46D - Strikes and Labor Disputes 2019

Browse Search

Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 9 Lexington Police Department Subject: Strikes and Labor Disputes Policy Number: 46D Accreditation Standards: Reference: 46.1.2 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 7.03, “Strikes and labor Disputes.” GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES The police role at the scene of any labor-management conflict is to enforce the law and to protect life and property. The key to effective police action in these circumstances is for the officers to be completely fair and objective in the performance of their duties. It is not the function of the police to determine which side is right or wrong or to take any personal or official position either way. Police officers should never permit themselves to be placed in any position that might have the appearance of favoring one side or the other. It should be noted that both sides in a labor dispute have definite rights and responsibilities. The strikers have a right to assemble and to picket peacefully to publicize and dramatize their cause. They do not have the right to intimidate non- strikers or to impede persons or vehicles from entering or leaving the employer's property. The employer has a right to keep his business open and to have his property safeguarded from damage or destruction. Arrests at strike scenes should be avoided except for flagrant violations requiring immediate action. Only sufficient force shall be used to affect such arrests and remove the offenders from the scene as quickly as possible to avoid an emotional reaction of their fellow strikers. Whenever possible, it is preferable to obtain sufficient information to be presented later to the court for the issuance of criminal process against the persons concerned. An important factor in avoiding disorder and the subsequent necessity for making arrests is to establish an early contact with the strike leaders and company officials to seek their cooperation and to point out both the police responsibility in the controversy and their obligation to maintain public safety and good order. It is the policy of the Lexington Police Department to: fairly, and without bias, preserve the peace and protect life and property when working at strike locations; and; have