GO 210.0420 - General and Professional Conduct

SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS GO 210.04 Page 1 of 6 210.04 GENERAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 12-13-24 PURPOSE The purpose of this order is to establish criteria for the general and professional conduct of Department employees. PREAMBLE Working in partnership with the community to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our City shall be the mission of the Department. POLICY It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department to ensure exemplary conduct of Depart ment employees, both on and off duty, and in keeping with the standards of the City Charter, Civil Service Rules and Regulations, and established labor agreements. PROCEDURE A. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT (ALL EMPLOYEES) 1. Employees on or off duty shall a. Be governed by ordinary and reasonable rules of good conduct and behavior. b. Not commit any act whether negligent, intentional, criminal, or otherwise that could bring discredit upon the Department or the City. c. Abide by all laws to include, but not limited to the Penal Code, the Health and Safety Code, and the Welfare and Institutions Code. In addition, employees shall ensure that their personal vehicles are compliant with the California Vehicle Code. 2. Employees shall : a. When they become aware of possible misconduct by another Department employee , on or off duty, immediately report the incident to a supervisor and/or directly to the Internal Affairs Division. b. Not retaliate or in any way attempt to negatively influence or prevent an employee from reporting possible misconduct (as directed in GO 580.07 – Duty to Intercede) . After an employee makes a report of possible misconduct, employees shall not take any retaliatory action against that employee. c. Serve the public by direction, counsel, and example that does not interfere with the discharge of their police responsibilities. They shall respect and protect the rights of individuals and perform their services with honesty and integrity. d. Be responsible for establishing and maintaining a high spirit of cooperation and respect for others throughout the Department. e. Treat other employees in the Department, regardless of rank, with the respect due to them as fellow employees. f. Properly perform assigned police responsibilities during a scheduled shift. NOTE: Improper performance or failure to perform assigned police responsibilities during a scheduled shift shall be regarded as neglect or dereliction of duty and cause for disciplinary action. g. Not speak slightingly or express humiliating discourtesies or derogatory comments to or engage in any harassing behavior towards any person. Employees should refrain from the use of profanity. h. When contacting the public in the performance of their official duties , employees shall: (1) Courteously and accurately provide all appropriate information upon request. SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS GO 210.04 Page 2 of 6 (2) Respectfully provide their name, badge, and/or identification number verbally or in writing upon request. (3) Officers and CSOs shall when practical , provide an SPD 558 with their name and badge number to community members: (a) On self -initiated enforcement activity in which a citizen was detained or arrested, including traffic and pedestrian stops . (b) On calls for service to the complainant when known, unless the complainant declines contact or wishes to remain anonymous . (c) Peace officers and CSOs should provide an SPD 558, including the report number, in addition to their name and badge number, to any victim of a crime. (4) Impartially serve all persons coming to the attention of the Department. i. Ensure they remain professional when conducting official business inside of a residence, business, or public building. Engaging in conversation that could bring discredit to the organization, consuming food or beverages, or using the restroom may be offensive and should be avoided, if practical. (1) Nothing precludes an employee from consuming food or beverages or using the restroom at businesses or other facilities open to the general public. j. Remain awake while on duty. If unable to stay awake, employees shall report this fact to their supervisor, who shall determine the appropriate course of action. NOTE: Sleeping on duty shall be regarded as dereliction of duty and cause for disciplinary action. k. Not lend, sell, or permit the use of their badges or credentials by other employees/persons under any circumstances. l. Not seek the influence or intervention of any person outside the Department for purposes of personal advantage, transfer, or advancement. m. Not use any electronic amplifying or recording device to eavesdrop upon or record the conversation of any other employee without their knowledge. This shall not prohibit the use of taping devices or electronic amplifying or recording devices during criminal investigations or other law enforcement activity in which there is no expectation of privacy. n. Not file false, inaccurate or improper information orally or in writing, either personally or through another employee, for criminal prosecution, personal gain, or for unearned recognition, including sick or injury reports, falsification of public records , or for any other purpose. o. Submit written reports as required by Department orders or instructions from a superior. p. Pay their debts promptly. q. Maintain a telephone with voicemail capability where they can be reached during any emergency requiring their services. NOTE: Employees on duty or officially on call shall be directly available by normal communication, including cellular telephones. r. Complete an Emergency Notification Form (SPD 552) pursuant to General Order 256.01 (Address and Telephone Changes ). s. Upon notification of