Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 1.06
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 04/ 02/25
Eff. 06/ 05/25
Page 1 of 3
Duties of C ommissioned Officers
1.06.01 PURPOSE
This order establishes the polic y and general duties of Commissioned Officers , holding the rank
of Lieutenant or higher, who serve a critical role in ensuring the D epartment is meeting its
mission, vision, and goals by managing the day- to-day operations of the D epartment and
ensuring procedural justice and bias -free c ommunity policing principles are promoted and
supported.
1.06.02 POLICY
Commissioned Officers shall be fully aware and understand their duties to actively direct and
control the work of those they command. Commissioned Officers shall be held to a higher
standard and ensure effective supervision of police operations and activities in their specific
district, bureau, section, or unit.
1.06.0 3 COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
A. General D uties
1. Conduct – Set an example of leadership, efficiency, attention to duty, dedication, and
professionalism in the presence of members and professional staff of the department
and members of the public.
2. Supervision – Train , mentor, and lead subordinates in the performance of their duties.
a. Require all members and professional staff to comply with policies and
procedures and take appropriate action when violations occur.
b. Report in writing any misconduct by subordinates via memorandum to the
Commanding O fficer of the unit before routing to I nternal Affairs .
c. Treat subordinate officers with courtesy and respect.
3. Working knowledge of relevant policies and procedures , including:
a. Proper and timely i nvestigations of m isconduct (DGO 2.04, Complaints Against
Officers , and DGO 2.05, Citizen Complaints Against Non- Sworn Members ).
b. Proper supervision and documentation relating to u se of force by subordinates
(DGO 5.01, Use of Force Policy and Proper Control of a Person).
c. Evaluate and respond appropriately to member conduct identified by the Early Intervention System (EIS) ( DGO 3.19, Early Intervention System ).
d. Ensure principles of bias -free community policing and procedural justice are
applied, promoted, and supported. ( DGO 1.08, Community Policing ).
DGO 1.06
Rev. 04/02/25
Eff. 06/05/25
Page 2 of 3
B. Lieutenant – Lieutenants command and direct the activities of a unit at the direction of a
Captain. Lieutenants are responsible for the general duties listed in 1.06.03(A) as well as:
1. Operations – D irect and coordinate field and administrative operations, incidents, and
events ; analyze and formulate plans and priorities.
2. Station Activity – M anage, administer, and document station activities.
3. Investigation – C onduct, coordinate, and evaluate investigative operations .
4. Training – T rain and evaluate personnel.
1.06.04 COMMANDING OFFICERS
A. General Duties – Commanding Officers are responsible for the general duties listed in
1.06.03(A) and for:
1. Personnel Management – L ead and manage a division of officers and employees and
ensure department policies are carried out efficiently and effectively.
a. Ensure members and professional staff are appropriately attired and adhere to department grooming standards while on duty (DGO 10.01, Uniform and
Equipment Classes and DGO 11.08, Grooming Standards ).
b. Ensure department equipment is accounted for, inspected, and in good working
order (10.02 Equipment and DGO 10.11, Body Worn Cameras).
2. Assumption of Command – A s outlined in DM -19, Command Transition Guide .
3. Staffing – O versee the implementation of vacation and watch sign -ups, comply with
mandatory staffing, and follow written directives regarding discretionary time off.
4. Records Maintenance – Ensure records are accurate and up to date in accordance
with department policies.
5. Relieve members and professional staff of equipment and identification as appropriate (SFPD Forms 549A & 549B).
a. Disciplinary/Unfit- for-Duty – C ollect their department -issued star, handgun,
police identification card and other Department property.
b. Employment separation – Collect their department -issue d equipment as
required .
c. Death of a member –O btain Department -issued equipment from the family of
the deceased and forward it as required.
6. In the event of a member's death, make a report through the chain of command to the Chief of Police detailing the available facts.
B. Field Operations Captain – Captains manage specific stations, Divisions or Units within
the Department. A Captain directs work and evaluates their team’s performance. As a
Commanding Officer they are also responsible for:
1. Operations – Supervise field and administrative operations.
DGO 1.06
Rev. 04/02/25
Eff. 06/05/25
Page 3 of 3
2. Inspections – As appropriate, make routine inspections of district operations,
facilities, and /or personnel.
3. Critical Incidents – R espond to critical incidents when notified and take command of
operations when necessary (DGO 8.01, Major and Critical Incident Evaluation and
Notification ).
4. Investigations – I nitiate and make investigations when necessary; require