NYPD Sergeant cheat sheet

NYPD Patrol Guide is the primary source of procedural rules; the Administrative Guide governs personnel and administrative matters.

Department rules apply to all members of the service, sworn and civilian, and violations may result in disciplinary action under the disciplinary matrix.

A member of the service must report any arrest or summons issued to them to their commanding officer within 24 hours.

Use of force reporting: any force beyond compliant handcuffing requires a memo and notification to the desk officer; higher levels require a Use of Force Report.

Members must notify the department of any change of address within 30 days; failure to do so is a violation of rules.

The disciplinary matrix in the Patrol Guide sets presumptive penalties based on offense category and prior record; supervisors must apply it consistently.

A supervisor who observes misconduct must take immediate corrective action and document it; failure to act is itself misconduct.

Gifts to members: members may not accept any gift, gratuity, or favor that could influence official actions; nominal items under $10 may be allowed with approval.

Uniform and appearance regulations: members must wear the prescribed uniform and maintain a professional appearance; supervisors conduct uniform inspections.

Supervisors must conduct roll call, inspect uniforms and equipment, and ensure officers are briefed on crime patterns and conditions.

Patrol allocation: supervisors adjust assignments based on crime analysis, special events, and officer availability; they document changes in the command log.

Field supervision requires active presence: supervisors visit officers on post, review activity, and correct deficiencies.

When responding to a scene, the first supervisor ensures command is established, assigns a recorder, and ensures scene safety and preservation.

Supervisors must review and approve officer reports for accuracy and completeness; they ensure stop, question, and frisk documentation is properly recorded.

Use of force by officers must be reviewed by a supervisor; the supervisor ensures medical aid is provided and the incident is documented.

Supervisors ensure that officers conduct vertical patrols and check conditions in buildings; they document hazardous conditions and follow up.

During special events, supervisors coordinate with the operations unit and ensure crowd control and traffic management plans are followed.

Supervisors must monitor radio transmissions and respond to calls for assistance from officers or civilians.

Arrest requires probable cause; a warrant is not required for a felony or misdemeanor committed in an officer's presence.

Search incident to lawful arrest: officers may search the person and the immediate area within the arrestee's reach for weapons and evidence.

Stop and frisk (Terry stop): reasonable suspicion of criminal activity permits a stop; a frisk requires reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous.

Miranda warnings are required before custodial interrogation; spontaneous statements are admissible without warnings.

Right to counsel attaches at arraignment for all charges; after arraignment, no interrogation without counsel present.

Burglary requires unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime; possession of burglar's tools is a separate offense.

Robbery is forcible stealing; it requires force or threat of force and is a felony.

Assault: third-degree assault is causing physical injury; second-degree involves a deadly weapon or serious physical injury; first-degree involves serious physical injury with a deadly weapon.

Search warrant execution: officers must knock and announce unless exigent circumstances; warrant must be executed within 10 days of issuance.

Initial investigation: officers secure the scene, identify witnesses, canvass for video, and document evidence before it is lost.

Case management requires timely follow-up: supervisors assign detectives, track progress, and ensure cases are not left open without activity.

Evidence handling: maintain chain of custody; all evidence must be vouchered promptly and accurately.

Supervisors review DD5s and ensure completeness; they coordinate with specialized units when necessary.

For domestic violence cases, officers must complete a Domestic Incident Report and provide victim rights information.

When a case is closed, supervisors ensure the disposition is recorded and the complainant is notified as required.

Confidential informants: supervisors must ensure proper registration and control of informants; unauthorized contact is prohibited.

Case screening: supervisors review cases for legal sufficiency and coordinate with the district attorney's office.

Supervisors must document officer performance, including commendations and deficiencies, in performance evaluations.

Discipline should be progressive: verbal counseling, written reprimand, suspension, and termination, depending on severity and record.

Supervisors must investigate complaints against officers; they ensure the officer is notified and given an opportunity to respond.

Monitoring: supervisors review sick leave, lateness, and overtime; patterns require intervention.

Officer evaluations: annual performance evaluations must be based on documented observations and objective criteria.

When an officer is injured, the supervisor ensures medical treatment, documentation, and notification to the command.

Supervisors must address officer stress and personal problems by referring to employee assistance programs.

Command discipline: supervisors may impose command discipline for minor violations; more serious matters go to the department advocate.

Supervisors must maintain confidentiality of personnel matters and ensure only authorized persons have access.

Community policing: supervisors encourage officers to engage with community members and attend community meetings.

Problem-solving (SARA model): Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment; supervisors guide officers through the process.

When a community complaint arises, supervisors ensure a timely response and follow-up with the complainant.

Supervisors should build partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community groups to address crime and quality-of-life issues.

Cultural awareness: supervisors ensure officers treat all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of background.

Youth engagement: supervisors support programs like Explorer posts and school visits.

Media relations: supervisors ensure that only authorized personnel speak to the media; they coordinate with the press office.

Supervisors must address allegations of bias or discrimination promptly and thoroughly.

Reports must be accurate, complete, and submitted within required timeframes; supervisors review and approve them.

The DD5 is the standard report form for most incidents; supervisors ensure it is filled out correctly.

Supervisors must maintain the command log, documenting significant events, personnel changes, and actions taken.

Roll call: supervisors record attendance, assignments, and briefings in the roll call book.

Property and evidence: supervisors ensure proper vouchers are completed and property is secured.

Supervisors review and approve overtime, leave requests, and timekeeping records.

Correspondence: supervisors draft and review official correspondence for accuracy and proper format.

Supervisors ensure that all required notifications are made (e.g., to the desk officer, commanding officer, or specialized units).

Records management: supervisors ensure reports are filed and indexed correctly, and that confidential information is protected.

Critical incident: supervisor establishes command, ensures scene safety, and requests necessary resources (EMS, ESU, etc.).

Supervisors must ensure the incident command system (ICS) is implemented for large-scale emergencies.

For active shooter: first responders move to neutralize the threat; supervisors coordinate additional resources and establish perimeters.

Supervisors ensure that officers are aware of and follow the department's emergency mobilization plan.

During a natural disaster or severe weather, supervisors coordinate with the borough command and ensure personnel are deployed safely.

Supervisors must ensure proper notification to higher headquarters and other agencies for major incidents.

Post-incident: supervisors ensure documentation, debriefing, and critical incident stress management for involved members.

Supervisors must ensure that emergency equipment (radios, vehicles, barriers) is operational and available.

For hazardous materials incidents, supervisors establish a safe perimeter and request specialized units; they do not allow unauthorized entry.