Rockford Police Department Policies

The Rockford Police Department uses a General Order as guidelines for best practices. Here are some of the policies that impact department employees, supervisors, and the public.

Department Mission Statement

The Rockford Police Department has a vision statement, a mission statement, and a set of values that drive the operation of the Department. View the Mission Statement.

Oath of Office and Code of Ethics

All employees for the Rockford Police Department will comply with a code of ethics, and all sworn members (prior to assuming sworn status) will take an oath of office.

Department Organization

The Rockford Police Department is organized by function in order to make efficient use of all resources. The General Order on Rockford Police Department Organization outlines not only department authority, organizational structure, and the chain of command, but breaks down the primary duties and responsibilities of each bureau, district, and unit of the department.

Policies:

• Arrests and Alternatives
  The Rockford Police Department will vigorously and equitably enforce all laws, statutes, and ordinances of the State of Illinois and the City of Rockford. 
• Bias-Free Policing
  The Rockford Police Department respects the civil rights of all persons and prohibits any form of discrimination by employees.
• Body Worn Cameras
  The Rockford Police Department will use Body Worn Camera video recording to assist in documenting law enforcement activities.
• Citizen Ride-Along Program
  The Rockford Police Department encourages citizens to ride with an officer while he or she is engaged in patrol activities. 
• Domestic-Related Problems Involving Personnel
  The Rockford Police Department will investigate incidents of domestic violence or domestic disputes including department personnel and work quickly to protect the victim.
• Harassment and Workplace Violence
  The Rockford Police Department provides a professional and productive work environment which all personnel must help to maintain. Unlawful harassment, discrimination, or violence in the workplace will not be tolerated.
• Internship Program
  The Rockford Police Department selects interns to experience and observe the day-to-day functions of the Department. Those who are chosen for the program will be assigned to several Bureaus and Units of the Rockford Police Department, the Winnebago County Coroner's Office, and the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office.
  
• Investigating the Use of Force
  The Rockford Police Department requires officers to investigate and/or report the use of force. Because an officer's use of force involves risk, the Department believes it is prudent to analyze and manage this risk. 
• Lethality Assessment Program
  A Lethality Screen is used at the scene of domestic violence incidents involving intimate partners to identify victims in potentially lethal situations.
• Mental Illness and Emotional Instability
  The need to assess the mental state and intention of individuals is a routine requirement of Rockford Police officers performing enforcement and investigative functions. It also applies to those civilian employees providing support services.
• News Media Relations
  The Rockford Police Department extends full cooperation to members of the news media and the community. Information will be released in an impartial, accurate, and timely fashion while also protecting the rights of involved individuals and maintaining confidentiality.
• Personnel Involved in Critical Incidents
  The Rockford Police Department values its employees. Should an employee be involved in a critical and potentially traumatic incident, the Rockford Police Department takes steps to ensure all necessary attention is given to the individual. 
• Recorded Media
  The Rockford Police Department will use in-car mobile video recording to assist in documenting traffic enforcement and other law enforcement activities in accordance with applicable laws.
• Vehicle Pursuits
  The Rockford Police Department regulates the manner in which vehicle pursuits are undertaken and performed. The Vehicle Pursuits Policy provides guidelines on the initiation and continuation of vehicular pursuits.
• Traffic Crashes
  The Rockford Police Department will investigate all traffic crashes brought to the department's attention, ensure proper reporting of crashes, and take appropriate enforcement action.
• Use of Force
  The Rockford Police Department recognizes the value of human life and is committed to respecting human rights and the dignity of every individual.