Policy Text
Santa Paula Police Department
SPPD Policy Manual
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.
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SPPD Policy Manual
MISSION STATEMENT
The Santa Paula Police Department is committed to working collaboratively with the community
to safeguard life and property, while building trust, embracing diversity, reducing crime and
enhancing quality of life through cooperative problem recognition and problem solving.
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SPPD Policy Manual
Table of Contents
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics ...................1
Mission Statement ........................2
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority .............8
100 - Law Enforcement Authority ...................9
101 - Chief Executive Officer ....................12
102 - Oath of Office .......................13
103 - Policy Manual .......................14
104 - Law Enforcement Code of Ethics ................17
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ..............18
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility .............19
201 - General Order ......................21
202 - Emergency Management Plan .................22
203 - Training.........................23
204 - Electronic Mail ......................25
205 - Administrative Communications .................27
206 - Staffing Levels ......................28
207 - License to Carry a Firearm ..................29
208 - Retiree Concealed Firearms ..................36
Chapter 3 - General Operations ...................41
300 - Use of Force .......................42
301 - Use of Force Review Boards ..................53
302 - Handcuffing and Restraints ..................56
303 - Control Devices and Techniques ................60
304 - Conducted Energy Device ...................66
305 - Firearms........................72
306 - Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths ...............84
308 - Officer Response to Calls ...................93
309 - Canines........................96
310 - Domestic Violence .....................106
311 - Search and Seizure ....................114
312 - Senior and Disability Victimization ................116
313 - Discriminatory Harassment ..................131
314 - Child Abuse .......................137
315 - Missing Persons .....................145
316 - Public Alerts .......................151
317 - Victim and Witness Assistance .................158
318 - Hate Crimes .......................161
319 - Standards of Conduct ....................172
320 - Information Technology Use ..................179
321 - Report Preparation .....................183
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SPPD Policy Manual
322 - Media Relations .....................187
323 - Subpoenas and Court Appearances ...............191
324 - Reserve Officers .....................195
325 - Outside Agency Assistance ..................201
326 - Registered Offender Information ................203
327 - Major Incident Notification ..................206
328 - Death Investigation ....................208
329 - Identity Theft ......................212
330 - Private Persons Arrests ...................213
332 - Limited English Proficiency Services ...............215
334 - Mandatory Employer Notification ................223
335 - Chaplains ........................225
336 - Child and Dependent Adult Safety ................230
337 - Service Animals .....................234
338 - Volunteer Program .....................237
339 - Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions ...............242
340 - Department Use of Social Media ................244
341 - Public Safety Video Surveillance System .............247
342 - Gun Violence Restraining Orders ................251
343 - Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation ..........257
344 - Community Relations ....................