SAN DIEGO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
POLICY
MANUAL
– AMERICA'S FINEST CITY
–
Revised
08/3/2016
EXECUTIVE ORDER
The San Diego Police Department serves the people of San Diego by performing our law
enforcement function in a professional manner. We are ultimately responsible to the people we
serve. To provide quality service to the community, we must rely on sound leadership, guidance
and support. To this end, this Policy Manual is adopted for all members of the Department.
Policy consists of principles, values and philosophies, which guide the performance of
members. It is based on police ethics and experience, the desires of the community and legal
mandates. Policy is broad in scope so that it will encompass most situations. It is stated in
general terms.
Methods of procedures will be disseminated in the form of Department Procedures. The
Policy Manual and Department Procedures are available to all members via computer on-line.
Policies and Procedures convey the same authority and require compliance by all members.
Each member must be familiar with the contents of the Policy Manual and the
Department Procedures. Additions or changes will be made from time to time. Violations of
any portion of the Policy and Procedures Manual may result in disciplinary action.
Commanding officers have the authority to issue special orders which may deviate from
the Policy Manual as may be necessary for temporary or emergency purposes.
The Policy Manual cannot encompass all possible situations encountered in the general
discharge of police duties. Because of this, members should use good judgment and common
sense in determining their course of conduct and action while fulfilling their responsibilities as
members of the Department.
The Policy Manual will not apply in such a way as to violate state or federal laws or
abridge the constitutional rights of members of this Department. If, for any reason, any portion
of the Policy Manual is held to be invalid, the remainder of the Policy manual shall not be
affected.
Shelley Zimmerman
Chief of Police
SAN DIEGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY
MANUAL
INDEX
1.00 ADMINISTRATION
2.00 COMMUNICATIONS
3.00 INVESTIGATIONS
4.00 LEGAL
5.00 PERSONNEL
6.00 PATROL
7.00 TRAFFIC
8.00 CRITICAL INCIDENTS
9.00 PERSONAL CONDUCT
DEFINITIONS
Member - Includes all employees of the Police Department, sworn
and non-sworn.
Officer - Includes all sworn personnel.
Superior - A supervisor, a person higher in the chain of command or
an officer of higher rank.
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1.00 – ADMINISTRATION POLICIES
1.01 DEPARTMENT POLICIES, PROCEDURES, ORDERS, COMMUNICATIONS
AND CORRESPONDENCE (Revised 11/04/08)
Department directives (i.e., Legal Updates, Orders, Policies, Procedures and Training
Bulletins) are written directives that convey the same authority. All members of the
Department will be held responsible for abiding by the information contained in Legal
Updates, Orders, Policies, Procedures and Training Bulletins.
All members shall access Department directives via the Resource Library on the LAN
or Automated Field Reporting (AFR) systems in accordance with Department
Procedure 1.01.
1.02 DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION TITLES
Titles shall be used to identify particular ranks and groups under the charge of those
ranks. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.02.)
1.03 PURSUIT POLICY
Law violators shall be apprehended whenever feasible. A violator shall not be pursued
to the point where the life of the officer, the violator or others is placed in jeopardy.
Officers shall be prepared to discontinue the pursuit if it becomes unreasonable under
the circumstances. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.03.)
1.04 USE OF FORCE POLICY
Members shall only use force in accordance with law and established Department
procedures. Members shall not use more force than is reasonably necessary under the
circumstances.
Department policy places a greater value on the preservation of life than on the
apprehension of criminal offenders. Deadly force shall be used only when all
reasonable alternatives have been exhausted or appear impractical.
Members shall not mistreat persons who are in custody. Members shall handle such
persons in accordance with all laws and established Department Procedures. (Refer to
Department Procedure 1.04, Use of Force.)
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1.05 FIREARMS POLICY
Firearms shall be considered to be defensive weapons, to be used only when necessary
to protect human life or to prevent serious bodily injury.
Department policy places a greater value on the preservation of life than on the
apprehension of criminal offenders. Deadly force shall be used only when all
reasonable alternatives have been exhausted or appear impractical.
Members authorized to carry firearms and ammunition shall do so in accordance with
law and established Department procedures.
Members shall not draw or display firearms in the performance of duty except in
situations known, or reasonably believed to be dangerous. (Refer to Department
Procedure 1.05, Firearms Procedure.)
1.06 USE OF LIQUID CHEMICAL AGENT POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Liquid chemical agent shall only be used under circumstances when it is necessary to
overcome violent physical force or resistance likely to result in injury to either the
suspect, officer(s), or others present (Refer to Department Procedure 1.06, Use of
Liquid Chemical Agent).
1.07 USE OF TASERS POLICY (Revised 03/05/04)
Any officer trained in its use shall be authorized to use a taser.
A taser may be used when lethal force is not justifiable or necessary; and attempts to
subdue the suspect have been or will be ineffective; or it will be unsafe for officers to
approach within contact range of the suspect. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.07.)
1.09 CARRYING WEAPONS ON AIRLINES POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Officers shall comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation and
the Federal Aviation Agency for carrying firearms while on board aircraft.
Officers shall limit requests for carrying weapons aboard aircraft to situations in which
safe completion of the mission requires the officer to be armed during flight (Refer to
Department Procedure 1.09, Carrying Weapons on Airlines).
1.10 CITIZEN COMPLAINT RECEPTION AND INVESTIGATION POLICY
Members shall encourage citizens to bring forward legitimate grievances regarding
inadequate police service or misconduct by members; and those complaints shall be
received courteously and without delay.
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Members shall assist and cooperate in the expeditious and impartial processing of
citizen complaints within established procedures.
Members shall be informed of the nature of citizen complaints made against them and
the disposition of those complaints. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.10.)
1.11 COURT AND SUBPOENA POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
The San Diego Police Department shall generally accept for service all criminal, civil,
and Civil Service Commission subpoenas if received a minimum of five court days
prior to the court appearance date.
Officers may be individually served up to the court appearance date and may not refuse
service due to short notice.
Members of the Department shall be required to accept personal service of summons in
civil cases related to the performance of their duties. (Refer to Department Procedure
1.11, Court Procedures and Subpoenas.)
1.12 OPERATION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES POLICY
(Revised 10/22/08)
Members shall comply with the rules of the road as outlined in the California Vehicle
Code. Members shall not violate traffic laws without good and justifiable cause.
Members shall operate official vehicles in a careful and prudent manner. All members
required to drive shall have a valid California driver's license. Loss, expiration, or
suspension of their driver's license shall be immediately reported to their supervisor.
Members shall not use their personal vehicle for any assignment while on duty unless
authorized to do so by their commanding officer.
Members shall not permit persons to ride in Department vehicles except in accordance
with Department procedures.
Seat belts shall be used at all times by all Department employees, sworn and non-sworn
either driving or riding in the front seats of any Department vehicle.
Members involved in a police equipment accident, shall notify the radio dispatcher,
render first aid as necessary and assist at the scene until additional police units arrive.
No statements concerning the accident or possible civil liability shall be made.
Members shall park police vehicles in non-emergency situations, according to all laws
and parking regulations. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.12.)
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1.13 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION POLICY
An emergency response shall be made when the officer reasonably believes there exists
a serious danger to human life.
While responding to emergency calls, officers shall drive with DUE REGARD FOR
THE SAFETY OF ALL PERSONS using the highway. (Refer to Department
Procedure 1.13.)
1.14 POLICY FOR REVIEWING POLICE EQUIPMENT ACCIDENTS (Revised
10/16/08)
Commanding Officers shall be responsible for addressing inadequate or poor driving
habits of their subordinates.
All police equipment accidents shall be investigated by Traffic Units and processed by
the Traffic Division. A field supervisor shall be dispatched to oversee all police
equipment accident investigations and will make a written report. (Refer to
Department Procedure 1.14.)
1.15 CONFIDENTIALITY OF SECURITY POLICY
Security procedures are confidential and shall not be disclosed to any member of the
public or the news media. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.15, Confidentiality of
Security Procedures.)
1.16 CITY OWNED TAKE-HOME VEHICLES POLICY
City owned vehicles shall not be taken home or used outside of normal working hours
unless specifically authorized by a commanding officer or higher authority. (Refer to
Department Procedure 1.16, Off-duty Use of Department Take Home Vehicles.)
1.18 PAYROLL POLICY
Official timekeeping for the Police Department shall be administered by the Payroll
Section of Fiscal Management. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.18.)
1.19 BI-WEEKLY LABOR CARDS POLICY
Members shall use bi-weekly labor cards on which daily entries are made.
Area Commanders shall be responsible for the security of employees' payroll checks.
(Refer to Department Procedure 1.19.)
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1.20 OVERTIME COMPENSATION POLICY
The Chief of Police shall follow City regulations to administer overtime in a manner
consistent with fiscal responsibility and sound management.
Authority shall be delegated to each supervisor and manager in the department to
manage overtime. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.20.)
1.21 PURCHASING POLICY
Members shall follow city administrative rules for processing requests for materials and
services for the Police Department. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.21, Purchasing
Procedures.)
1.22 PETTY CASH FUND POLICY
Petty cash funds shall be used for official City business and purposes for which
authorized. Petty cash funds shall not be used for private gain. (Refer to Department
Procedure 1.22, Petty Cash Fund Procedures.)
1.23 DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT ACCOUNTABILITY POLICY
Members shall utilize Department equipment only for its intended purpose, in
accordance with established Department procedures, and shall not abuse, damage, or,
through negligence, lose Department equipment.
All Department equipment issued to members shall be maintained in proper order.
Loss or damage to such equipment shall be promptly reported to the member's
supervisor.
Equipment supplied by the Department, must be surrendered immediately, in good
condition before an extended leave of absence, suspension, resignation, discharge or
retirement. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.23, Department Equipment
Accountability Procedures.)
1.24 PROCESSING REQUESTS FOR COUNCIL ACTION / INTERFACE WITH
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
Information and support shall be lent to the City Council to facilitate the cooperative
and efficient administration of the City within the rules set forth in the City Charter.
All inquiries to the City Manager's Office, Mayor and Council shall be handled by the
Chief of Police or designee. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.24.)
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1.25 INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS POLICY
Every commanding officer, in furtherance of Department goals and priorities, shall
maintain accountability through the conduct of required inspections or audits of all
personnel, equipment and functions assigned to the command. (Refer to Department
Procedure 1.25, Inspections and Audits Protocol.)
1.26 RELEASE OF CRIMINAL HISTORY, ARREST AND CRIME REPORTS, AND
OTHER POLICE RECORDS POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
The Department shall control the release of and access to criminal history, crime and
arrest reports and other police records; prevent the misuse of information contained in
these reports; safeguard the privacy of individual citizens; and provide essential law
enforcement information needs.
Members shall treat the official business of the Department as confidential. Any
information regarding official business shall be disseminated in accordance with the
law and established Department procedures.
Members may remove or copy official records or reports from a police installation only
in accordance with established Department procedures. Members shall not divulge the
identity of persons giving confidential information except as authorized by the proper
authority in performance of police duties. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.26,
Access and Release of Criminal Records.)
1.29 DEPARTMENT MAIL MESSENGER SERVICE POLICY (Revised 11/05/08)
All mail shall be packaged and clearly addressed to the appropriate division or unit with
the correct mail station number. All small items of mail and loose forms shall be
placed in inter-office envelopes. All items of a confidential nature shall be placed in an
envelope. Multiple items to be sent to the same mail station number shall be bundled
together. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.29, Department Mail Service.)
1.30 PRESS RELEASE AND MEDIA RELATIONS POLICY
Members shall provide factual, accurate and timely information to all news media on a
fair and equal basis without jeopardizing the rights of crime victims or of persons
accused of crime, and without compromising the security of any investigation or
breaching any confidential relationship. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.30.)
1.31 PRESS IDENTIFICATION CARD POLICY
Press identification cards shall be issued by the San Diego Police Department only to
qualified news media representatives. (Refer to Department Procedure 1.31.)
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1.45 USE OF CITY/DEPARTMENT COMPUTER SYSTEMS POLICY
The use of Department computer equipment, electronic systems, and electronic data,
including E-mail and the Internet, is subject to the City’s Administrative Regulation
90.62. Under this regulation, all computer use is limited to Department business
purposes only. E-mail and the Internet may not be used to transmit confidential,
sensitive, or privileged City or Department information to unauthorized persons or
organizations. Information sent over these systems, or stored on these systems, are
Department property. There shall be no expectation of privacy in relation to
information stored in or sent through these systems.
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2.00 – COMMUNICATION POLICIES
2.01 ASSIGNMENT OF RADIO TALKGROUPS AND PROPER RADIO POLICY
Operational frequencies shall be assigned by the area command they cover. The
Inquiry Frequency shall be used for special requests, queries in computer systems, and
checking for wants/warrants on persons.
Special frequencies shall be used only in the manner outlined under proper radio
procedures. (Department Procedure 2.01.)
2.02 COMMUNICATIONS UNIT DESIGNATOR POLICY
The Commanding Officer of Communications shall be responsible for the
administration and coordination of unit designators. (Refer to Department Procedure
2.02.)
2.06 TARASOFF DECISION POLICY
Officers shall ensure the safety of potential victims and try to locate the suspect when
psychotherapists contact the Department regarding one of their patients who may
seriously injure another person. (Refer to Department Procedure 2.06.)
2.07 SIGALERT BULLETIN POLICY
Sigalert bulletins shall be used as a means of advising the general public of emergency
conditions that may exist within the county. (Refer to Department Procedure 2.07.)
2.08 AIR AMBULANCE POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
San Diego Police Department requests for air ambulances are generally channeled
through Communications Division to the San Diego Fire and Life Safety Services
(F&LSS) Department. However, if F&LSS Department personnel are on the scene, the
requesting police unit should contact them directly. (Refer to Department Procedure
2.08, Air Ambulance Emergency Care Service.)
2.10 LANDLINE AND CELLULAR PHONE DEVICES POLICY
Department land lines, telephones, wireless cellular devices, and fax machines are for
business use. Personal use is discouraged.
Commanding officers shall be responsible for verification of all long distance calls
charged to phones under their command. The Department Cellular Coordinator shall be
responsible for auditing all Department cellular devices on a monthly basis. (Refer to
Department Procedure 2.10.)
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3.00 – INVESTIGATIONS POLICIES
3.01 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CENTRALIZED, AREA,
AND TRAFFIC INVESTIGATIONS POLICY
Centralized units shall be classified as either "proactive" or "reactive." They shall have
City-wide investigative or service responsibilities.
Any Area Command follow-up into offenses where specific investigative responsibility
has been assigned to Centralized Units shall be with the knowledge of, and in
coordination with, the Unit/Section having primary responsibility. (Refer to
Department Procedure 3.01, Organization and Responsibilities of Centralized, Area,
and Traffic Investigations.)
3.02 IMPOUNDING PROPERTY AND USE OF PROPERTY TAGS POLICY
All property determined to be of some evidentiary or monetary value shall be
impounded in the Property Room.
Property or other evidence, which has been discovered, gathered, or received in
connection with Departmental responsibilities, shall be processed promptly in
accordance with established Department procedures. Members shall not convert to
their own use, conceal, falsify, destroy, remove, tamper with or withhold any property
or other evidence found in connection with an investigation or other police action.
Release or destruction of property shall conform with established Department
procedures. (Refer to Department Procedure 3.02, Impound, Release, and Disposal or
Property, Evidence, and Articles Missing Identification Marks.)
3.03 RELEASE AND DISPOSAL OF IMPOUNDED PROPERTY POLICY
It shall be the responsibility of Police Personnel to establish the ownership of property
impounded by the Police Department. (Refer to Department Procedure 3.03.)
3.04 MARKING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE POLICY
Officers shall mark physical evidence taking care not to damage or reduce the
evidentiary and monetary value. (Refer to Department Procedure 3.04, Marking of
Physical Evidence.)
3.05 POLICY FOR DISPOSITION OF ARTICLES MISSING IDENTIFICATION
MARKS
Impounded property, which has the original identification marks or numbers removed,
changed, covered, or defaced, shall be marked before being released to the owner(s).
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Any pistol, revolver or other firearm which has had the name of the maker, model, or
the manufacturer's number or other mark of identification removed shall be assigned a
new identification number by the San Diego County Sheriff's Licensing Section before
being released to the lawful owner. (Refer to Department Procedure 3.02, Impound,
Release, and Disposal or Property, Evidence, and Articles Missing Identification
Marks.)
3.06 DISPOSAL OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTAINERS POLICY
Alcoholic beverages required as evidence in felony cases, DWI cases, and, suspected
stolen alcoholic beverages shall be impounded in accordance with impound procedures.
Confiscated alcohol beverage containers not required as evidence shall be poured out in
front of the person arrested or cited or held for disposal at an area station. (Refer to
Department Procedure 3.06, Disposal of Alcoholic Beverage Containers.)
3.07 INVESTIGATIONS POLICY (NEW 10/04/04)
All Department members assigned to investigative teams or units shall abide by
established Department Procedures as set forth in the Investigative Procedure Manual.
Investigative supervisors, lieutenants and captains shall comply with approved crime
case management procedures and review of case procedures as defined in the
Investigative Procedures Manual and in Department Procedure 1.25.
3.08 JUVENILE POLICY (Revised 11/20/08)
Arrested juveniles shall be placed in detention (confinement) if it is compatible with the
best interest of the juvenile and the community. Permission for detention shall first be
obtained from the Field Lieutenant or Watch Commander. (Refer to Department
Procedure 3.08, Juvenile Procedures.)
3.11 SCHOOL TRUANT POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Truant juveniles shall be turned over to school authorities or parents/ guardians. (Refer
to Department Procedure 3.11.)
3.13 NARCOTIC ENFORCEMENT POLICY
All narcotics coming into the possession of members shall be impounded without
exception.
An investigation shall be made of all reported or suspected violations of City, State and
Federal narcotic laws. (Refer to Department Procedure 3.13.)
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3.16 INFORMANT POLICY
Informant contacts shall be of a strictly professional nature. Off-duty social and
personal business contacts shall be expressly prohibited. (Refer to Department
Procedure 3.16.)
3.17 MISSING PERSONS (Revised 11/19/08)
Missing person reports shall be taken on all persons who have disappeared under other-
than-normal circumstances. There is no waiting period before a missing person report
can be filed. (Refer to Department Procedures 3.09, “At-Risk” Missing/Runaway
Juveniles; 3.10, Not “At-Risk” Missing/Runaway Juveniles; 3.17, Missing Adults.)
3.18 EXTRADITION POLICY
The Department shall participate in the extradition of fugitives arrested in other states.
(Refer to Department Procedure 3.18.)
3.21 FIELD RELEASE AND/OR DROP/CHANGE OF CHARGE POLICY [849(b)(1)
P.C.]
Investigators shall prepare "Change of Charge" forms when they release specific
charges due to insufficient grounds to obtain a criminal complaint or they change or
add charges. (Refer to Department Procedure 3.21, Field Release and/or Drop/Change
of Charge Form PD-1136-LA [849(b)(1) PC])
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4.00 – LEGAL POLICIES
4.02 EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION POLICY
Officers shall avoid eyewitness identification procedures that suggest the guilt of a
suspect to a victim or an eyewitness. (Refer to Department Procedure 4.02.)
4.05 PROTECTIVE ORDERS POLICY
Officers shall enforce Domestic Violence Orders. (Refer to Department Procedure
4.05.)
4.10 REPOSSESSION POLICY
Officers shall keep the peace, enforce any violations of criminal law, and avoid taking
sides with either party in repossession matters. (Refer to Department Procedure 4.10.)
4.12 SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITIES POLICY (Revised 04/09/07)
Officers generally shall not arrest a subject for being under the influence of drugs or
alcohol when that subject is currently admitted, or en route, to an emergency facility or
other authorized treatment center, and when that person has not violated any other laws.
This also applies when relatives or friends call the police on behalf of the subject.
4.13 NON-OFFICIAL OR PERSONAL CUSTODY OF RECORDS/FILES/
RECORDINGS POLICY
Members shall not maintain case files, records, photographs or recordings of
investigations, contacts, or arrests of individuals for their own use, or as a private or
personal file separate from the official police file or record which shall be stored and
maintained at the San Diego Police Department. (Refer to Department Procedure 4.13.)
4.15 PROBATION, PAROLE, KNOCK AND TALK SEARCHES INCLUDING HIGH
RISK ENTRIES AND OUITSIDE ASSISTANCE
Members who conduct probation, parole, Fourth Amendment waiver, knock and talk or
high-risk searches/sweeps shall do so in a lawful manner. Such searches/sweeps shall
not be arbitrary, capricious or harassing. To ensure the lawfulness of the search/sweep,
a supervisor is to be present and actively involved anytime a residence or building is
searched pursuant to a parole or probation condition. Acting sergeants are not
acceptable for this task.
An Operation Plan shall be completed prior to any pre-planned knock and talk search,
parole or probation search, high-risk entry or search warrant service. Prior to the
execution of the search, all personnel involved shall be briefed on the details of the
search.
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In the event that a search takes place within another agency’s jurisdiction, the sergeant
supervising the operation shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency where
the search is taking place prior to arriving at the search location.
If the execution of a warrant requires the involvement of SWAT, the SWAT Unit
commander shall be notified at the earliest opportunity.
All team members making tactical entries shall wear Department-approved body armor
and appropriate visible identification so they are easily recognized as peace officers. If
forced entry is required, the supervisor shall decide if the entry should be attempted.
Entry shall be made in accordance with Knock and Notice as outlined in 844PC. When
a forced entry is anticipated, mission planners shall use the Regional High-Risk Entry
Checklist as a guideline. (Refer to Department Procedure 4.15, (Probation, Parole, and
Knock and Talk Searches Including High- Risk Entries and Outside Assistance.)
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5.00 – PERSONNEL POLICIES
5.01 INJURY, ASSAULT AND MEDICAL BENEFITS POLICY
Members shall immediately report any on-duty injury or illness to their supervisor.
Off-duty members who are unable to report for duty due to illness or injury, shall report
the fact immediately to their command or, if unavailable to the Watch Commander, no
later than one hour prior to going on duty. Members shall report the nature of their
illness or injury, whether attended by a physician, and the address and phone number
where they may be contacted.
The member's command shall be contacted each subsequent workday unless the
commanding officer indicates that less frequent contacts are satisfactory.
Members shall not feign or falsely report illness or injury, or attempt to deceive any
supervisor of the Department as to the condition of their health.
If abuse is suspected, supervisors may visit a member who is off-duty with a reported
illness or injury. Unless the attending physician recommends otherwise, supervisors
shall be granted access to the member at any reasonable hour.
Members having any contagious disease in their families shall immediately notify their
command for approval to report for duty. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.01.)
5.03 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY
Members shall be permitted a work atmosphere free from discrimination and sexual
harassment. Members shall not discriminate against, nor sexually harass other
members. It shall be the responsibility of all supervisors to assure a non-discriminatory
work environment. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.03.)
5.04 GRIEVANCE POLICY (Revised 10/21/08)
The Human Resources Captain shall administer the grievance process and shall
establish and maintain a routing and control procedure for all grievances originating
within the Department. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.04.)
5.05 SMOKING POLICY (Revised 10/21/08)
All members shall be provided with a smoke-free environment.
While on duty, members shall not smoke or use smokeless tobacco while conducting an
investigation or interview or under other circumstances when it could be offensive to
other individuals or where smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited.
(Refer to Department Procedure 5.05, Use of Tobacco Products.)
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5.06 OFFICER DEATHS POLICY
The Department shall afford every consideration to the decedent's family. The family
shall receive the maximum amount of assistance and support from the Department
during this time. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.06.)
5.07 TRANSFERS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT POLICY
The Chief of Police or designee shall have the responsibility of assigning and
transferring personnel within the organization and will reserve the right to make any
transfers deemed appropriate. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.07, Transfers Within
The Department.)
5.08 DIVISIONAL AND PERSONNEL FILES POLICY (Revised 09/10/07)
The division personnel file is a working file for the short-term retention of informal
documents pertaining to an employee’s performance. The Department personnel file is
a permanent repository for the retention of all formal and/or official documents
pertaining to an employee’s job performance and/or employment history. (Refer to
Department Procedure 5.08, Divisional and Personnel Files.)
5.09 EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEWS POLICY
Employment interviews for the purpose of selecting sworn personnel for investigative
and specialized assignments or new hires and promotions shall be conducted by
supervisors who have completed the formal Appointing Authority Interview Training
(AAIT) through the City Personnel Department. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.09,
Employment Interviews.)
5.10 UNIFORM, EQUIPMENT AND WEAPONS POLICY
Members on duty shall wear uniforms or other clothing and be provided with
equipment in accordance with established Department and city requirements.
Members on duty shall maintain a neat, well-groomed appearance, except when acting
under proper and specific orders from a superior. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.10,
Uniforms, Equipment, and Weapons.)
5.11 REPAIR OR PLACEMENT OF EMPLOYEE'S PERSONAL PROPERTY
POLICY
Members shall follow city regulations for reimbursement of personal property damaged
in the performance of their duties. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.11.)
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5.12 OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT POLICY
Employees shall not accept employment outside City service or participate actively in
the management or operation of a business that would result in conflict of interest or
reflect criticism or discredit on the employee or the city or that would affect the
employees' efficiency in the performance of their regular duties.
Members seeking outside employment shall first obtain approval from their
commanding officers. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.12.)
5.13 EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE
All San Diego Police Officers of classified rank, who become qualified for an
Intermediate or Advanced POST Certificate, shall be eligible for Educational Incentive
Pay benefits. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.13.)
5.14 TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM POLICY (Revised 11/04/08)
Eligible employees (sworn and non-sworn) shall be reimbursed, under certain
conditions, 100% of tuition, textbooks and supplies up to a specified amount per fiscal
year. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.14.)
5.15 RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM POLICY (Revised 09/16/2008)
Discretionary Leave shall be awarded to Department members who recruit employees
that successfully complete specified training and/or probation. (Refer to Department
Procedure 5.15, Recruitment Incentive Program.)
5.16 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT PAY PLAN POLICY
Non-sworn employees shall qualify for a cash award on the basis of exceptional
sustained performance and/or exceptional performance on a project or assignment.
(Refer to Department Procedure 5.16.)
5.17 SERVICE AWARDS POLICY
The Department shall have a Service Awards Program designed to give official
recognition to heroic, meritorious or outstanding actions by sworn and non-sworn
employees or Police Reserve officers. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.17.)
5.18 DISCRETIONARY LEAVE POLICY
Members shall be eligible for discretionary leave with pay for exceptional performance
in their class of employment. (Refer to Department Procedure 5.18.)
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6.00 – PATROL POLICIES
6.01 HANDCUFFING, SEARCHING AND TRANSPORTING POLICY
Members shall not mistreat persons who are in custody. Members shall handle such
persons in accordance with all laws and established Department procedures.
Officers shall handcuff all prisoners with their hands behind them. Prisoners shall
remain handcuffed whenever they are outside the confines of any jail, unless such
handcuff procedure would hamper the conduct of any investigation or the physical
condition of the prisoner would preclude such use.
The cord-cuff leg restrainer shall be used as a safety device to eliminate or reduce
physical hazards in the restraining of violent or potentially violent prisoners.
Officers shall not apply the cord-cuff leg restraint to the head or neck of a suspect.
(Refer to Department Procedure 6.01.)
6.02 BOOKING PROCEDURES POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Officers shall thoroughly search prisoners prior to placing them in detention or
correction facilities. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.02, Booking Procedures.)
6.04 CRIME REPORT POLICY
The Chief of Police shall be responsible for furnishing a report of all felony and
specified misdemeanor sex crimes to the State. The Chief's legal responsibility is
delegated to all officers who have the legal duty to report any crimes that come to their
attention.
Crime Analysis shall be the official repository for crime and arrest statistics generated
by the Department. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.04, Crime Report Form.)
6.06 CRIME SCENE PROTECTION AND PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
POLICY
In most major crime cases the first uniformed officer to arrive at the scene shall be
responsible for making the preliminary investigation.
The Department shall direct investigative efforts towards those areas that will be most
productive in identifying criminal suspects and recovering stolen property. (Refer to
Department Procedure 6.06, Crime Scene Protection and Preliminary Investigation
Reporting.)
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6.09 HANDLING OF INJURED ANIMALS POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Officers may destroy injured animals with a service weapon, if it can be done with
complete safety and it would be more humane to do so based on the severity of the
injuries. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.09, Handling of Injured Animals.)
6.11 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION POLICY
All victims and suspects of sex crimes shall be examined if the nature of the case
indicates that evidence may be present. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.11, Physical
Examination of Sex Crime Victims and Suspects.)
6.12 PARAMEDIC AND EMERGENCY TREATMENT POLICY (Revised 02/11/11)
Officers at the scene of a medical emergency shall administer first aid to the extent of
their abilities until the Fire-Rescue Department personnel or paramedics arrive and
assume medical control.
Officers transporting persons in need of emergency medical treatment shall take them
to the nearest primary emergency facility. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.12,
Paramedic Procedures and Emergency Treatment.)
6.14 CODE SEVEN/COFFEE BREAK POLICY (Revised 12/24/08)
Officers and uniformed non-sworn members shall take meals only for such period of
time, and at such time and place as established by Department Procedures.
At no time shall officers and uniformed non-sworn members accept free meals or
drinks, reduced prices, or any other consideration that is not regularly enjoyed by the
public. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.14, Code Seven, Coffee Break.)
6.15 RIDE-ALONG POLICY
The Department encourages citizen ride-alongs as part of the community oriented
approach to policing. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.15, Ride-Along Program.)
6.16 POLICE SERVICE DOGS POLICY
When a police service dog is used to affect an arrest, or in some other law enforcement
capacity and a bite occurs, it shall be considered a utilization of force. (Refer to
Department Procedures 6.16, Police Service Dogs and 1.04, Use of Force.)
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6.18 UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS POLICY
All people shall be treated equally, without regard to their nationality.
Officers shall not initiate police contact solely because a person is suspected of being in
violation of immigration laws. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.18, Adult
Undocumented Persons and 3.08, Juvenile Procedures.)
6.19 PUBLIC INEBRIATE POLICY (NEW 01/26/04)
Officers shall employ protective custody for public inebriates through a voluntary non-
criminal detoxification process, when possible. Chronic inebriates shall be referred to
the Serial Inebriate Program for prosecution and subsequent incarceration. (Refer to
Department Procedure 6.19, Public Inebriates.)
6.22 POLICY FOR RELEASING MILITARY PERSONNEL ON A VOLUNTARY
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY TURNOVER
Officers arresting military personnel for minor misdemeanors shall, at their discretion
and with the consent of those arrested, release them to the custody of military
authorities.
When arrested service personnel decline a protective custody turnover, they shall be
handled the same as civilian arrests. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.22, Procedures
for Releasing Military Personnel on a Voluntary Protective Custody Turnover.)
6.26 HATE CRIME POLICY (NEW 01/26/04)
Department members are to take investigative and/or enforcement actions associated
with any and all reported or observed incidents of violence or threats directed at an
individual, institution, or business, motivated, all or in part, because of race, religion,
national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or gender. Department members
will place special emphasis on victim assistance and community cooperation in order to
reduce victim/community trauma or fear.
The proper investigation of reported crimes motivated by race, religion, national origin,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or gender is the responsibility of all San Diego
Police Department members. Each member must be sensitive to the feelings, needs,
and fears that may be present in the victim and the community as a result of incidents
of this nature.
In addition to our existing procedures for reporting and investigating matters of this
nature, the Chief of Police may conduct inquiries into any incident brought to his/her
attention. Therefore, field supervisors apprised of such an incident will ensure
notification as soon as practical to their chain of command and/or to the Watch
Commander's Office. (Refer to Department Procedure 6.26, Hate crimes.)
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7.00 – TRAFFIC POLICIES
7.01 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT POLICY
The enforcement of all traffic laws shall be administered equally and fairly, regardless
of the persons involved, and based solely on the nature of the offense. (Refer to
Department Procedure 7.01.)
7.02 TRAFFIC COLLISION INVESTIGATION POLICY
Officers shall investigate all collisions which come to their attention that occur on a
public street or highway, and all collisions that occur off-road on public or private
property that involve a death, injury, drinking driver, hit and run or extensive property
damage. (Refer to Department Procedure 7.02.)
7.05 ASSISTING STRANDED MOTORISTS POLICY
Officers shall stop and offer assistance to stranded motorists on freeways and to
motorists stranded on surface streets when it appears assistance can be rendered safely.
(Refer to Department Procedure 7.05, Assisting Stranded Motorists.)
7.09 POLICE PROTECTIVE DETAILS POLICY (Revised 12/03/07)
Police protective details are generally limited to the President or Vice President of the
United States, or other dignitaries with prior approval of the Traffic Division Captain.
The San Diego Police Department Motorcycle Unit will have the primary responsibility
for protective details. All pre-planning for protective details will be coordinated
through this unit, which is a component of Traffic Division. (Refer to Department
Procedure 7.09, Police Protective Details).
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8.00 – CRITICAL INCIDENT POLICIES
8.02 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) (New 01/26/04)
The Department shall have the responsibility of providing protection for the lives and
property of the citizens of San Diego and the continuation of essential services during
periods of emergency.
Every effort shall be made in the management of critical incidents to restore order,
prevent injuries or loss of life and reduce the potential of property damage utilizing the
Incident Command System (ICS). (Refer to Department Procedure 8.02, Incident
Command System.)
8.05 SWAT UNIT, PRIMARY RESPONSE TEAM AND SPECIAL RESPONSE
TEAM POLICIES (Revised 01/26/04)
The SWAT unit shall always be used in support of the Incident Commander and given
its mission from that ranking officer. The SWAT team leader decides upon the method
of accomplishing the mission. (Refer to Department Procedure 8.05, SWAT Unit,
Primary Response Team and Special Response Team.)
8.07 POLICY FOR RECALLING OFF-DUTY PERSONNEL (Revised 05/04/09)
The Department shall follow a "call-back" system of contacting off-duty personnel
through a descending chain of command. "Test call-backs" shall be used to keep
personnel familiar with the call-back procedure.
Off-duty sworn officers and civilian personnel who become aware of a large scale
disaster or critical incident shall report for duty to their assigned duty station. (Refer to
Department Procedure 8.07.)
8.09 MEDIA RELATIONS AT CRITICAL INCIDENTS POLICY
The ranking Department member in command at a critical incident is responsible for
providing appropriate information to the news media. (Refer to Department Procedure
8.09.)
8.10 MUTUAL AID POLICY
The Chief of Police shall be responsible for requesting Mutual Aid when the
Department is involved in a critical incident which may become or is already beyond
the control of the Department's resources. (Refer to Department Procedure 8.10.)
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8.11 INCIDENT REPORT POLICY
An incident report shall be prepared by the ranking field officer on all major incidents.
(Refer to Department Procedure 8.11, Incident Report Procedures.)
8.13 SWAT ARMORY AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT POLICY
No person, regardless of rank, shall be permitted to enter the Department SWAT
armory without being accompanied by a member of SWAT. (Refer to Department
Procedure 8.13.)
8.14 INCIDENTS INVOLVING HOSTAGES POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
The preservation of life and prevention of injury shall be the determining factors when
deciding the tactics to be utilized during incidents involving hostages. (Refer to
Department Procedure 8.14, Incidents Involving Hostages/Emergency Negotiations.)
8.15 ARSON INVESTIGATIONS, BOMB THREATS, BOMBINGS, EXPLOSIVES,
AND PYROTECHNIC MATERIALS POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) investigators shall make the preliminary
investigation at the scene of any suspected arson fire or bombing.
The Homicide Unit, with assistance from MAST, shall investigate arson death cases.
Area command investigators shall be responsible for bomb threats within their
jurisdiction. (Refer to Department Procedure 8.15, Arson Investigation, Bomb Threats,
Bombings, Explosives, and Pyrotechnic Materials.)
8.18 RIVER RESCUE POLICY
Officers shall be prohibited from making in-water rescues unless there is an immediate
threat to the life of the victim. (Refer to Department Procedure 8.18, River Rescue
Procedures.)
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9.00 – PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICIES
9.01 General Duties Policy (09-01-07)
9.02 Obedience to Rules (01/26/04)
9.03 Obedience to Laws (07/10/15)
9.04 Obedience to Lawful Orders
9.05 Conflicting Orders (01/26/04)
9.06 Unbecoming Conduct (01/26/04)
9.07 Immoral Conduct
9.08 Gifts or Gratuities (10/15/08)
9.09 Abuse of Position (01/26/04)
9.10 Endorsements and Referrals
9.11 Associations (04/21/04)
9.12 Visiting Prohibited Establishments (04/21/04)
9.13 Public Statements and Appearances (01/26/04)
9.14 Political Activity (01/26/04)
9.15 Performance of Duty (01/26/04)
9.16 Arrests
9.17 Reporting for Duty
9.18 Neglect of Duty (01/26/04)
9.19 Identification (01/13/09)
9.20 Courtesy (03/20/15)
9.21 Requests For Assistance
9.22 Patriotic Courtesy (01/26/04)
9.23 Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs in Police Installations
9.24 Substance Abuse Policy (12/16/10)
9.25 Payment of Debts (01/26/04)
9.26 Residence and Telephone (11/04/08)
9.27 Investigations (01/26/04)
9.28 Department Reports
9.29 Truthfulness
9.30 Medical Examination, Photographs, Lineups
9.31 Non-bias Based Policing (03/20/15)
9.32 Conflict of Interest Policy
9.33 Duty to Report Misconduct Policy (04/29/14)
9.34 Backgrounds and Recruiting Standards (05/05/15)
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9.01 GENERAL DUTIES POLICY (Revised 09/10/07)
Officers on duty shall at all times, lawfully protect life and property, detect and arrest
violators of the law, prevent crime, preserve the public peace and enforce the laws of
the state of California and the ordinances of the City of San Diego. Prior to taking law
enforcement action when off duty, officers who observe or who are told of criminal
activity shall first consider contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency and have
on duty officers respond.
In determining whether or not to intervene, the off duty officer should consider the
totality of the situation. In a case where action is necessary to prevent death, the
possibility of death or serious bodily injury, significant property damage or loss, the off
duty officer should consider the offense involved, the difficulty that being off duty
tactically and operationally presents, and/or other factors as articulated and observed by
the officer.
When within the State of California, officers shall assist any law enforcement officer
who appears to be in need of immediate assistance and shall assist in the prevention of
the commission of any felony or in the apprehension of any felon. Officers shall also
take appropriate action where a serious threat to life or property exists.
If an off duty officer intervenes in the criminal conduct, he/she must, if reasonably
possible, identify themselves, their agency and their intent to stop the criminal conduct.
Any law enforcement action taken will be governed by Department policies and
procedures that apply to on duty personnel.
Officers outside the boundaries of California do not have peace officer status and
therefore have only the rights and obligations of private citizens.
9.02 OBEDIENCE TO RULES POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Members shall not commit any acts nor fail to perform any acts that constitute a
violation of the policies, procedures, directives or orders of the Department, the City of
San Diego Administrative Regulations, the Personnel Regulations Manual, the Civil
Service Rules, or the City Charter.
9.03 OBEDIENCE TO LAWS POLICY (Revised 7/10/2015)
Members shall obey all federal, state, county, and municipal laws. If any member is
arrested, charged, indicted, or is knowingly under investigation for a criminal offense,
excluding traffic infractions and parking violations, that member shall immediately
report the incident to his or her supervisor or the Watch Commander, in person or by
telephone. To report the incident, the member must actually speak with the supervisor or
Watch Commander. Text messages and voice messages are not acceptable.
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9.04 OBEDIENCE TO LAWFUL ORDERS POLICY
Members shall promptly obey any lawful orders of superiors. This includes orders
relayed from a supervisor by someone of the same or lesser rank. While on duty and in
the presence of others, members shall address superior officers by their titles.
9.05 CONFLICTING ORDERS POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Members who are given an otherwise proper order which is in conflict with a previous
order, policy, procedure or directive shall respectfully inform the superior issuing the
order of the conflict. If the superior issuing the conflicting order does not alter or
retract it, the order shall stand and the superior shall be responsible for the conflicting
order and members shall not be held responsible for disobedience of the order, policy,
procedure or directive previously issued.
9.06 UNBECOMING CONDUCT POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Officers shall conduct themselves, both on and off duty, in such a manner as to reflect
favorably on the Department. Officers shall not conduct themselves in any manner that
could bring the Department into disrepute or reflects discredit upon the officer as a
member of the Department, or impairs the operation and efficiency of the Department
or officer.
Members shall not engage in any conduct that is unbecoming an employee of the
Department, nor which impairs the operation of the Department.
9.07 IMMORAL CONDUCT POLICY
Officers shall maintain a level of moral conduct in their personal and business affairs
that is in keeping with the highest standards of the law enforcement profession.
Officers shall not participate in any activity or incident involving moral turpitude that
impairs their ability to perform as members of the Department or causes the
Department to be brought into disrepute.
9.08 GIFTS OR GRATUITIES POLICY
(Revised 10/15/08)
"Gift" or "Gratuity" as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, meals, beverages,
money, property, loan, promise, service, or entertainment.
Members shall not solicit nor accept any gift or gratuity from any police-regulated
business or person employed by, or having an interest in, a police-regulated business.
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Members shall not solicit nor accept from any person, business or organization, any gift
or gratuity for the benefit of the member or others if it may be reasonably inferred that
the person, business or organization:
1. Seeks to influence action of an official nature or seeks to affect the performance
or non-performance of an official duty; or
2. Has an interest that may be affected directly or indirectly by the performance of
an official duty.
While on duty, members shall pay full price for any goods, products or services
obtained.
9.09 ABUSE OF POSITION POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
A. Use of official position or identification
Members shall not use their official position, official identification cards or
badges for: (1) Personal or financial gain; (2) Obtaining privileges not otherwise
available to them except in the performance of duty; or (3) Avoiding
consequences of illegal acts. Members shall not lend their identification cards or
badges to other persons nor permit their identification cards to be reproduced.
B. Use of name, photograph or title
Members shall not permit or authorize the use of their names, photographs or
official titles in connection with testimonials or advertisements of any commodity
or commercial enterprise if such use identifies the person as a member of the San
Diego Police Department without the prior approval of the Chief of Police.
C. Except as authorized, members shall not enter into official Department
correspondence. (See DP 1.17, Department Correspondence)
D. Members shall not use the Department's name or address, nor the address of any
area station, for other than official purposes. Members shall not authorize the use
of the Department's name, any Department address or their official titles on any
personal correspondence, including, personal checks, credit cards and other items
to be deemed for personal use without the prior approval of the Chief of Police.
9.10 ENDORSEMENTS AND REFERRALS POLICY
Members in an official capacity shall not recommend or suggest, in any manner, the
employment or procurement of a particular product, or private professional or
commercial service (such as attorney, ambulance service, towing service, bondsman,
crime prevention materials, private investigator firms, etc).
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9.11 ASSOCIATING POLICY (Revised 04/21/04)
Members shall not maintain associations or dealings with persons, whom they know or
should know, are felons or suspected felons; registered sex offenders, involved in illicit
narcotic activity; involved in violent crimes; or persons under criminal investigation or
indictment that may adversely affect Department operations. Such associations are
only permissible in the performance of authorized official duties.
9.12 VISITING PROHIBITED ESTABLISHMENTS POLICY (Revised 04/21/04)
Members shall not knowingly visit, enter or frequent a house of prostitution, unlawful
gambling house, or establishment maintained for the purpose of conducting illegal
activity, except in the performance of duty or while acting under proper and specific
orders from a supervisor.
While on duty, members shall not visit any adult entertainment establishments unless
for authorized official duties.
9.13 PUBLIC STATEMENTS AND APPEARANCES POLICY ( R e v i s e d 0 1 / 2 6 / 0 4 )
Members shall not publicly criticize or ridicule the Department, its policies or others by
speech, writing or other expression, where this is defamatory, obscene, unlawful,
undermines the effectiveness of the Department, interferes with the maintenance of
discipline or is made with reckless disregard for truth or known to be false.
Members shall not address public gatherings, appear on radio or television, lecture,
prepare any articles for publication, act as correspondents to a newspaper or periodical,
or release or divulge investigative information regarding police matters without the
prior approval of the Chief of Police.
9.14 POLITICAL ACTIVITY POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Members shall not:
1. Use their official capacity to influence, interfere with, or affect the results of any
election for political office;
2. Use or give the appearance of using their official status at any time or place for
the purpose of soliciting contributions or attempting to exert influence in respect
to any election for political office. This includes the use of title, wearing of the
uniform or other apparel or badge or posing for campaign photographs in
uniform;
3. Engage in any political activity during working hours or in any City work area;
or,
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4. Permit entry into any place under their control occupied for any purpose of the
municipal government of any person for the purpose of therein making, collecting
or receiving any subscription or contribution or giving any notice of political
activity.
9.15 PERFORMANCE OF DUTY POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Members shall maintain sufficient competency to properly perform their duties and
assume the responsibilities of their positions. Members shall perform their duties in a
manner that will maintain the highest standards of efficiency in carrying out the
functions and objectives of the Department. Unsatisfactory performance may be
demonstrated by, but is not limited to, a lack of knowledge of the application of laws
required to be enforced, an unwillingness or inability to perform assigned tasks, or the
failure to conform to work standards established for the member's rank, grade or
position.
Officers shall not fail to take appropriate action on the occasion of a crime disorder or
other condition deserving police attention, or be absent without leave or be
unnecessarily absent from their assigned area during a tour of duty.
The following will be considered prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory performance
for all members: repeated poor performance evaluations or a written record of repeated
infractions of the Department’s policies, procedures, directives or orders.
9.16 ARREST POLICY
Members shall not make any arrest that they know is not in accordance with law and
established Department procedures.
9.17 REPORTING FOR DUTY POLICY
Members shall report for duty at the time and place required by assignment or orders
and shall be physically and mentally fit to perform their duties. They shall be properly
equipped and cognizant of information required for the proper performance of duty so
that they may immediately assume their duties. Off-duty members shall be subject to
recall as needed, and shall report for duty as directed by any superior. Judicial or other
lawfully issued subpoenas shall constitute an order to appear under this section.
Absence from duty without leave for a period of three days shall be considered a
resignation and may be processed as such.
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9.18 NEGLECT OF DUTY POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Members shall not engage in activities or personal business that would cause them to
neglect or be inattentive to their duty.
Members shall remain awake on duty. If unable to do so, they shall advise their
superior who shall determine the proper course of action.
9.19 IDENTIFICATION POLICY (Revised 01/13/09)
Whether on or off duty, officers and reserve officers shall carry or have in their
immediate possession, their Department identification card, except when impractical,
dangerous for their safety or when the act would hamper an investigation. The carrying
of a badge or firearm shall be at the option of the officer. If an officer chooses to carry
a badge, the Department identification card shall also be carried. If an officer chooses
to carry a firearm, both the Department identification card and badge shall be carried.
Officers shall furnish their names and Department member identification numbers to
any person requesting that information when they are on duty or while representing
themselves as having official capacities, except when the withholding of such
information is necessary for the performance of police duties or is authorized by the
proper authority.
9.20 COURTESY POLICY (Revised 03/27/15)
Members shall be courteous to all persons. Members shall be tactful in the performance
of their duties, shall control their tempers, exercise the utmost patience and discretion, and
shall not engage in argumentative discussion even in the face of extreme provocation.
Except when necessary to establish control during a violent or dangerous situation, no
member shall use coarse, profane or violent language. Members shall not use insolent
language or gestures in the performance of his or her duties. Members shall not make
derogatory comments about or express any prejudice concerning race, religion, politics,
national origin, gender (to include gender identity and gender expression), sexual
orientation, or similar personal characteristics.
9.21 REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE POLICY
When any person requests assistance or advice, or makes complaints or reports, either
by telephone or in person, all pertinent information shall be obtained in a professional
and courteous manner and shall be properly and judiciously acted upon, consistent with
established Department procedures.
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9.22 PATRIOTIC COURTESY POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Patriotic courtesy and respect for the American flag is symbolic of the oath to
support and uphold the U.S. Constitution. During the playing of the National
Anthem and when the Pledge of Allegiance is being recited, officers shall render
one of the following salutes to the American flag:
1) During the playing of the National Anthem, members in uniform shall stand
at attention and render a military salute;
2) During the Pledge of Allegiance, members in uniform shall stand at attention
and place their right hand over their heart;
3) During the Pledge of Allegiance indoors, members in uniform and wearing a
hat, shall remove their hat and hold it in their right hand, over their heart;
4) During the Pledge of Allegiance outdoors, members in uniform and wearing a
hat, shall leave their hat on; and,
5) Members in civilian attire shall stand at attention and place their right hand
over their heart during either the National Anthem or the Pledge of
Allegiance.
9.23 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND DRUGS IN POLICE
INSTALLATIONS POLICY
Members shall not bring into, nor store, alcoholic beverages, non-prescribed
controlled substances, narcotics or hallucinogens in any police facility or vehicle,
except in the performance of duties or as authorized by the Chief of Police. Such
items shall be processed in accordance with Department procedures.
9.24 SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY (Revised 05/05/15)
Illegal drug use or possessing, selling, furnishing, administering, transporting,
cultivating, and/or processing illegal drugs will not be tolerated. This includes
“street” drugs, anabolic steroids, and misuse of prescription medication.
Unjustifiable positive test results for alcohol will also subject employees to
discipline. Members shall not drink intoxicating beverages while on duty except in
the performance of duty and while acting under proper and specific orders from a
superior. Members shall not appear for duty, nor be on duty, while under the
influence of illegal drugs or intoxicants or with an odor of intoxicants on their breath.
Unjustifiable positive test results for illegal drugs or a blood alcohol level of 0.02%,
or above, for alcohol shall be considered a violation of this policy.
Members, while off duty, shall refrain from consuming intoxicating beverages
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within eight hours of the beginning of a scheduled shift or overtime assignment, or
to the extent that it results in a level of impairment, intoxication, or obnoxious or
offensive behavior which would discredit them or the Department, or render them
unfit to report for their next regular shift.
9.25 PAYMENT OF DEBTS POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Members shall not undertake any financial obligations that they know or should
know they will be unable to meet. Repeat instances of financial difficulty may be
cause for disciplinary action when the employee's job performance is adversely
affected or Department operations are impaired.
Non-payment of debts in dispute between members and creditors shall not be the
subject of disciplinary action. Financial difficulties stemming from unforeseen
medical expenses or personal disaster shall not be cause for discipline, provided that
a good- faith effort to settle all accounts is undertaken.
9.26 RESIDENCE AND TELEPHONE POLICY (Revised 11/04/2008)
Members shall reside within the state of California and maintain the ability to
respond for duty within 90 minutes. All members shall maintain a telephone that is
accessible in their residence and must keep their command informed of their correct
residential
address and telephone number. Members shall report any address or telephone
number changes to their command within twenty-four hours of making the change.
Newly appointed members to the Department who reside outside the residential
location requirement shall take up residence within the required distance no later
than the completion of their probationary period.
9.27 INVESTIGATIONS POLICY (Revised 01/26/04)
Members shall not conduct any investigation, or other official action not part of
their regular duties, without first obtaining permission from their superior, unless
the urgency of the situation requires immediate police action. In those situations,
the member must notify their superior of their actions as soon as possible.
9.28 DEPARTMENT REPORTS POLICY
Members shall submit all necessary reports on time and in accordance with established
Department Procedures. Reports submitted by members shall be truthful and no
member shall knowingly enter, or cause to be entered, any inaccurate, false or
improper information.
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9.29 TRUTHFULNESS POLICY
Members shall be truthful in all matters relating to their duties.
Upon the order of a superior, or any officer appointed by the Chief of Police to
conduct internal investigations, and in accordance with Constitutional and contractual
guarantees, including a right to representation, members shall truthfully answer all
questions specifically directed and narrowly related to their scope of employment and
operations of the Department.
9.30 MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND LINEUPS POLICY
Upon the order of the Chief of Police or his designee, and in accordance with
Constitutional and contractual guarantees, officers shall submit to any
psychological, medical, ballistics, chemical or other tests, photographs or lineups
that are specifically directed and narrowly related to a particular internal
investigation being conducted by the Department.
9.31 NON-BIAS BASED POLICING POLICY (Revised 3/27/15)
The department does not tolerate bias based policing. Bias based policing occurs
when law enforcement inappropriately considers factors such as race, religion,
national origin, gender (to include gender identity and gender expression), lifestyle,
sexual orientation or similar personal characteristics in deciding with whom and
how to intervene in an enforcement capacity.
Members shall not base any enforcement action, in whole or in part, on race,
religion, national origin, gender (to include gender identity and gender expression),
lifestyle, sexual orientation or similar personal characteristics, except when
members are looking for subjects or investigating crimes involving those specific
descriptors.
Members shall make every effort to prevent and report instances of discriminatory or
bias based policing practices by fellow members.
9.32 CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY
A Department member who, in his or her official capacity, becomes involved in any
incident or investigation where a potential conflict of interest exists shall
immediately inform his or her supervisor of such involvement. The decision as to
whether the member may continue to be involved with the incident or investigation
will be at the discretion of the member’s supervisor or another ranking member of
the Department.
San Diego Police Department Policy Manual
Page 36 of 36
9.33 DUTY TO REPORT MISCONDUCT POLICY(04/29/14)
Members shall immediately report misconduct by another member.
For the purpose of this policy misconduct means conduct that causes risk to the health
and safety of the public, or impairs the operation and efficiency of the Department or
member, or brings into disrepute the reputation of the member or the Department. The
conduct could involve a violation of any law, statute, ordinance, City Administrative
Regulation, Department policy or procedure, act of moral turpitude or ethical violation.
In this context misconduct involves a willful act done with a wrong intention and is
more than mere negligence, error of judgment or innocent mistake.
If any member has credible knowledge of another member’s misconduct they shall take
immediate, reasonable action to stop the misconduct, and the member shall report the
misconduct to a supervisor as soon as possible.
Supervisors shall assess the validity of any allegation of misconduct by a member. If
there is evidence of misconduct, or the allegation appears credible, then the supervisor
shall immediately notify their chain of command and/or the watch commander’s office.
9.34 BACKGROUNDS AND RECRUITING STANDARDS (New 05/05/15)
All Department members assigned to the Background Investigations Unit shall abide by
established POST standards and guidelines in addition to the Backgrounds and
Recruiting Operations Manual.
