4.9 Political Activity
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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.
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