4.9 Political Activity
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This is Centreville Police Department Directive 4.9, issued and revised October 1, 2016 and approved by Chief Charles M. Rhodes, Jr., that sets rules for employee political activity. It states employees generally have the same political rights as other citizens, may seek elective office (including partisan elections) and should consult the Town Manager or legal counsel if unsure. The directive prohibits using official authority to influence elections, coercing others to contribute to politics, engaging in political activity while on duty or while wearing any part of the uniform, and using Department or Town equipment (vehicles, computers, phones, fax machines) for political purposes. It also notes that Maryland law treats non-elected membership in a law enforcement agency as not an office of profit (allowing sworn employees to hold state or local elected or appointed offices of profit) and that federal-level political activity is governed by the Hatch Act and other applicable federal regulations.
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Centreville Police Department Title: Political Activity Directive #: 4.9 Issued: 10.1.2016 Revised: 10.1.2016 Approved by: Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. Chief of Police A. Scope Except as hereinafter noted, all employees of the Department have the same right to engage in political activities as any other citizen. Employees uncertain of the propriety of the political activity in which they desire to participate should request the assistance of the Town Manager and legal counsel. Political activity should be consistent with Centreville Town Personnel Policies and with Md. Code Ann. PS 3-103(a) B. Authorized Activity 1. CPD employees may engage in any political activity not prohibited by local, state or federal statutes. 2. There is no ethical prohibition against CPD employees seeking elective office in a partisan election. 3. Employees should be sensitive to ethical considerations in their decision to seek political office and the conduct of their campaigns. B. Unauthorized Activity 1. Employees of the Department may not engage in any political activity prohibited by local, State or federal statutes. 2. Employees of the Department shall not use their official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the results of an election, or a nomination for office. 3. Employees of the Department will not directly or indirectly coerce, attempt to coerce, command, advise, or promise to reward a State or local officer or employee to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value to a political party, committee, organization, agency, or person for political purposes. 4. Employees of the Department shall not engage in political activity while on duty, wearing any portion of the official issued uniform, equipment, or while using an official Department vehicle. 5. Employees shall not use any Department equipment, computer, facsimile, telephone or any other equipment owned or leased by the Department or the Town of Centreville in furtherance of any political activity. Page 1 of 2 C. Police Officers Holding State or Local Elective or Appointed Offices for Profit 1. The Constitution of Maryland states that non-elected membership in a law enforcement agency is not considered an office of profit. Therefore, a sworn employee may hold an elected or appointed office of profit at the State or local level while employed by the CPD. 2. An employee's involvement in political activity on the Federal level will be governed by the Hatch Act and any other state or federal regulation applicable. Page 2 of 2