Policy Text
Colusa County Sheriff's Department
Colusa County SO Policy Manual
COLUSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Any organization is only as good as the personnel that are a part of it. Here in Colusa County,
our employees and volunteers really are our most valuable resource. For us to be effective, we
must provide guidance, direction and leadership, in the form of policies and procedures, in order
to accomplish our mission.
This policy manual is a living document that is subject to constant change. New laws, court
decisions, County policies, new methodologies and other factors, dictate the need for a continual
review of these policies, initiating revisions where necessary and appropriate.
It must be kept in mind that no set of policies, no matter how complete, can hope to address all
the situations we may encounter in policing. Therefore, it follows that there will be situations that
occur that must be left to the good judgment and discretion of the person involved. This judgment
and discretion must be employed with sound reason.
It is every employee's responsibility and duty, to become thoroughly familiar with the contents of
this manual. Employees are further responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their individual
copy, including keeping current as updates are made.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/08/26, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Colusa County Sheriff's
DepartmentCOLUSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE - 1
Colusa County Sheriff's Department
Colusa County SO Policy 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 2024/08/26, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Colusa County Sheriff's
DepartmentLaw Enforcement Code of Ethics - 2
Colusa County Sheriff's Department
Colusa County SO Policy Manual
COLUSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
The Colusa County Sheriff's Department is dedicated to providing quality policing services to the
community. We are committed to the protection of life, property and the rights of our citizens in
a fair, impartial and positive manner.
•We will endeavor to create a working relationship with the citizens to identify, address,
and solve community problems and concerns.
•We will strive to meet the ever changing needs of the community.
•We will be active, innovative, and progressive to enhance the services the Sheriff's
Department provides to our community.
•We will take action to deter criminal activity through commitment, dedication, and
teamwork.
•We will strive to maintain the highest ethical and moral standards.
•We will recognize our weaknesses and strive to overcome them.
Our personal satisfaction comes from solving the problems within our community. The
community's satisfaction with our services is the single greatest measure of our success.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/08/26, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Colusa County Sheriff's
DepartmentColusa County Sheriff's Department Mission
Statement - 3
Colusa County Sheriff's Department
Colusa County SO Policy Manual
Table of Contents
COLUSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE .................1
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics ...................2
Colusa County Sheriff's Department Mission Statement ...........3
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority .............8
100 - Law Enforcement Authority ...................9
102 - Chief Executive Officer ....................12
104 - Oath of Office .......................13
106 - Policy Manual .......................14
107 - Law Enforcement Code of Ethics ................17
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ..............18
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility .............19
204 - Special Orders ......................21
206 - Emergency Management Plan .................22
212 - Electronic Mail ......................23
214 - Administrative Communications .................25
216 - Staffing Levels ......................26
218 -