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3.2.1 - Beginning Duty

Before beginning independent patrol, officers shall:
  1. Confirm that they are authorized for the assignment and vehicle they intend to use.
  2. Wear the approved uniform and display required identifying information.
  3. Ensure their duty equipment, vehicle, radio, and reporting tools are ready for use.
  4. Enter on-duty status using the Department’s approved systems and identify themselves using the proper callsign or unit designation.
  5. Review any operational notices, active alerts, or supervisory instructions relevant to their assignment.
Cadets and probationary personnel remain subject to the supervision and training restrictions established by the Field Training Program.

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3.2.2 - Availability & Unit Status

Officers shall keep their duty status reasonably current so dispatch and other personnel can determine whether they are available to respond. Units engaged in a stop, transport, investigation, administrative task, or other assignment should communicate status changes as required by communications policy. Officers shall not represent themselves as available when they are unable to respond promptly.

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3.2.3 - Equipment & Vehicle Readiness

Vehicles must comply with DPS vehicle and equipment requirements, including applicable markings, callsign or division identifiers, cage requirements, performance restrictions, and certification limitations. Officers shall promptly report equipment defects that affect safe or authorized operation.
Detailed vehicle equipment and modification restrictions are governed by the applicable DPS vehicle policy; this page does not supersede those requirements.

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3.2.4 - Temporary Unavailability

An officer who needs to step away from active patrol, change duty assignments, or leave a scene shall notify the appropriate supervisor or dispatch when required and arrange a reasonable handoff of any active responsibilities. No officer shall abandon a detainee, active incident, evidence responsibility, or assigned post without appropriate transfer or authorization.

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3.2.5 - Ending Duty

Before going off duty, officers shall:
  1. Complete or properly transfer time-sensitive reports, custody responsibilities, evidence, and active assignments.
  2. Return or secure Department property and issued equipment as required.
  3. Communicate unresolved responsibilities to the next responsible officer or supervisor.
  4. Update their duty status in the Department’s approved systems.
Officers may end their shift at their discretion when they have no outstanding duty obligations requiring an authorized handoff.

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3.2.6 - Off-Duty Restrictions

Off-duty personnel shall not exercise Department authority to conduct arrests, initiate investigations, access the MDT for law-enforcement purposes, or perform other official enforcement duties while off duty. Department-issued equipment, weapons, and restricted materials must remain secured in accordance with Department policy. Personnel shall not use their badge, credentials, or position to obtain unauthorized access or personal advantage.
Emergency exception: An off-duty officer who encounters an immediate threat to life may take reasonable action necessary to protect life, consistent with applicable law and DPS policy. The officer shall notify Command Staff as soon as reasonably practicable and document the incident as directed. This exception does not authorize routine off-duty enforcement.

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3.2.7 - Off-Duty Conduct & Accountability

Off-duty status does not exempt personnel from the DPS Code of Ethics & Conduct or applicable server rules. Criminal acts, abuse of Department authority, and conduct that seriously compromises Department integrity remain subject to review and disciplinary action. Felony conduct committed while off duty is grounds for termination, subject to the Department’s applicable investigative and disciplinary procedures.
Professional conduct standards are established in Section 1.1 — Code of Ethics & Conduct. This section governs duty status and the operational restrictions that apply when an officer is off duty.