Policy Text
Policy
200San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentOrganizational Structure and Responsibility - 1Organizational Structure and Responsibility
200.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The organizational structure of this department is designed to create an efficient means to
accomplish our mission and goals and to provide for the best possible service to the public.
200.2 BUREAUS
The Chief of Police is responsible for administering and managing the San Luis Obispo Police
Department. There are two bureaus in the Police Department as follows:
•Administration Bureau
•Operations Bureau
200.2.1 ADMINISTRATION BUREAU
The Administration Bureau is commanded by a Captain whose primary responsibility is to provide
general management direction and control for the Administration Bureau. The Administration
Bureau consists of Investigations, Administrative Services, Communications and Records.
200.2.2 OPERATIONS BUREAU
The Operations Bureau is commanded by a Captain whose primary responsibility is to provide
general management direction and control for that Bureau. The Operations Bureau consists of
uniformed Patrol, Traffic Safety Unit, Downtown Team, and Neighborhood Services.
200.3 COMMAND PROTOCOL
200.3.1 SUCCESSION OF COMMAND
The Chief of Police exercises command over all personnel in the Department. During planned
absences the Chief of Police will designate a Bureau Captain to serve as the acting Chief of Police.
Except when designated as above, the order of command authority in the absence or unavailability
of the Chief of Police is as follows:
(a)Operations Bureau Captain
(b)Administration Bureau Captain
(c)Watch Commander
200.3.2 UNITY OF COMMAND
The principles of unity of command ensure efficient supervision and control within the Department.
Generally, each employee shall be accountable to one supervisor at any time for a given
assignment or responsibility. Except where specifically delegated authority may exist by policy
or special assignment (e.g., SWAT), any supervisor may temporarily direct any subordinate if an
operational necessity exists.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Organizational Structure and Responsibility
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentOrganizational Structure and Responsibility - 2200.3.3 ORDERS
Members shall respond to and make a good faith and reasonable effort to comply with the lawful
order of superior officers and other proper authority.