OP-23-02

Official Opinion of the Justice Research Institute

On the Definition of a Suspension 

Preface

The following opinion, designated OP-23-02, is official policy upon being published.
This opinion was prompted from a question by an Agent of OPS Internal Affairs.
It is not the purpose of the Justice Research Institute to appeal or overturn punishments.

Context

An unnamed Agent within OPS IA approached JRI asking whether supervisors can sign arrest and scene logs while suspended. 

Opinion

DPS Policy establishes Suspensions as able to be fulfilled by OPS, Lieutenants, Captains, and Chiefs. However, no DPS policy defines what a suspension is. Per historical records, a supervisor announcement on 5/29/2023 established Suspensions as a "Suspension of Duty", signing arrest and scene logs is considered to be a Duty of being a supervisor. Duty, defined by OPS, meaning an expected assignment or task, either implied or explicit. 

Summary

It is the opinion of JRI, and established as DPS policy as of the publishing date of this document, that supervisors are not able to act in the capacity of a supervisor or DPS member when suspended.

This policy was written and published on October 3rd, 2023.