0218.00 Honor Guard and Highland Guard

0218.00   Honor Guard and Highland Guard

Refer:    
•    PPA Labor contract Article 43, Overtime
•    DIR 0210.30, Timekeeping (Including Overtime)
•    DIR 0240.10, Line of Duty Death
•    Honor Guard Standard Operating Procedure 5, Memorial Service Responses

Definitions:
•    Highland Guard: A Portland Police-sponsored bagpipe band, comprised of active and retired Portland Police personnel; members of other area public safety agencies; and civilian volunteers, that primarily participates in events to honor and commemorate fallen emergency service personnel.

•    Honor Guard: A Portland Police ceremonial unit that participates in police- and fire-related events and memorials to honor and commemorate fallen emergency service personnel.

Policy:
1.    This policy establishes the program roles and requirements for the Honor Guard and Highland Guards.
 
2.    The Bureau will maintain an Honor Guard and Highland Guard unit to provide ceremonial duties at police funerals, parades, and events requiring official participation of a ceremonial nature.

Procedure:
1.    Honor Guard and Highland Guard (the Guard(s)) Participation.
1.1.    Upon request, the Guards may participate in police- and fire-related events such as funerals, memorials, and ceremonies.

1.2.    The Guards generally do not participate in non-public safety related events, except community-focused events, such as parades and festivals, that provide opportunities for non-enforcement related police and community interactions. 
1.2.1.    The Chief or the assigned Branch Assistant Chief (AC) can approve other exceptions. For these events, the requesting organization may be responsible for the costs associated with the event.

1.3.    The Guards may perform separately or in combination, if appropriate.

2.     Command Staff Responsibilities.
2.1.    The assigned AC shall appoint a commander from among the lieutenant, captain, or commander ranks of the Bureau to oversee Guard operations.

2.2.    The Commander shall coordinate with the AC for approval of overtime, travel, and adjusted shift time.

2.3.     The Commander, or their designee, shall:
2.3.1.    Make appropriate notifications as outlined in Directive 0240.10, Line of Duty Death;
2.3.2.    Review requests for Guard participation. 
2.3.2.1.    The AC or designee must approve requests for participation of the Honor Guard or Highland Guard in non-police/fire events.
2.3.2.2.    Requests should include:
2.3.2.2.1.     Date and time,
2.3.2.2.2.     Event type (funeral, sister city event, parade etc.),
2.3.2.2.3.    Payroll status (overtime, straight time, adjusted shift), and
2.3.2.2.4.    Names of officers and Responsibility Unit (RU).
2.3.2.3.    The Commander or designee shall forward approved requests to participating members, their RU managers, the Business Services Group (BSG), and the appropriate Guard command officers.
2.3.2.4.    The Commander may authorize unit participation in events within a one-day (10-hour shift) travel time, by motor vehicle, to adjoining states;
2.3.2.4.1.    The AC or designee must approve all Guard participation exceeding the one-day travel time.
2.3.2.4.2.    No overtime will be authorized for travel outside the one-day travel area. However, the AC or designee may relieve a member from duty for the equivalent time necessary to travel to and from the event site. 
2.3.3.    Review overtime reports from Guard supervisors and submit approved reports to BSG. 
2.3.4.    Submit a quarterly report, documenting all Guard events, overtime, and shift adjustments, to the AC.

3.    Guard Selection Process.
3.1.    The Personnel Division will post a position announcement as open positions occur.

3.2.    Honor Guard.
3.2.1.    The Commander and a minimum of two Honor Guard supervisors (or designees) shall interview and evaluate eligible candidates and submit written recommendations to the AC for approval.

3.3.    Highland Guard.
3.3.1.    There is a music performance-oriented selection process that involves candidates participating in practice sessions and, ultimately, auditioning to formally join the Highland Guard. The Pipe Major is responsible for the selection process.
3.3.2.    Civilian volunteers must pass a background check.

4.    Training
4.1.    The Guards shall train on a regular basis, as determined by the Commander, to maintain proficiency and professionalism.

4.2.    The Bureau does not authorize overtime for Guard training.

Effective:              12/20/2025
Next Review:        12/20/2027