Policy Text
Policy
1011San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentCommendations and Awards - 1Commendations and Awards
1011.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides general guidelines for recognizing commendable or meritorious acts of
members of the San Luis Obispo Police Department and individuals from the community.
1011.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to recognize and acknowledge
exceptional individual or group achievements, performance, proficiency, heroism and service of
its members and individuals from the community through commendations and awards.
1011.3 COMMENDATIONS
Commendations for members of the Department or for individuals from the community may be
initiated by any department member or by any person from the community.
1011.4 CRITERIA
A meritorious or commendable act may include, but is not limited to:
•Superior handling of a difficult situation.
•Conspicuous bravery or outstanding performance.
•Any action or performance that is above and beyond typical duties.
1011.4.1 DEPARTMENT MEMBER DOCUMENTATION
Members of the Department should document meritorious or commendable acts. The
documentation should contain:
(a)Identifying information:
1.For members of the Department - name, bureau and assignment at the date and
time of the meritorious or commendable act
2.For individuals from the community - name, address, telephone number
(b)A brief account of the meritorious or commendable act with report numbers, as
appropriate.
(c)The signature of the member submitting the documentation.
1011.4.2 COMMUNITY MEMBER DOCUMENTATION
Documentation of a meritorious or commendable act submitted by a person from the community
should be accepted in any form. However, written documentation is preferred. Department
members accepting the documentation should attempt to obtain detailed information regarding
the matter, including:
(a)Identifying information:
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Commendations and Awards
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentCommendations and Awards - 21.For members of the Department - name, bureau and assignment at the date and
time of the meritorious or commendable act
2.For individuals from the community - name, address, telephone number
(b)A brief account of the meritorious or commendable act with report numbers, as
appropriate.
(c)The signature of the person submitting the documentation.
1011.4.3 PROCESSING DOCUMENTATION
Documentation regarding the meritorious or commendable act of a member of the Department
should be forwarded to the appropriate Division Chief for his/her review. The Division Chief should
sign and forward the documentation to the Chief of Police for his/her review.
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee will present the commendation to the department
member for his/her signature. The documentation will then be returned to the Administration
secretary for entry into the member’s personnel file.
Documentation regarding the meritorious or commendable act of an individual from the community
should be forwarded to the Administration Division Chief. The documentation will be signed by
the Division Chief and forwarded to the Chief of Police for his/her review. An appropriate venue
or ceremony to acknowledge the individual’s actions should be arranged. Documentation of the
commendation shall be maintained in a file designated for such records.
1011.5 AWARDS
Awards may be bestowed upon members of the Department and individuals from the community.
These awards include:
•Award of Merit.
•Award of Valor.
•Lifesaving Award.
•Meritorious Conduct.
Criteria for each award and the selection, presentation and display of any award are determined
by the Chief of Police.