The City of Appleton recognizes that police officers work in a dangerous environment that requires them to diffuse violent situations on a daily basis. While working in this environment it is not uncommon for policy officers to be verbally threatened or physically assaulted. Officers have the statutory authority and responsibility to investigate crimes committed against them If the investigating officer determines that a violation of the law has occurred, then the officer may make a custodial arrest, refer the complaint to the district attorney's office, or issue a municipal summons. It is the intent of this policy to supercede an officer's statutory authority or responsibility to investigate verbal threats or physical violence against the officer. However, this policy does provide specific procedures that need to be followed to report and investigate workplace violence.
Violent behavior is also any action or threat to damage property.
It does not matter who owns the property that was or will be damaged. Those occurrences which do not result in physical harm requiring medical treatment. Those occurrences which result in threats, intimidation or physical harm requiring medical treatment. Employees may carry pepper spray or other similar products for purposes of personal protection. The City of Appleton employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner conducive to positive relationships and effective teamwork.