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12A Command Authority, Succession and Protocol <br />Policy & Procedure Page 2 of 4 <br />PROCEDURES <br />A. Orders <br />1. Definition: An order is a command or instruction, written or oral, <br />given by a superior officer directly or relayed by an employee of <br />the same or lesser rank as the person who is receiving the order. <br />a. All lawful orders, written or oral, shall be carried out fully <br />and in the manner prescribed. <br />b. An order, transmitted via the communications network by the <br />dispatcher or desk officer, shall be treated as an order issued by <br />the Commanding Officer. <br />2. Unlawful Orders: No member shall knowingly issue an order in violation <br />of law or any departmental regulation. Unlawful orders shall not be <br />obeyed. The officer to whom the order was given shall notify the ordering <br />officer of the illegality of his order. Responsibility for refusal to obey rests <br />with the officer to whom the order was given. He shall be strictly required <br />to justify his action. <br />3. Unjust or Improper Orders: Lawful orders, which appear to be unjust or <br />improper, shall be carried out. After carrying out the orders, the officer to <br />whom the order was given may file a written report to the Chief via the <br />chain of command. The report shall include the following: <br />a. The circumstances in which the order was given; <br />b. The reasons for questioning the order; and <br />c. A request for clarification of policy. <br />4. Conflicting Orders: Should any order given by a superior officer conflict <br />with any previous departmental order, the member to whom such order is <br />given will call attention to the conflict. If the superior officer does not <br />change his order to avoid such conflict his order shall be obeyed. The <br />member obeying such order will not be held responsible for disobedience <br />of the previous order. It should later be reported to the Chief in writing for <br />clarification. <br />5. Members and employees will not publicly criticize: <br />a. Any order, policy, or other directive; <br />b. Any superior officer issuing orders; or <br />c. Any member or employee relaying or obeying an order from a <br />superior officer.