What should a member do if they cannot appear in court within the allotted time?

When a member is unable to appear in court within the allotted time, the appropriate course of action is to request approval from the CLD Commander. This process ensures that the chain of command is informed and allows the Commander to make decisions that uphold departmental policies and the integrity of court proceedings. The involvement of the CLD Commander is crucial since they have the authority to manage personnel issues related to court appearances and can communicate with relevant judicial authorities as necessary to address the absence effectively.

Submitting an absence form may be part of the notification process but does not provide the necessary command oversight. Informing the city lawyer might be relevant in some contexts, but it does not replace the requirement to follow departmental protocols. Contacting a judge directly is inappropriate as it bypasses established channels and could lead to complications regarding professionalism and protocol. Thus, obtaining approval from the CLD Commander ensures that all actions taken are in line with departmental directives and maintain proper communication with the judicial system.