the Chief of Police.
Persons granted this access must be escorted by a police department employee.
The employee is responsible for ensuring the person remains under observation and control at all times and accesses only those areas authorized and necessary to fulfill their purpose for being in the facility.
(a) Family members of employees may be allowed in the facility with the approval of a supervisor.
(b) In this circumstance, the employee may allow more general access but will remain responsible for ensuring the family member does not access unauthorized areas.
Once the issue is addressed or the purpose for entry is fulfilled, the person will be escorted out of the secure area by the employee.
(d) Interns
Interns will be granted access to the facility and escorted by an officer of the department.
(a) Interns will not access or attempt to access any room or area in which they are not authorized.
(b) Interns will follow the directions of any officer of the department or their access will be terminated.
(e) Sworn Personnel From Other Law Enforcement Agencies
Sworn officers seeking to use police department facilities will be granted access specific to their needs.
(a) All Lincoln Police Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to access, weapons security, etc. will be followed or access will be terminated.
Sworn officers requesting access to other portions of the facility will be escorted by an Lincoln Police Department employee to the area he/she needs to access.
(a) The officer should remain under the general supervision of the employee so that proper assistance may be provided.
Suspected violations will be immediately reported to the on-duty watch commander/supervisor, who will respond to the facility to investigate.
(a) The on-duty watch commander/supervisor will report his/her findings in writing, to the Chief of Police or his or her chain of command.
(b) Sustained allegations where a sworn officer from another law enforcement agency violates access, security, weapons, or other policies will be brought to the officer's chief executive officer or other command-level officers at the direction of the Chief of Police.
(c) Sustained allegations and/or repeated violations may result in the termination of access for that officer and/or his/her agency.
With the approval of the Chief of Police and pursuant to a joint investigative or other task force, additional and/or unescorted access may be authorized through the issuance of an Lincoln Police Department facility access card.
(a) All Lincoln Police Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to access, weapons security, etc. will be followed, or access will be terminated.
(b) A pre-programmed access card for these areas will be made available.
(f) Lincoln Fire/Rescue Staff
Firefighters/EMTs of the Lincoln Fire/Rescue Department will be granted access specific to their needs (i.e., responding to a 911 call).
(a) All Lincoln Police Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to access, weapons security, etc., will be followed, or access for the specific violator will be terminated.
Lincoln Fire/Rescue staff are allowed unescorted access to all areas of the facility when responding to an emergency.
When responding to a non-life-threatening incident in the specified areas, the following security precautions must be considered:
(a) If access to the Dispatch Center is necessary, it may be granted as long as a communications officer or authorized police officer is present.
(b) If a communications officer or authorized police officer is not present, computer terminals for the Records Management System (RMS) and NCIC will be shut down or logged off prior to allowing unescorted entry.
If access to an evidence storage area is necessary, it may be granted as long as an authorized evidence technician is present.
(a) If an authorized evidence technician is not present or immediately available, LFD firefighters should view the camera system in the Dispatch Center to determine if a fire emergency actually exists.
(b) If an emergency exists, they may use whatever method is reasonably necessary to access the area.
If access to the temporary detention area is necessary, it may be granted as long as a sufficient number of police officers are present to minimize the safety risk and escape potential.
(a) If detainees are in custody, the on-duty watch commander/supervisor will determine if allowing access to Lincoln Fire/Rescue staff is appropriate under the circumstances.
During all other times, Lincoln Fire/Rescue staff will be escorted, or authorized to be unescorted, as outlined in this policy.
Any concern regarding building access and/or security will be brought to the attention of an on-duty supervisor.
(g) Access to Sallyport - Prisoner Processing/Temporary Detention Areas
Sworn officers of this or another law enforcement agency are allowed access to the sallyport and prisoner processing/temporary detention areas as needed.
(a) Access will be granted by an Lincoln Police Department Communications Officer or other employees via the sallyport door.
If an officer is bringing in a prisoner for processing, he/she will make a request to the Lincoln Police Department Communications Officer, via phone or radio, for the appropriate door to be opened.
(a) Prior to removing the prisoner from the Police vehicle, the officer will:
Drive completely into the sallyport to the end door and request the Lincoln Police Department Communications Officer to close the open sallyport door.
(b) Secure his/her firearm and all weapons in a lock box or other secure location.
3. The officer may then remove the prisoner from the vehicle and escort him/her to the prisoner processing/temporary detention area access door.
(a) Prior to granting access to the prisoner processing/temporary detention area, the Lincoln Police Department Communications Officer or other employees will ensure that the officer is in compliance with prisoner security and weapons regulations.
4. If a violation occurs, the Lincoln Police Department Communications Officer will:
(a) Communicate via the intercom or other method, and immediately remind the officer of the weapons security requirement
(b) Notify the on-duty supervisor
(h) Access to Magistrate Office
Magistrate
(a) The Magistrate will be allowed access to his/her office at all times.
(b) Access to other portions of the facility can be granted by a commanding officer.
Public Access to Magistrate Office
(a) During business hours, members of the public wishing to see the Magistrate may use the direct entrance from the facility foyer.
(i) Access by Maintenance/Contract Personnel
Authorized contractors of the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln Department are allowed access to the facility as indicated by the nature of their contract (i.e., fire alarm inspectors, generator maintenance staff, cleaning, etc.).
(a) Authorization for entry will be obtained from a department supervisor, the on-duty watch commander, or another authorized source.
(b) Contractors will not be allowed access merely on their assertion that they have permission unless that permission is verified.
(c) Contractors must be escorted and supervised by personnel with authorized access during the duration of their work unless authorized by the Chief of Police or his designee.
(j) Areas With Limited Access
Armory
(a) Unescorted access is granted to certified firearms instructors, Chief of Police or his or her designee.
(b) All other persons must be escorted by personnel with authorized access.
Evidence Vaults/Forensics Lab
(a) Access to the Evidence Vaults and Forensics Lab will be granted in accordance with authorized personnel, based upon their job duties and/or status.
Fitness Room
(a) Access to the Fitness Room is granted 24 hours per day to all police and fire department employees.
(b) Access by non-employees must be approved by the Chief of Police.
Criminal Investigation Division/Special Investigation Unit
(a) Access to CID/SIU offices during normal hours of operation is under the direction of the Chief of Police or his or her designee.
(b) After hours, or when no Division personnel are present, access can be granted by the the Chief of Police or his or her designee..
Prisoner Processing/Temporary Detention Area
(a) Access to the Prisoner Processing/Temporary Detention area will be granted to authorized personnel, based upon their job duties and/or status.
Records Section
(a) Access to the Records room during normal hours of operation is under the direction of the Chief of Police or his or her designee..
(b) After hours, or when no Records personnel are present, access can be granted by the Chief of Police or his or her designee.
341.4.3 KEY/ACCESS CARD CONTROL
(a) Employees and select other persons will be issued keys and access cards specific to their job duties and/or status.
(b) Access cards and keys are the property of the Lincoln Police Department and must be surrendered upon request of any supervisor and/or, for employees, when the employee leaves employment for any reason.
Access cards are issued by the Administrative Technician as approved by the Chief of Police.
All cards shall be signed for.
(c) Employees will not lend, loan, or allow access to any facility key, department access card, or other devices to a non-authorized person.
If access codes are used, they will be kept confidential and will not be given to unauthorized persons.
(d) Temporary access cards may be issued upon the approval of the Chief of Police.
341.4.4 SECURITY INSPECTIONS
(a) The on-duty watch commander/supervisor will check to ensure all doors are properly locked/secured whenever a breach of security is suspected or occurs.
A breach of security will be documented on an Incident Report and will be fully investigated.
Notification of a breach of security will be made through the chain of command.
341.4.5 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Department members should be vigilant about any suspicious activity occurring in or around department facilities and should report any such activity to an officer, and through the chain of command, to the Watch Commander.
(a) Suspicious activity may include, but is not limited to:
Anyone loitering in the vicinity of the facility for an extended period of time.
Unknown individuals photographing or taking images of the facility, of members of the department assigned to the facility or of department vehicles.
Unknown individuals who appear to be monitoring the activities taking place at the facility.
Anyone attempting to gain access or requesting access to department facilities without proper authorization.
Any abandoned packages or other items left on department grounds or adjacent to department facilities.
Any unknown or abandoned vehicles left on department grounds or adjacent to the department facility.
341.4.6 THREATS AGAINST LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT FACILITIES
Department members receiving a threat against department facilities should obtain as much information from the individual as reasonably possible. The member receiving the threat should ensure that the Watch Commander is immediately advised and informed of the details. The Watch Commander will direct and assign officers as required for coordinating appropriate response activities. Any threat received will be documented on the appropriate report form.
341.4.7 BREACH OF SECURITY
Police Department members should adhere to the following guidelines regarding any breach in security at any department facility:
(a) Any breach in security should be immediately addressed by an officer and reported as soon as practicable, through the chain of command, to the Watch Commander.
(b) If warranted by conditions or circumstances, all on-duty department members should be notified of the incident, and any recommended precautions, as soon as practicable. Other members of the Department should be notified of the incident as soon as practicable, given the totality of the circumstances.
341.5 BUILDING EVACUATION PLAN
The Chief of Police or his designee should develop a general evacuation plan for all Police facilities to use in the event of any emergency requiring the evacuation of members, the public and prisoners.
In the event of an emergency that requires evacuation of a Police facility, all members should follow established evacuation plans and posted exit strategies.
The posted exit strategies should include any special directions for disabled members.
Evacuation plans for persons who are in temporary custody at the facility should not be posted any place where they are visible to persons in custody.
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.
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