Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Castle Shannon Police Department to promote positive relationships between department members and the community by treating community members with dignity and respect and engaging them in public safety strategy development and relationship-building activities, and by making relevant policy and operations information available to the community in a transparent manner.
The Castle Shannon Police Department is committed to providing law enforcement services to the community with due regard for the racial, cultural or other differences of those served. It is the policy of this department to provide law enforcement services and to enforce the law equally, fairly, objectively and without discrimination toward any individual or group.
Officers are required to take an oath that, “I do solemnly swear that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will enforce the laws of this Commonwealth and the Ordinances of Borough of Castle Shannon, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. I do further swear that I will uphold, obey and enforce the law without consideration to a person’s race, color, sex, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability.”
In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law, the Castle Shannon Police Department provides equal opportunities for applicants and employees, regardless of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected class or status. The Department does not show partiality or grant any special status to any applicant, employee, or group of employees unless otherwise required by law.
The Department will recruit and hire only those individuals who demonstrate a commitment to service and who possess the traits and characteristics that reflect personal integrity and high ethical standards.
Every candidate undergoes a thorough background investigation to verify his/her personal integrity and high ethical standards, and to identify any past behavior that may be indicative of the candidate’s unsuitability to perform duties relevant to the operation of the Castle Shannon Police Department
The Department administers a training program that meets the standards of federal, state and local authorities and the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). It is a priority of this department to provide continuing education and training for the professional growth and development of its members.
Officers must understand, and have true appreciation for, their authority and limitations. This is especially true with respect to overcoming resistance while engaged in the performance of law enforcement duties.
The Castle Shannon Police Department recognizes and respects the value of all human life and dignity without prejudice to anyone. Vesting officers with the authority to use reasonable force and to protect the public welfare requires monitoring, evaluation and a careful balancing of all interests.
The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, both to the public and to the law enforcement community. Officers are involved daily in numerous and varied interactions and, when warranted, may use reasonable force in carrying out their duties.
Members must conduct themselves, whether on- or off-duty, in accordance with the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions and all applicable laws, ordinances and rules enacted or established pursuant to legal authority.
Members must familiarize themselves with policies and procedures and are responsible for compliance with each.
Discipline may be initiated for any good cause. It is not mandatory that a specific policy or rule violation be cited to sustain discipline.
Discriminating against, oppressing or providing favoritism to any person because of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition or other classification protected by law, or intentionally denying or impeding another in the exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power or immunity, knowing the conduct is unlawful, is prohibited.
The Castle Shannon Police Department takes seriously all complaints regarding the service provided by the Department and the conduct of its members.
The Department will accept and address all complaints of misconduct in accordance with this policy and applicable federal, state and local law and municipal and county rules and the requirements of any collective bargaining agreements. DOWNLOAD CITIZEN COMPLAINT FORM HERE
It is also the policy of this department to ensure that the community can report misconduct without concern for reprisal or retaliation.
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