Police Chief Paul Hughes reviews new procedures that will be used for the Ford City Police Department as Mayor Jeff Cogley looks on.
Ford City Borough Council on Monday night adopted the Ford City Police Department Manual of Rules and Regulations.
Chief Paul Hughes said the manual covers standard operating procedures that will be used within the police department.
“Every aspect of the police officer’s job that can be addressed. Not every scenario can be covered, but every one we could think of is addressed from what to do under most circumstances, who to call, to what to do. It covers everyone from myself to the youngest patrolman. It gives the Mayor the ultimate authority over the police department. It assures that he and I work as a team to bring about the best police department that we could possibly have.”
Hughes said there will be department-wide training sessions to cover various aspects of the procedures manual.
“They are going to get a copy of the new procedures and they will sign stating they have received it and will know it. We will have training sessions four times per year with the full department. We are going to go through certain sections of the manual, go through scenarios, and see if there are any issues that need addressed. Open communication is the best way to run any department. If they don’t understand something, I want them to understand it. We don’t want to make it difficult. It is for their safety. If they follow it, it is their best chance to do a good job and survive.”
Mayor Jeff Cogley said many of the existing procedures were very archaic.
“Our procedures that we have had are from 1972. They were very long overdue of being updated. And it is also for insurance purposes. The better standard operating procedures that you have, the better it is for insurance rates.”
Hughes felt very comfortable with the quality of the procedures.
“It took the Mayor and I seven months to get this done. It’s something we are proud of. I am proud to put my name on it, as well as the Mayor. It’s something that other departments will be envious of. Thirty-plus years of experience went into this.”
Mayor Cogley said the adoption of the procedures manual will now set the stage for the next phase of the makeover of the police force.
“It’s been long overdue. Our dept has needed it. I am glad we finally got it done. It’s a big job, but now we can move on.”
The procedures were adopted for immediate implementation.