Police Policies and Standards

| Government | Departments and Divisions | Police | Police Policies and Standards

Police Policies and Standards

We Recognize And Respect The Sanctity Of Human Life

We hear you, and we know there may continue to be questions about what our policies are, which is why we have this page now dedicated to covering these topics in further detail.

You can view our policies that we feel meet these guidelines and that strongly align with every intent of ensuring that all members of our community remain safe.

We look forward to having further dialog on this, and we will continue to work to move forward with intention with our community. The Chief's Community Advisory Board, which is comprised of a diverse cross-section of active community members throughout the City of Elk Grove, is a resource for the Chief in the formation of strategies, development of community policing concepts and increasing public awareness. The board is intended to provide a forum for discussions concerning community concerns and the goal is to have a broad spectrum of viewpoints represented.

We have partnered with other agencies and non-profits for prevention and improved outcomes, including:

  • Crisis Intervention Response Teams-We have two teams that include a specially trained officer and Sacramento County mental health counselor who respond to calls involving a mental health crisis. A Peer Navigator follows up for navigating support services. The Crisis Intervention Response Teams triage incoming calls and responds to evaluate the possible causes of the disturbance and assesses mental health needs with the goal of addressing the crisis in the community.

  • School Resource Officers, which is in partnership with the Elk Grove Unified School District to assign three officers to district to promote school safety, mentorship, and guidance.

  • Crisis Negotiations Team, a highly trained unit to resolve critical incidents without police use of force.

  • Partnered with WEAVE and Child Protective Services to have social workers assigned to our Family Services Bureau.

  • Partnered with the Fly Brave Foundation and Visions in Motion Adult Day Program to assist personnel with communication skills and a better understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Back in 2020, we received inquiries from some in the Elk Grove community about our police department's policies and how they may or may not be congruent with objectives of some advocacy groups. We have examined our policies and wanted to share how our policies compare to those desired objectives:

  • Ban chokeholds and strangleholds

    These techniques are not permitted in our policies. Effective June 8, 2020 the Elk Grove Police Department issued an Administrative Directive to immediately prohibit the use of the carotid control hold. The Elk Grove Police Department's Use of Force Policy is being updated to reflect this prohibition.

  • Require de-escalation

    De-escalation is interwoven into the department's operations and is included in the department's policies. De-escalation is included within our continued professional training curriculum as well. SB 230 requires that "officers utilize de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention tactics, and other alternatives to force when feasible." SB 230 also mandates each policy require officers to conduct all duties in a manner that is fair and unbiased. Additionally, SB 230 requires all officers be trained in alternatives to deadly force and de-escalation techniques.

  • Require warning before shooting

    Our policy, along with AB 392, states the officer, where feasible, will identify themselves and warn deadly force may be used. This requirement is consistent with federal case law.

  • Exhaust all other means before shooting

    Our policy requires officers evaluate the use of other reasonably available resources and techniques when determining whether to use deadly force, and deadly force is only used when there is an imminent threat of death or serious injury to the officer or another person.

  • Duty to intervene and stop excessive force by other officers

    Our policy mandates a duty to intercede if any officer observes another officer using force that is unreasonable. SB 230 sets forth a "requirement that an officer intercede when present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which is necessary, as determined by an objectively reasonable officer under the circumstances." This provision is consistent with federal law as well.

  • Ban shooting at moving vehicles

    Our policy states officers should move out of the path of an approaching vehicle instead of discharging their firearm at the vehicle or any of its occupants. An officer should only discharge a firearm at a moving vehicle or its occupants when the officer reasonably believes there are no other reasonable means available to avert the threat of the vehicle, or if deadly force other than the vehicle is directed at the officer or others

  • Require use-of-force continuum

    Law enforcement agencies vary whether they incorporate a use-of-force continuum. Continuum's do not require officers start with one level of force before moving to another. Our policies take the use of force a step further requiring officers to useonlythat amount of force that reasonably appears necessary given the facts and totality of the circumstances.

  • Require comprehensive reporting each time an officer uses forces or threatens to do so

    We have a rigorous process for each use of force incident which includes a detailed review. Every use of force is reviewed at multiple levels within the organization, including a final review by the Chief of Police. That review is in place to determine whether that force is within policy, reasonable, and whether that use of force requires additional training. All law enforcement actions are documented, to include uses of force and threats of force. The department provides data regarding all officer-involved shootings and incidents involving use of force resulting in serious bodily injury to the California Department of Justice.

Demographics

The Elk Grove Police Department hires individuals are committed to serving and we want those who come to serve our community to uphold the standards and expectations not just of us, but of our community. We also believe in having a department that is diverse and reflective of those who call Elk Grove home.

According to the 2024 American Community Survey estimates, the breakdown for the City of Elk Grove is as follows:

  • White: 37%
  • Black: 11%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native: Less than 1%
  • Asian: 30%
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.5%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 19%
  • Two or more races: 13%

Definitions for each race category from the US Census Bureau.

At the Elk Grove Police Department, our breakdown for employees is as follows:

 

Professional Standards

Professional Standards monitors several major components of the Police Department. These include: Internal Affairs, Training, Hiring/Backgrounds, Employee Relations, Workers Comp Claims, Property Damage (caused by PD), Vehicle Accidents and Use of Force issues.

Education And Training Materials

The Elk Grove Department Professional Standards and Training Bureau is committed to providing the highest caliber education and training to our employees, consistent with best practice, policy, and the law. In accordance with SB 978 and in an effort to pursue the highest level of transparency for the community we post our education and training materials presented to our officers.

We will continue to update this information as we develop new training curriculum and improve our educational materials.

Training Topics

We invest heavily in training and keep well above the minimum California Peace Officer Standard and Training (POST)requirements. Our officers train on topics such as the appropriate use of tools and tactics, legal updates, and a variety of other skills, including Principled Policing/ Biased Based Policing, racial profiling, implicit bias training, de-escalation efforts, and more. Our Training Committee, which consists of internal training instructors, continuously evaluates our tools, tactics, and training to ensure that they remain in line with national best practices. In every interaction we have on a call for service, the safety of all involved parties is our top priority.

Contact 

Contact

Professional Standards Bureau

Email or (916) 627-3309

 

Policy Manual

The Elk Grove Police Department's Policy Manual is guided by Lexipol, which is based on constitutional law and a "best practice" philosophy. Lexipol is the industry standard and is currently used by the majority of California Law Enforcement agencies.

The Elk Grove Police Department policy manual is subject to frequent updates based upon changes in State or Federal laws and/or best practices. As changes occur, the most recent polices will be posted on our webpage.

Disclaimer: Certain policies relating to sensitive security, tactics and officer safety issues have not been disclosed in accordance with California Government Code Section 6254(f), 6254(aa) and 6254(ab).

Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration
Chapter 3 - General Operations
Chapter 4 - Patrol Operations
Chapter 5 - Traffic Operations
Chapter 6 - Investigation Operations
Chapter 7 - Equipment
Chapter 8 - Support Services
Chapter 9 - Custody
Chapter 10 - Personnel

Assembly Bill 481 - Military Equipment Use Policy

On September 30, 2021, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 481, relating to the use of military equipment by law enforcement agencies. AB 481 requires each law enforcement agency's governing body to adopt a written military use policy by ordinance in an annual public forum.

View EGPD's Military Equipment Use Policy

View the 2022 Annual Military Equipment Report

The annual public meeting will be held during the March 12,2025, City Council meeting. 

Law 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 to my chosen profession... law enforcement.

Was this content useful?