Policy Text
Field Services 1 2/14 (REV 1/04)
Teddy Bear Program
The purpose of this order is to describe the procedures to be f ollowed when distributing
the stuffed toy bears placed in patrol vehicles for children be ing placed into protective
custody. I. General
Stuffed toy bears are kept in t he trunks of patrol vehicles. Th ese bears are to be
used for calming emotionally d istraught children who have been separated from
a parent or guardian, or in other cases as appropriate. Citizen groups with the
express intention that they be used to bring comfort to abused, neglected, or
traumatically distressed ch ildren donate the toy bears.
II. Dispersing Teddy Bears
A. It shall be at the officer's discretion to determine the nee d or benefit to give
a child a bear, subject to the following guidelines.
1. Not recommended for infants.
2. Do not force upon any child
B. When interviewing:
1. Do not give or mention the t eddy bear until all interviews a re
completed. The bears shall not be used to entice or coerce a c hild
to make a statement.
2. Do not give a teddy bear to a sibling until all of the child ren have
been interviewed. This will elim inate a defense argument that the
bear was used to obtain a statement.
Field Services 2 2/14 (REV 1/04) III. Accountability
A. When a teddy bear is given, i t is to be noted in the patrol officer's report as
to who received the bear, and at w hat point during the contact it was given
(a requirement established by the District Attorney's office.)
B. The bears are not to be used for other than their intended p urpose.
IV. Replacement
A. The patrol officer who give s away a teddy bear should replac e or arrange
for the replacement of the bear to maintain an inventory of thr ee (3) teddy
bears in the vehicle.
B. The division equipment room per sonnel have the responsibilit y for
maintaining a supply of teddy bear s available for officers to r eplace in
vehicles.
C. The Kiwanis Club of Sacram ento, Suburban and the Rotary Club of East
Sacramento has historically donat ed the bears. Further supplie s are
dependent on the charitable contri bution of citizen groups.