Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 340.02
Page 1 of 3
340.02
INTERNAL INSPECTIONS
02-27-17
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for the review of policies and procedures through
an internal systematic inspection system.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department to conduct internal inspections of activities,
monitor civil liability issues, and re view incidents essential to the mission of the Department as
recommended by the command staff.
PROCEDURE
A. DEFINITIONS
1. AUDITOR – A designated employee assigned to the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) or
designated by the COP (Chief of Police).
2. INSPECTION – A review process of activities, personnel, pr ocedures , and equipment to prevent
failure, error , or misconduct through application of corrective action.
3. INSPECTION REPORT – A written report submitted to the COP or designee generated to
provide an accurate and comprehensive ac count of the entire inspection. The report id entifies
deficiencies and makes recommendations for improvement and/or correction while identifying
positive aspects of the components being inspected.
B. PRO FESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT (PSU)
1. PSU shall conduct inspections of identified units and monitor services provided by the
Department to en sure that they are in compliance with appropriate general orders, regulat ions,
and state and federal law and that the highest standards of professional law enforcement are
met.
2. Inspections performed by P SU shall be conducted under the autho rity of the COP or his /her
designee.
a. Employees shall cooperate and assist with the inspection if requested by an auditor.
b. Auditor status can be delegated to any employee who has been properly trained or has
auditing exper ience upon approval of the Captain, Office of the Chief (OOC).
C. CONDUCTION INSPECTIONS
1. Scope
a. All functions within a division, section , or unit may be reviewed during an inspection(s).
b. The inspection(s) shall be an independent review of task performance as it relates to the
existing policies and procedures of the Department. This process may include on -site
inspections, interviews, records research , or other observations required to obtain
information upon which a factual report can be based. The inspection may focus on, but is
not limited to, the following area s:
(1) Department fulfillment of legally mandated responsibilities.
(2) Compliance with Department requirements for the use of personnel, equipment and
allocated funds.
(3) The progress/performance of Department programs.
(4) Observations of field incidents.
(5) Crime, arrest , and other reporting requirements.
(6) The quality of police service to the public.
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 340.02
Page 2 of 3
2. Notification of Inspections
a. Inspections shall be performed with 30 -day written notice to the respective office chief and
division commander.
b. At the request of the COP, inspections may be co nducted with reduced notice or no prior
notice.
3. Entrance Interview
a. An entrance briefing shall be scheduled with the division commander and section/unit
commander.
b. The briefing shall present the details of the inspection to include
(1) Purpose.
(2) Duration.
(3) Number of team members conducting the inspection.
(4) Proposed exit schedule.
4. Conference periods
PSU shall schedule conference periods for personal input by section/unit staff.
a. These periods are open to all employees during the inspection.
b. The audited unit’s supervisors shall ensure these periods are well advertised.
5. Conducting the Inspections
a. Inspections begin directly after the entrance interview.
b. Inspections shall be accomplished using
(1) An inspection checklist or matrix.
(2) Published criteria in the form of Ge neral Orders, Office Orders, and Division/Section/Unit
Directives. The criteria are not inclusive and shall not restrict auditors to the addressed
areas.
c. The auditor shall notify the section/unit supervisor or manager when the inspection is
completed.
6. Post Inspection Activities
a. Upon completion of the inspection, an exit interview shall be given to the division
commander and unit/section commander to address inspection findings.
b. After the verbal exit interview, PSU shall prepare a written report to the COP or his /her
designee on the results of the inspection.
7. Follow -up inspections shall be done at the discretion of the COP. Each division commander is
responsible for continued, ongoin g inspections within his/her command to ensure the proper
performance of assigned personnel and the most efficient use of equipment, material , and
facilities.
D. REPORTING INSPECTION DETAILS
1. Component Headings - All reports should begin with an introduction that briefly explains the
scop e and intent of the audit. This section should also identify the organizational entity
requesting the inspection, as well as the lead auditor assigned to conduct the inspection.
2. Methodology - The methodology is an explanation of the procedures used to achi eve the stated
objectives. Normally, the methodology will be approved by the person requesting the inspection
before any research has begun. The purpose of completing a methodology is to ensure that the
scope of the inspection is defined, the auditor is familiar with all policies affecting the entity or
topic to be inspected , and a systematic approach to the inspection has been developed.
3. Findings - The findings of particular interest to the reader should be briefly stated in this
section.
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 340