Policy Text
Walnut Creek Police Department
Walnut Creek PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/09, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Walnut Creek Police DepartmentLaw Enforcement Code of Ethics - 1LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard
lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or
intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights
of all to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does
not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger,
scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest
in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law
and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is
confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in
the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with
relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without
fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting
gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be
held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption
or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally
authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take
every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.
I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my
chosen profession . . . law enforcement.
Walnut Creek Police Department
Walnut Creek PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/09, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Walnut Creek Police DepartmentChief's Preface - 2CHIEF'S PREFACE
The role of a police employee in the 21st century is both complex and challenging. The profession
of policing is constantly changing through new legislation, community expectations, and more
advanced technology. All of these changes demand that we be nimble as an organization and
evolve as human beings who are constantly learning. Our mission is to protect and serve the
community through professional conduct and proactive enforcement of the law. Our policy is to
achieve our mission in accordance with this policy manual, best practice, and all applicable laws.
Our commitment, as dedicated law enforcement professionals, is to do so with a moral compass
that points true north.
The Walnut Creek Police Department Policy Manual serves as a guide for our employees in the
performance of their duties. This manual is not meant to provide guidance on every possible
situation, nor is it meant to be an employee’s sole resource in understanding their role, legal
authority, and responsibilities as a member of this Department. In the performance of their
duty, a police professional can encounter a rapidly evolving situation that requires a unique
approach. The variety of situations our professionals must face every day is limitless and at
times unpredictable. It is imperative that Walnut Creek police employees have the discretion and
flexibility to apply this policy manual appropriately, fairly, and in accordance with the Constitution
of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.
Every member of the Walnut Creek Police Department is expected to read, understand, and
acknowledge these policies and use them in conjunction with federal, state, and local laws. If a
policy or directive within this manual is unclear to an employee, the employee must seek guidance
and clarification from a supervisor. We regularly update our policies to adhere to best practices,
new legislation, and Department goals and objectives. Employees are expected to acknowledge
these updates and participate in regular training to reinforce the policies within this manual. If
there are recommendations for constructive changes to this policy to improve clarity, efficiency,
or effectiveness of our service, employees will submit those recommendations via the chain of
command.
Walnut Creek is a community rich in history and tradition. It is a community with stories of
resiliency, growth, and the unconquerable human spirit. Walnut Creek is a place where we
celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Everyone is welcome. Our Police Department embraces
these values with integrity, professionalism, and respect. I am proud of the women and men of
this Department. They each play a vital role in achieving our mission, and they each bring a
diversity of thought and life experience that allows us to remain a beacon for other departments.
Our commitment is to always look towards the horizon of change and to do so in the pursuit of
excellence in providing service to this community.
Jamie Knox
Chief of Police
Walnut Creek Police Department
Walnut Creek PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/09, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Walnut Creek Police DepartmentMission and Values Statement - 3MISSION AND VALUES STATEMENT
Walnut Creek Police Department Mission Statement
•The Walnut Creek Police Department protects and serves the community through
professional conduct and proactive enforcement