Policy Text
Berkeley Police Department
Law Enforcement Manual
CHIEF'S PREFACE
The men and women of the Berkeley Police Department aspire to provide exceptional community
service to the citizens of Berkeley. The character and responsibilities surrounding the law
enforcement field requires that all personnel be given specific and consistent instructions to
execute their duties and obligations. This manual is designed to provide each member a working
guide to follow to aid in the requirements of their duties. While sworn and non-sworn personnel are
responsible for making discretionary decisions, we are all bound by law and standards to be fair,
consistent, impartial and professional. The policies, procedures, and rules set forth in this manual
are a guide to the exercise of discretion and execution of duty.
The system of policy and procedure outlined in this manual reflects basic departmental functions in
the major operational and administrative areas. These systems are provided to establish a format
for a methodical approach to achieving Department goals and objectives. Policies and procedures
are designed to support a clear understanding of the constraints and limitations allowed under law
and to convey the Department's expectations of work performance.
This manual is a tool to be used to supplement individual training and experience, and is not
intended to discourage employee initiative. It will not encompass every situation encountered by
a member, so judicious exercise of discretion may be required.
All personnel are required to be familiar with the directives in this manual and when
necessary, seek guidance and clarification from a supervisor. Members are encouraged to
submit recommendations for constructive changes to improve the Department's efficiency and
effectiveness. This manual will be updated as necessary to reflect changes in the law, personnel
responsibilities, and Department goals and objectives.
Disclaimer: The policies, procedures, and rules expressed in this manual are for Departmental
use only and do not apply in any criminal or civil proceeding. Any policy, procedure and/or rule
shall not be construed as a higher legal standard of care or safety in an evidentiary sense with
respect to third party claims. When a conflict occurs in any directive in this manual with Federal
laws, State Statutes, City Ordinances or City Personnel Policies, the existing Federal law, State
Statute, City Ordinance or City Personnel Policy will supersede the directive in conflict.
Jennifer Louis
Chief of Police
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/11/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Berkeley Police DepartmentCHIEF'S PREFACE - 1
Berkeley Police Department
Law Enforcement Manual
LAW 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.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/11/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Berkeley Police DepartmentLAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS - 2
Berkeley Police Department
Law Enforcement Manual
MISSION - VISION - VALUES
MISSION
United in service, our mission is to safeguard our diverse
community through proactive law enforcement and problem
solving, treating all people with dignity and respect.
VISION
The Berkeley Police Department will be a team of leaders
at every level. We will foster strong relationships with our
community, inspiring trust through our service, building on
our historic tradition of progressive policing, and dedicated
to the safety of all.
VALUES
Service is our calling. As members of this community, the
Berkeley Police Department team is committed to proactive
law enforcement and problem solving, holding these as our
core values:
Integrity: We are ethical, fair, and trustworthy in all we do.
Safety: We strive to keep our community and each other
safe.
Respect: We fulfill our duties with dignity, compassion, and
empathy.
Diversity: We value the strength of a diverse workplace
and community. We endeavor to reflect the community we
serve, promoting inclusion and fairness.
Professionalism: