Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 6.20
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 06/05/2 4
Eff. 07/19/24
Page 1 of 5
Member -Involved Domestic Violence
6.20.01 PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish San Francisco Police Department (“Department”)
policies and procedures when investigating and responding to domestic violence incidents
involving sworn members (“members”). In addition to the policies and procedures outlined in this order, officers (“officer”) who respond to investigate a Member -Involved Domestic Violence
(“MIDV ”) incident shall adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in Department General
Order 6.09 (Domestic Violence) and Department Manual 26 (Domestic Violence Manual ). For
specifications on ongoing training, refer to section 6.09.04.U of Department General Order 6.09 (Domestic Violence).
6.20.02 POLICY
It is the Department’s policy to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and to ensure that members 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.
To preserve the integrity of the policing profession and to enhance public trust , domestic
violence will not be tolerated , and the Department will adhere to a zero -tolerance policy towards
MIDV incidents throughout a member’s career. Domestic violence crimes have serious and long- lasting detrimental effects. M embers of the
SFPD are not immune from becoming involved in domestic violence situations as either a subject, victim, or witness. All department members shall receive training to improve the recognition, prevention, and investigation of domestic violence, including education about available family resources and advocacy organizations. Members should assess and be aware of b ehaviors that may raise concern s about possible MIDV.
The Department shall inform memb ers of the procedure for seeking referrals external and
internal for confidential counseling services. Members are encouraged to take personal responsibility in seeking confidential referrals and assistance from the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU ) to prevent a domestic problem from escalating.
6.20.03 PROCEDURES
A. Member-Involved Domestic Violence (MIDV) Investigations - The SFPD shall
thoroughly and objectively investigate all allegations of domestic violence against its
members .
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B. Confidentiality - MIDV incidents are sensitive and confidential investigations. Officers
who respond to or investigate a MIDV incident shall ensure that the confidentiality of any
report, victim, or member is properly protected. Additionally, in any case where an officer may be subject to discipline, the Peace Officer Bill of Rights applies .
C. Duties of the First Responding Officers - Officers responding to a MIDV investigation
shall ensure the ir actions conform to the requirements of DGO 6.09 ( Domestic Violence)
and
Department Manual 26 (Domestic Violence Manual) .
1. Officer N otifications - Upon learning that a member is involved in the domestic
violence incident as a subject or victim , the responding officer, as soon as possibl e,
shall notify the following:
a. Field Supervisor
b. Department Operation s Center (DOC)
The officer shall document the notification in the initial incident report, listing the time of notification and the name of the member(s) or supervisor(s) notified.
2. Written S tatement - Officers that took action or participated in the investigation at the
scene of a MIDV incident shall document their observations and actions in writing for inclusion with the initial incident report.
D. Duties of the Supervising Officer - Upon notification of a MIDV, the supervising officer
shall respond to the scene and determine whether a crime has occurred. If a crime has occurred, the supervising officer shall notify their senior -ranking officer.
The supervising officer shall ensure the notifications listed in section 6.20.03C of this order
have been made.
E. DOC Notifications - Upon learning of a MIDV incident, the DOC is responsible for
ensuring that the following are notified:
1. Office of the Chief of Police
2. Commanding Officer of the Involved Member
3. Commanding Officer – Risk Management Office
4. Officer in Charge – Internal Affairs Division -Administration (IAD)
5. Officer in Charge – Investigative Services Division (ISD)
6. Officer in Charge – Special Victims Unit (SVU)
7. Commanding Officer – District of Occurrence
8. Night Captain (if during night watch hours)
9. On-call IAD, ISD and SVU investigators
F. Other Law Enforcement Jurisdiction - In the event that another agency reports an
MIDV incident, the officer receiving such information shall immediately notify a
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supervisor. The supervising officer shall ensure that the proper notifications are made, per
section 6.20.03C above.
G. Arrest of Commissioned Officers or Command Staff - If a Commissioned O fficer
(Lieutenant, Captain or Command Staff) is arrested for a MIDV , the Chief of Police will
notify the President of the Police Commission. The Assistant Chief will notify the
Mayor ’s Office if the arrested member is the Chief of Police.
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