Legal

The St. Louis Police Officers Association will provide an active member with an approved SLPOA attorney under the following circumstances:

• IAD appearance, to include any incident on-duty, or off-duty
• Criminal representation before the State Grand Jury
• Representation at hearings before the St. Louis Police retirement System

Representation beyond these circumstances will be evaluated and considered by the St. Louis Police Officers' Association Legal Committee and submitted to the Executive Board for final approval.

If you are a current SLPOA member and you receive a complaint from the Internal Affairs Division (IAD), from a superior officer, or require an Attorney at a police investigation scene, please contact the following for immediate assistance:

St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office (http://stlcin.missouri.org/circuitattorney/)

St Louis Police Officers' Association Attorneys:

Do Not make any statements to the Internal Affairs Division (IAD), or to a superior officer prior to consulting with an above-approved SLPOA Attorney.

In the event that you are read your MIRANDA rights prior to questioning by IAD or a superior officer, and you HAVE NOT CONSULTED WITH AN ATTORNEY, we highly recommend that you DO NOT WAIVE YOUR 5TH AMENDMENT RIGHT AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION AND MAKE NO STATEMENT.

You may be ordered and feel compelled by a superior officer to give a statement directly related to your actions as a Police Officer. This statement is known as a Garrity Statement, and is a condition of continued employment. If you are ordered to give a written or taped statement, DO NOT disobey the order, but include the following opening paragraph orally, or in writing:

Sir/Maam:

I have been ordered to submit this report by a superior officer, or the Chief of Police, or the Commander of Internal Affairs or one of his delegates as a condition of my employment. In view of possible job forfeiture, I have no alternative but to abide by this order.

It is my belief and understanding that the department requires this report solely and exclusively for internal purposes and will not release it to any other agency. It is my further belief that this report will not and cannot be used against me in any subsequent proceedings. I authorize release of this report to my attorney or designated union representative. I retain the right to amend or change this statement upon reflection to correct any unintended mistake without subjecting myself to a charge of untruthfulness.

For any and all other purposes, I hereby reserve my constitutional right to remain silent under the FIFTH and FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS to the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION and any other rights PRESCRIBED by law. Further, I rely specifically upon the protection afforded me under the doctrines set forth in Garrity v. New Jersey, 385 U.S. 493 (1967), and Spevack v. Klien, 385 U.S. 551 (1956), should this report (statement) be used for any other purpose of whatsoever kind or description.

Click here to read more about Garrity in Law Enforcement