Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
1
Introduction
This manual of General Orders is published for the assistance and guidance of the
members of the University of California, San Francisco Police Department (hereafter, the
Department). At any time these articles may be amended, revoked, or added to, as
circumstances require by the Chief of Police. It is understood that no compilation of
General Orders, Policies and Rules can be established to address all possible situations
which may arise, and that necessarily some matters must be left to the discretion of the
individual.
Discretion is the power of decision, or latitude of choice within certain legal limits. When
this discretion is poorly exercised, discretionary power may be viewed by the public as
favoritism, bias or corruption. It is imperative that emp loyees take into consideration
when exercising discretionary power the goals and objectives of the department, the best
interests of the public they serve, any mitigating circumstances, and the volatility of the
situation. An officer’s discretion is based on training, education, experience, laws,
ordinances, department directives, and supervisor’s instructions.
Any reference in this manual to he/him/himself, she/her/herself, etc. is intended to apply
to persons of both genders.
The orders covering proce dures in this manual supersede all previous written and
unwritten policies of the University of California, San Francisco Police Department.