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Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 15 Lexington Police Department Subject: The Written Directive System Policy Number: 12BAccreditation Standards: Reference: 11.4.3; 12.1.1; 12.2.2; 21.2.2; 24.1.2 Effective Date: 3/11/13 New Revised Revision Dates: 1/24/19 By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. (MPI) is a private, nonprofit charitable affiliate of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. MPI provides training and model policies and procedures for police agencies. This policy is an edited version of MPI Policy 4.20 “Written Directive System.” GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES A written directive system has been established by the Lexington Police Department to inform officers of what is expected in the performance of their duties, to provide guidance in performing such duties, and to establish the basis for employee accountability and performance evaluation. It is the purpose of this policy to define the structure and application of the written directive system (WDS) Manuals will be published and maintained in hard copy at the Lexington Police Station, The office of the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen and at Cary Library. Electronic versions will be available on the Police Department’s G-Drive and on the Police Department’s web site. The contents of the written directive system will include the rules and regulations, job descriptions and policies and procedures. Changes authorized by the Chief of Police shall be made by means of General Order or by issuance of an amended guideline. Each officer will be expected to read and review new guidelines as they are created. From time to time, unusual or emergency situations will arise which cannot be foreseen or addressed by the written directive system. In these situations, officers will be expected to use their own intelligence, practical experience, prudent discretion and common sense in carrying out their responsibilities. When time restrictions are not critical, an officer should also consult with a superior officer. Upon the issuance of a written directive, all previous directives shall be revoked, in whole or part, as outlined in the new directive. If any part of the written directive system is rendered inoperable or declared illegal, by any court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the directive system shall remain in full force and effect.