Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 11.13
GENERAL ORDER 07/12/2023
Page 1 of 3
Directed and Recommended Referrals to the
SFPD Behavioral Science Unit
11.13.01 PURPOSE
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) stands for Safety with Respect for all . We will
engage in just, transparent , unbiased, and responsive policing, as we commit to supporting the
mental health and wellness of all employees and their families .
The duties and responsibilities of the law enforcement profession (sworn and professional staff)
are often emotionally demanding and difficult, and employees are at risk of experiencing stress
and related difficulties. Emotional challenges can have a negative impact on personnel
performance and may endanger the welfare and safety of officers, their families, the public, and
other members .
The purpose of this policy is to give guidance on when and how to make a referral to the
Behavioral Science Unit (BSU), because Department employees may not always recognize
their need for assistance. The Department supports and encourages employees in securing high
quality, confidential assistance.
11.13.02 DEFINITIONS
A. Directed Referral - A mandatory requirement to meet with the BSU, directed by an
employee's Commanding Officer.
B. Recommended Referral - A Commanding Officer recommends that employee meet with the
BSU. Participation by the employee is voluntary and encouraged, but not required.
11.13 .03 POLICY
A referral to the SFPD BSU is not punitive or disciplinary in nature, nor is it a fitness for
duty evaluation. However, noncompliance with this order could lead to the Department
taking punitive action. Nothing in this O rder precludes an employee from reaching out to the
BSU directly.
A Commanding Officer, when contacting the BSU about another employee, shall utilize the following guidelines:
A.
An employee's Commanding Officer may contact the O fficer -In-Charge (OIC) of the
BSU, or their designee , to seek advice regarding a n employee ’s behavior that is affecting
job performance or the safety of themselves or others.
DGO 11.13
07/12/2023
Page 2 of 3
B. The commanding officer must verbally explain the known facts regarding the
employee’s behavior which have led to the belief that the employee may require the
assistance of BS U.
C.
The BSU will evaluate the request and advise the Commanding Officer whether a
Directed or R ecommended Referral to BS U is appropriate. BSU will not keep any
written records of Directed or Recommended Referrals.
D. Commanding Officer is only required to document if the employee violates or does not
comply with D epartment policies.
E. Nothing in this DGO supersedes or nullifies other DGOs or other legal or administrative
authorities in addressing the behavior or conduct of personnel ( e.g., EEO violation, criminal
conduct, or administrative violations ).
11.13. 04 DIRECTED REFERRAL TO THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
UNIT
A. When the BSU recommends a directed referral, the Commanding Officer shall meet with
the employee and explain the rationale for the directed referral.
B. The Commanding Officer (or Supervisor /Manager in case of an emergency) shall
inform the employee that the D irected Referral to BSU is not disciplinary or
punitive in nature , and that the referral is completely confidential. If a
Supervisor/Manager initiates a Directed Referral in an emergency , they shall notify
the employee’s Commanding Officer as soon as practicable.
C. The Commanding Officer shall contact the BSU and s chedule an appointment with the
employee.
D. An employee’s attendance at BS U sessions resulting from a D irected Referral is
mandatory an d shall be conducted as soon as possible, including when the employee is
on-duty. If appropriate , the BSU will facilitate a psychological counseling visit with
the on- call licensed mental health professional contracted with the BSU. If an
employee attends a mandated referral session outside of on -duty work hours,
applicable Fair Labor Standards Act (F LSA) guidelines regarding overtime
compensation apply.
E. The BSU will contact the Commanding Officer to verify the employee’s
attendance.
F.
With the employee’s permission , the clinician or the BSU can make
recommendations regarding the need for time off which may include FMLA,
DGO 11.13
07/12/2023
Page 3 of 3
modified duty, or an additional treatment recommendation such as residential
treatment for substance abuse and/or trauma treatment, i ntensive outpatient ,
or any other recommendation that is appropriate. This is not a fitness for duty
evaluation.
G. Sworn officers involved in a shooting (OIS) or an In Custody Death shall attend three ( 3)
mandatory, on-duty psychological counseling visits with a licensed mental health
professional contracted with the BSU. The first session shall be scheduled within seventy -
two ( 72) hours of the incident or as soon as practical, the second session four (4) to eight
(8) weeks after the incident, and the third session within the first six (6) months after the incident. The officer must attend the first counseling session before to returning to field
duty.
H. The BSU Directed Referral is confidential. But for subsection 11.13.04.E , BSU shall not
provide information to