Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 2.01
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 9/6/23
Eff. 10/18/23
Page 1 of 10
General Rules of C onduct
2.01.01 PURPOSE
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) stands for Safety with Respect for all. We will
engage in just, transparent, unbiased, and responsive policing and do so in the spirit of dignity
and in collaboration with the community. We will maintain and build trust and respect as the
guardian of constitutional and human rights.
This General Order establishes standards of conduct that are consistent with the values and
mission of the San Francisco Police Department and are expected of all de partment members.
This order applies to all members, sworn and professional staff. Sections that reference members
in this order are only applicable to sworn. Sections that reference employees in this order are
applicable to civilian. Sections that referen ce members/employees are applicable to both sworn
and civilian . All members/employees are responsible for knowing and complying with this
Order. The standards contained in this policy are not intended to be an exhaustive list of
requirements and prohibitions. In addition to the provisions listed herein , members are subject to
all other provisions contained in D epartment General Order s, including DGO 3.01 Department
Written Directives , as well as the San Francisco Police Commission rules and orders, and the
Department ’s Statement of Incompatible Activities .
2.01.02 POLICY
It is the policy of the San Francisco Police Department to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and to ensure that members of the San Francisco Police Department are performing their duties, providing services to the public, and enforcing the laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. Any conduct that creates an unreasonable risk of harm to the public, or compromises the integrity of the Department, may be grounds for discipline.
The appointment and continuing employment of every member of the San Francisco Police
Department shall be based on conduct that conforms to the guidelines set forth in this policy .
Police officers, because of their status as peace officers, have a greater responsibility to report and prevent misconduct than members of the public. Experience, rank, or tenure do not provide an excuse for failing to take appropriate action. Although supervisors are responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct, all Department employees are responsible for preventing and reporting misconduct. The below General Rules of Conduct provide members of the Department with information an d
safeguards necessary to carry out the Department’s mission . While these General Rules of
Conduct are designed to address many different scenarios that members may encounter, members are required to know all General Orders and policies of the SFPD. Failure to abide by
DGO 2.01
Rev. 9/ 6/23
Eff. 10/18/23
Page 2 of 10
the mission, general rules of conduct, and Department policies may result in discipline up to, and
including, termination and/ or criminal investigation .
2.01.03 GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT
All department members shall become thoroughly fa miliar with these rules and regulations and
shall abide by them. They will observe and obey all:
• federal, state, and local laws.
• all Department General Orders including DGO 3.01, Department Written Directives .
• other lawful orders of their superiors.
Upon observing or otherwise becoming aware of a suspected violation of the rules, procedures or
policies as set forth in this General Order , every Department member shall report any such
violation to a superior offi cer.
Any member /employee who observes any misconduct shall take appropriate action to
immediately stop the misconduct. The fact that a supervisor is present and not taking appropriate
action to stop the misconduct does not relieve other members /employee s present from thi s duty
to act.
1. Misconduct - Members /employees shall conduct themselves, both on and off -duty, in a
manner that reflects favorably on the Department. Unprofessional conduct is conduct that brings the Department into disrepute, reflects discredit upon the member/organization, or impairs the operation or efficiency of the Department or personnel. Types of misconduct include but are not limited to:
a. Conduct U nbecoming
b. Conduct R eflecting D iscredit
c. Unnecessary/ Excessive F orce
d. Unwarranted A ction
e. Neglect of D uty
f. Failure to T ake R equired A ction
Honesty, credi bility, even temperament, and sound judgment are essential to the
performance of a member’s duties. Any breach of peace, neglect of duty, misconduct , or
any conduct by a member /employee that tends to subvert the order, efficiency, or discipline
of the Depa rtment shall be considered misconduct. Additionally, any conduct that brings
discredit upon the Department or any member or is prejudicial to the efficiency and
discipline of the Department, even if not specifically defined or set forth in Department
polic ies and procedures, shall be considered misconduct .
2. Department Member’s Notification Responsibilities - All members /employees shall
immediately notify their Commanding Officer if the member:
a. becomes the subject of a domestic violence restraining order, Temporary Restraining Order (TRO/DVRO) or similar court order .
b. is placed on probation related to a criminal case.
DGO 2.01
Rev. 9/6/23
Eff. 10/18/23
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c. becomes the subject of an outstanding warrant .
d. learns or is