Policy Text
Hayward Police Department
Hayward PD Policy Manual
CHIEFS PREFACE
The purpose of these regulations are, in general, to provide a basis for the orderly and disciplined
performance of duty. Their publication will promote a surer knowledge of what is expected of
personnel generally and of all ranks and assignments specifically. These regulations are an
integral component of the police Department's value-based organization. The values of the
Department, the mission of organizational philosophies and operational principles are manifested
in these rules, which establish standards of conduct.
Through these regulations, every effort has been made to confine them to those phases of official
behavior which affect Departmental operation and to avoid unwarranted or unnecessary intrusion
upon the private life and off duty actions of members of the Department. However, in the eyes of
the public, a police officer is never off duty and his or her every act may be subject to scrutiny,
interpretation, and comment. Therefore, the regulations must be based upon the interests of the
organization as a whole.
The Hayward Police Department should strive to support three crucial principles: Excellence,
accountability, and commitment. Members of the organization are responsible for ensuring these
three elements are part and parcel of their professional life. Working in the Hayward Police
Department takes exceptional people willing to be held to the high standard that society and the
courts have placed on the police profession. To be worthy of public trust, police authority must be
exercised in a manner consistent with the highest of principles.
We constitute an organization whose very existence is justified solely on the basis of community
service. The community and police personnel have a close-knit relationship in which teamwork
and shared responsibilities are vital to the success of the organization and to the community at
large. Hayward's public safety philosophies support the concepts of community-based problem-
solving, prevention, intervention, collaboration and partnerships.
To accomplish this mission, every police department employee is encouraged to value and
promote personal and organizational integrity, problem-solving and partnerships, accountability at
every level of the organization, professional police service, respect for diversity and inclusiveness,
open and honest communication, and innovation and creativity.
We should consider it our duty and privilege, not only to protect our citizens from the criminal
element, but also to protect and defend the rights guaranteed by the Constitution as well as state,
county, and local law. It may be said that matters of civil law are not a basic police responsibility
and, within reasonable limits, we should attempt to avoid becoming entangled in them. However,
in many situations, justice can best be served only when we assist in such matters. Our philosophy
must embrace a wholehearted determination to protect and support the doctrine of individual rights
while providing for the security of persons and property in the community. In meeting this objective,
it is our duty to operate as a service organization. The nature of what we do demands honesty,
discretion, quick thinking, patience, courage, pride, unquestionable ethics and a host of other
qualities that are tested on a daily basis.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/12/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Hayward Police DepartmentCHIEFS PREFACE - 1
Hayward PD Policy Manual
CHIEFS PREFACE
Our Departmental Policy Manual clearly sets forth the limits of police conduct and the exercise
of police powers for our employees. The policies are designed to instill a high degree of public
trust in the organization while, at the same time, providing fair and reasonable standards for our
employees. As a result, it is a living document that is subject to change as laws, court decisions,
City Council policies, the Strategic Plan, and other factors dictate.
As an organization accountable to its community, we are committed to continuously reviewing
and, as needed, updating these policies to ensure we strive toward the highest possible standard
of service. Just as our organization earns and owns its professional image, every member has a
responsibility to embrace the mission, policies, and practices of the Hayward Police Department.
It is every employee's duty to become thoroughly familiar with the contents of this manual, including
keeping current as updates are made. The Hayward Police Department's core values form the
foundation on which we perform our duties and conduct ourselves. These values are used as a
guide and source of inspiration for all that we say and do. They are an integral part of our daily
operations and ensure that our personal and professional behavior reflect our highest traditions
of excellence.
As the Chief of Police, I am both honored and proud to lead the men and women of the Hayward
Police Department. I know each of you is committed to the excellence, accountability, and
commitment that it takes to be a part of the police profession in today's world.
Upon distribution of this manual, all other existing manuals, orders and regulations that are in
conflict are hereby revoked.
Bryan Matthews, Chief of Police
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/12/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Hayward Police DepartmentCHIEFS PREFACE - 2
Hayward Police Department
Hayward PD 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.