Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
7.1 Unusual Occurrences: Administration
7.1.7 Legislation Addressing Emergency Situations (Revised: 6/19/20 )
In the event of an unusual occurrence, the Incident Commander shall coordinate all law
enforcement actions related to this section. In dealing with emergency situations, all officers
should be aware of state and local laws that give additional powers to l aw enforcement officials
for dealing with these circumstances , including , but not limited to , public health orders
enforcement :
A. California Penal Code § 148(a)(1) − “resist or delay peace offic er in discharge of their
duties ”
B. California Penal Code § 409.5 − “power to close area in emergency; u nauthorized entry”
C. Californi a Penal Code § 404 − “Riot ”
D. California Penal Code § 415 – “Disturbing the Peace ”
E. California Government Code § 8625 − “Proclamation by Governor. ” Enables the Governor
to declare a state of emergency at the request of a county governing body or after
determining that an emergen cy has occurred or is imminent .
F. California Penal Code § 830.4 − “National Guard.” S tates that members of the California
National Guard have the powers of peace officers when they are ordered into active service
by the Governor .
G. California Penal Code § 69 – “Crimes by and Against the Executive Power of the State.”
States that persons may be charged with a felony for attempting , “by means of any threat
or violence, to deter or prevent an executive officer from performing any duty imposed by
law, or to kno wingly resist, by the use of force or violence, the officer, in the perfor mance
of the officer's duty .”
H. California Health and Safety Code §§ 120275 and 120295. Make it a misdemeanour to
violate certain sections of the Health and Safety Code, including those requiring
individuals to comply with health orders to facilitate isolation.