19.1 Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to give guidance on duties outside of your normal patrol officer. This includes everything from dispatch, to public relations, to district attorney. Expect this chapter to be updated overtime.

19.1 Dispatch

For the time being, Dispatchers may assist with: 

• Answering the Police Hotline or responding to text messages.

• Running plates or names upon officer request.

• Tracking officer assignments and which scenes they are covering.

• Assisting with unimpounds at MRPD.

• Handling public relations and forwarding complaints to Command or higher. 

Dispatchers should NOT: 

• Act in the capacity of a sworn peace officer. 

• Arrest, book, or process individuals. 

• Provide backup in dangerous situations or engage in shootouts. 

• Ride along full-time with officers (occasional ride-alongs are allowed but treated as civilian presence). 

Legal & Records Handling:

• Do not give case files or reports to civilians.

• Civilians requesting records must be directed to a Command member. 

• Individuals may inquire about their own personal record only — not anyone else’s. 

• No reports or case files are to be released without proper authorization. 

19.2 District Attorney's Office

1. Reporting Structure

The District Attorney (DA) reports directly to:

• The Commissioner, Chief, and Assistant Chief

• The Bar Association / Presiding Judge

The DA serves as the bridge between the Police Department and the Courts. 

2. District Attorney Responsibilities

• Work closely with High Command to handle sensitive interdepartmental matters and high-value cases.

• Oversee legal strategies, case preparation, and court representation for the department.

• Coordinate with officers, investigators, and command staff on complex or priority cases.

3. Assistant District Attorney Responsibilities

• Operate under the direction of the District Attorney as prosecutors for the department.

• Review day-to-day officer reports and determine:

• Applicable charges

• 1. 1. Recommended sentencing times

     2. Associated fines

• Prepare and present cases in court when a matter proceeds to trial.

• The ADA assigned to the case will attend court alongside the arresting officer.

4. Legal Presence & Interaction with the Public

• The DA and ADAs should be present whenever a search warrant is served.

• The DA and ADAs will communicate with Public Defenders and defense attorneys representing members of the public.

• Before questioning a suspect, the DA or ADA must first ask the arresting officer if the suspect has been read their rights (“Have they been Mirandized?”).

• If an individual requests a lawyer during questioning:

• All questioning must stop immediately.

• 1. 1. The individual must be allowed to receive legal representation.

     2. No further questions related to the case may be asked without their legal counsel present, if available.

5. Information & Confidentiality Rules

• ADAs are not authorized to:

• Edit or alter official reports without approval.

  • Release case information outside of the department.

  • Provide legal details to civilians without authorization from the DA or Command.

• All case-related communications must follow department protocols and legal guidelines.

6. MDT & Police Access

• The District Attorney will have access to the MDT and police systems, with a pay scale equivalent to Captain.

• Assistant District Attorneys will have a pay scale up to Corporal.

• An ADA may be granted MDT access on the police side only if High Command deems the individual trustworthy and dependable.

• The DA and ADAs are not in any way, shape, or form in charge of police officers and do not act as command.

• They work alongside police personnel and may only clock in on the police side:

• If access to records is required for a case, and

  • If approved by High Command or the DA.