Policy Text
OFFICE OF CHIEF OF POLICE
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: All Personnel DATE: 30 Sep 10
SUBJECT: Revision of Departmental Manual of Rules (Rev. 9 Apr 09).
The Manual of Rules has been revised to reflect additions, deletions, and revisions for the
purpose of clarification and to ensure consis tency with the Discipline Matrix. Additionally,
the Index has been revised to cr oss-reference subject headings.
The Evaluation Coordinator for this order shall be the Internal Affairs Division
Commander, who, without further notice, shall forward the re quired report to the Chief of
Police on or by 1 Apr 11. The Evaluation Coordinator shall receive, revi ew and document the acceptance or rejection
of all comments and/or reco mmendations received prior to submitting his/her six-month
evaluation report. The Evaluation Coordinator shall forward a co py of the six-month evaluation report, along
with the comments/recommendations received, to the Office of Inspector General to be
maintained in the appr opriate archive folder.
The Evaluation Coordinator shall forward a co py of the six-month evaluation report, along
with the comments/recommendations received, to the Office of Inspector General.
Personnel shall acknowledge re ceipt, review, and unders tanding of this manual in
accordance with the provisions of DGO A-1, DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS.
By order of Anthony W. Batts Chief of Police Date Signed: _______ ____________
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
MANUAL OF RULES
Anthony W. Batts
Chief of Police
30 Sep 2010
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT Effective Date
Manual of Rules 30 Sep10
PREAMBLE
It is the purpose of this Manual of Rules to provide additional sp ecificity to the standards of
conduct embodied in the law enforcement officer’s Code of Ethics and the Department’s
Statement of Values. In that regard, all personnel will be tter understand re quirements and
limitations pertaining to their conduct and activities while on and off duty.
Actions of Departmental personnel that are inconsistent, in compatible, or in conflict with
the values established by this agency negatively affect its reput ation and that of its members
and employees. Such actions or omissions thereby detract fr om the agency’s overall ability
to effectively and efficiently protect the public , maintain the public’s trust and confidence,
and conduct other essential busines s. Therefore, the Department has reason to expect that all
personnel will conduct themselves, at all times, in a manner that demonstrates adherence to
the ethical standards implied by the rules set forth in this ma nual and otherwise disseminated
by this agency. The rules of conduct set forth in this manual are not intende d to serve as an exhaustive
treatment of Departmental requirements and limitations on member or employee conduct
and activities. Rather, they are intended to (1) alert all personnel to some of the more
sensitive and often problematic matters involved in police c onduct and ethics; (2) specify,
where possible, actions and omissions that are contrary to and that conflict with the duties and responsibilities of police se rvice personnel; and (3) guide members and employees in
conducting themselves and thei r activities in a manner that reflects the standards of
deportment and professionalism required of Oakland police pe rsonnel. Additional guidance
on matters of conduct is provided through specific policie s, procedures, and directives
disseminated by the Department and from immediate supervisors and commanders.
The promulgation of rules does not curtail disc retion or stifle creativity. Instead, ethical
conduct produces broad support fo r decision-making at lower, mo re practical levels in the
organization. As the Departme nt’s community policing philo sophy continues to evolve,
critical thinking, resourcefulne ss and creativity will mirror a co mmitment to ethical conduct.
As a result, the community and the Department will continue to en joy the benefits and
contributions that all personnel make to the quality of police service in Oakland.
i
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT Effective Date
Manual of Rules 30 Sep10
ii MISSION
The Mission of the Oakland Po lice Department is to provide the people of Oakland an
environment where they can live, work, play, and thrive free from crime and the fear of
crime.
VISION
• By the Year 2015, Oakland is one of the safest large cities in Calif ornia – both in reality
and perception.
• The Oakland Police Department provides hi gh quality services in a Community-driven
and customer – friendly manner.
• The Oakland Police Department is trusted, respected, and valued by those it serves.
• The Oakland Community and the Oakland Polic e Department work together to solve
Community and neighborhoo d concerns and issues.
VALUES
In dealing with our Comm unity and customers, we:
• Recognize that we are here to se rve the needs of the Community.
• Strive to provide the best service possi ble, in a professiona l and positive manner.
• Operate with ethics, honesty, and integrity.
• Treat our customers with re spect, dignity, and fairness.
• Are responsive to the changing needs of our Community and individuals we serve.
In dealing with each other, we:
• Treat each other with respect based on mutual trust and common purpose.
• Do the right things, ethically, and honesty.
• Communicate openly and positively about plans and decisions.
• Set priorities to ensure serv ices are delivered to the Community by personnel who are
properly trained, equipped,