Policy Text
Alturas Police Department
Alturas PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/12/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alturas Police DepartmentCHIEF'S PREFACE - 1CHIEF'S PREFACE
As the most visible symbol of the law, Alturas Police Officers and employees must conduct
themselves in a manner that inspires respect for the law. To be worthy of public trust, police
authority must be exercised in a manner consistent with the highest principles of a free society.
The nation's political system is founded on the belief that certain rights are inalienable and that
government may not deny or abridge these rights. The departmental "Policy Manual" sets forth
the limits of police conduct and the exercise of police power. The policies are designed to instill
a high degree of public trust in the police while, at the same time, providing fair and reasonable
standards of conduct for police officers and employees.
Whenever there are such written policies, there is also police professionalism. Police professionals
view standards of conduct as positive ethical goals that are basic and fundamental elements of
an effective professional organization. An organization is a reflection of its leadership. Alturas
is a professional community police department staffed by individuals who cherish the highest
standards of conduct and performance.
This Policy Manual is a reflection of these concepts and, when fairly applied, the policies confirm
this commitment to ourselves and to our community.
Each employee is provided a copy of this Manual as a means of maintaining and further developing
our effectiveness through broad understanding and uniformity of our operations. The information
contained in the Manual should be followed as closely as circumstances permit.
Each member is equally important and plays an essential role in our effort and measurement
of our accomplishments. If one fails, this causes an adverse effect upon the entire organization.
Therefore, keep yourself informed of the contents of this Manual; use it as a reference and keep it
current. In keeping with new laws, community attitudes and the enhancement of professionalism;
policies and procedures will change periodically requiring your responsibility in keeping the Manual
up-to-date.
As Supervisor, I am proud of this department and every member in the organization. Members
have demonstrated dedication and leadership in the field of law enforcement through their own
initiative. A continued effort to uphold this fine tradition rests upon everyone.
Alturas Police Department
Alturas PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/12/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alturas Police DepartmentLAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS - 2LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard
lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or
intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights
of all to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does
not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger,
scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest
in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law
and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is
confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in
the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with
relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without
fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting
gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be
held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption
or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally
authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take
every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.
I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my
chosen profession . . . law enforcement.
Alturas Police Department
Alturas PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/12/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alturas Police DepartmentBlank for Mission Statement - 3BLANK FOR MISSION STATEMENT
Alturas Police Department
Alturas PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/12/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alturas Police DepartmentTable of Contents - 4Table of Contents
CHIEF'S PREFACE ....................... 1
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS ............... 2
Blank for Mission Statement ................... 3
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority ............ 9
100 - Law Enforcement Authority ................. 10
102 - Chief Executive Officer ................... 13
104 - Oath of Office ..................... 14
106 - Policy Manual ..................... 15
107 - Law Enforcement Code of Ethics ............... 18
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ............. 19
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility ............