Policy Text
Richmond Police Department
Richmond PD CA Policy Manual
CHIEF'S PREFACE
The Richmond Police Department exists to serve the public by delivering professional
police services that emphasize ownership, collaboration, and partnerships. Community policing
philosophy is the basis of our organizational values, and it guides our operational decisions. Patrol
Richmond combines a balanced fusion of contemporary policing methodologies with modern
technology applications and strong community relationships in order to provide the best possible
service to the public. We have and will continue to adopt, tailor, and perfect the best practices in
the field in order to maintain a balanced fusion of effective policing methodologies that support
and enhance our crime reduction and crime prevention goals.
Every employee is required to affirm the Oath of Office; abide by the Professional Code of Ethics;
and, accept responsibility for the achievement of the RPD Mission, and be committed to its
concepts.
All employees should have an enjoyable, safe and productive workplace. In order to provide such
an environment every employee is expected to meet, maintain, and model the following standards:
(a)Come to work on time
(b)Be available for work when needed and on a regular and predictable basis
(c)Comply in letter and spirit with lawful RPD policies and directives
(d)Be mentally and physically prepared for work
(e)Learn your job
(f)Adjust to change
(g)Use productive work time in an efficient and effective manner
(h)Be loyal to the lawful interests and needs of the RPD
(i)Be nice, easy to get along with, and work with others in a harmonious relationship
This policy manual is published for the information and guidance of the members of the Richmond
Police Department. Department members are responsible for knowing and adhering to its
contents. Although our manual is considered to be a model policy, there is no policy manual that
can cover every situation that an employee may encounter. Good judgment, integrity, and training
must also be exercised and measured for the specific circumstance.
This policy manual is effective immediately.
Bisa French - Chief of Police
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Richmond Police DepartmentChief's Preface - 1
Richmond Police Department
Richmond PD CA Policy Manual
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Richmond Police Department is to prevent crime and maintain order. We work
in partnership with our diverse community to help solve neighborhood problems, address root
causes of crime and improve the quality of life in Richmond. We strive to perform in a manner that
promotes public trust, confidence, and a sense of safety and security.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Richmond Police DepartmentMission Statement - 2
Richmond Police Department
Richmond PD CA Policy Manual
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; 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, 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 in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the
laws of the land 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, 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 the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these
objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession... law enforcement.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Richmond Police DepartmentLaw Enforcement Code of Ethics - 3
Richmond Police Department
Richmond PD CA Policy Manual
Table of Contents
Chief's Preface .........................1
Mission Statement ........................2
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics ...................3
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority .............9
100 - Law Enforcement Authority ..................10
101 - Employee Notice of Management Rights ..............13
102 - Chief Executive Officer ....................14
103 - Oath of Office .......................15
104 - Policy Manual .......................16
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ..............19
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility .............20
201 - Richmond Police Department Table of Organization ..........25
202 - Special Order .......................26
203 - Emergency Management Plan .................27
204 - Training.........................28
205 - Electronic Mail ......................30
206 - Administrative Communications .................32
207 - Staffing Levels ......................33
208 - License to Carry a Firearm ..................34
209 - Retiree Concealed Firearms ..................41
210 - Use of Department Address and Mail Services ............46
Chapter 3 - General Operations ...................47
300 - Use of Force .......................48
301 - Handcuffing and Restraints ..................59
302