Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
4.6 Patrol Operations
4.6.16 Alternatives to Arrest (Issued: 2/22/08)
A. UCSF Police Officers may exercise alternatives to arrest based on the individual
circumstances of each situation. Alternatives to a custodial arrest are utilized by the
officer with discretion, taking into consideration the severity of the crime or violation and
also considering the conduct of the suspect and the suspect’s past criminal history.
B. When possible or appropriate, officers are encouraged to exercise alternatives to physical
arrest.
1. Some alternatives are as follows:
a. Verbal warning (provided the violation is minor)
b. Infraction ticket
c. Release to parents (if juvenile)
d. Referral to social services and/or
e. Referral to the Investigations Unit for D istrict Attorney review.
2. Officers will use discretion when selecting the appropriate course of action in
each situation, taking into account the person’s past history, physical and
psychological state at the time of the inciden t, and other extenuating
circumstances.
3. If a question arises concerning the use of an alternative, officers should contact
the watch commander to resolve the matter.
C. Procedures for alternatives to arrest:
1. Oral/written warning:
a. May be issued fo r misdemeanor or petty offenses
b. Document using a Field Interview Card (FI card) and notation in the RMS
c. Make a referral if appropriate.
d. Verbal warnings for traffic offenses will be documented through use of the
CAD system.