Policy Text
San Mateo Police Department
POLICIES
CHIEF'S PREFACE AND EXECUTIVE ORDER
The Policy Manual of the San Mateo Police Department represents the policies and procedures
established to guide the operations of the organization. This policy manual is designed to set and
maintain a thorough framework of guidelines to govern ethical, responsible, and lawful behavior.
It is intended to support thoughtful and effective decision-making. The policies within this manual
are based on constitutional requirements, enacted legislation, established case law, recognized
best practices, and a progressive vision for the provision of professional law enforcement services.
In order to manage the Police Department effectively, and in consideration of the ever-changing
nature of law enforcement, the Chief of Police may authorize exceptions or variances to specific
policies where such action does not conflict with legal precedent or mandates.
Please note that due to periodic amendments to a variety of laws (Government Code, Penal Code,
Business and Professions Code, Vehicle Code, etc), as well as workplace practices, the following
manual is subsequently updated throughout the year as is necessary and/or required by statute.
Ed Barberini
Chief of Police
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/12/31, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Mateo Police DepartmentChief's Preface and Executive Order - 1
San Mateo Police Department
POLICIES
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard
lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or
intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights
of all to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does
not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger,
scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest
in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law
and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is
confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in
the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with
relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without
fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting
gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be
held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption
or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally
authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take
every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.
I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my
chosen profession . . . law enforcement.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/12/31, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Mateo Police DepartmentLaw Enforcement Code of Ethics - 2
San Mateo Police Department
POLICIES
SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT MISSION AND VALUES STATEMENTS
Mission Statement:
Safeguarding our community with professionalism, integrity, and proactive policing.
Values Statement:
Members of the San Mateo Police Department provide service guided by the following values:
•Accountability
•Compassion
•Collaboration
•Impartiality
•Legitimacy
•Integrity
•Respect
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/12/31, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Mateo Police DepartmentSan Mateo Police Department Mission and
Values Statements - 3
San Mateo Police Department
POLICIES
Table of Contents
Chief's Preface and Executive Order .................1
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics ...................2
San Mateo Police Department Mission and Values Statements .........3
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority .............9
100 - Law Enforcement Authority ..................10
102 - Chief Executive Officer ....................13
104 - Oath of Office .......................14
106 - Policy Manual .......................15
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ..............18
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility .............19
204 - Departmental Directive ....................21
206 - Emergency Management Plan .................22
207 - Line of Duty Death Management ................23
208 - Training.........................26
212 - Electronic Mail ......................28
214 - Administrative Communications .................30
216 - Employee Association Business .................31
217 - License to Carry a Firearm ..................32
219 - Retiree Concealed Firearms ..................33
Chapter 3 - General Operations ...................37
300 - Force Response ......................38
306 - Handcuffing and Restraints ..................49
308 - Control Devices and Techniques ................53
309 - Conducted Energy Device ...................60
310 - Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths ...............67
312 - Firearms........................78
314 - Vehicle Pursuits ......................88
316 - Officer Response to Calls ..................103
318 - Canines........................106
319 - THERAPY CANINE ....................115
320 - Domestic Violence .....................124
322 -