Policy Manual Culver City, Culver City Pol Dept, 2017

• Jan. 1, 2017 • Locations: United States of America -> California United States of America • Topics: Police Department Manuals, Evidence - Admissibility, Police Negligence

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Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

CHIEF'S MESSAGE
The Culver City Police Department has a long and proud tradition of service to the residents,
businesses and visitors of Culver City. The men and women who make up the Culver City Police
Department are dedicated to their profession and hold themselves to the highest ethical standards.
We have earned the trust and support of our community and city leaders. We do not take that
trust and support for granted and understand that it must be earned and renewed on a daily basis.
We recruit the very best and brightest available. The Culver City Police Department is richly
diverse, which we believe helps to build partnerships, relationships and trust with our community
in the true spirit of Community Policing. Our community outreach is a cornerstone of our success.
Our efforts include neighborhood watch, citizen’s police academy, explorer program, open house,
involvement with local service clubs, and our social media program.
Every organization must continually evaluate the service it provides and have clear, measurable,
and attainable goals. Our success is based on five goals that we call “Measures of Effectiveness.”
Those measures include the rapid response to calls for service, reducing and preventing crime,
solving crime, efficient and effective traffic and parking programs, and the morale of our members.
The framework in which we strive to accomplish our goals is based on being proactive,
professional, proud, passionate and working in partnership with the community. Proactive means
that we do not wait for crime to occur; we look to prevent crime before it happens with every
tool available to us. The men and women of our organization maintain a level of professionalism
worthy of the trust bestowed upon us. We are a very proud organization and that pride extends to
the city we serve and the members of all departments within the city. I believe that our profession
is a calling, and that calling does not exist without a true passion for the oath we take.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to be a member of the Culver City Police Department. I
would like to thank all of the past and present members of this department whose dedication,
ability and diligence has formed the reputation that our department enjoys today. I would also
like to challenge future members to commit to the values and culture of this great organization.
Our chosen profession can be difficult and challenging but I firmly believe that NOBODY DOES
IT BETTER than the members of the Culver City Police Department.
Scott Bixby, Chief of Police

CHIEF'S MESSAGE - 1

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

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 before God to my
chosen profession . . . law enforcement.

LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS - 2

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

MISSION, VISION, VALUES
MISSION STATMENT
"To enhance the City of Culver City through proactive police work, timely response, and public
outreach."
VISION STATEMENT
"To provide members of the community with the highest level of professional service while setting
the example for law enforcement."
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
Professionalism
Proactivity
Pride
Passion
Partnerships

MISSION, VISION, VALUES - 3

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

Table of Contents
CHIEF'S MESSAGE .

LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS .
MISSION, VISION, VALUES .

Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role
100 - Law Enforcement Authority .
101 - Chief Executive Officer . .
102 - Oath of Office . . . . .
103 - Policy Manual . . . . .

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Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration . .
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility .
201 - General Order . . . . . . . . . .
202 - Emergency Management Plan . . . . .
203 - Electronic Mail . . . . . . . . . .
204 - Administrative Communications . . . . .
205 - Staffing Levels . . . . . . . . . .
206 - License to Carry a Firearm . . . . . .
207 - Retiree Concealed Firearms . . . . . .
208 - Training Policy . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 3 - General Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
300 - Use of Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
301 - Deadly Force Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
302 - Watches, Schedules, & Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
303 - Leg Restraint Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
304 - Control Devices and Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
305 - TASER™ Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
306 - Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
307 - Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
308 - Department Firing Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
309 - Vehicle Pursuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
310 - Officer Response to Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
311 - Canines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
312 - Domestic Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
313 - Search and Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
314 - Temporary Custody of Juveniles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
315 - Adult Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
316 - Discriminatory Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
317 - Child Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
318 - Missing Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
319 - Public Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Table of Contents - 4

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

320
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327
328
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330
331
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341
342
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345
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347

- Victim and Witness Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Hate Crimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Standards of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Information Technology Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Report Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Subpoenas and Court Appearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Reserve Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Outside Agency Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Megan's Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Major Incident Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Death Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- OCCUPATIONAL INJURY OR DEATH RESPONSE . . . . . . . . .
- Identity Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Private Persons Arrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Anti-Reproductive Rights Crimes Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Limited English Proficiency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Communications with Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . .
- Mandatory Employer Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Biological Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Child and Dependent Adult Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Service Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Volunteer Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Flag Flown at Half-Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Department Use of Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Gun Violence Restraining Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Community Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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179
186
189
193
196
199
206
208
211
213
216
218
219
221
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229
236
238
241
244
247
251
252
254
257
260

Chapter 4 - Patrol Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
400 - Patrol Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
401 - Patrol Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
402 - Racial- or Bias-Based Profiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
403 - Briefing Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
404 - Front Desk Officer/Community Service Officer . . . . . . . . . . .
405 - Crime and Disaster Scene Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
406 - Mutual Aid & Tactical Mobilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
407 - Ride-Along Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
408 - Hazardous Material Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
409 - Hostage and Barricade Incidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
410 - Response to Bomb Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
411 - Mental Illness Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
412 - Cite and Release Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
413 - Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Representatives . . . . . . . . . .
414 - Rapid Response and Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
415 - Immigration Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
416 - Emergency Utility Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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284
287
289
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299
305
310
314
317
322

Table of Contents - 5

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

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- Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Shotgun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Field Training Officer Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Obtaining Air Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Detentions And Photographing Detainees . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Criminal Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Watch Commanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Mobile Digital Computer Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Portable Audio/Video Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Medical Marijuana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Bicycle Patrol Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Foot Pursuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Homeless Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Public Recording of Law Enforcement Activity . . . . . . . . . . .
- Crisis Intervention Incidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- First Amendment Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Civil Disputes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Suspicious Activity Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Medical Aid and Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Mobile Audio/Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Aircraft Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 5 - Traffic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
500 - Traffic Function and Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
501 - Traffic Collision Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
502 - Vehicle Towing and Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
503 - Vehicle Impound Hearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
504 - Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
505 - Traffic Citations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
506 - Disabled Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
507 - 72-Hour Parking Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
508 - Disabled Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 6 - Investigation Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
600 - Investigation and Prosecution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
601 - LEAD DETECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
602 - Sexual Assault Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
603 - Asset Forfeiture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
604 - Informants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
605 - Terrorist Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
606 - Eyewitness Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
607 - Brady Material Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
608 - Warrant Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 7 - Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
700 - Department Owned and Personal Property . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Table of Contents - 6

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

701 - Personal Communication Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
702 - Vehicle Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
703 - Vehicle Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 8 - Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
800 - Crime Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
802 - Communications Center Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
802 - Telecommunications Evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
803 - Property and Evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
804 - Records Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
805 - Records Maintenance and Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
806 - Protected Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
807 - Animal Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
808 - Additional Support Units and Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 9 - Custody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
900 - Jail-Type One Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
901 - Custodial Searches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
902 - Prison Rape Elimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 10 - Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1000 - Recruitment and Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1001 - Evaluation of Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1002 - Grievance Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1003 - Reporting of Employee Convictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1004 - Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1005 - Sick Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1006 - Communicable Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1007 - Smoking and Tobacco Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1008 - Personnel Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1009 - Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1010 - Body Armor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1011 - Personnel Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1012 - Request for Change of Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1013 - Commendations and Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1014 - Fitness for Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1015 - Meal Periods and Breaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1016 - Lactation Break Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1017 - Time Card Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1018 - Overtime Compensation Requests . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1019 - Outside Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1020 - Occupational Disease and Work-Related Injury Reporting . . . . . . .
1021 - Uniform Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1022 - Nepotism and Conflicting Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1023 - Department Badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1024 - Seniority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1025 - Modified Duty Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Table of Contents - 7

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

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- Employee Speech, Expression and Social Networking . . . . . . . .
- Personal Appearance Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Anti-Retaliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Line-of-Duty Deaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Attachments .

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654

Table of Contents - 8

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority

Law Enforcement Role and Authority - 9

Policy

Culver City Police Department

100

Policy Manual

Law Enforcement Authority
100.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to affirm the authority of the members of the Culver City Police
Department to perform their functions based on established legal authority.
100.2 PEACE OFFICER POWERS
Sworn members of this department are authorized to exercise peace officer powers pursuant to
applicable state law (Penal Code § 830.1 et seq.).
100.2.1 ARREST AUTHORITY OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE CULVER CITY
POLICE DEPARTMENT
On-duty arrests will not generally be made outside the jurisdiction of this department except
in cases of hot or fresh pursuit, while following up on crimes committed with the City or while
assisting another agency. On-duty officers who discover criminal activity outside the jurisdiction
of the City should, when circumstances permit, consider contacting the agency having primary
jurisdiction before attempting an arrest.
When an officer makes an out-of-county arrest pursuant to a warrant, the officer shall inform the
arrestee of the right to be taken before a magistrate in that county (Penal Code § 821; Penal
Code § 822).
100.2.2 ARREST AUTHORITY WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CULVER CITY POLICE
DEPARTMENT
The arrest authority within the State of California is as follows (Penal Code § 830.1):
(a)

As to any public offense committed or which there is probable cause to believe has been
committed within the jurisdiction of the Culver City Police Department.

(b)

Where the peace officer has the consent of the Chief of Police.

(c)

As to any public offense committed or which there is probable cause to believe has been
committed in the officer’s presence and there is immediate danger to a person or property,
or of the escape of the perpetrator of the offense.

(d)

Arrest pursuant to a warrant.
1.

For out-of-county warrants, the arresting officer shall inform the arrestee, in writing
without delay, of the right to be taken before a magistrate in this county (Penal Code
§ 821; Penal Code § 822):

100.3 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to limit its members to only exercise the
authority granted to them by law.
While this department recognizes the power of peace officers to make arrests and take other
enforcement action, officers are encouraged to use sound discretion in the enforcement of the
law. This department does not tolerate the abuse of law enforcement authority.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

Law Enforcement Authority - 10

Culver City Police Department
Policy Manual

Law Enforcement Authority

100.4 INTERSTATE PEACE OFFICER POWERS
Peace officer powers may be extended to other states:
(a)

As applicable under interstate compacts, memorandums of understanding or mutual aid
agreements in compliance with the laws of each state.

(b)

When an officer enters an adjoining state in close or fresh pursuit of a person believed to
have committed a felony (ARS § 13-3832; NRS 171.158; ORS 133.430).

The person arrested out of state must be taken without unnecessary delay before a magistrate of
the county in which the arrest was made (ARS § 13-3833; NRS 171.158; ORS 133.440).
Peace officers of another state who enter the State of California in fresh pursuit to arrest a person
who has committed a felony in the other state have the same authority to arrest and hold in custody
such person as peace officers of this state have to arrest and hold a person in custody (Penal
Code § 852.2).
100.5 CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All members shall observe and comply with every person’s clearly established rights under the
United States and California Constitutions.

Law Enforcement Authority - 11

Policy

Culver City Police Department

101

Policy Manual

Chief Executive Officer
101.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has mandated that
all sworn officers and dispatchers employed within the State of California shall receive certification
by POST within prescribed time periods.
101.1.1 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REQUIREMENTS
Any chief executive officer of this department appointed after January 1, 1999, shall, as a condition
of continued employment, complete the course of training prescribed by POST and obtain the
Basic Certificate by POST within two years of appointment (Penal Code § 832.4).

Chief Executive Officer - 12

Policy

Culver City Police Department

102

Policy Manual

Oath of Office
102.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that oaths, when appropriate, are administered to
department members.
102.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department that, when appropriate, department members
affirm the oath of their office as an expression of commitment to the constitutional rights of those
served by the Department and the dedication of its members to their duties.
102.3 OATH OF OFFICE
All department members, when appropriate, shall take and subscribe to the oaths or affirmations
applicable to their positions. All sworn members shall be required to affirm the oath of office
expressing commitment and intent to respect constitutional rights in discharging the duties of a
law enforcement officer (Cal. Const. Art. 20, § 3; Government Code § 3102). The oath shall be
as follows:
“I, (employee name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution
of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign
and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States
and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon
which I am about to enter.”
102.4 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
The oath of office shall be filed as prescribed by law (Government Code § 3105).

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Policy Manual
103.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The manual of the Culver City Police Department is hereby established and shall be referred to
as the Policy Manual or the manual. The manual is a statement of the current policies, rules and
guidelines of this department. All members are to conform to the provisions of this manual.
All prior and existing manuals, orders and regulations that are in conflict with this manual are
rescinded, except to the extent that portions of existing manuals, procedures, orders and other
regulations that have not been included herein shall remain in effect, provided that they do not
conflict with the provisions of this manual.
103.1.1 DISCLAIMER
The provisions contained in this Policy Manual are not intended to create an employment contract,
nor any employment rights or entitlements. The policies contained within this manual are for
the internal use of the Culver City Police Department Department and shall not be construed to
create a higher standard or duty of care for civil or criminal liability against the City, its officials
or employees. Violations of any provision of any policy contained within this manual shall only
form the basis for departmental administrative action, training or discipline. The Culver City Police
Department Department reserves the right to revise any policy content, in whole or in part.
103.1.2 BLANK SUBSECTION TITLE - NEED CHANGES FROM THE USER
103.2 POLICY
Except where otherwise expressly stated, the provisions of this manual shall be considered
as guidelines. It is recognized that the work of law enforcement is not always predictable and
circumstances may arise which warrant departure from these guidelines. It is the intent of this
manual to be viewed from an objective standard, taking into consideration the sound discretion
entrusted to members of this department under the circumstances reasonably available at the
time of any incident.
103.2.1 DISCLAIMER
The provisions contained in the Policy Manual are not intended to create an employment contract
nor any employment rights or entitlements. The policies contained within this manual are for the
internal use of the Culver City Police Department and shall not be construed to create a higher
standard or duty of care for civil or criminal liability against the City, its officials or members.
Violations of any provision of any policy contained within this manual shall only form the basis
for department administrative action, training or discipline. The Culver City Police Department
reserves the right to revise any policy content, in whole or in part.
103.2.2 POLICY MANUAL STAFF
The Policy Manual Staff shall consist of the following:
•

The Chief of Police

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•

The Assistant Chief of Police

•

The Captains (Bureau Commanders) of the Traffic and Operations Bureaus

The staff shall review all recommendations regarding proposed changes to the manual at staff
meetings.
103.2.3 OTHER PERSONNEL SUGGESTING CHANGES TO THE POLICY MANUAL
All Department employees suggesting revision of the contents of the Policy Manual shall forward
their suggestion, in interoffice memorandum format, to their Bureau Commander via chain of
command. The Bureau Commander will consider the recommendation and forward it to staff.
103.3 AUTHORITY
The Chief of Police shall be considered the ultimate authority for the content and adoption of the
provisions of this manual and shall ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and local
laws. The Chief of Police or the authorized designee is authorized to issue General Orders, which
shall modify those provisions of the manual to which they pertain. General Orders shall remain in
effect until such time as they may be permanently incorporated into the manual.
103.3.1 ACCEPTABLE ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations are acceptable substitutions in the manual:
•

General Orders may be abbreviated as "GO"

•

Policy Manual sections may be abbreviated as "Section 106.X" or "§ 106.X"

103.3.2 DEFINITIONS
The following words and terms shall have these assigned meanings, unless it is apparent from
the content that they have a different meaning:
Adult - Any person 18 years of age or older.
CHP - The California Highway Patrol.
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations.
City - The City of Culver City.
Department /CCPD - The Culver City Police Department.
DMV - The Department of Motor Vehicles.
Employee/Personnel - Any person employed by the Department.
Juvenile - Any person under the age of 18 years.
Manual - The Culver City Police Department Policy Manual.
May - Indicates a permissive, discretionary or conditional action.
Member - Any person who is employed or appointed by the Culver City Police Department
including sworn officers, reserve officers, civilian employees and volunteers.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Civilian - Employees and volunteers who are not sworn peace officers.
Officer/Sworn - Those employees, regardless of rank, who are sworn employees of the Culver
City Police Department.
On-Duty - Employee status during the period when he/she is actually engaged in the performance
of his/her assigned duties.
Order - A written or verbal instruction issued by a superior.
POST - The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Rank - The job classification title held by an officer.
Shall or will - Indicates a mandatory action.
Should - Indicates a generally required or expected action, absent a rational basis for failing to
conform.
USC - United States Code
103.3.3 DISTRIBUTION OF MANUAL
Copies of the Policy Manual should be distributed to the following:

•

Chief of Police

•

Assistant Chief of Police

•

Operations and Traffic Captains

•

Personnel and Training Lieutenant

•

Records Lieutenant

•

Investigations Bureau

•

Watch Commander's Office

•

Officer's Report Writing Room

A computerized version of the Policy Manual will be made available on the Department network
for access by all employees. The computerized version will be limited to viewing and printing of
specific sections. No changes shall be made to the electronic version without authorization from
Staff.
This manual contains confidential information and in its entirety is not a public document subject to
release under the California Public Records Act. The contents of this manual may not be released
to any non police-department employee without the express consent of the Chief of Police or his
designee. Any unauthorized release is a violation of department policy.
103.4 DEFINITIONS
The following words and terms shall have these assigned meanings throughout the Policy Manual,
unless it is apparent from the content that they have a different meaning:
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Adult - Any person 18 years of age or older.
CCR - California Code of Regulations (Example: 15 CCR 1151).
CHP- The California Highway Patrol.
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations.
City - The City of Culver City.
Civilian - Employees and volunteers who are not sworn peace officers.
Department/CCPD - The Culver City Police Department.
DMV - The Department of Motor Vehicles.
Employee - Any person employed by the Department.
Juvenile- Any person under the age of 18 years.
Manual - The Culver City Police Department Policy Manual.
May - Indicates a permissive, discretionary or conditional action.
Member - Any person employed or appointed by the Culver City Police Department, including:

•

Full- and part-time employees

•

Sworn peace officers

•

Reserve, auxiliary officers

•

Civilian employees

•

Volunteers.

Officer - Those employees, regardless of rank, who are sworn peace officers of the Culver City
Police Department.
On-duty - A member’s status during the period when he/she is actually engaged in the
performance of his/her assigned duties.
Order - A written or verbal instruction issued by a superior.
POST - The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Rank - The title of the classification held by an officer.
Shall or will - Indicates a mandatory action.
Should - Indicates a generally required or expected action, absent a rational basis for failing to
conform.
Supervisor - A person in a position of authority that may include responsibility for hiring,
transfer, suspension, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward or discipline of other department
members, directing the work of other members or having the authority to adjust grievances. The

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supervisory exercise of authority may not be merely routine or clerical in nature but requires the
use of independent judgment.
The term "supervisor" may also include any person (e.g., officer-in-charge, lead or senior worker)
given responsibility for the direction of the work of others without regard to a formal job title, rank
or compensation.
When there is only one department member on-duty, that person may also be the supervisor,
except when circumstances reasonably require the notification or involvement of the member’s
off-duty supervisor or an on-call supervisor.
USC - United States Code.
103.4.1 REVISIONS TO POLICIES
All employees are responsible for keeping abreast of all Policy Manual revisions. All changes to
the Policy Manual will be posted on the Department network for access by all employees. The
Administrative Lieutenant is responsible for forwarding revisions to the Policy Manual as needed
to all personnel via electronic mail. Each employee shall acknowledge receipt by return email,
review the revisions and seek clarification as needed.
Each bureau commander will ensure that employees under his/her command are aware of any
Policy Manual revisions.
103.5 ISSUING THE POLICY MANUAL
An electronic version of the Policy Manual will be made available to all members on the department
network for viewing and printing. No changes shall be made to the manual without authorization
from the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
Each member shall acknowledge that he/she has been provided access to, and has had the
opportunity to review the Policy Manual and General Orders. Members shall seek clarification as
needed from an appropriate supervisor for any provisions that they do not fully understand.
103.6 PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE POLICY MANUAL
The Chief of Police will ensure that the Policy Manual is periodically reviewed and updated as
necessary.
103.7 REVISIONS TO POLICIES
All revisions to the Policy Manual will be provided to each member on or before the date the policy
becomes effective. Each member will be required to acknowledge that he/she has reviewed the
revisions and shall seek clarification from an appropriate supervisor as needed.
Members are responsible for keeping abreast of all Policy Manual revisions.
Each Bureau Commander will ensure that members under his/her command are aware of any
Policy Manual revision.

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All department members suggesting revision of the contents of the Policy Manual should forward
their written suggestions to their Bureau Commanders, who will consider the recommendations
and forward them to the command staff as appropriate.

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Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

200

Policy Manual

Organizational Structure and Responsibility
200.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The organizational structure of this department is designed to create an efficient means to
accomplish our mission and goals and to provide for the best possible service to the public.
200.2 BUREAUS
The Chief of Police is responsible for administering and managing the Culver City Police
Department. There are three bureaus in the Police Department as follows:

•

Administration/Investigations Bureau

•

Operations Bureau

•

Traffic Bureau

In addition to the three bureaus, the Adminstrative Lieutenant is also assigned to the Office of
the Chief of Police
200.2.1 ADMINISTRATION AND INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
The Administration and Investigations Bureau is commanded by the Assistant Chief whose
primary responsibility is to provide general management direction and control for the bureau. The
Administration and Investigations Bureau consists of:

•

Professional Standards Unit Lieutenant
o

Computer Services Unit

•

The Budget and Grants Section

•

Personnel and Training (Backgrounds, Recruitment, Training, Policy and Procedures)

•

Facilities Manager

Custodians

Investigations
o

Adult Criminal Investigations

Special Victims Unit/Juvenile Criminal Investigations/School Resource Officer/Police
Explorers

Crime Impact Team

Task Force Officers

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Organizational Structure and Responsibility

•

Community Service Officers

200.2.2 OPERATIONS BUREAU
The Operations Bureau is commanded by a Captain whose primary responsibility is to provide
general management direction and control for that bureau. The Operations bureau consists of:
•

Uniformed Patrol

•

Jail Operations

•

Community Service Officers

200.2.3 TRAFFIC BUREAU
The Traffic Bureau is commanded by a Captain whose primary responsibility is to provide general
management direction and control for that Bureau. The Traffic Bureau consists of:

•

Traffic
o

Motors

Commercial Enforcement

Accident Investigation

Vehicle Impounds

Parking Enforcement

Animal Services

Community Service Officers

Communications (Dispatch)
o

Permits

•

Automated Enforcement Section

•

Crime Prevention and Media Relations
o

Reserve Police Officers Program

•

Community Service Officers

•

The Litigation Liason & Documents Section (Records)

•

Forensics and Evidence/Property

200.3 COMMAND PROTOCOL
200.3.1 SUCCESSION OF COMMAND
The Chief of Police exercises command over all personnel in the Department. During absences,
the Assistant Chief will serve as the acting Chief of Police.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Organizational Structure and Responsibility

Except when designated as above, the order of command authority in the absence or unavailability
of the Chief of Police or Assistant Chief of Police is as follows:
(a)

Designated Bureau Commander (Captain)

(b)

The on duty Watch Commander (Lieutenant)

(c)

Lieutenant by seniority in rank

200.3.2 UNITY OF COMMAND
The principles of unity of command ensure efficient supervision and control within the Department.
Generally, each employee shall be accountable to one supervisor at any time for a given
assignment or responsibility. Except where specifically delegated authority may exist by policy
or special assignment (e.g., K-9), any supervisor may temporarily direct any subordinate if an
operational necessity exists.
200.3.3 ORDERS
Members shall respond to and make a good faith and reasonable effort to comply with the lawful
order of superior officers and other proper authority.

Organizational Structure and Responsibility 23

Policy

Culver City Police Department

201

Policy Manual

General Order
201.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
General Orders establish an interdepartmental communication that may be used by the Chief
of Police to make immediate changes topolicy and procedure consistent with the current
Memorandum(s) of Understanding and as permitted by Government Code § 3500 et seq. General
Orders will immediately modify or change and supersede sections of this manual to which they
pertain.
201.1.1 GENERAL ORDER PROTOCOL
General Orders will be incorporated into the manual as required upon approval of Staff. General
Orders will modify existing policies or create a new policy as appropriate and will be rescinded
upon incorporation into the manual.
All existing General Orders have now been incorporated in the updated Policy Manual as of the
below revision date.
Any General Orders issued after publication of the manual shall be numbered consecutively
starting with the last two digits of the year, followed by the number "01" For example, 11-01 signifies
the first General Order for the year 2011.
201.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
201.2.1 STAFF
The Staff shall review and approve revisions of the Policy Manual, which will incorporate changes
originally made by a General Order.
201.2.2 CHIEF OF POLICE
The Chief of Police shall issue all General Orders and approve all revisions to the Policy manual.
201.2.3 GENERAL ORDERS, REVISIONS TO THE POLICY MANUAL, AND TRAINING
BULLETIN DISTRIBUTION
The Personnel and Training Section will distribute and post revisions to the Policy Manual, General
Orders, and Training Bulletins as needed to all departmental personnel. These items will be
distributed via electronic mail and may also be posted throughout the station. They will also be
available for viewing on Department networks.

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202

Policy Manual

Emergency Management Plan
202.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The City has prepared an Emergency Management Plan for use by all employees in the event
of a major disaster or other emergency event. The plan provides for a strategic response by all
employees and assigns specific responsibilities in the event that the plan is activated (Government
Code § 8610).
202.2 ACTIVATING THE EMERGENCY PLAN
The Emergency Management Plan can be activated on the order of the official designated by
local ordinance.
202.2.1 RECALL OF PERSONNEL
In the event that the Emergency Management Plan is activated, all employees of the Culver
City Police Department are subject to immediate recall. Employees may also be subject to recall
during extraordinary circumstances as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police or the authorized
designee.
Failure to promptly respond to an order to report for duty may result in discipline.
202.3 LOCATION OF THE PLAN
The manual for the employees is available in the Watch Commander's office. All supervisors
should familiarize themselves with the Emergency Management Plan and what roles police
personnel will play when the plan is implemented.
202.4 UPDATING OF MANUALS
The Chief of Police or designee shall review the Emergency Management Plan Manual at least
once every two years to ensure that the manual conforms to any revisions made by the National
Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Standardized Emergency Management System
(SEMS) and should appropriately address any needed revisions.

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Policy

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203

Policy Manual

Electronic Mail
203.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the proper use and application of
the Department’s electronic mail (email) system by employees of this department. Email is a
communication tool available to employees to enhance efficiency in the performance of job duties
and is to be used in accordance with generally accepted business practices and current law
(e.g., California Public Records Act). Messages transmitted over the email system must only be
those that involve official business activities or contain information essential to employees for the
accomplishment of business-related tasks and/or communication directly related to the business,
administration, or practices of the Department.
203.2 EMAIL RIGHT OF PRIVACY
All email messages, including any attachments, that are transmitted over department networks are
considered department records and therefore are department property. The Department reserves
the right to access, audit or disclose, for any lawful reason, any message including any attachment
that is transmitted over its email system or that is stored on any department system.
The email system is not a confidential system since all communications transmitted on, to or from
the system are the property of the Department. Therefore, the email system is not appropriate
for confidential communications. If a communication must be private, an alternative method to
communicate the message should be used instead of email. Employees using the Department’s
email system shall have no expectation of privacy concerning communications utilizing the system.
Employees should not use personal accounts to exchange email or other information that is related
to the official business of the Department.
203.3 PROHIBITED USE OF EMAIL
Sending derogatory, defamatory, obscene, disrespectful, sexually suggestive and harassing or
any other inappropriate messages on the email system is prohibited and may result in discipline.
Email messages addressed to the entire department are only to be used for official business
related items that are of particular interest to all users and must be approved by a supervisor.
Personal advertisements are not acceptable.
It is a violation of this policy to transmit a message under another user’s name. Users are
strongly encouraged to log off the network when their computer is unattended. This added security
measure would minimize the misuse of an individual’s email, name and/or password by others.
203.4 MANAGEMENT OF E-MAIL
Because the e-mail system is not designed for long-term retention of messages, e-mail that the
employee desires to save or that becomes part of an official record should be printed and/or stored
in another database. All Department employees are solely responsible for the management of

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Electronic Mail

their mailboxes and are required to check their e-mail at least once per work shift. All employees
covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) should not access city email while off duty. Such
access is not compensable and is not authorized. Messages should be routinely purged manually
by the user. Messages in excess of one month may be automatically purged from the server
computer.

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204

Policy Manual

Administrative Communications
204.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Administrative communications of this department are governed by the following policies.
204.2 DEPARTMENT E-MAIL
Department E-mail or interdepartmental memorandums may be issued periodically by the Chief
of Police or his designee to announce and document all promotions, transfers, hiring of new
personnel, separations, personnel and group commendations, or other changes in status.
204.3 CORRESPONDENCE
In order to ensure that the letterhead and name of the Department are not misused, all external
correspondence shall be on Department letterhead. All Department letterhead shall bear the
signature element of the Chief of Police. Personnel should use Department letterhead only for
official business and with approval of their supervisor.
204.4 SURVEYS
All surveys made in the name of the Department shall be authorized by the Chief of Police or a
Bureau Commander.

Administrative Communications - 28

Policy

Culver City Police Department

205

Policy Manual

Staffing Levels
205.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that proper supervision is available for all shifts. The
Department intends to balance the employee's needs against the need to have flexibility and
discretion in using personnel to meet operational needs. While balance is desirable, the paramount
concern is the need to meet operational requirements of the Department.
205.2 MINIMUM STAFFING LEVELS
Minimum staffing levels should result in the scheduling of at least two regular supervisors on
duty whenever possible. Watch Commanders should ensure that at least one field supervisor is
deployed during each watch, in addition to the Watch Commander.

Staffing Levels - 29

Policy

Culver City Police Department

206

Policy Manual

License to Carry a Firearm
206.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Chief of Police is given the statutory discretion to issue a license to carry a firearm to residents
within the community (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155). This policy will provide a written
process for the application and issuance of such licenses. Pursuant to Penal Code § 26160, this
policy shall be made accessible to the public.
206.1.1 APPLICATION OF POLICY
Nothing in this policy shall preclude the Chief or other head of a municipal police department
from entering into an agreement with the Sheriff of the county or preclude the Sheriff of the
county from entering into an agreement with the Chief of any municipal police department to
process all applications and license renewals for the carrying of concealed weapons (Penal Code
§ 26150; Penal Code § 26155).
206.2 POLICY
It is currently the policy of the Culver City Police Department to refer all CCW applicants to the
Sheriff of Los Angeles County for processing and consideration.
206.3 QUALIFIED APPLICANTS
In order to qualify for a license to carry a firearm, the applicant must meet certain requirements,
including:
(a)

Be a resident of the City of Culver City (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155).

(b)

Be at least 21 years of age (Penal Code § 29610).

(c)

Fully complete an application that will include substantial personal information. Much of the
information in the application may be subject to public access under the Public Records Act.

(d)

Be free from criminal convictions that would disqualify the applicant from carrying a firearm.
Fingerprints will be required and a complete criminal background check will be conducted.

(e)

Be of good moral character (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155). The applicant
should provide at least three letters of character reference.

(f)

Show good cause for the issuance of the license (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code §
26155).

(g)

Pay all associated application fees. These fees are set by statute and may not be refunded
if the application is denied.

(h)

Provide proof of ownership or registration of any firearm to be licensed.

(i)

Be free from any psychological conditions that might make the applicant unsuitable for
carrying a firearm (Penal Code § 26190).

(j)

Complete required training (Penal Code § 26165).

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206.4 APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process for a license to carry a firearm shall consist of two phases. Upon the
successful completion of each phase, the applicant will advance to the next phase until the process
is completed and the license is either issued or denied.
206.4.1 PHASE ONE (TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL APPLICANTS)
(a)

(b)

(c)

Any individual applying for a license to carry a firearm shall first fully complete a California
Department of Justice (DOJ) application to be signed under penalty of perjury. Any applicant
who provides false information or statements on the application will be removed from further
consideration and may be prosecuted for a criminal offense (Penal Code § 26180).
1.

In the event of any discrepancies in the application or background investigation, the
applicant may be required to undergo a polygraph examination, at no cost to the
applicant.

If an incomplete application package is received, the Chief of Police or authorized
designee may do any of the following:
(a)

Require the applicant to complete the package before any further processing.

(b)

Advance the incomplete package to phase two for conditional processing
pending completion of all mandatory conditions.

(c)

Issue a denial if the materials submitted at the time demonstrate that
the applicant would not qualify for a license to carry a firearm even if
the package was completed (e.g., not a resident, disqualifying criminal
conviction, absence of good cause).

At the time the completed application is submitted, the applicant shall submit a check made
payable to the California Department of Justice for the required California DOJ application
fee, along with a separate check made payable to the City of Culver City for a nonrefundable
20 percent of the application fee to cover the cost of processing the application (Penal Code
§ 26190).
(a)

Additional fees may be required for fingerprinting, training or psychological testing,
in addition to the application fee.

(b)

Full payment of the remainder of the application fee will be required upon issuance
of a license.

(c)

Payment of related fees may be waived if the applicant is a duly appointed reserve
peace officer as defined in Penal Code § 830.6 (a) or (b) (Penal Code § 26170).

The applicant shall be required to submit to fingerprinting and a complete criminal
background check by the California DOJ. A second set of fingerprints may be required for
retention in department files. Two recent passport-size photos (2 inches by 2 inches) of
the applicant shall be submitted for department use. No person determined to fall within

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License to Carry a Firearm

a prohibited class described in Penal Code § 29800, Penal Code § 29900, Welfare and
Institutions Code § 8100 or Welfare and Institutions Code § 8103 will be issued a license
to carry a firearm. A license shall not be issued if the California DOJ determines that
the applicant is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning or
purchasing a firearm (Penal Code § 26195).
(d)

The applicant should submit at least three signed letters of character reference from
individuals other than relatives.

(e)

The applicant shall submit proof of ownership or registration of each firearm to be licensed.

Once the Chief of Police or authorized designee has reviewed the completed application package
and relevant background information, the application will either be advanced to phase two or
denied.
In the event that an application is denied at the conclusion of, or during, phase one, the applicant
shall be notified in writing within 90 days of the initial application or within 30 days after receipt
of the applicant’s criminal background check from the California DOJ, whichever is later. If the
license is denied, the notice shall state which requirement was not satisfied (Penal Code § 26205).
206.4.2 PHASE TWO
This phase is to be completed only by those applicants successfully completing phase one.
(a)

(b)

Upon successful completion of phase one, the applicant shall be scheduled for a personal
interview with the Chief of Police or authorized designee. During this stage, there will be
further discussion of the applicant’s statement of good cause and any potential restrictions
or conditions that might be placed on the license.
1.

The determination of good cause should consider the totality of circumstances in
each individual case.

Any denial for lack of good cause should be rational, articulable and not arbitrary
in nature.

The Department will provide written notice to the applicant as to the determination
of good cause (Penal Code § 26202).

The Chief of Police may, based upon criteria established by the Chief of Police, require
that the applicant be referred to an authorized psychologist used by the Department for
psychological testing. The cost of such psychological testing (not to exceed $150) shall be
paid by the applicant. The purpose of any such psychological testing is intended only to
identify any outward indications or history of psychological problems that might render the
applicant unfit to carry a firearm. This testing is not intended to certify in any other respect
that the applicant is psychologically fit. If it is determined that the applicant is not a suitable
candidate for carrying a firearm, the applicant shall be removed from further consideration
(Penal Code § 26190).

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(c)

The applicant shall complete a course of training approved by the agency, which complies
with Penal Code § 26165. The applicant will not be required to complete and pay for any
training courses prior to any determination of good cause (Penal Code § 26165; Penal Code
§ 26202).

(d)

The applicant shall submit any firearm to be considered for a license to the Rangemaster
or other departmentally authorized gunsmith, at no cost to the applicant, for a full safety
inspection. The Chief of Police reserves the right to deny a license for any firearm that has
been altered from the manufacturer’s specifications or that is unsafe (Penal Code § 31910).

(e)

The applicant shall successfully complete a firearms safety and proficiency examination
with the firearm to be licensed, to be administered by the department Rangemaster, or
provide proof of successful completion of another departmentally approved firearms safety
and proficiency examination, including completion of all releases and other forms. The cost
of any outside inspection/examination shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

Once the Chief of Police or authorized designee has verified the successful completion of phase
two, the license to carry a firearm will either be granted or denied.
Whether an application is approved or denied at the conclusion of or during phase two, the
applicant shall be notified in writing within 90 days of the initial application or within 30 days after
receipt of the applicant’s criminal background check from the California DOJ, whichever is later.
If the license is denied, the notice shall state which requirement was not satisfied (Penal Code
§ 26205).
206.5 LIMITED BUSINESS LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM
The authority to issue a limited business license to carry a concealed firearm to a non-resident
applicant is granted only to the Sheriff of the county in which the applicant works. A chief of a
municipal police department may not issue limited licenses (Penal Code § 26150). Therefore,
such applicants may be referred to the Sheriff for processing.
An individual who is not a resident of the county but who otherwise successfully completes all
portions of phases one and two above, may apply for and be issued a limited license subject to
approval by the Sheriff and subject to the following:
(a)

The applicant physically spends a substantial period of working hours in the applicant’s
principal place of employment or business within the City of Culver City (Penal Code §
26150).

(b)

Such a license will be valid for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date of issuance
(Penal Code § 26220).

(c)

The applicant shall provide a copy of the license to the licensing authority of the city or county
in which the applicant resides (Penal Code § 26220).

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(d)

Any application for renewal or reissuance of such a license may be granted only upon
concurrence of the original issuing authority and the licensing authority of the city or county
in which the applicant resides (Penal Code § 26220).

206.6 ISSUED FIREARMS PERMITS
In the event a license to carry a firearm is issued by the Chief of Police, the following shall apply:
(a)

(b)

(c)

The license will be subject to any and all reasonable restrictions or conditions the Chief
of Police has deemed warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner and
circumstances under which the person may carry the firearm.
1.

All such restrictions or conditions shall be conspicuously noted on any license issued
(Penal Code § 26200).

The licensee will be required to sign a Restrictions and Conditions Agreement.
Any violation of any of the restrictions and conditions may result in the immediate
revocation of the license.

The license shall be laminated, bearing a photograph of the licensee with the expiration
date, type of firearm, restrictions and other pertinent information clearly visible.
1.

Each license shall be numbered and clearly identify the licensee.

All licenses shall be subjected to inspection by the Chief of Police or any law
enforcement officer.

The license will be valid for a period not to exceed two years from the date of issuance
(Penal Code § 26220).
1.

A license issued to a state or federal magistrate, commissioner or judge will be valid
for a period not to exceed three years.

A license issued to any reserve peace officer as defined in Penal Code § 830.6(a) or
(b), or a custodial officer employed by the Sheriff as provided in Penal Code § 831.5
will be valid for a period not to exceed four years, except that such license shall be
invalid upon the individual’s conclusion of service as a reserve officer.

(d)

If the licensee’s place of residence was the basis for issuance of a license and the licensee
moves out of the county of issuance, the license shall expire 90 days after the licensee has
moved (Penal Code § 26210).

(e)

The licensee shall notify this department in writing within 10 days of any change of place
of residency.

206.6.1 LICENSE RESTRICTIONS
(a)

The Chief of Police may place special restrictions limiting time, place, manner and
circumstances under which any license shall be valid. In general, these restrictions will
prohibit the licensee from:

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Consuming any alcoholic beverage while armed.

Falsely representing him/herself as a peace officer.

Unjustified or unreasonable displaying of a firearm.

Committing any crime.

Being under the influence of any medication or drug while armed.

Interfering with any law enforcement officer’s duties.

Refusing to display his/her license or firearm for inspection upon demand of any
peace officer.

Loading the permitted firearm with illegal ammunition.

(b)

The Chief of Police reserves the right to inspect any license or licensed firearm at any time.

(c)

The alteration of any previously approved firearm including, but not limited to adjusting the
trigger pull, adding laser sights or modifications shall void any license and serve as grounds
for revocation.

206.6.2 AMENDMENTS TO LICENSES
Any licensee may apply to amend a license at any time during the period of validity by completing
and submitting a written Application for License Amendment along with the current processing fee
to the Department in order to (Penal Code § 26215):
(a)

Add or delete authority to carry a firearm listed on the license.

(b)

Change restrictions or conditions previously placed on the license.

(c)

Change the address or other personal information of the licensee (Penal Code § 26210).

In the event that any amendment to a valid license is approved by the Chief of Police, a new
license will be issued reflecting the amendment. An amendment to any license will not serve to
extend the original expiration date and an application for an amendment will not constitute an
application for renewal of the license.
206.6.3 REVOCATION OF LICENSES
Any license issued pursuant to this policy may be immediately revoked by the Chief of Police for
any of the following reasons:
(a)

The licensee has violated any of the restrictions or conditions placed upon the license.

(b)

The licensee becomes psychologically unsuitable to carry a firearm.

(c)

The licensee is determined to be within a prohibited class described in Penal Code § 29800,
Penal Code § 29900, Welfare and Institutions Code § 8100, Welfare and Institutions Code
§ 8103 or any state or federal law.

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(d)

The licensee engages in any conduct which involves a lack of good moral character or that
might otherwise remove the good cause for the original issuance of the license.

(e)

If the license is one to carry “loaded and exposed,” the license shall be revoked immediately
upon a change of the licensee’s place of residence to another county (Penal Code § 26210).

The issuance of a license by the Chief of Police shall not entitle the holder to either a property
or liberty interest as the issuance, amendment or revocation of such license remains exclusively
within the discretion of the Chief of Police as set forth herein.
If any license is revoked, the Department will immediately notify the licensee in writing and the
California DOJ (Penal Code § 26225).
206.6.4 LICENSE RENEWAL
No later than 90 days prior to the expiration of any valid license to carry a firearm, the licensee
may apply to the Chief of Police for a renewal by:
(a)

Verifying all information submitted in the original application under penalty of perjury.

(b)

Completing a department-approved training course pursuant to Penal Code § 26165. The
applicant shall not be required to pay for a training course prior to the determination of good
cause (Penal Code § 26165).

(c)

Submitting any firearm to be considered for a license renewal to the Rangemaster for a full
safety inspection. The Chief of Police reserves the right to deny a license for any firearm
that has been altered from the manufacturer’s specifications or that is unsafe (Penal Code
§ 31910).

(d)

Paying a non-refundable renewal application fee.

Once the Chief of Police or authorized designee has verified the successful completion of the
renewal process, the renewal of the license to carry a firearm will either be granted or denied.
Prior issuance of a license shall not entitle any licensee to any property or liberty right to renewal.
Whether an application for renewal is approved or denied, the applicant shall be notified in writing
within 90 days of the renewal application or within 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s criminal
background check from the California DOJ, whichever is later (Penal Code § 26205).
206.7 DEPARTMENT REPORTING AND RECORDS
Pursuant to Penal Code § 26225, the Chief of Police shall maintain a record of the following and
immediately provide copies of each to the California DOJ:
(a)

The denial of a license

(b)

The denial of an amendment to a license

(c)

The issuance of a license

(d)

The amendment of a license

(e)

The revocation of a license

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The Chief of Police shall annually submit to the State Attorney General the total number of licenses
to carry firearms issued to reserve peace officers and judges.
206.8 CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS
The home address and telephone numbers of any peace officer, public defender, prosecutor,
magistrate, commissioner or judge contained in an application or license shall not be considered
public record (Government Code § 6254(u)(2)).
Any information in an application or license which tends to indicate when or where the applicant
is vulnerable to attack or that concerns the applicant’s medical or psychological history or that of
his/her family shall not be considered public record (Government Code § 6254(u)(1)).

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207

Policy Manual

Retiree Concealed Firearms
207.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the issuance, denial, suspension or
revocation of Culver City Police Department identification cards under the Law Enforcement
Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA) and California law (18 USC § 926C; Penal Code § 25455).
207.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to provide identification cards to qualified
former or retired officers as provided in this policy.
207.3 LEOSA
The Chief of Police may issue an identification card for LEOSA purposes to any qualified
former officer of this department who (18 USC § 926C(c)):
(a)

Separated from service in good standing from this department as an officer.

(b)

Before such separation, had regular employment as a law enforcement officer for an
aggregate of 10 years or more or, if employed as a law enforcement officer for less than 10
years, separated from service after completing any applicable probationary period due to a
service-connected disability as determined by this department.

(c)

Has not been disqualified for reasons related to mental health.

(d)

Has not entered into an agreement with this department where the officer acknowledges
that he/she is not qualified to receive a firearm qualification certificate for reasons related
to mental health.

(e)

Is not prohibited by federal law from receiving or possessing a firearm.

207.3.1 LEOSA IDENTIFICATION CARD FORMAT
The LEOSA identification card should contain a photograph of the former officer and identify him/
her as having been employed as an officer.
If the Culver City Police Department qualifies the former officer, the LEOSA identification card or
separate certification should indicate the date the former officer was tested or otherwise found by
the Department to meet the active duty standards for qualification to carry a firearm.
207.3.2 AUTHORIZATION
Any qualified former law enforcement officer, including a former officer of this department, may
carry a concealed firearm under 18 USC § 926C when he/she is:
(a)

In possession of photographic identification that identifies him/her as having been employed
as a law enforcement officer, and one of the following:
1.

An indication from the person’s former law enforcement agency that he/she has,
within the past year, been tested or otherwise found by the law enforcement agency

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to meet agency-established active duty standards for qualification in firearms training
to carry a firearm of the same type as the concealed firearm.
2.

A certification, issued by either the state in which the person resides or by a certified
firearms instructor who is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active
duty law enforcement officers within that state, indicating that the person has, within
the past year, been tested or otherwise found to meet the standards established by
the state or, if not applicable, the standards of any agency in that state.

(b)

Not under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance.

(c)

Not prohibited by federal law from receiving a firearm.

(d)

Not in a location prohibited by California law or by a private person or entity on his/her
property if such prohibition is permitted by California law.

207.4 CALIFORNIA IDENTIFICATION CARD ISSUANCE
Any full-time sworn officer of this department who was authorized to, and did, carry a concealed
firearm during the course and scope of his/her employment shall be issued an identification card
with a Carrying Concealed Weapon endorsement, "CCW Approved," upon honorable retirement
(Penal Code § 25455).
(a)

For the purpose of this policy, honorably retired includes all peace officers who have qualified
for, and accepted, a service or disability retirement. It shall not include any officer who retires
in lieu of termination.

(b)

No CCW Approved endorsement shall be issued to any officer retiring because of a
psychological disability (Penal Code § 26305).

207.4.1 CALIFORNIA IDENTIFICATION CARD FORMAT
The identification card issued to any qualified and honorably retired officer shall be 2 inches by 3
inches, and minimally contain (Penal Code § 25460):
(a)

A photograph of the retiree.

(b)

The retiree’s name and date of birth.

(c)

The date of retirement.

(d)

The name and address of this department.

(e)

A stamped CCW Approved endorsement along with the date by which the endorsement
must be renewed (not more than one year). If a CCW endorsement has been denied or
revoked, the identification card shall be stamped “No CCW Privilege.”

207.4.2 QUALIFIED RETIREES FROM INCORPORATED JURISDICTION
The Culver City Police Department shall provide an identification card with a CCW Approved
endorsement to honorably retired peace officers from any jurisdiction that this department now
serves under the following conditions (Penal Code § 25905):
(a)

The retiree's previous agency is no longer providing law enforcement services or the relevant
government body is dissolved.

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(b)

This department is in possession of the retiree’s complete personnel record or can verify
the retiree’s honorably retired status.

(c)

The retiree is in compliance with all of the requirements of this department for the issuance
of a CCW Approved endorsement.

207.4.3 QUALIFIED RETIRED RESERVES
Qualified retired reserve officers who meet the department requirements shall be provided an
identification card with a CCW Approved endorsement (Penal Code § 26300).
207.5 FORMER OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
A former officer with a card issued under this policy shall immediately notify the Watch Commander
of his/her arrest or conviction in any jurisdiction, or that he/she is the subject of a court order, in
accordance with the Reporting of Employee Convictions policy.
207.5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER LEOSA
In order to obtain or retain a LEOSA identification card, the former officer shall:
(a)

Sign a waiver of liability of the Department for all acts taken related to carrying a concealed
firearm, acknowledging both his/her personal responsibility as a private person for all acts
taken when carrying a concealed firearm as permitted by LEOSA and also that these acts
were not taken as an employee or former employee of the Department.

(b)

Remain subject to all applicable department policies and federal, state and local laws.

(c)

Demonstrate good judgment and character commensurate with carrying a loaded and
concealed firearm.

(d)

Successfully pass an annual criminal history background check indicating that he/she is not
prohibited by law from receiving or possessing a firearm.

207.5.2 MAINTAINING A CALIFORNIA IDENTIFICATION CARD CCW ENDORSEMENT
In order to maintain a CCW Approved endorsement on an identification card issued under
California law, the retired officer shall (Penal Code § 26305):
(a)

Qualify every five years with the authorized firearm(s) at a course approved by this
department, at the retired officer’s expense.

(b)

Remain subject to all applicable department policies and federal, state and local laws.

(c)

Not engage in conduct that compromises public safety.

(d)

Only be authorized to carry a concealed firearm approved by the Department.

207.6 DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A LEOSA IDENTIFICATION CARD
A LEOSA identification card may be denied or revoked upon a showing of good cause as
determined by the Department. In the event that an identification card is denied, suspended or
revoked, the former officer may request a review by the Chief of Police. The decision of the Chief
of Police is final.

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207.7 FIREARM QUALIFICATIONS
The Rangemaster may provide former officers from this department an opportunity to qualify.
Written evidence of the qualification and the weapons used will be provided and will contain the
date of the qualification. The Rangemaster will maintain a record of the qualifications and weapons
used.
207.8 DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A CALIFORNIA CCW
ENDORSEMENT CARD
A CCW endorsement under Penal Code § 25470 for any officer retired from this department
may be denied or revoked only upon a showing of good cause. The CCW endorsement may be
immediately and temporarily revoked by the Watch Commander when the conduct of a retired
peace officer compromises public safety.
(a)

In the event that a CCW endorsement is initially denied, the retired officer shall have 15 days
from the date of denial to request a formal hearing. The failure to submit a timely written
request for a hearing shall be deemed a waiver of such right. The hearing, absent written
agreement between the parties, shall be held no later than 120 days after the request is
received.

(b)

Prior to revocation of any CCW endorsement, the Department shall provide the affected
retiree with written notice of a hearing by either personal service or first class mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested to the retiree’s last known address (Penal Code § 26315).

(c)

(d)

The retiree shall have 15 days from the date of service to file a written request for
a hearing.

The hearing, absent written agreement between the parties, shall be held no later
than 120 days after the request is received (Penal Code § 26315).

The failure to submit a timely written request for a hearing shall be deemed a waiver
of such right.

A hearing for the denial or revocation of any CCW endorsement shall be conducted before a
hearing board composed of three members, one selected by the Department, one selected
by the retiree or his/her employee organization and one selected jointly (Penal Code §
26320).
1.

The decision of such hearing board shall be binding on the Department and the
retiree.

Any retiree who waives the right to a hearing or whose CCW endorsement has been
revoked at a hearing shall immediately surrender his/her identification card. The
Department will then reissue a new identification card which shall be stamped “No
CCW Privilege.”

Members who have reason to suspect the conduct of a retiree has compromised public
safety shall notify the Watch Commander as soon as practicable. The Watch Commander
should promptly take appropriate steps to look into the matter and, if warranted, contact the
retiree in person and advise him/her of the temporary suspension and hearing information
listed below.

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Notification of the temporary suspension should also be promptly mailed to the retiree
via first class mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested (Penal Code § 26312).

The Watch Commander should document the investigation, the actions taken and,
if applicable, any notification made to the retiree. The memo should be forwarded
to the Chief of Police.

The personal and written notification should be as follows:

(a)

The retiree’s CCW endorsement is immediately and temporarily suspended.

(b)

The retiree has 15 days to request a hearing to determine whether the
temporary suspension should become permanent revocation.

(c)

The retiree will forfeit his/her right to a hearing and the CCW endorsement will
be permanently revoked if the retiree fails to respond to the notice of hearing
within the 15-day period.

In the event that personal contact with the retiree cannot be reasonably achieved in
a timely manner, the Watch Commander should attempt to make the above notice
of temporary suspension through another law enforcement officer. For example, if a
retiree was arrested or detained by a distant agency, the Watch Commander may
request that a law enforcement officer from that agency act as the agent of the
Department to deliver the written notification.

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208

Policy Manual

Training Policy
208.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
It is the policy of this department to administer a training program that will provide for the
professional growth and continued development of its personnel. By doing so, the Department will
ensure its personnel possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a professional level
of service that meets the needs of the community.
208.2 PHILOSOPHY
The Department seeks to provide ongoing training and encourages all personnel to participate
in advanced training and formal education on a continual basis. Training is provided within the
confines of funding, requirements of a given assignment, staffing levels, and legal mandates.
Whenever possible, the Department will use courses certified by the California Commission on
Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
208.3 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Training Program are to:
(a)

Enhance the level of law enforcement service to the public

(b)

Increase the technical expertise and overall effectiveness of our personnel

(c)

Provide for continued professional development of department personnel

208.4 TRAINING PLAN
A training plan will be developed and maintained by the Personnel and Training Lieutenant. It is
the responsibility of the Personnel and Training Lieutenant to maintain, review, and update the
training plan on an annual basis. The plan will address the following areas:
(Agency-specific training areas)
208.5 TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The Personnel and Training will conduct an annual training-needs assessment of the Department.
The needs assessment will be reviewed by staff. Upon approval by the staff, the needs
assessment will form the basis for the training plan for the fiscal year.
208.6 TRAINING COMMITTEE
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant may establish a Training Committee, which will serve to
assist with identifying training needs for the Department.
The Training Committee may be comprised of at least three members, with the senior ranking
member of the committee acting as the chairperson. Members should be selected based on their

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abilities at post-incident evaluation and at assessing related training needs. The Personnel and
Training Lieutenant may remove or replace members of the committee at his/her discretion.
The Training Committee should review certain incidents to determine whether training would likely
improve future outcomes or reduce or prevent the recurrence of the undesirable issues related to
the incident. Specific incidents the Training Committee should review include, but are not limited to:

(a)

Any incident involving the death or serious injury of an employee.

(b)

Incidents involving a high risk of death, serious injury or civil liability.

(c)

Incidents identified by a supervisor as appropriate to review to identify possible training
needs.

The Training Committee should convene on a regular basis as determined by the Personnel
and Training Lieutenant to review the identified incidents. The committee should determine by
consensus whether a training need exists and then submit written recommendations of its findings
to the Personnel and Training Lieutenant. The recommendation should not identify specific facts
of any incidents, such as identities of employees involved or the date, time and location of the
incident, but should focus on the type of training being recommended.
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant will consider the recommendations of the committee
and determine what training should be addressed, taking into consideration the mission of the
Department and available resources.
208.7 TRAINING PROCEDURES
(a)

(b)

All employees assigned to attend training shall attend as scheduled unless previously
excused by their immediate supervisor. Excused absences from mandatory training should
be limited to the following:
1.

Court appearances

First choice vacation

Sick leave

Physical limitations preventing the employee’s participation.

Emergency situations

When an employee is unable to attend mandatory training, that employee shall:
1.

Notify his/her supervisor as soon as possible but no later than one hour prior to the
start of training.

Make arrangements through his/her supervisor and the Personnel and Training
Lieutenant to attend the required training on an alternate date.

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208.8 DAILY TRAINING BULLETINS

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Chapter 3 - General Operations

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300

Policy Manual

Use of Force
300.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines on the reasonable use of force. While there is no way to specify
the exact amount or type of reasonable force to be applied in any situation, every member
of this [department/office] is expected to use these guidelines to make such decisions in a
professional, impartial and reasonable manner.
300.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Deadly force - Force reasonably anticipated and intended to create a substantial likelihood of
causing death or very serious injury.
Force - The application of physical techniques or tactics, chemical agents or weapons to another
person, or other P.O.S.T. cerified defense tactic techniques. It is not a use of force when a person
allows him/herself to be searched, escorted, handcuffed or restrained.
300.2 POLICY
The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, both to the public
and to the law enforcement community. Officers are involved on a daily basis in numerous and
varied interactions and, when warranted, may use reasonable force in carrying out their duties.
Officers must have an understanding of, and true appreciation for, their authority and limitations.
This is especially true with respect to overcoming resistance while engaged in the performance
of law enforcement duties.
The [Department/Office] recognizes and respects the value of all human life and dignity without
prejudice to anyone. Vesting officers with the authority to use reasonable force and to protect the
public welfare requires monitoring, evaluation and a careful balancing of all interests.
300.2.1 DUTY TO INTERCEDE
Any officer present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which
is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intercede
to prevent the use of unreasonable force. An officer who observes another employee use force
that exceeds the degree of force permitted by law should promptly report these observations to
a supervisor.
300.3 USE OF FORCE
Officers shall use only that amount of force that reasonably appears necessary given the facts
and circumstances perceived by the officer at the time of the event to accomplish a legitimate law
enforcement purpose.
The reasonableness of force will be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the
scene at the time of the incident. Any evaluation of reasonableness must allow for the fact that
officers are often forced to make split-second decisions about the amount of force that reasonably
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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appears necessary in a particular situation, with limited information and in circumstances that are
tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving.
Given that no policy can realistically predict every possible situation an officer might encounter,
officers are entrusted to use well-reasoned discretion in determining the appropriate use of force
in each incident.
It is also recognized that circumstances may arise in which officers reasonably believe that
it would be impractical or ineffective to use any of the tools, weapons or methods provided
by the [Department/Office]. Officers may find it more effective or reasonable to improvise their
response to rapidly unfolding conditions that they are confronting. In such circumstances, the
use of any improvised device or method must nonetheless be reasonable and utilized only to the
degree that reasonably appears necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
While the ultimate objective of every law enforcement encounter is to avoid or minimize injury,
nothing in this policy requires an officer to retreat or be exposed to possible physical injury before
applying reasonable force.
300.3.1 USE OF FORCE TO EFFECT AN ARREST
Any peace officer may use reasonable force to effect an arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome
resistance. A peace officer who makes or attempts to make an arrest need not retreat or desist
from his/her efforts by reason of resistance or threatened resistance on the part of the person
being arrested; nor shall an officer be deemed the aggressor or lose his/her right to self-defense
by the use of reasonable force to effect the arrest, prevent escape or to overcome resistance
(Penal Code § 835a).
300.3.2 FACTORS USED TO DETERMINE THE REASONABLENESS OF FORCE
When determining whether to apply force and evaluating whether an officer has used reasonable
force, a number of factors should be taken into consideration, as time and circumstances permit.
These factors include, but are not limited to:
(a)

Immediacy and severity of the threat to officers or others.

(b)

The conduct of the individual being confronted, as reasonably perceived by the officer at
the time.

(c)

Officer/subject factors (age, size, relative strength, skill level, injuries sustained, level of
exhaustion or fatigue, the number of officers available vs. subjects).

(d)

The effects of drugs or alcohol.

(e)

Subject’s mental state or capacity.

(f)

Proximity of weapons or dangerous improvised devices.

(g)

The degree to which the subject has been effectively restrained and his/her ability to resist
despite being restrained.

(h)

The availability of other options and their possible effectiveness.

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(i)

Seriousness of the suspected offense or reason for contact with the individual.

(j)

Training and experience of the officer.

(k)

Potential for injury to officers, suspects and others.

(l)

Whether the person appears to be resisting, attempting to evade arrest by flight or is
attacking the officer.

(m)

The risk and reasonably foreseeable consequences of escape.

(n)

The apparent need for immediate control of the subject or a prompt resolution of the situation.

(o)

Whether the conduct of the individual being confronted no longer reasonably appears to
pose an imminent threat to the officer or others.

(p)

Prior contacts with the subject or awareness of any propensity for violence.

(q)

Any other exigent circumstances.

300.3.3 PAIN COMPLIANCE TECHNIQUES
Pain compliance techniques may be effective in controlling a physically or actively resisting
individual. Officers may only apply those pain compliance techniques for which they
have successfully completed [department/office]-approved training. Officers utilizing any pain
compliance technique should consider:
(a)

The degree to which the application of the technique may be controlled given the level of
resistance.

(b)

Whether the person can comply with the direction or orders of the officer.

(c)

Whether the person has been given sufficient opportunity to comply.

The application of any pain compliance technique shall be discontinued once the officer
determines that compliance has been achieved.
300.3.4 CAROTID CONTROL HOLD
The proper application of the carotid control hold may be effective in restraining a violent or
combative individual. However, due to the potential for injury, the use of the carotid control hold
is subject to the following:
(a)

The officer shall have successfully completed [department/office]-approved training in the
use and application of the carotid control hold.

(b)

The carotid control hold may only be used when circumstances perceived by the officer at
the time indicate that such application reasonably appears necessary to control a person in
any of the following circumstances:
1.

The subject is violent or physically resisting.

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2.
(c)

The subject, by words or actions, has demonstrated an intention to be violent and
reasonably appears to have the potential to harm officers, him/herself or others.

The application of a carotid control hold on the following individuals should generally
be avoided unless the totality of the circumstances indicates that other available options
reasonably appear ineffective, or would present a greater danger to the officer, the subject or
others, and the officer reasonably believes that the need to control the individual outweighs
the risk of applying a carotid control hold:
1.

Females who are known to be pregnant

Elderly individuals

Obvious juveniles

Individuals who appear to have Down syndrome or who appear to have obvious neck
deformities or malformations, or visible neck injuries

(d)

Any individual who has had the carotid control hold applied, regardless of whether he/
she was rendered unconscious, shall be promptly examined by paramedics or other
qualified medical personnel and should be monitored until examined by paramedics or other
appropriate medical personnel.

(e)

The officer shall inform any person receiving custody, or any person placed in a position of
providing care, that the individual has been subjected to the carotid control hold and whether
the subject lost consciousness as a result.

(f)

Any officer attempting or applying the carotid control hold shall promptly notify a supervisor
of the use or attempted use of such hold.

(g)

The use or attempted use of the carotid control hold shall be thoroughly documented by the
officer in any related reports.

300.3.5 USE OF FORCE TO SEIZE EVIDENCE
In general, officers may use reasonable force to lawfully seize evidence and to prevent the
destruction of evidence. However, officers are discouraged from using force solely to prevent
a person from swallowing evidence or contraband. In the instance when force is used, officers
should not intentionally use any technique that restricts blood flow to the head, restricts respiration
or which creates a reasonable likelihood that blood flow to the head or respiration would be
restricted. Officers are encouraged to use techniques and methods taught by the Culver City
Police Department for this specific purpose.
300.4 DEADLY FORCE APPLICATIONS
Use of deadly force is justified in the following circumstances:
(a)

An officer may use deadly force to protect him/herself or others from what he/she reasonably
believes would be an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.

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(b)

An officer may use deadly force to stop a fleeing subject when the officer has probable
cause to believe that the person has committed, or intends to commit, a felony involving the
infliction or threatened infliction of serious bodily injury or death, and the officer reasonably
believes that there is an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to any other person
if the subject is not immediately apprehended. Under such circumstances, a verbal warning
should precede the use of deadly force, where feasible.
Imminent does not mean immediate or instantaneous. An imminent danger may exist even
if the suspect is not at that very moment pointing a weapon at someone. For example, an
imminent danger may exist if an officer reasonably believes any of the following:
1.

The person has a weapon or is attempting to access one and it is reasonable to
believe the person intends to use it against the officer or another.

The person is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death without a weapon
and it is reasonable to believe the person intends to do so.

300.4.1 SHOOTING AT OR FROM MOVING VEHICLES
Shots fired at or from a moving vehicle are rarely effective. 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.
Officers should not shoot at any part of a vehicle in an attempt to disable the vehicle.
300.5 REPORTING THE USE OF FORCE
Any use of force by a member of this [department/office] shall be documented promptly, completely
and accurately in an appropriate report, depending on the nature of the incident. The officer should
articulate the factors perceived and why he/she believed the use of force was reasonable under
the circumstances. To collect data for purposes of training, resource allocation, analysis and
related purposes, the [Department/Office] may require the completion of additional report forms,
as specified in [department/office] policy, procedure or law.
300.5.1 NOTIFICATION TO SUPERVISORS
Supervisory notification shall be made as soon as practicable following the application of force
as defined in Section 300.1.1.
300.5.2 REPORTING TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Statistical data regarding all officer-involved shootings and incidents involving use of force
resulting in serious bodily injury is to be reported to the California Department of Justice as required
by Government Code § 12525.2. See the Records Section policy.
300.6 MEDICAL CONSIDERATION
Prior to booking or release, medical assistance shall be obtained for any person who exhibits signs
of physical distress, who has sustained visible injury, expresses a complaint of injury or continuing
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pain, or who was rendered unconscious. Any individual exhibiting signs of physical distress after
an encounter should be continuously monitored until he/she can be medically assessed.
Based upon the officer’s initial assessment of the nature and extent of the subject’s injuries,
medical assistance may consist of examination by fire personnel, paramedics, hospital staff or
medical staff at the jail. If any such individual refuses medical attention, such a refusal shall be
fully documented in related reports and, whenever practicable, should be witnessed by another
officer and/or medical personnel. If a recording is made of the contact or an interview with the
individual, any refusal should be included in the recording, if possible.
The on-scene supervisor or, if the on-scene supervisor is not available, the primary handling officer
shall ensure that any person providing medical care or receiving custody of a person following any
use of force is informed that the person was subjected to force. This notification shall include a
description of the force used and any other circumstances the officer reasonably believes would
be potential safety or medical risks to the subject (e.g., prolonged struggle, extreme agitation,
impaired respiration).
Persons who exhibit extreme agitation, violent irrational behavior accompanied by profuse
sweating, extraordinary strength beyond their physical characteristics and imperviousness to pain
(sometimes called “excited delirium”), or who require a protracted physical encounter with multiple
officers to be brought under control, may be at an increased risk of sudden death. Calls involving
these persons should be considered medical emergencies. Officers who reasonably suspect a
medical emergency should request medical assistance as soon as practicable and have medical
personnel stage away if appropriate.
300.7 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
When a supervisor is able to respond to an incident in which there has been a reported application
of force, the supervisor is expected to:
(a)

Obtain the basic facts from the involved officers. Absent an allegation of misconduct or
excessive force, this will be considered a routine contact in the normal course of duties.

(b)

Ensure that any injured parties are examined and treated.

(c)

When possible, separately obtain a recorded interview with the subject upon whom force
was applied. If this interview is conducted without the person having voluntarily waived his/
her Miranda rights, the following shall apply:
1.

The content of the interview should not be summarized or included in any related
criminal charges.

The fact that a recorded interview was conducted should be documented in a
property or other report.

The recording of the interview should be distinctly marked for retention until all
potential for civil litigation has expired.

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(d)

Once any initial medical assessment has been completed or first aid has been rendered,
ensure that photographs have been taken of any areas involving visible injury or complaint
of pain, as well as overall photographs of uninjured areas. These photographs should be
retained until all potential for civil litigation has expired.

(e)

Identify any witnesses not already included in related reports.

(f)

Review and approve all related reports.

(g)

Determine if there is any indication that the subject may pursue civil litigation.
1.

(h)

If there is an indication of potential civil litigation, the supervisor should complete and
route a notification of a potential claim through the appropriate channels.

Evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident and initiate an administrative
investigation if there is a question of policy non-compliance or if for any reason further
investigation may be appropriate.

In the event that a supervisor is unable to respond to the scene of an incident involving the reported
application of force, the supervisor is still expected to complete as many of the above items as
circumstances permit.
300.7.1 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
The Watch Commander shall review each use of force by any personnel within his/her command
to ensure compliance with this policy and to address any training issues.
300.8 TRAINING
Officers will receive periodic training on this policy and demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding.

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Policy

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301

Policy Manual

Deadly Force Review
301.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes a process for the Culver City Police Department to review the use of force
by its employees.
This review process shall be in addition to any other review or investigation that may be conducted
by any outside or multi-agency entity having jurisdiction over the investigation or evaluation of the
use of deadly force.
301.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department will objectively evaluate the use of force by its members to
ensure that their authority is used lawfully, appropriately and is consistent with training and policy.
301.3 REMOVAL FROM LINE DUTY ASSIGNMENT
Generally, whenever an employee's actions or use of force in an official capacity, or while using
department equipment, results in death or very serious injury to another, that employee will be
placed in a temporary administrative assignment pending an administrative review. The Chief
of Police may exercise discretion and choose not to place an employee in an administrative
assignment in any case.
301.4 REVIEW BOARD
The Use of Force Review Board will be convened when the use of force by a member results in
very serious injury or death to another.
The Use of Force Review Board will also investigate and review the circumstances surrounding
every discharge of a firearm, whether the employee was on- or off-duty, excluding training or
recreational use.
The Chief of Police may request the Use of Force Review Board to investigate the circumstances
surrounding any use of force incident.
The Assistant Chief will convene the Use of Force Review Board as necessary. It will be
the responsibility of the Bureau Commander or supervisor of the involved employee to notify
the Assistant Chief of any incidents requiring board review. The involved employee's Bureau
Commander or supervisor will also ensure that all relevant reports, documents and materials are
available for consideration and review by the board.
301.4.1 COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD
The Assistant Chief should select five Use of Force Review Board members from the following,
as appropriate:
•

Representatives of each bureau

•

Commanding officer in the involved member's chain of command

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•

Personnel and Training Personnel and Training Lieutenant

•

Detective Personnel and Training Lieutenant

•

A peer officer

•

Department instructor for the type of weapon, device or technique used

The senior ranking command representative who is not in the same bureau as the involved
employee will serve as chairperson.
301.4.2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD
The Use of Force Review Board is empowered to conduct an administrative review and inquiry
into the circumstances of an incident.
The board members may request further investigation, request reports be submitted for the
board's review, call persons to present information and request the involved employee to appear.
The involved employee will be notified of the meeting of the board and may choose to have a
representative through all phases of the review process.
The board does not have the authority to recommend discipline.
The Chief of Police will determine whether the board should delay its review until after completion
of any criminal investigation, review by any prosecutorial body, filing of criminal charges the
decision not to file criminal charges, or any other action. The board should be provided all relevant
available material from these proceedings for its consideration.
Absent an express waiver from the employee, no more than two members of the board may ask
questions of the involved employee (Government Code § 3303). Other members may provide
questions to these members.
The review shall be based upon those facts which were reasonably believed or known by the
officer at the time of the incident, applying any legal requirements, department policies, procedures
and approved training to those facts. Facts later discovered but unknown to the officer at the time
shall neither justify nor call into question an officer's decision regarding the use of force.
Any questioning of the involved employee conducted by the board will be in accordance with
the department's disciplinary procedures, the Personnel Complaints Policy, the current collective
bargaining agreement and any applicable state or federal law.
The board shall make one of the following recommended findings:
(a)

The employee's actions were within department policy and procedure.

(b)

The employee's actions were in violation of department policy and procedure.

A recommended finding requires a majority vote of the board. The board may also recommend
additional investigations or reviews, such as disciplinary investigations, training reviews to
consider whether training should be developed or revised, and policy reviews, as may be
appropriate. The board chairperson will submit the written recommendation to the Chief of Police.

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The Chief of Police shall review the recommendation, make a final determination as to whether the
employee's actions were within policy and procedure and will determine whether any additional
actions, investigations or reviews are appropriate. The Chief of Police's final findings will be
forwarded to the involved employee's Bureau Commander for review and appropriate action. If
the Chief of Police concludes that discipline should be considered, a disciplinary process will be
initiated.
At the conclusion of any additional reviews, copies of all relevant reports and information will be
filed with the Chief of Police.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

302

Policy Manual

Watches, Schedules, & Rotation
302.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines and descriptions of the Department's watch schedules and rotation
of personnel.
302.1.1 WATCHES
Watch Defined: A Watch shall be that period of time when a particular Bureau, Section, Unit, or
Detail is considered to be on-duty.
Hours of Watch: Each Bureau Commander or officer in charge of a Section, Unit, or Detail, shall
establish the hours of duty for the watches under his command, subject to the approval of the
Chief of Police.
302.1.2 WATCH DESIGNATION: BASIC OPERATIONS PLAN
The following Watch title designations shall be used for designating the basic Operations Bureau
watch plan of the Department. Bureau Commanders may alter the hours of the basic watch plan
to accommodate particular needs, when approved by the Chief of Police:
(a)

Day Watch: 0700 hours to 1930 hours

(b)

Night Watch: 1400 hours to 0230 hours

(c)

Morning Watch: 1900 hours to 0730 hours

302.1.3 CHANGE OF WATCH
Change of Watch is that time at which the responsibility for the operation of a Bureau, Section,
Unit, or Detail, passes from one watch to another. It may be preceded by a briefing period for the
watch coming on duty.
302.1.4 WATCH ROTATION: OPERATIONS BUREAU
The Watch Rotation Plan for sworn personnel and jailers assigned to the Patrol Section of the
Operations Bureau should conform to the following guidelines:

(a)

The established order of watches is Day Watch, Night Watch, Morning Watch.

(b)

Each jailer, officer, sergeant, and lieutenant may be required to work a minimum of four
months on a watch. They will then be given an opportunity to choose their assigned shift/
watch and days off (from what is available) based on seniority. If they have worked at least
one rotation on a given watch, each jailer, officer, sergeant, and lieutenant will be able
to bump the most senior person of equal rank on the next watch. (senior officer, jailer or
sergeant shall refer to the employee who has the most time on his particular watch.)

(c)

The personnel being bumped shall be transferred to the next watch, in rotation. For example:
Officer "Jones" on Night Watch would bump Officer "Smith" on Morning Watch, who would,

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in turn, bump Officer "Wilson" on Day Watch ". In the event an equal number of personnel
request rotation, the "bumping" provision of this section would not apply.
(d)

Probationary officers may be rotated at any time, according to their training needs as
determined by the Department.

(e)

Officers, jailers and lieutenants should rotate in a clockwise direction. (Morning Watch to
Day Watch to Night Watch) Sergeants shall rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. (Morning
Watch to Night Watch to Day Watch)

(f)

While the above is a guideline, nothing shall prohibit the Chief of Police (or his designee)
from deviating from this rotation plan in order to satisfy department and employee needs.

302.1.5 WATCH ROTATION: COMMUNICATIONS
The following guidelines should be implemented in the Watch Rotation Plan for personnel
assigned to the Communications Section.

(a)

The established order of watch rotation is to be Morning to Day to Morning.

(b)

Each Communications Operator may be required to work a minimum of four months on a
watch. They will then be given an opportunity to bump the senior Communications Operator
on the next watch. ("Senior" shall refer to the Communications Operator who has the most
time on that particular watch.)

(c)

Communications Operators shall be allowed to rotate three times a year. Requests for watch
changes shall be made prior to January 1, May 1, and September 1. Watch changes shall
then be made on or about these dates.

(d)

Exceptions to the mandatory rotation may be made by the Bureau Commander, with
adequate justification on the part of the employee, such as school commitments or personal
hardship.

(e)

An employee who is being "bumped" from a watch may, with the approval of a supervisor,
attempt to obtain a volunteer from his watch (or if no one volunteers, from another watch)
to replace him in the rotation plan. The employee remaining on the watch would then revert
to being senior on his particular watch.

(f)

Employees desiring to rotate in a manner other than described, may, with the approval of
the Bureau Commander, make arrangements to trade watches with an employee on the
watch they wish to be transferred.

(g)

Probationary employees may be required to work various watches to facilitate their training.

(h)

Nothing shall prohibit the Chief of Police or his designee from deviating from the Watch
Rotation Plan in order to satisfy Departmental needs.

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302.1.6 WATCH ROTATION: LITIGATION LIAISON AND DOCUMENTS SECTION
(RECORDS) CLERKS
The following guidelines should be implemented in the Watch Rotation Plan for personnel
assigned to the Litigation Liaison and Documents (Records) Section.

(a)

The established order of watch rotation is to be Morning to Day to Night Watch.

(b)

Each Litigation Liaison and Documents Section Clerk may be required to work a minimum of
four months on a watch. They will then be given an opportunity to bump the senior Litigation
Liaison and Documents Section Clerk on the next watch. ("Senior" shall refer to the Litigation
Liaison and Documents Section Clerk who has the most time on that particular watch.)

(c)

Litigation Liaison and Documents Section Clerks shall be allowed to rotate three times a
year. Requests for watch changes shall be made prior to February 1, June 1, and October
1. Watch changes shall then be made on or about these dates.

(d)

Exceptions to the mandatory rotation may be made by the Bureau Commander, with
adequate justification on the part of the employee, such as school commitments or personal
hardship.

(e)

(f)

Employees desiring to rotate in a manner other than described, may, with the approval of
the Bureau Commander, make arrangements to trade watches with an employee on the
watch to which they wish to be transferred.

(g)

Probationary employees may be required to work various watches to facilitate their training.

(h)

Nothing shall prohibit the Chief of Police from deviating from the Watch Rotation Plan in
order to satisfy Departmental needs.

302.1.7 ASSIGNMENT ROTATION: ADMINISTRATION AND INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
The following guidelines should be implemented in the Watch Rotation Plan for personnel
assigned to the Administration and Investigations Bureau.

(a)

Detective positions should be limited to a period of three years.

(b)

Detective Supervisor positions should be limited to a period of two years.

(c)

Crime Impact Team detectives should be limited to a period of two years.

(d)

Lieutenant positions should be limited to a period of two years.

(e)

Bureau Commander positions should be limited to a period of two years.

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(f)

While the above is a guideline, nothing shall prohibit the Chief of Police (or designee) from
deviating from this rotation plan in order to satisfy department and employee needs.

302.1.8 ASSIGNMENT ROTATION: TRAFFIC BUREAU
The following guidelines should be implemented in the Watch Rotation Plan for personnel
assigned to the Traffic Bureau.

(a)

Accident Investigator position should be limited to three years.

(b)

Motorcycle Officer and Sergeant positions should be limited to a period of three years.

(c)

All other Traffic Bureau sworn positions including supervisors, Lieutenant and Sergeants
should be limited to a period of two years.

While the above is a guideline, nothing shall prohibit the Chief of Police (or designee) from
deviating from this rotation plan in order to satisfy department and employee needs.

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Policy

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303

Policy Manual

Leg Restraint Device
303.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the use of handcuffs and other restraints during detentions and
arrests.
303.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department authorizes the use of restraint devices in accordance with this
policy, the Use of Force Policy and department training. Restraint devices shall not be used to
punish, to display authority or as a show of force.
303.3 USE OF RESTRAINTS
Only members who have successfully completed Culver City Police Department-approved training
on the use of restraint devices described in this policy are authorized to use these devices.
When deciding whether to use any restraint, officers should carefully balance officer safety
concerns with factors that include, but are not limited to:
•

The circumstances or crime leading to the arrest.

•

The demeanor and behavior of the arrested person.

•

The age and health of the person.

•

Whether the person is known to be pregnant.

•

Whether the person has a hearing or speaking disability. In such cases, consideration should
be given, safety permitting, to handcuffing to the front in order to allow the person to sign
or write notes.

•

Whether the person has any other apparent disability.

303.3.1 RESTRAINT OF DETAINEES
Situations may arise where it may be reasonable to restrain an individual who may, after brief
investigation, be released without arrest. Unless arrested, the use of restraints on detainees should
continue only for as long as is reasonably necessary to assure the safety of officers and others.
When deciding whether to remove restraints from a detainee, officers should continuously weigh
the safety interests at hand against the continuing intrusion upon the detainee.
303.3.2 RESTRAINT OF PREGNANT PERSONS
Persons who are known to be pregnant should be restrained in the least restrictive manner that
is effective for officer safety and in no event shall these persons be restrained by the use of leg
irons, waist chains or handcuffs behind the body.
No person who is in labor, delivery or recovery after delivery shall be handcuffed or restrained
except in extraordinary circumstances and only when a supervisor makes an individualized

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determination that such restraints are necessary for the safety of the arrestee, officers or others
(Penal Code § 3407; Penal Code § 6030).
303.3.3 RESTRAINT OF JUVENILES
A juvenile under 14 years of age should not be restrained unless he/she is suspected of a
dangerous felony or when the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the juvenile may resist,
attempt escape, injure him/herself, injure the officer or damage property.
303.3.4 NOTIFICATIONS
Whenever an officer transports a person with the use of restraints other than handcuffs, the officer
shall inform the jail staff upon arrival at the jail that restraints were used. This notification should
include information regarding any other circumstances the officer reasonably believes would
be potential safety concerns or medical risks to the subject (e.g., prolonged struggle, extreme
agitation, impaired respiration) that may have occurred prior to, or during transportation to the jail.
303.4 APPLICATION OF HANDCUFFS OR PLASTIC CUFFS
Handcuffs, including temporary nylon or plastic cuffs, may be used only to restrain a person's
hands to ensure officer safety.
Although recommended for most arrest situations, handcuffing is discretionary and not an absolute
requirement of the Department. Officers should consider handcuffing any person they reasonably
believe warrants that degree of restraint. However, officers should not conclude that in order to
avoid risk every person should be handcuffed, regardless of the circumstances.
In most situations handcuffs should be applied with the hands behind the person's back. When
Feasible, handcuffs should be double-locked to prevent tightening, which may cause undue
discomfort or injury to the hands or wrists.
In situations where one pair of handcuffs does not appear sufficient to restrain the individual or may
cause unreasonable discomfort due to the person's size, officers should consider alternatives,
such as using an additional set of handcuffs or multiple plastic cuffs.
Handcuffs should be removed as soon as it is reasonable or after the person has been searched
and is safely confined within a detention facility.
303.5 APPLICATION OF AUXILIARY RESTRAINT DEVICES
Auxiliary restraint devices include transport belts, waist or belly chains, transportation chains, leg
irons and other similar devices. Auxiliary restraint devices are intended for use during long-term
restraint or transportation. They provide additional security and safety without impeding breathing,
while permitting adequate movement, comfort and mobility.
Only department-authorized devices may be used. Any person in auxiliary restraints should be
monitored as reasonably appears necessary.

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303.6 APPLICATION OF LEG RESTRAINT DEVICES
Leg restraints may be used to restrain the legs of a violent or potentially violent person when it is
reasonable to do so during the course of detention, arrest or transportation. Only restraint devices
approved by the Department shall be used.
In determining whether to use the leg restraint, officers should consider:
(a)

Whether the officer or others could be exposed to injury due to the assaultive or resistant
behavior of a suspect.

(b)

Whether it is reasonably necessary to protect the suspect from his/her own actions (e.g.,
hitting his/her head against the interior of the patrol unit, running away from the arresting
officer while handcuffed, kicking at objects or officers).

(c)

Whether it is reasonably necessary to avoid damage to property (e.g., kicking at windows
of the patrol unit).

303.6.1 GUIDELINES FOR USE OF LEG RESTRAINTS
When applying leg restraints the following guidelines should be followed:
(a)

If practicable, officers should notify a supervisor of the intent to apply the leg restraint device.
In all cases, a supervisor shall be notified as soon as practicable after the application of the
leg restraint device.

(b)

Once applied, absent a medical or other emergency, restraints should remain in place until
the officer arrives at the jail or other facility or the person no longer reasonably appears to
pose a threat.

(c)

Once secured, the person should be placed in a seated or upright position, secured with a
seat belt, and shall not be placed on his/her stomach for an extended period, as this could
reduce the person's ability to breathe.

(d)

The restrained person should be continually monitored by an officer while in the leg restraint.
The officer should ensure that the person does not roll onto and remain on his/her stomach.

(e)

The officer should look for signs of labored breathing and take appropriate steps to relieve
and minimize any obvious factors contributing to this condition.

(f)

When transported by ambulance/paramedic unit, the restrained person should be
accompanied by an officer when requested by medical personnel. The transporting officer
should describe to medical personnel any unusual behaviors or other circumstances the
officer reasonably believes would be potential safety or medical risks to the subject (e.g.,
prolonged struggle, extreme agitation, impaired respiration).

303.7 REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
If an individual is arrested, the use of restraints other than handcuffs shall be documented in the
related report. The officer should include, as appropriate:
(a)

The amount of time the suspect was restrained.

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(b)

How the suspect was transported and the position of the suspect.

(c)

Observations of the suspect's behavior and any signs of physiological problems.

(d)

Any known or suspected drug use or other medical problems.

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Policy

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304

Policy Manual

Control Devices and Techniques
304.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the use and maintenance of control devices that are described
in this policy.
304.2 POLICY
In order to control subjects who are violent or who demonstrate the intent to be violent, the Culver
City Police Department authorizes officers to use control devices in accordance with the guidelines
in this policy and the Use of Force Policy.
304.2.1 AUTHORIZED BATONS
(a)

Straight baton constructed of wood, 26 to 29 inches in length. The baton shall be 1 and
1/8" to 1 and 1/4 inches in diameter and shall be equipped with a black rubber grommet
positioned approximately seven inches from one end of the baton. The baton shall be either
black or brown (natural wood) in color. It shall also be smooth (sanded) in texture

(b)

ASP friction lock baton, 16, 21, 26 or 31 inches in length. The ASP shall be black or silver/
chrome in color

While working in a patrol capacity, Officers and Sergeants shall always have a straight baton inside
their assigned vehicle readily available for use in the field. If carried on the person, all batons shall
be carried in their respective holders. Batons shall not be modified in any way. Officers shall only
carry those types of batons for which they have been properly trained.
304.3 ISSUING, CARRYING AND USING CONTROL DEVICES
Control devices described in this policy may be carried and used by members of this department
only if the device has been issued by the Department or approved by the Chief of Police or the
authorized designee.
Only officers who have successfully completed department-approved training in the use of any
control device are authorized to carry and use the device.
Control devices may be used when a decision has been made to control, restrain or arrest a
subject who is violent or who demonstrates the intent to be violent, and the use of the device
appears reasonable under the circumstances. When reasonable, a verbal warning and opportunity
to comply should precede the use of these devices.
When using control devices, officers should carefully consider potential impact areas in order to
minimize injuries and unintentional targets.
304.4 RESPONSIBILITIES

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304.4.1 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Watch Commander may authorize the use of a control device by selected personnel or
members of specialized units who have successfully completed the required training.
304.4.2 RANGEMASTER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Rangemaster shall control the inventory and issuance of all control devices and shall ensure
that all damaged, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or munitions are properly
disposed of, repaired or replaced.
Every control device will be periodically inspected by the Rangemaster or the designated instructor
for a particular control device. The inspection shall be documented.
304.4.3 USER RESPONSIBILITIES
All normal maintenance, charging or cleaning shall remain the responsibility of personnel using
the various devices.
Any damaged, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or munitions, along with
documentation explaining the cause of the damage, shall be returned to the Rangemaster for
disposition. Damage to City property forms shall also be prepared and forwarded through the
chain of command, when appropriate, explaining the cause of damage.
304.5 BATON GUIDELINES
The need to immediately control a suspect must be weighed against the risk of causing serious
injury. The head, neck, throat, spine, heart, kidneys and groin should not be intentionally targeted
except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious
bodily injury or death to the officer or others.
When carrying a baton, uniformed personnel shall carry the baton in its authorized holder on the
equipment belt. Plainclothes and non-field personnel may carry the baton as authorized and in
accordance with the needs of their assignment or at the direction of their supervisor.
304.6 TEAR GAS GUIDELINES
Tear gas may be used for crowd control, crowd dispersal or against barricaded suspects based
on the circumstances. Only the Watch Commander, Incident Commander or Crisis Response Unit
Commander may authorize the delivery and use of tear gas, and only after evaluating all conditions
known at the time and determining that such force reasonably appears justified and necessary.
When practicable, fire personnel should be alerted or summoned to the scene prior to the
deployment of tear gas to control any fires and to assist in providing medical aid or gas evacuation
if needed.
304.7 OLEORESIN CAPSICUM (OC) GUIDELINES
As with other control devices, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray and pepper projectiles may be
considered for use to bring under control an individual or groups of individuals who are engaging in,
or are about to engage in violent behavior. Pepper projectiles and OC spray should not, however,
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be used against individuals or groups who merely fail to disperse or do not reasonably appear to
present a risk to the safety of officers or the public.
304.7.1 OC SPRAY
Uniformed personnel carrying OC spray shall carry the device in its holster on the equipment belt.
Plainclothes and non-field personnel may carry OC spray as authorized, in accordance with the
needs of their assignment or at the direction of their supervisor.
304.7.2 PEPPER PROJECTILE SYSTEMS
Pepper projectiles are plastic spheres that are filled with a derivative of OC powder. Because the
compressed gas launcher delivers the projectiles with enough force to burst the projectiles on
impact and release the OC powder, the potential exists for the projectiles to inflict injury if they
strike the head, neck, spine or groin. Therefore, personnel using a pepper projectile system should
not intentionally target those areas, except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses
an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others.
Officers encountering a situation that warrants the use of a pepper projectile system shall notify
a supervisor as soon as practicable. A supervisor shall respond to all pepper projectile system
incidents where the suspect has been hit or exposed to the chemical agent. The supervisor shall
ensure that all notifications and reports are completed as required by the Use of Force Policy.
Each deployment of a pepper projectile system shall be documented. This includes situations
where the launcher was directed toward the suspect, whether or not the launcher was used.
Unintentional discharges shall be promptly reported to a supervisor and documented on the
appropriate report form. Only non-incident use of a pepper projectile system, such as training and
product demonstrations, is exempt from the reporting requirement.
304.7.3 TREATMENT FOR OC SPRAY EXPOSURE
Persons who have been sprayed with or otherwise affected by the use of OC should be promptly
provided with clean water to cleanse the affected areas. Those persons who complain of further
severe effects shall be examined by appropriate medical personnel.
304.8 POST-APPLICATION NOTICE
Whenever tear gas or OC has been introduced into a residence, building interior, vehicle or
other enclosed area, officers should provide the owners or available occupants with notice of
the possible presence of residue that could result in irritation or injury if the area is not properly
cleaned. Such notice should include advisement that clean up will be at the owner’s expense.
Information regarding the method of notice and the individuals notified should be included in
related reports.
304.9 KINETIC ENERGY PROJECTILE GUIDELINES
This department is committed to reducing the potential for violent confrontations. Kinetic energy
projectiles, when used properly, are less likely to result in death or serious physical injury and can
be used in an attempt to de-escalate a potentially deadly situation.
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304.9.1 DEPLOYMENT AND USE
Only department-approved kinetic energy munitions shall be carried and deployed. Approved
munitions may be used to compel an individual to cease his/her actions when such munitions
present a reasonable option.
Officers are not required or compelled to use approved munitions in lieu of other reasonable tactics
if the involved officer determines that deployment of these munitions cannot be done safely. The
safety of hostages, innocent persons and officers takes priority over the safety of subjects engaged
in criminal or suicidal behavior.
Circumstances appropriate for deployment include, but are not limited to, situations in which:
(a)

The suspect is armed with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe
application of approved munitions.

(b)

The suspect has made credible threats to harm him/herself or others.

(c)

The suspect is engaged in riotous behavior or is throwing rocks, bottles or other dangerous
projectiles at people and/or officers.

(d)

There is probable cause to believe that the suspect has already committed a crime of
violence and is refusing to comply with lawful orders.

304.9.2 DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Before discharging projectiles, the officer should consider such factors as:
(a)

Distance and angle to target.

(b)

Type of munitions employed.

(c)

Type and thickness of subject’s clothing.

(d)

The subject’s proximity to others.

(e)

The location of the subject.

(f)

Whether the subject’s actions dictate the need for an immediate response and the use of
control devices appears appropriate.

A verbal warning of the intended use of the device should precede its application, unless it would
otherwise endanger the safety of officers or when it is not practicable due to the circumstances.
The purpose of the warning is to give the individual a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply
and to warn other officers and individuals that the device is being deployed.
Officers should keep in mind the manufacturer’s recommendations and their training regarding
effective distances and target areas. However, officers are not restricted solely to use according to
manufacturer recommendations. Each situation must be evaluated on the totality of circumstances
at the time of deployment.
The need to immediately incapacitate the subject must be weighed against the risk of causing
serious injury or death. The head and neck should not be intentionally targeted, except when the
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officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death
to the officer or others.
304.9.3 SAFETY PROCEDURES
Shotguns specifically designated for use with kinetic energy projectiles will be specially marked
in a manner that makes them readily identifiable as such.
Officers will inspect the shotgun and projectiles at the beginning of each shift to ensure that the
shotgun is in proper working order and the projectiles are of the approved type and appear to be
free from defects.
When it is not deployed, the shotgun designated for use with projectiles will be unloaded
and properly and securely stored in the vehicle. When deploying the kinetic energy projectile
shotgun, the officer shall visually inspect the kinetic energy projectiles to ensure that conventional
ammunition is not being loaded into the shotgun.
304.10 TRAINING FOR CONTROL DEVICES
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant shall ensure that all personnel who are authorized to carry
a control device have been properly trained and certified to carry the specific control device and
are retrained or recertified as necessary.
(a)

Proficiency training shall be monitored and documented by a certified, control-device
weapons or tactics instructor.

(b)

All training and proficiency for control devices will be documented in the officer’s training file.

(c)

Officers who fail to demonstrate proficiency with the control device or knowledge of this
agency’s Use of Force Policy will be provided remedial training. If an officer cannot
demonstrate proficiency with a control device or knowledge of this agency’s Use of Force
Policy after remedial training, the officer will be restricted from carrying the control device
and may be subject to discipline.

304.11 REPORTING USE OF CONTROL DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES
Any application of a control device or technique listed in this policy shall be documented in the
related incident report and reported pursuant to the Use of Force Policy.

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305

Policy Manual

TASER™ Guidelines
305.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the issuance and use of TASER devices.
305.2 POLICY
The TASER® device is intended to control a violent or potentially violent individual, while
minimizing the risk of serious injury. The appropriate use of such a device should result in fewer
serious injuries to officers and suspects.
305.3 ISSUANCE AND CARRYING TASER DEVICES
Only members who have successfully completed department-approved training may be issued
and carry the TASER device.
TASER devices are issued for use during a member’s current assignment. Those leaving a
particular assignment may be required to return the device to the department’s inventory.
Officers shall only use the TASER device and cartridges that have been issued by the Department.
Uniformed officers who have been issued the TASER device shall wear the device in an approved
holster on their person. Non-uniformed officers may secure the TASER device in the driver’s
compartment of their vehicle.
Members carrying the TASER device should perform a spark test on the unit prior to every shift.
When carried while in uniform officers shall carry the TASER device in a weak-side holster on the
side opposite the duty weapon.
(a)

All TASER devices shall be clearly and distinctly marked to differentiate them from the duty
weapon and any other device.

(b)

Officers shall be responsible for ensuring that their issued TASER device is properly
maintained and in good working order.

(c)

Officers should not hold both a firearm and the TASER device at the same time.

305.4 VERBAL AND VISUAL WARNINGS
A verbal warning of the intended use of the TASER device should precede its application,
unless it would otherwise endanger the safety of officers or when it is not practicable due to the
circumstances. The purpose of the warning is to:
(a)

Provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply.

(b)

Provide other officers and individuals with a warning that the TASER device may be
deployed.

If, after a verbal warning, an individual is unwilling to voluntarily comply with an officer’s lawful
orders and it appears both reasonable and feasible under the circumstances, the officer may, but
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is not required to, display the electrical arc (provided that a cartridge has not been loaded into the
device), or the laser in a further attempt to gain compliance prior to the application of the TASER
device. The aiming laser should never be intentionally directed into the eyes of another as it may
permanently impair his/her vision.
The fact that a verbal or other warning was given or the reasons it was not given shall be
documented by the officer deploying the TASER device in the related report.
305.5 USE OF THE TASER DEVICE
The TASER device has limitations and restrictions requiring consideration before its use. The
TASER device should only be used when its operator can safely approach the subject within the
operational range of the device. Although the TASER device is generally effective in controlling
most individuals, officers should be aware that the device may not achieve the intended results
and be prepared with other options.
305.5.1 APPLICATION OF THE TASER DEVICE
The TASER device may be used in any of the following circumstances, when the circumstances
perceived by the officer at the time indicate that such application is reasonably necessary to control
a person:
(a)

The subject is violent or is physically resisting.

(b)

The subject has demonstrated, by words or action, an intention to be violent or to physically
resist, and reasonably appears to present the potential to harm officers, him/herself or
others.

Mere flight from a pursuing officer, without other known circumstances or factors, is not good
cause for the use of the TASER device to apprehend an individual.
305.5.2 SPECIAL DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The use of the TASER device on certain individuals should generally be avoided unless the totality
of the circumstances indicates that other available options reasonably appear ineffective or would
present a greater danger to the officer, the subject or others, and the officer reasonably believes
that the need to control the individual outweighs the risk of using the device. This includes:
(a)

Individuals who are known to be pregnant.

(b)

Elderly individuals or obvious juveniles.

(c)

Individuals with obviously low body mass.

(d)

Individuals who are handcuffed or otherwise restrained.

(e)

Individuals who have been recently sprayed with a flammable chemical agent or who
are otherwise in close proximity to any known combustible vapor or flammable material,
including alcohol-based oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.

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(f)

Individuals whose position or activity may result in collateral injury (e.g., falls from height,
operating vehicles).

Because the application of the TASER device in the drive-stun mode (i.e., direct contact without
probes) relies primarily on pain compliance, the use of the drive-stun mode generally should be
limited to supplementing the probe-mode to complete the circuit, or as a distraction technique
to gain separation between officers and the subject, thereby giving officers time and distance to
consider other force options or actions.
The TASER device shall not be used to psychologically torment, elicit statements or to punish
any individual.
305.5.3 TARGETING CONSIDERATIONS
Reasonable efforts should be made to target lower center mass and avoid the head, neck, chest
and groin. If the dynamics of a situation or officer safety do not permit the officer to limit the
application of the TASER device probes to a precise target area, officers should monitor the
condition of the subject if one or more probes strikes the head, neck, chest or groin until the subject
is examined by paramedics or other medical personnel.
305.5.4 MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS OF THE TASER DEVICE
Officers should apply the TASER device for only one standard cycle and then evaluate the situation
before applying any subsequent cycles. Multiple applications of the TASER device against a single
individual are generally not recommended and should be avoided unless the officer reasonably
believes that the need to control the individual outweighs the potentially increased risk posed by
multiple applications.
If the first application of the TASER device appears to be ineffective in gaining control of an
individual, the officer should consider certain factors before additional applications of the TASER
device, including:
(a)

Whether the probes are making proper contact.

(b)

Whether the individual has the ability and has been given a reasonable opportunity to
comply.

(c)

Whether verbal commands, other options or tactics may be more effective.

Officers should generally not intentionally apply more than one TASER device at a time against
a single subject.
305.5.5 ACTIONS FOLLOWING DEPLOYMENTS
Officers shall notify a supervisor of all TASER device discharges. The expended cartridge, along
with both probes and wire, should be booked into evidence. The TASER number and cartridge
serial number should be noted and documented on the evidence paperwork. The evidence
packaging should be marked "Biohazard" if the probes penetrated the subject’s skin.

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305.5.6 DANGEROUS ANIMALS
The TASER device may be deployed against an animal as part of a plan to deal with a potentially
dangerous animal, such as a dog, if the animal reasonably appears to pose an imminent threat to
human safety and alternative methods are not reasonably available or would likely be ineffective.
305.5.7 OFF-DUTY CONSIDERATIONS
Officers are not authorized to carry department TASER devices while off-duty.
Officers shall ensure that TASER devices are secured while in their homes, vehicles or any other
area under their control, in a manner that will keep the device inaccessible to others.
305.6 DOCUMENTATION
Officers shall document all TASER device discharges in the related arrest/crime report. Notification
shall also be made to a supervisor in compliance with the Use of Force Policy. Unintentional
discharges shall be reported to a supervisor.
305.6.1 REPORTS
The officer should include the following in the arrest/crime report:
(a)

Identification of all personnel firing TASER devices

(b)

Identification of all witnesses

(c)

Medical care provided to the subject

(d)

Observations of the subject’s physical and physiological actions

(e)

Any known or suspected drug use, intoxication or other medical problems

305.7 MEDICAL TREATMENT
Consistent with local medical personnel protocols and absent extenuating circumstances, only
appropriate medical personnel should remove TASER device probes from a person’s body. Used
TASER device probes shall be treated as a sharps biohazard, similar to a used hypodermic needle,
and handled appropriately. Universal precautions should be taken.
All persons who have been struck by TASER device probes or who have been subjected to the
electric discharge of the device shall be medically assessed prior to booking. Additionally, any
such individual who falls under any of the following categories should, as soon as practicable, be
examined by paramedics or other qualified medical personnel:
(a)

The person is suspected of being under the influence of controlled substances and/or
alcohol.

(b)

The person may be pregnant.

(c)

The person reasonably appears to be in need of medical attention.

(d)

The TASER device probes are lodged in a sensitive area (e.g., groin, female breast, head,
face, neck).

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(e)

The person requests medical treatment.

Any individual exhibiting signs of distress or who is exposed to multiple or prolonged applications
(i.e., more than 15 seconds) shall be transported to a medical facility for examination or medically
evaluated prior to booking. If any individual refuses medical attention, such a refusal should be
witnessed by another officer and/or medical personnel and shall be fully documented in related
reports. If an audio recording is made of the contact or an interview with the individual, any refusal
should be included, if possible.
The transporting officer shall inform any person providing medical care or receiving custody that
the individual has been subjected to the application of the TASER device.
305.8 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
When possible, supervisors should respond to calls when they reasonably believe there is a
likelihood the TASER device may be used. A supervisor should respond to all incidents where
the TASER device was activated.
A supervisor should review each incident where a person has been exposed to an activation of
the TASER device. The device’s onboard memory should be downloaded through the data port
by a supervisor or Rangemaster and saved with the related arrest/crime report. Photographs of
probe sites should be taken and witnesses interviewed.
305.9 TRAINING
Personnel who are authorized to carry the TASER device shall be permitted to do so only after
successfully completing the initial department-approved training. Any personnel who have not
carried the TASER device as a part of their assignment for a period of six months or more shall
be recertified by a department-approved TASER device instructor prior to again carrying or using
the device.
Proficiency training for personnel who have been issued TASER devices should occur every year.
A reassessment of an officer’s knowledge and/or practical skill may be required at any time if
deemed appropriate by the Personnel and Training Lieutenant. All training and proficiency for
TASER devices will be documented in the officer’s training file.
Command staff, supervisors and investigators should receive TASER device training as
appropriate for the investigations they conduct and review.
Officers who do not carry TASER devices should receive training that is sufficient to familiarize
them with the device and with working with officers who use the device.
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant is responsible for ensuring that all members who carry
TASER devices have received initial and annual proficiency training. Periodic audits should be
used for verification.
Application of TASER devices during training could result in injury to personnel and should not
be mandatory for certification.
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The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure that all training includes:
(a)

A review of this policy.

(b)

A review of the Use of Force Policy.

(c)

Performing weak-hand draws or cross-draws
unintentionally drawing and firing a firearm.

(d)

Target area considerations, to include techniques or options to
unintentional application of probes near the head, neck, chest and groin.

(e)

Handcuffing a subject during the application of the TASER device and transitioning to other
force options.

(f)

De-escalation techniques.

(g)

Restraint techniques that do not impair respiration following the application of the TASER
device.

reduce

the

possibility

reduce

the

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306

Policy Manual

Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths
306.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish policy and procedures for the investigation of an incident
in which a person is injured or dies as the result of an officer-involved shooting or dies as a result
of other action of an officer.
In other incidents not covered by this policy, the Chief of Police may decide that the investigation
will follow the process provided in this policy.
306.2 POLICY
The policy of the Culver City Police Department is to ensure that officer-involved shootings and
deaths are investigated in a thorough, fair and impartial manner.
306.3 TYPES OF INVESTIGATIONS
Officer-involved shootings and deaths involve several separate investigations. The investigations
may include:

•

A criminal investigation of the suspect’s actions.

•

A criminal investigation of the involved officer’s actions.

•

An administrative investigation as to policy compliance by involved officers.

•

A civil investigation to determine potential liability.

306.4 CONTROL OF INVESTIGATIONS
Investigators from surrounding agencies may be assigned to work on the criminal investigation of
officer-involved shootings and deaths. This may include at least one investigator from the agency
that employs the involved officer.
Jurisdiction is determined by the location of the shooting or death and the agency employing the
involved officer. The following scenarios outline the jurisdictional responsibilities for investigating
officer-involved shootings and deaths.
306.4.1 CULVER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER WITHIN THIS JURISDICTION
With the assistance of Culver City Police Department personnel, the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department and members from the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office are generally
responsible for the criminal investigation of the suspect's and officer's actions surrounding an
officer-involved shooting. The Culver City Police Department will conduct the civil investigation
and the administrative investigation.
306.4.2 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OF OFFICER ACTIONS
The control of the criminal investigation into the involved officer’s conduct during the incident
will be determined by the employing agency’s protocol. When an officer from this department is

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involved, the criminal investigation will be handled according to the Criminal Investigation section
of this policy.
Requests made of this department to investigate a shooting or death involving an outside agency’s
officer shall be referred to the Chief of Police or the authorized designee for approval.
306.4.3 CULVER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION
With the assistance of Culver City Police Department personnel, the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department and members from the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office are generally
responsible for the criminal investigation of the suspect's and officer's actions surrounding an
officer-involved shooting. The Culver City Police Department will conduct the civil investigation
and the administrative investigation.
306.4.4 INVESTIGATION RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX
The following table identifies the possible scenarios and responsibilities for the investigation of
officer-involved shootings:
Criminal
Investigation
of Suspect(s)

Criminal
Investigation
of Officer(s)

Civil Investigation

Administrative
Investigation

CCPD Officer in
This Jurisdiction

LASD/LA
Dist. Attorney
Investigators

CCPD Civil
Liability Team

CCPD
Professional
Standards Unit

Allied Agency's
Officer in This
Jurisdiction

Discretion of
Involved Officer's
Department

Involved Officer's
Department

CCPD Officer
in Another
Jurisdiction

LASD/LA
Dist. Attorney
Investigators

CCPD Civil
Liability Team

CCPD
Professional
Standards Unit

Note: In the event that an officer of this Department is involved in a shooting outside of Los
Angeles County, any criminal investigation will be conducted by the agency having jurisdiction.
Any civil or administrative investigation will be handled by this Department's Civil Liability Team
and Professional Standards Unit respectively.
306.5 INVESTIGATION PROCESS
The following procedures are guidelines used in the investigation of an officer-involved shooting
or death.
306.5.1 UNINVOLVED OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon arrival at the scene of an officer-involved shooting, the first uninvolved CCPD officer will be
the officer-in-charge and will assume the responsibilities of a supervisor until properly relieved.
This officer should, as appropriate:
(a)

Secure the scene and identify and eliminate hazards for all those involved.

(b)

Take reasonable steps to obtain emergency medical attention for injured individuals.

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(c)

Request additional resources from the Department or other agencies.

(d)

Coordinate a perimeter or pursuit of suspects.

(e)

Check for injured persons and evacuate as needed.

(f)

Brief the supervisor upon arrival.

306.5.2 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon learning of an officer-involved shooting or death, the Watch Commander shall be responsible
for coordinating all aspects of the incident until he/she is relieved by the Chief of Police or a Bureau
Commander.
All outside inquiries about the incident shall be directed to the Watch Commander.
306.5.3 NOTIFICATIONS
The following person(s) shall be notified as soon as practical:
•

Chief of Police

•

Assistant Chief of Police

•

Traffic and Operations Bureau Commanders

•

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau and Los Angeles County District
Attorney's OIS roll-out team

•

Professional Standards Unit Lieutenant

•

Officer(s) representative(s) (if requested)

All outside inquiries about the incident shall be directed to the Watch Commander.
306.5.4 INVOLVED OFFICERS
Once the involved officer(s) have arrived at the station, the Watch Commander should admonish
each officer that the incident shall not be discussed except with authorized personnel or
representatives. The following shall be considered for the involved officer:
(a)

Any request for department or legal representation will be accommodated, however, no
involved officer shall be permitted to meet collectively or in a group with an attorney or any
representative prior to providing a formal interview or report (Government Code § 3303(i)).

(b)

Discussions with licensed attorneys will be considered privileged as attorney-client
communications.

(c)

Discussions with department representatives (e.g., employee association) will be privileged
only as to the discussion of non-criminal information however.

(d)

A psychotherapist shall be provided by the Department to each involved officer, or any other
officer, upon request.
1.

Interviews with a licensed psychotherapist will be considered privileged and will not
be disclosed except to the extent that the officer is or is not fit for return to duty.

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An interview or session with a licensed psychotherapist may take place prior to
the involved officer providing a formal interview or report, but the involved officers
shall not be permitted to consult or meet collectively or in a group with a licensed
psychotherapist prior to providing a formal interview or report.

Care should be taken to preserve the integrity of any physical evidence present on the officer's
equipment or clothing, such as blood or fingerprints, until investigators or lab personnel can
properly retrieve it.
Detectives shall make reasonable accommodations to the officer's physical and emotional needs
(Government Code § 3303(d)).
Each involved officer shall be given reasonable paid administrative leave following an officerinvolved shooting. It shall be the responsibility of the Watch Commander to make schedule
adjustments to accommodate such leave.
306.5.5 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon arrival at the scene, the first uninvolved CCPD supervisor should ensure completion of the
duties as outlined above, plus:
(a)

Attempt to obtain a brief overview of the situation from any uninvolved officers.
1.

(b)

In the event that there are no uninvolved officers who can supply adequate overview,
the supervisor should attempt to obtain a brief voluntary overview from one involved
officer.

If necessary, the supervisor may administratively order any CCPD officer to immediately
provide public safety information necessary to secure the scene, identify injured parties and
pursue suspects.
1.

Public safety information shall be limited to such things as outstanding suspect
information, number and direction of any shots fired, perimeter of the incident scene,
identity of known or potential witnesses and any other pertinent information.

The initial on-scene supervisor should not attempt to order any involved officer to
provide any information other than public safety information.

(c)

Provide all available information to the Watch Commander and Dispatch. If feasible,
sensitive information should be communicated over secure networks.

(d)

Take command of and secure the incident scene with additional CCPD members until
properly relieved by another supervisor or other assigned personnel or investigator.

(e)

As soon as practicable, ensure that involved officers are transported (separately, if feasible)
to a suitable location for further direction.
1.

Each involved CCPD officer should be given an administrative order not to discuss
the incident with other involved officers or CCPD members pending further direction
from a supervisor.

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When an involved officer’s weapon is taken or left at the scene for other than officersafety reasons (e.g., evidence), ensure that he/she is provided with a comparable
replacement weapon or transported by other officers.

306.5.6 INVOLVED OFFICERS
The following shall be considered for the involved officer:
(a)

Any request for legal or union representation will be accommodated.
1.

Involved CCPD officers shall not be permitted to meet collectively or in a group with
an attorney or any representative prior to providing a formal interview or report.

Requests from involved non-CCPD officers should be referred to their employing
agency.

(b)

Discussions with licensed attorneys will be considered privileged as attorney-client
communications.

(c)

Discussions with agency representatives/employee groups will be privileged only as to the
discussion of non-criminal information (Government Code § 3303(i)).

(d)

A licensed psychotherapist shall be provided by the Department to each
involved CCPD officer. A licensed psychotherapist may also be provided to any other
affected CCPD members, upon request.

(e)

Interviews with a licensed psychotherapist will be considered privileged.

An interview or session with a licensed psychotherapist may take place prior to
the member providing a formal interview or report. However, involved members
shall not be permitted to consult or meet collectively or in a group with a licensed
psychotherapist prior to providing a formal interview or report.

A separate fitness-for-duty exam may also be required (see the Fitness for Duty
Policy).

Although the Department will honor the sensitivity of communications with peer counselors,
there is no legal privilege to such communications. Peer counselors are cautioned against
discussing the facts of any incident with an involved or witness officer.

Care should be taken to preserve the integrity of any physical evidence present on the involved
officer's equipment or clothing, such as blood or fingerprints, until investigators or lab personnel
can properly retrieve it.
Each involved CCPD officer shall be given reasonable paid administrative leave following an
officer-involved shooting or death. It shall be the responsibility of the Watch Commander to make
schedule adjustments to accommodate such leave.
306.6 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
The District Attorney's Office is responsible for the criminal investigation into the circumstances
of any officer-involved shooting or death.

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If available, investigative personnel from this department may be assigned to partner with
investigators from outside agencies or the District Attorney's Office to avoid duplicating efforts in
related criminal investigations.
Once public safety issues have been addressed, criminal investigators should be given the
opportunity to obtain a voluntary statement from involved officers and to complete their interviews.
The following shall be considered for the involved officer:
(a)

CCPD supervisors and Professional Standards Unit personnel should not participate directly
in any voluntary interview of CCPD officers. This will not prohibit such personnel from
monitoring interviews or providing the criminal investigators with topics for inquiry.

(b)

If requested, any involved officer will be afforded the opportunity to consult individually with a
representative of his/her choosing or an attorney prior to speaking with criminal investigators
(Government Code § 3303(i)). However, in order to maintain the integrity of each involved
officer’s statement, involved officers shall not consult or meet with a representative or an
attorney collectively or in groups prior to being interviewed.

(c)

If any involved officer is physically, emotionally or otherwise not in a position to provide
a voluntary statement when interviewed by criminal investigators, consideration should be
given to allowing a reasonable period for the officer to schedule an alternate time for the
interview.

(d)

Any voluntary statement provided by an involved officer will be made available for
inclusion in any related investigation, including administrative investigations. However, no
administratively coerced statement will be provided to any criminal investigators unless the
officer consents.

306.6.1 DETECTIVE PERSONNEL
Once notified of an officer-involved shooting, it shall be the responsibility of the Investigations
Bureau supervisor to assign appropriate detective personnel to assist the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department with the investigation of related crimes. Detectives will be assigned to work
with investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's Office,
and may be assigned to separately handle the investigation of any related crimes not being
investigated by either agency.
All related departmental reports except administrative and/or privileged reports will be forwarded
to the designated detective supervisor for approval. Privileged reports shall be maintained
exclusively by those personnel authorized such access. Administrative reports will be forwarded
to the appropriate Bureau Commander.
306.6.2 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
It shall be the policy of this department to utilize the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and
the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office to conduct an independent criminal investigation
into the circumstances of any officer-involved shooting involving injury or death.

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If available, detective personnel from this department may be assigned to partner with
investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County
District Attorney's Office so as to not duplicate efforts in related criminal investigations.
Once public safety issues have been addressed, criminal investigators will be given the next
opportunity to interview involved officers in order to provide them with an opportunity to give a
voluntary statement. The following shall be considered for the involved officer:
(a)

Supervisors and Professional Standards Unit personnel should not participate directly in any
voluntary interview of officers. This will not prohibit such personnel from monitoring such
interviews or indirectly providing areas for inquiry.

(b)

If requested, any involved officer will be afforded the opportunity to consult individually
with a representative of his/her choosing or an attorney, prior to speaking with criminal
investigators. However, in order to maintain the integrity of each individual officer's
statement, involved officers shall not consult or meet with a representative or attorney
collectively or in groups prior to being interviewed.

(c)

Any voluntary statement provided by the officer(s) will be made available for inclusion in the
administrative or other related investigations.

(d)

Absent consent from the involved officer or as required by law, no administratively coerced
statement(s) will be provided to any criminal investigators.

306.6.3 REPORTS BY INVOLVED OFFICERS
In the event that suspects remain outstanding or subject to prosecution for related offenses, this
department shall retain the authority to require involved officers to provide sufficient information
for related criminal reports to facilitate the apprehension and prosecution of those individuals
(Government Code § 3304(a)).
While the involved officer may write the report, it is generally recommended that such reports be
completed by assigned investigators who should interview involved officers as victims/witnesses.
Since the purpose of these reports will be to facilitate criminal prosecution, statements of involved
officers should focus on evidence to establish the elements of criminal activities by involved
suspects. Care should be taken not to duplicate information provided by involved officers in other
reports.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive an involved officer of the right to consult with
legal counsel prior to completing any such criminal report.
Reports related to the prosecution of criminal suspects will be processed according to normal
procedures, but should also be included for reference in the investigation of the officer-involved
shooting.
306.6.4 WITNESS IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVIEWS
Because potential witnesses to an officer-involved shooting or death may become unavailable or
the integrity of their statements compromised with the passage of time, a supervisor should take
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reasonable steps to promptly coordinate with criminal investigators to utilize available personnel
for the following:
(a)

(b)

Identification of all persons present at the scene and in the immediate area.
1.

When feasible, a recorded statement should be obtained from those persons who
claim not to have witnessed the incident but who were present at the time it occurred.

Any potential witness who is unwilling or unable to remain available for a formal
interview should not be detained absent reasonable suspicion to detain or probable
cause to arrest. Without detaining the individual for the sole purpose of identification,
officers should attempt to identify the witness prior to his/her departure.

Witnesses who are willing to provide a formal interview should be asked to meet at a suitable
location where criminal investigators may obtain a recorded statement. Such witnesses, if
willing, may be transported by a member of the Department.
1.

(c)

A written, verbal or recorded statement of consent should be obtained prior to
transporting a witness. When the witness is a minor, consent should be obtained
from the parent or guardian, if available, prior to transportation.

Promptly contacting the suspect’s known family and associates to obtain any available and
untainted background information about the suspect’s activities and state of mind prior to
the incident.

306.7 ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION
In addition to all other investigations associated with an officer-involved shooting or death, this
department will conduct an internal administrative investigation of CCPD officers to determine
conformance with department policy. The investigation will be conducted under the supervision
of the Professional Standards Unit and will be considered a confidential officer personnel file.
Interviews of members shall be subject to department policies and applicable laws (see the
Personnel Complaints Policy).
(a)

Any officer involved in a shooting or death may be requested or administratively compelled
to provide a blood sample for alcohol/drug screening. Absent consent from the officer, such
compelled samples and the results of any such testing shall not be disclosed to any criminal
investigative agency.

(b)

If any officer has voluntarily elected to provide a statement to criminal investigators, the
assigned administrative investigator should review that statement before proceeding with
any further interview of that involved officer.
1.

If a further interview of the officer is deemed necessary to determine policy
compliance, care should be taken to limit the inquiry to new areas with minimal, if any,
duplication of questions addressed in the voluntary statement. The involved officer
shall be provided with a copy of his/her prior statement before proceeding with any
subsequent interviews.

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(c)

In the event that an involved officer has elected to not provide criminal investigators with a
voluntary statement, the assigned administrative investigator shall conduct an administrative
interview to determine all relevant information.
1.

Although this interview should not be unreasonably delayed, care should be taken
to ensure that the officer’s physical and psychological needs have been addressed
before commencing the interview.

If requested, the officer shall have the opportunity to select an uninvolved
representative to be present during the interview . However, in order to maintain
the integrity of each individual officer's statement, involved officers shall not consult
or meet with a representative or attorney collectively or in groups prior to being
interviewed (Government Code § 3303(i)).

Administrative interviews should be recorded by the investigator. The officer may
also record the interview (Government Code § 3303(g)).

The officer shall be informed of the nature of the investigation. If an officer refuses
to answer questions, he/she should be given his/her Lybarger or Garrity rights and
ordered to provide full and truthful answers to all questions. The officer shall be
informed that the interview will be for administrative purposes only and that the
statement cannot be used criminally.

The Professional Standards Unit shall compile all relevant information and reports
necessary for the Department to determine compliance with applicable policies.

Regardless of whether the use of force is an issue in the case, the completed
administrative investigation shall be submitted to the Use of Force Review Board,
which will restrict its findings as to whether there was compliance with the Use of
Force Policy.

Any other indications of potential policy violations shall be determined in accordance
with standard disciplinary procedures.

306.7.1 CIVIL LIABILITY RESPONSE
A member of this department may be assigned to work exclusively under the direction of the
legal counsel for the Department to assist in the preparation of materials deemed necessary in
anticipation of potential civil litigation.
All materials generated in this capacity shall be considered attorney work product and may not be
used for any other purpose. The civil liability response is not intended to interfere with any other
investigation, but shall be given reasonable access to all other investigations.
306.8 DEBRIEFING
Following an officer-involved shooting or death, the Culver City Police Department should conduct
both a critical incident/stress debriefing and a tactical debriefing.
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306.8.1 CRITICAL INCIDENT/STRESS DEBRIEFING
A critical incident/stress debriefing should occur as soon as practicable. The Administration
and Investigations Bureau Commander is responsible for organizing the debriefing. Notes and
recorded statements should not be taken because the sole purpose of the debriefing is to help
mitigate the stress-related effects of a traumatic event.
The debriefing is not part of any investigative process. Care should be taken not to release or
repeat any communication made during a debriefing unless otherwise authorized by policy, law
or a valid court order.
Attendance at the debriefing shall only include those members of the Department directly involved
in the incident, which can include support personnel (e.g., [dispatchers, other civilian personnel).
Family or other support personnel may attend with the concurrence of those involved in the
incident. The debriefing shall be closed to the public and should be closed to all other members
of the Department, including supervisory and Professional Standards Unit personnel.
306.8.2 TACTICAL DEBRIEFING
A tactical debriefing should take place to identify any training or areas of policy that need
improvement. The Chief of Police should identify the appropriate participants. This debriefing
should not be conducted until all involved members have provided recorded or formal statements
to criminal and/or administrative investigators.
306.9 MEDIA RELATIONS
Any media release shall be prepared with input and concurrence from the supervisor
and department representative responsible for each phase of the investigation. Releases
will be available to the Watch Commander, Administration and Investigation Bureau
Commander and Public Information Officer in the event of inquiries from the media.
The Department shall not subject any involved CCPD officer to visits by the media (Government
Code § 3303(e)). No involved CCPD officer shall make any comment to the media unless he/
she is authorized by the Chief of Police or a Bureau Commander. Department members receiving
inquiries regarding officer-involved shootings or deaths occurring in other jurisdictions shall refrain
from public comment and will direct those inquiries to the agency having jurisdiction and primary
responsibility for the investigation.
306.10 REPORTING
If the death of an individual occurs in the Culver City Police Department jurisdiction and qualifies
to be reported to the state as a justifiable homicide or an in-custody death, the Operations Bureau
Commander will ensure that the Records Manager is provided with enough information to meet
the reporting requirements (Penal Code § 196; Penal Code § 13022; Government Code § 12525).

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307

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307.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for issuing firearms, the safe and legal carrying of firearms, firearms
maintenance and firearms training.
This policy does not apply to issues related to the use of firearms that are addressed in the Use
of Force or Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths policies.
This policy only applies to those members who are authorized to carry firearms.
307.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department will equip its members with firearms to address the risks
posed to the public and department members by violent and sometimes well-armed persons.
The Department will ensure firearms are appropriate and in good working order and that relevant
training is provided as resources allow.
307.3 AUTHORIZED FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND OTHER WEAPONS
Members shall only use firearms that are issued or approved by the Department and have been
thoroughly inspected by the Rangemaster. Except in an emergency or as directed by a supervisor,
no firearm shall be carried by a member who has not qualified with that make and model of firearm
at an authorized department range.
All other weapons not provided by the Department, including, but not limited to, edged weapons,
chemical or electronic weapons, impact weapons or any weapon prohibited or restricted by
law or that is not covered elsewhere by department policy, may not be carried by members
in the performance of their official duties without the express written authorization of the
member’s Bureau Commander. This exclusion does not apply to the carrying of a single folding
pocketknife that is not otherwise prohibited by law.
307.3.1 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
(a)

Officers shall not unnecessarily display or handle any firearm.

(b)

Officers shall be governed by all rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the range and
shall obey all orders issued by the Rangemaster. Rangemaster

(c)

Officers shall not load or unload a firearm anywhere in the Department, except where
clearing barrels are present.

(d)

At start and end of shift, shotguns or rifles removed from vehicles or the primary armory
window shall be loaded and unloaded in the parking lot and outside of the vehicle.

(e)

Officers shall not place or store any firearm on Department premises except where the place
of storage is locked. No one shall carry firearms into the jail section or any part thereof when
securing or processing a prisoner (except under an emergency situation where lethal force

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is necessary), but shall place all firearms in a secured location. It shall be the responsibility
of the releasing officer to make sure that persons from outside agencies do not enter the
jail section with any firearm.

(f)

Any weapon authorized by the department to be carried on duty that is found by the officer
to be malfunctioning or needing service, shall not be carried. It shall be promptly presented
to the department orRangemaster for inspection. Any weapon determined to be in need of
service or repair during an inspection by the department Rangemaster, will be immediately
removed from service. If the weapon is a City issued firearm', a replacement weapon will be
issued to the officer until the duty weapon is serviceable.

307.3.2 SHOTGUNS
The authorized department-issued shotgun is the Benelli model M1 and M2 12 gauge.
When not deployed, the shotgun shall be properly secured in a locking weapons rack in the patrol
vehicle with the magazine loaded, the action closed on an empty chamber, and the safety in the
fire position.
307.3.3 PATROL RIFLES
The authorized department-issued patrol rifle is the Colt M4 Commando 5.56mm carbine. The
following additional patrol rifles are approved for on-duty use:
MAKE

MODEL

CALIBER

H&K

MP-5

9mm

Members may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the member can articulate a
reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines for
deploying the patrol rifle may include, but are not limited to:
(a)

Situations where the member reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.

(b)

When a member is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire beyond
handgun qualification range.

(c)

Situations where a member reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's
firepower.

(d)

When a member reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person
or a person with a hostage.

(e)

When a member reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.

(f)

When authorized or requested by a supervisor.

(g)

When needed to euthanize an animal.

When not deployed, the patrol rifle shall be properly secured in a locking weapons rack in the
patrol vehicle with the chamber empty, magazine loaded and inserted into the magazine well, the
bolt forward with the dust cover closed, the selector lever in the safe position .
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307.3.4 SUBSECTION TITLE
307.3.5 PERSONALLY OWNED DUTY FIREARMS
Members desiring to carry an authorized but personally owned duty firearm must receive written
approval from the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. Once approved, personally owned
duty firearms are subject to the following restrictions:
(a)

The firearm shall be in good working order and approved by the Chief of Police or his
designee.

(b)

The firearm shall be inspected by the Rangemaster prior to being carried and thereafter
shall be subject to inspection whenever it is deemed necessary.

(c)

Prior to carrying the firearm, members shall qualify under range supervision and thereafter
shall qualify in accordance with the department qualification schedule. Members must
demonstrate proficiency and safe handling, and that the firearm functions properly.

(d)

Members shall provide written notice of the make, model, serial number and caliber of the
firearm to the Rangemaster, who will maintain a list of the information.

307.3.6 AUTHORIZED SECONDARY HANDGUN
Members desiring to carry personally owned secondary handguns are subject to the following
restrictions:
(a)

The handgun shall be in good working order and approved by the Chief of Police.

(b)

The purchase of the handgun and ammunition shall be the responsibility of the member.

(c)

The handgun should be carried concealed at all times and in such a manner as to prevent
unintentional cocking, discharge or loss of physical control and in a holster that covers the
trigger guard.

(d)

The handgun shall be inspected by the Rangemaster prior to being carried and thereafter
shall be subject to inspection whenever it is deemed necessary.

(e)

Ammunition shall be the same as department issue. If the caliber of the handgun is other
than department issue, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall approve the
ammunition.

(f)

Prior to carrying the secondary handgun, members shall qualify under range supervision and
thereafter shall qualify in accordance with the department qualification schedule. Members
must demonstrate proficiency and safe handling, and that the handgun functions properly.

(g)

Members shall provide written notice of the make, model, serial number and caliber of a
secondary handgun to the Rangemaster, who will maintain a list of the information.

307.3.7 AUTHORIZED OFF-DUTY FIREARMS
The carrying of firearms by members while off-duty is permitted by the Chief of Police but may
be rescinded should circumstances dictate (e.g., administrative leave). Members who choose to
carry a firearm while off-duty, based on their authority as peace officers, will be required to meet
the following guidelines:

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(a)

The member may use his/her duty firearm or may use a personally owned firearm that is
carried and inspected in accordance with the Personally Owned Duty Firearms requirements
in this policy. A member carrying his/her duty firearm will be deemed to have complied
with (c), (d) and (e) of this section.
1.

The purchase of the personally owned firearm and ammunition shall be the
responsibility of the member.

(b)

The firearm should be carried concealed at all times and in such a manner as to prevent
accidental unintentional cocking, discharge or loss of physical control.

(c)

Members shall only carry factory manufactured ammunition.

(d)

When armed, officers shall carry their Culver City Police Department identification cards
under circumstances requiring possession of such identification.

307.3.8 AMMUNITION
Members shall carry only department-authorized ammunition. Members shall be issued fresh
duty ammunition in the specified quantity for all department-issued firearms during the member’s
firearms qualification. Replacements for unserviceable or depleted ammunition issued by the
Department shall be dispensed by the Rangemaster when needed, in accordance with established
policy.
Members carrying personally owned authorized firearms of a caliber differing from departmentissued firearms shall be responsible for obtaining fresh duty ammunition in accordance with the
above, at their own expense.
307.4 EQUIPMENT
Firearms carried on- or off-duty shall be maintained in a clean, serviceable condition. Maintenance
and repair of authorized personally owned firearms are the responsibility of the individual member.
307.4.1 REPAIRS OR MODIFICATIONS
Each member shall be responsible for promptly reporting any damage or malfunction of an
assigned firearm to a supervisor or the Rangemaster.
Firearms that are the property of the Department may be repaired or modified only by the
Rangemaster.
Any repairs or modifications to the member’s personally owned firearm shall be done at his/her
expense and must be approved by the Rangemaster.
307.4.2 HOLSTERS
Only department/Rangemaster-approved holsters shall be used and worn by members. Members
shall periodically inspect their holsters to make sure they are serviceable and provide the proper
security and retention of the handgun.
307.4.3 TACTICAL LIGHTS
Tactical lights may only be installed on a firearm carried on-duty after they have been approved
via the chain of command and examined and approved by the Rangemaster. Once the approved
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tactical lights have been properly installed on any firearm, the member shall qualify with the firearm
to ensure proper functionality and sighting of the firearm prior to carrying it.
307.4.4 OPTICS OR LASER SIGHTS
Optics or laser sights may only be installed on a firearm carried on- or off-duty after they have
been examined and approved by the Rangemaster. Any approved sight shall only be installed
in strict accordance with manufacturer specifications. Once approved sights have been properly
installed on any firearm, the member shall qualify with the firearm to ensure proper functionality
and sighting of the firearm prior to carrying it.
Except in an approved training situation, a member may only sight in on a target when the member
would otherwise be justified in pointing a firearm at the target.
307.5 SAFE HANDLING, INSPECTION AND STORAGE
Members shall maintain the highest level of safety when handling firearms and shall consider the
following:
(a)

Members shall not unnecessarily display or handle any firearm.

(b)

Members shall be governed by all rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the range
and shall obey all orders issued by the Rangemaster. Members shall not dry fire or practice
quick draws except while in the firing range during training.

(c)

Members shall not load or unload a firearm anywhere in the Department, except where
clearing barrels are present.

(d)

At the start and end of shift, shotguns or rifles removed from vehicles or from thearmory
window shall be loaded and unloaded in the parking lot and outside of the vehicle, using
clearing barrels.

(e)

Members shall not place or store any firearm or other weapon on department premises
except where the place of storage is locked. No one shall carry firearms into the jail
section or any part thereof when securing or processing an arrestee (except under an
emergency situation where lethal force is necessary), but shall place all firearms in a secured
location. Members providing access to the jail section to persons from outside agencies are
responsible for ensuring firearms are not brought into the jail section.

(f)

Any firearm authorized by the Department to be carried on-duty that is determined by a
member to be malfunctioning or in need of service or repair shall not be carried. It shall be
promptly presented to the DepartmentRangemaster for inspection and repair. Any firearm
deemed in need of repair or service by the Rangemaster will be immediately removed from
service. If the firearm is the member’s City-issued duty firearm, a replacement firearm will
be issued to the member until the duty firearm is serviceable.

307.5.1 INSPECTION AND STORAGE
Shotguns and rifles shall be inspected at the beginning of the shift by the member to whom the
weapon is issued. The member shall ensure that the firearm is carried in the proper condition and
loaded with approved ammunition. Inspection of the shotgun and rifle shall be done while standing
outside of the patrol vehicle. All firearms shall be pointed in a safe direction or into clearing barrels.

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Shotguns and rifles shall be unloaded in a safe manner outside the building and then stored in
the primary armory.
307.5.2 STORAGE AT HOME
Members shall ensure that all firearms and ammunition are locked and secured while in their
homes, vehicles or any other area under their control, and in a manner that will keep them
inaccessible to children and others who should not have access. Members shall not permit
department-issued firearms to be handled by anyone not authorized by the Department to do so.
Members should be aware that negligent storage of a firearm could result in civil and criminal
liability (Penal Code § 25100).
307.5.3 ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Firearms shall not be carried by any member, either on- or off-duty, who has consumed an amount
of an alcoholic beverage, or has taken any drugs or medication, has taken any combination thereof
that would tend to adversely affect the member’s senses or judgment.
307.5.4 STORAGE IN VEHICLES
When leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, members shall ensure that it is locked in
the trunk, or in a locked container which is placed out of view, or in a locked container that is
permanently affixed to the vehicle’s interior and not in plain view (Penal Code § 16850; Penal
Code § 25140; Penal Code § 25452).
Officers are exempt from this requirement during circumstances requiring immediate aid or action
in the course of official duties (Penal Code § 25140).
307.6 FIREARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
All members who carry a firearm while on-duty are required to successfully complete training
with their duty firearms. In addition to training, all members will qualify bi-annually with their duty
firearms and secondary firearms at least twice a year. Training and qualifications must be on an
approved range course.
At least annually, all members carrying a firearm should receive practical training designed to
simulate field situations including low-light shooting.
307.6.1 NON-CERTIFICATION OR NON-QUALIFICATION
Those who fail to qualify on their first shooting attempt shall be provided remedial training and will
be subject to the following requirements:
(a)

Additional range assignments may be scheduled to assist the member in demonstrating
consistent firearm proficiency.

(b)

Members shall be given credit for a range training or qualification when obtaining a qualifying
score or meeting standards after remedial training.

(c)

No range credit will be given for the following:

Unauthorized range make-up

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Failure to qualify after remedial training

Members who repeatedly fail to meet minimum standards will be removed from field
assignmentuntil the member can qualify and demonstrate consistent firearm proficiency.
307.7 FIREARM DISCHARGE
Except during training orsporting use, any member who discharges a firearm intentionally or
unintentionally, on- or off-duty, shall make a verbal report to his/her supervisor as soon as
circumstances permit. If the discharge results in injury or death to another person, additional
statements and reports shall be made in accordance with the Officer-Involved Shootings and
Deaths Policy. If a firearm was discharged as a use of force, the involved member shall adhere
to the additional reporting requirements set forth in the Use of Force Policy.
In all other cases, written reports shall be made as follows:
(a)

If on-duty at the time of the incident, the member shall file a written report with his/her Bureau
Commander or provide a recorded statement to investigators prior to the end of shift, unless
otherwise directed.

(b)

If off-duty at the time of the incident, a written report shall be submitted or recorded statement
provided no later than the end of the next regularly scheduled shift, unless otherwise directed
by a supervisor.

307.7.1 DESTRUCTION OF ANIMALS
Members are authorized to use firearms to stop an animal in circumstances where the animal
reasonably appears to pose an imminent threat to human safety and alternative methods are not
reasonably available or would likely be ineffective.
In circumstances where there is sufficient advance notice that a potentially dangerous animal may
be encountered, department members should develop reasonable contingency plans for dealing
with the animal (e.g., fire extinguisher, TASER® device, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, animal
control officer). Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any member from shooting a dangerous animal
if circumstances reasonably dictate that a contingency plan has failed or becomes impractical.
307.7.2 INJURED ANIMALS
With the approval of a supervisor, a member may euthanize an animal that is so badly injured that
human compassion requires its removal from further suffering and where other dispositions are
impractical (Penal Code § 597.1(e)).
Injured animals (with the exception of dogs and cats) may only be euthanized after a reasonable
search to locate the owner has been made (Penal Code § 597.1(b)). Injured dogs and cats found
without their owners shall be taken to an appropriate veterinarian for determination of whether
they should be treated or humanely destroyed.

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307.7.3 WARNING AND OTHER SHOTS
Generally, warning shots or shots fired for the purpose of summoning aid are discouraged and may
not be discharged unless the member reasonably believes that they appear necessary, effective
and reasonably safe. Warning shots should not be fired into the air.
307.8 RANGEMASTER DUTIES
The range will be under the exclusive control of the Rangemaster. All members attending will
follow the directions of the Rangemaster. The Rangemaster will maintain a roster of all members
attending the range and will submit the roster to the Personnel and Training Lieutenant after each
range date.
The range shall remain operational and accessible to Department members during hours
established by the Department.
The Rangemaster has the responsibility of making periodic inspection, at least once a year, of all
duty firearms carried by members of this department to verify proper operation. The Rangemaster
has the authority to deem any department-issued or personally owned firearm unfit for service.
The member will be responsible for all repairs to his/her personally owned firearm and it will not
be returned to service until inspected by the Rangemaster.
The Rangemaster has the responsibility for ensuring each member meets the minimum
requirements during qualification shoots and, on at least a yearly basis, can demonstrate
proficiency in the care, cleaning and safety of all firearms the member is authorized to carry.
The Rangemaster shall complete and submit to the Personnel and Training
Lieutenant documentation of the training courses provided. Documentation shall include a
description of the training provided and, on a form that has been approved by the Department, a
list of each member who completes the training. The Rangemaster should keep accurate records
of all training shoots, qualifications, or other records as directed by the Personnel and Training
Lieutenant.
307.9 FLYING WHILE ARMED
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has imposed rules governing law enforcement
officers flying armed on commercial aircraft. The following requirements apply to officers who
intend to be armed while flying on a commercial air carrier or flights where screening is conducted
(49 CFR 1544.219):
(a)

Officers wishing to fly while armed must be flying in an official capacity, not for vacation
or pleasure, and must have a need to have the firearm accessible, as determined by the
Department based on the law and published TSA rules.

(b)

Officers must carry their Culver City Police Department identification card, bearing the
officer’s name, a full-face photograph, identification number, the officer’s signature and the
signature of the Chief of Police or the official seal of the Department and must present this
identification to airline officials when requested. The officer should also carry the standard
photo identification needed for passenger screening by airline and TSA officials (e.g., driver
license, passport).

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(c)

The Culver City Police Department must submit a National Law Enforcement
Telecommunications System (NLETS) message prior to the officer’s travel. If approved,
TSA will send the Culver City Police Department an NLETS message containing a unique
alphanumeric identifier. The officer must present the message on the day of travel to airport
personnel as authorization to travel while armed.

(d)

An official letter signed by the Chief of Police authorizing armed travel may also accompany
the officer. The letter should outline the officer’s need to fly armed, detail his/her itinerary,
and include that the officer has completed the mandatory TSA training for a law enforcement
officer flying while armed.

(e)

Officers must have completed the mandated TSA security training covering officers flying
while armed. The training shall be given by the department-appointed instructor.

(f)

It is the officer’s responsibility to notify the air carrier in advance of the intended armed travel.
This notification should be accomplished by early check-in at the carrier’s check-in counter.

(g)

Any officer flying while armed should discreetly contact the flight crew prior to take-off and
notify them of his/her assigned seat.

(h)

Discretion must be used to avoid alarming passengers or crew by displaying a firearm. The
officer must keep the firearm concealed on his/her person at all times. Firearms are not
permitted in carry-on luggage and may not be stored in an overhead compartment.

(i)

Officers should try to resolve any problems associated with flying armed through the flight
captain, ground security manager, TSA representative or other management representative
of the air carrier.

(j)

Officers shall not consume alcoholic beverages while aboard an aircraft, or within eight hours
prior to boarding an aircraft.

307.9.1
307.10 CARRYING FIREARMS OUT OF STATE
Qualified, active, full-time officers of this department are authorized to carry a concealed firearm
in all other states subject to the following conditions (18 USC § 926B):
(a)

The officer shall carry his/her Culver City Police Department identification card whenever
carrying such firearm.

(b)

The officer is not the subject of any current disciplinary action.

(c)

The officer may not be under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating or hallucinatory
drug.

(d)

The officer will remain subject to this and all other department policies (including qualifying
and training).

Officers are cautioned that individual states may enact local regulations that permit private
persons or entities to prohibit or restrict the possession of concealed firearms on their property,
or that prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on any state or local government property,
installation, building, base or park. Federal authority may not shield an officer from arrest and
prosecution in such locally restricted areas.
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Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Active law enforcement officers from other states are subject to all requirements set forth in 18
USC § 926B.

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308

Policy Manual

Department Firing Range
308.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy outlines the parameters of the firing range regarding its use, safety rules, hours of
operation and permitted users. The Culver City Police Department firing range is for the personnel
of this agency, to advance firearm proficiency and maintain existing skills. It is the intent of this
agency to establish a policy that allows for convenient around the clock access and accountability
in its use and maintenance.
308.2 RANGE USE
(a)

The range may not be used alone, personnel must have a "Range Partner"

(b)

Personnel must obtain Watch Commander's approval, prior to using the range

(c)

The key for the range door can be obtained from the Watch Commander or Personnel and
Training

(d)

A liability waiver must be signed with the Watch Commander prior to range use (nonemployee only)

(e)

No eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing tobacco in the range or adjacent offices

(f)

Only non-toxic, lead free ammunition may be used by persons using the range

(g)

Leaded ammunition may be used for some department sanctioned shoots

(h)

The trap will accommodate projectiles from a .22 handgun to high powered rifles

(i)

Pellet and BB guns are not permitted

(j)

Only 00 buckshot and slugs may be fired through shotguns (NO BIRDSHOT)

(k)

Be sure your firearms are safe and operational

(l)

Turn on the ventilation fan upon entry to range

(m)

All range users are personally responsible for safety on the range

(n)

Do not place target stands between the red line and the trap

(o)

Firing is only allowed downrange of the green line

(p)

All City brass is property of the City and will be sold to offset operating costs

(q)

Personnel are accountable to clean range floor and cleaning room after each use

(r)

Place target stands and target frames back in an orderly manner

(s)

To reduce airborne debris, use HEPA vacuum to clean the floor

(t)

Report any damage to the Watch Commander immediately

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(u)

When done on the range, the inspecting Watch Commander or designee will "sign off" the
Range Log

(v)

Any damages to any portion of the range will be documented on an Officer's Report and
forwarded to the Assistant Chief of Police.

(w)

When done, shut down the ventilation fan, turn off all range lights, close and lock the hallway
range door

308.2.1 SAFETY RULES
(a)

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded

(b)

Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction

(c)

Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire

(d)

Be sure of your target and what is beyond it

(e)

Always wear proper eye and ear protection

(f)

Before and during firing, know where others are at all times

(g)

Only use paper targets and supplied target stands

(h)

Never attempt to catch a falling or dropped firearm

(i)

Never handle live weapons or shoot on the range alone

(j)

Before walking down range announce your intent

308.2.2 HOURS OF OPERATION
The firing range will be open around the clock to allow all shifts convenient access to train and
practice in firearms. Some "Black-Out" times may occur during station meetings or in-house
training, where the reverberation of gunfire may be a distraction.
308.2.3 PERMITTED USERS
All members of the Police Department, who are in good standing, are allowed to utilize the
firing range with the approval of the Watch Commander or his/her designee. Guests of Police
Department employees may be permitted to utilize the firing range with the approval of the Watch
Commander and accompanied by a member of this Department. Non Sworn employees must,
prior to using the range, demonstrate to a sworn member of the department a working knowledge
of the firearm(s) they are going to use, and show they are proficient in the use of said firearm(s).
Minor guests shall be supervised at all times by qualified Police Department personnel. Outside
police agencies may use the firing range with the approval of the Chief of Police or his designee.
All guests shall sign a City liability waiver with the Watch Commander.
The Range Liability Waiver can be found in the Department network in the "CCPD Resources"
folder.

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Vehicle Pursuits
309.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Vehicle pursuits expose innocent citizens, law enforcement officers and fleeing violators to the risk
of serious injury or death. The primary purpose of this policy is to provide officers with guidance
in balancing the safety of the public and themselves against law enforcement's duty to apprehend
violators of the law. Another purpose of this policy is to reduce the potential for pursuit-related
collisions. Vehicular pursuits require officers to exhibit a high degree of common sense and sound
judgment. Officers must not forget that the immediate apprehension of a suspect is generally not
more important than the safety of the public and pursuing officers.
Deciding whether to pursue a motor vehicle is a critical decision that must be made quickly and
under difficult and unpredictable circumstances. In recognizing the potential risk to public safety
created by vehicular pursuits, no officer or supervisor shall be criticized or disciplined for deciding
not to engage in a vehicular pursuit because of the risk involved. This includes circumstances
where department policy would permit the initiation or continuation of the pursuit. It is recognized
that vehicular pursuits are not always predictable and decisions made pursuant to this policy will
be evaluated according to the totality of the circumstances reasonably available at the time of
the pursuit.
Officers must remember that the most important factors to the successful conclusion of a pursuit
are proper self-discipline and sound professional judgment. Officer's conduct during the course
of a pursuit must be objectively reasonable; that is, what a reasonable officer would do under the
circumstances. An unreasonable individual’s desire to apprehend a fleeing suspect at all costs
has no place in professional law enforcement.
309.1.1 VEHICLE PURSUIT DEFINED
A vehicle pursuit is an event involving one or more law enforcement officers attempting to
apprehend a suspect, who is attempting to avoid arrest while operating a motor vehicle by using
high-speed driving or other evasive tactics, such as driving off a highway, turning suddenly, or
driving in a legal manner but willfully failing to yield to an officer’s signal to stop.
309.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
It shall be the policy of this department that a vehicle pursuit shall be conducted only with red
light and siren as required by Vehicle Code § 21055 for exemption from compliance with the rules
of the road. The following policy is established to provide officers with guidelines for driving with
due regard and caution for the safety of all persons using the highway as required by Vehicle
Code § 21056.
309.2.1 WHEN TO INITIATE A PURSUIT
Officers are authorized to initiate a pursuit when it is reasonable to believe that a suspect is
attempting to evade arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle.

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The following factors individually and collectively shall be considered in deciding whether to initiate
a pursuit:
(a)

Seriousness of the known or reasonably suspected crime and its relationship to community
safety.

(b)

The importance of protecting the public and balancing the known or reasonably suspected
offense and the apparent need for immediate capture against the risks to officers, innocent
motorists and others.

(c)

Apparent nature of the fleeing suspects (e.g., whether the suspects represent a serious
threat to public safety).

(d)

The identity of the suspects has been verified and there is comparatively minimal risk in
allowing the suspects to be apprehended at a later time.

(e)

Safety of the public in the area of the pursuit, including the type of area, time of day, the
amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the speed of the pursuit relative to these
factors.

(f)

Pursuing officers familiarity with the area of the pursuit, the quality of radio communications
between the pursuing units and the dispatcher/supervisor and the driving capabilities of the
pursuing officers under the conditions of the pursuit.

(g)

Weather, traffic and road conditions that substantially increase the danger of the pursuit
beyond the worth of apprehending the suspect.

(h)

Performance capabilities of the vehicles used in the pursuit in relation to the speeds and
other conditions of the pursuit.

(i)

Vehicle speeds.

(j)

Other persons in or on the pursued vehicle (e.g., passengers, co-offenders and hostages).

(k)

Availability of other resources such as helicopter assistance.

(l)

The police unit is carrying passengers other than police officers. Pursuits should not be
undertaken with a prisoner in the police vehicle.

309.2.2 WHEN TO TERMINATE A PURSUIT
Pursuits should be discontinued whenever the totality of objective circumstances known or which
reasonably ought to be known to the officer or supervisor during the pursuit indicates that the
present risks of continuing the pursuit reasonably appear to outweigh the risks resulting from the
suspect’s escape.
The factors listed in When to Initiate a Pursuit of this policy are expressly included herein and will
apply equally to the decision to discontinue as well as the decision to initiate a pursuit. Officers
and supervisors must objectively and continuously weigh the seriousness of the offense against
the potential danger to innocent motorists and themselves when electing to continue a pursuit. In

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the context of this policy, the term “terminate” shall be construed to mean discontinue or to stop
chasing the fleeing vehicle.
In addition to the factors listed in When to Initiate a Pursuit of this policy, the following factors
should also be considered in deciding whether to terminate a pursuit:
(a)

Distance between the pursuing officers and the fleeing vehicle is so great that further pursuit
would be futile or require the pursuit to continue for an unreasonable time and/or distance.

(b)

Pursued vehicle’s location is no longer definitely known.

(c)

Officer’s pursuit vehicle sustains any type of damage that renders it unsafe to drive.

(d)

Extended pursuits of violators for misdemeanors not involving violence or risk of serious
harm (independent of the pursuit) are discouraged.

(e)

There are hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists.

(f)

If the identity of the offender is known and it does not reasonably appear that the need for
immediate capture outweighs the risks associated with continuing the pursuit, officers should
strongly consider discontinuing the pursuit and apprehending the offender at a later time.

(g)

Pursuit is terminated by a supervisor.

309.2.3 SPEED LIMITS
The speed of a pursuit is a factor that should be evaluated on a continuing basis by the officer and
supervisor. Evaluation of vehicle speeds shall take into consideration public safety, officer safety
and the safety of the occupants of the fleeing vehicle.
Should high vehicle speeds be reached during a pursuit, officers and supervisors shall also
consider these factors when determining the reasonableness of the speed of the pursuit:
(a)

Pursuit speeds have become unreasonably unsafe for the surrounding conditions.

(b)

Pursuit speeds have exceeded the driving ability of the officer.

(c)

Pursuit speeds are beyond the capabilities of the pursuit vehicle thus making its operation
unsafe.

309.3 PURSUIT UNITS
Pursuit units should be limited to three vehicles (two units and a supervisor); however, the number
of units involved will vary with the circumstances. An officer or supervisor may request additional
units to join a pursuit if, after assessing the factors outlined above, it appears that the number of
officers involved would be insufficient to safely arrest the suspects. All other officers should stay
out of the pursuit, but should remain alert to its progress and location. Any officer who drops out
of a pursuit may then, if necessary, proceed to the termination point at legal speeds, following the
appropriate rules of the road.

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309.3.1 MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS
A distinctively marked patrol vehicle equipped with emergency overhead lighting should replace
a police motorcycle as primary and/or secondary pursuit unit as soon as practical.
309.3.2 VEHICLES WITHOUT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Vehicles not equipped with red light and siren are generally prohibited from initiating or joining
in any pursuit. Officers in such vehicles, however, may become involved in emergency activities
involving serious crimes or life threatening situations. Those officers should terminate their
involvement in any pursuit immediately upon arrival of a sufficient number of emergency police
vehicles or any police helicopter. The exemptions provided by Vehicle Code § 21055 do not apply
to officers using vehicles without emergency equipment.
309.3.3 PRIMARY UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES
The initial pursuing unit will be designated as the primary pursuit unit and will be responsible for
the conduct of the pursuit unless it is unable to remain reasonably close enough to the violator’s
vehicle. The primary responsibility of the officer initiating the pursuit is the apprehension of the
suspects without unreasonable danger to him/herself or other persons.
Notify Dispatch that a vehicle pursuit has been initiated and as soon as practicable provide
information including, but not limited to:
(a)

Reason for the pursuit.

(b)

Location and direction of travel.

(c)

Speed of the fleeing vehicle.

(d)

Description of the fleeing vehicle and license number, if known.

(e)

Number of known occupants.

(f)

The identity or description of the known occupants.

(g)

Information concerning the use of firearms, threat of force, injuries, hostages or other
unusual hazards.

Unless relieved by a supervisor or secondary unit, the officer in the primary unit shall be
responsible for the broadcasting of the progress of the pursuit. Unless practical circumstances
indicate otherwise, and in order to concentrate on pursuit driving, the primary officer should
relinquish the responsibility of broadcasting the progress of the pursuit to a secondary unit or
aircraft joining the pursuit.
309.3.4 SECONDARY UNITS RESPONSIBILITIES
The second officer in the pursuit is responsible for the following:
(a)

The officer in the secondary unit should immediately notify the dispatcher of entry into the
pursuit.

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(b)

Remain a safe distance behind the primary unit unless directed to assume the role of primary
officer, or if the primary unit is unable to continue the pursuit.

(c)

The secondary officer should be responsible for broadcasting the progress of the pursuit
unless the situation indicates otherwise.

309.3.5 PURSUIT DRIVING TACTICS
The decision to use specific driving tactics requires the same assessment of considerations
outlined in the factors to be considered concerning pursuit initiation and termination. The following
are tactics for units involved in the pursuit:
(a)

Officers, considering their driving skills and vehicle performance capabilities, will space
themselves from other involved vehicles such that they are able to see and avoid hazards
or react safely to maneuvers by the fleeing vehicle.

(b)

Because intersections can present increased risks, the following tactics should be
considered:

(c)

Available units not directly involved in the pursuit may proceed safely to controlled
intersections ahead of the pursuit in an effort to warn cross traffic.

Pursuing units should exercise due caution when proceeding through controlled
intersections.

As a general rule, officers should not pursue a vehicle driving left of center (wrong way) on
a freeway. In the event that the pursued vehicle does so, the following tactics should be
considered:
1.

Requesting assistance from an air unit.

Maintaining visual contact with the pursued vehicle by paralleling it on the correct
side of the roadway.

Requesting other units to observe exits available to the suspects.

(d)

Notifying the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and/or other jurisdictional agency if it appears
that the pursuit may enter their jurisdiction.

(e)

Officers involved in a pursuit should not attempt to pass other units unless the situation
indicates otherwise or they are requested to do so by the primary unit.

309.3.6 TACTICS/PROCEDURES FOR UNITS NOT INVOLVED IN THE PURSUIT
There should be no paralleling of the pursuit route. Officers are authorized to use emergency
equipment at intersections along the pursuit path to clear intersections of vehicular and pedestrian
traffic to protect the public. Officers should remain in their assigned area and should not become
involved with the pursuit unless directed otherwise by a supervisor.
Non-pursuing personnel needed at the termination of the pursuit should respond in a nonemergency manner, observing the rules of the road.

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The primary and secondary units should be the only units operating under emergency conditions
(red light and siren) unless other units are assigned to the pursuit.
309.3.7 PURSUIT TRAILING
In the event the initiating unit from this agency either relinquishes control of the pursuit to another
unit or jurisdiction, that initiating unit may, with permission of a supervisor, trail the pursuit to the
termination point in order to provide necessary information and assistance for the arrest of the
suspects.
The term trail means to follow the path of the pursuit at a safe speed while obeying all traffic laws
and without activating emergency equipment. If the pursuit is at a slow rate of speed, the trailing
unit will maintain sufficient distance from the pursuit units so as to clearly indicate an absence of
participation in the pursuit.
309.3.8 AIRCRAFT ASSISTANCE
When available, aircraft assistance should be requested. Once the air unit has established visual
contact with the pursued vehicle, officers and supervisors should consider allowing the air unit
to assume control over the pursuit. The primary and secondary ground units should consider the
participation of aircraft assistance when determining whether to continue the pursuit.
When practical, the air unit should coordinate the activities of resources on the ground, report
progress of the pursuit and provide officers and supervisors with details of upcoming traffic
congestion, road hazards, or other pertinent information to evaluate whether or not to continue
the pursuit. If ground units are not within visual contact and the air unit determines that it is unsafe
to continue the pursuit, the supervisor should consider terminating the pursuit.
309.4 SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY
It is the policy of this department that available supervisory and management control will be
exercised over all vehicle pursuits involving officers from this department.
The field supervisor of the officer initiating the pursuit, or if unavailable, the nearest field supervisor
will be responsible for the following:
(a)

Upon becoming aware of a pursuit, immediately ascertaining all reasonably available
information to continuously assess the situation and risk factors associated with the pursuit
in order to ensure that the pursuit is conducted within established department guidelines.

(b)

Engaging in the pursuit, when appropriate, to provide on-scene supervision.

(c)

Exercising management and control of the pursuit even if not engaged in it.

(d)

Ensuring that no more than the number of required police units needed are involved in the
pursuit under the guidelines set forth in this policy.

(e)

Directing that the pursuit be terminated if, in his/her judgment, it is unjustified to continue
the pursuit under the guidelines of this policy.

(f)

Ensuring that aircraft are requested if available.

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(g)

Ensuring that the proper radio channel is being used.

(h)

Ensuring the notification and/or coordination of outside agencies if the pursuit either leaves
or is likely to leave the jurisdiction of this agency.

(i)

Controlling and managing CCPD units when a pursuit enters another jurisdiction.

(j)

Preparing post-pursuit critique and analysis of the pursuit for training purposes.

309.4.1 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
Upon becoming aware that a pursuit has been initiated, the Watch Commander should monitor
and continually assess the situation and ensure the pursuit is conducted within the guidelines and
requirements of this policy. The Watch Commander has the final responsibility for the coordination,
control and termination of a vehicle pursuit and shall be in overall command.
The Watch Commander shall review all pertinent reports for content and forward to the Bureau
Commander.
309.5 COMMUNICATIONS
If the pursuit is confined within the City limits, radio communications will be conducted on the
primary channel unless instructed otherwise by a supervisor or communications dispatcher. If
the pursuit leaves the jurisdiction of this department or such is imminent, involved units should,
whenever available, switch radio communications to an emergency channel most accessible by
participating agencies and units.
309.5.1 COMMUNICATION CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon notification that a pursuit has been initiated, Dispatch will:
(a)

Coordinate pursuit communications of the involved units and personnel.

(b)

Notify and coordinate with other involved or affected agencies as practicable.

(c)

Ensure that a field supervisor is notified of the pursuit.

(d)

Assign an incident number and log all pursuit activities.

(e)

Broadcast pursuit updates as well as other pertinent information as necessary.

(f)

Notify the Watch Commander as soon as practicable.

309.5.2 LOSS OF PURSUED VEHICLE
When the pursued vehicle is lost, the primary unit should broadcast pertinent information to assist
other units in locating suspects. The primary unit will be responsible for coordinating any further
search for either the pursued vehicle or suspects fleeing on foot.
309.6 INTER-JURISDICTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
When a pursuit enters another agency's jurisdiction, the primary officer or supervisor, taking
into consideration distance traveled, unfamiliarity with the area and other pertinent facts, should
determine whether to request the other agency to assume the pursuit. Unless entry into another
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jurisdiction is expected to be brief, it is generally recommended that the primary officer or
supervisor ensure that notification is provided to each outside jurisdiction into which the pursuit is
reasonably expected to enter, regardless of whether such jurisdiction is expected to assist.
309.6.1 ASSUMPTION OF PURSUIT BY ANOTHER AGENCY
Units originally involved will discontinue the pursuit when advised that another agency has
assumed the pursuit and assistance of the Culver City Police Department is no longer needed.
Upon discontinuing the pursuit, the primary unit may proceed upon request, with or at the direction
of a supervisor, to the termination point to assist in the investigation.
The role and responsibilities of officers at the termination of a pursuit initiated by this department
shall be coordinated with appropriate consideration of the units from the agency assuming the
pursuit.
Notification of a pursuit in progress should not be construed as a request to join the pursuit.
Requests to or from another agency to assume a pursuit should be specific. Because of
communication limitations between local agencies and CHP units, a request for CHP assistance
will mean that they will assume responsibilities for the pursuit. For the same reasons, when a
pursuit leaves the freeway and a request for assistance is made to this department, the CHP
should relinquish control.
309.6.2 PURSUITS EXTENDING INTO THIS JURISDICTION
The agency that initiates a pursuit shall be responsible for conducting the pursuit. Units from this
department should not join a pursuit unless specifically requested to do so by the agency whose
officers are in pursuit. The exception to this is when a single unit from the initiating agency is in
pursuit. Under this circumstance, a unit from this department may join the pursuit until sufficient
units from the initiating agency join the pursuit.
When a request is made for this department to assist or take over a pursuit from another agency
that has entered this jurisdiction, the supervisor should consider these additional following factors:
(a)

Ability to maintain the pursuit

(b)

Circumstances serious enough to continue the pursuit

(c)

Adequate staffing to continue the pursuit

(d)

The public's safety within this jurisdiction

(e)

Safety of the pursuing officers

As soon as practicable, a supervisor or the Watch Commander should review a request for
assistance from another agency. The Watch Commander or supervisor, after consideration of the
above factors, may decline to assist in, or assume the other agency’s pursuit.
Assistance to a pursuing allied agency by officers of this department will terminate at the City
limits provided that the pursuing officers have sufficient assistance from other sources. Ongoing
participation from this department may continue only until sufficient assistance is present.
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In the event that a pursuit from another agency terminates within this jurisdiction, officers shall
provide appropriate assistance to officers from the allied agency including, but not limited to, scene
control, coordination and completion of supplemental reports and any other assistance requested
or needed.
309.7 PURSUIT INTERVENTION
Pursuit intervention is an attempt to terminate the ability of a suspect to continue to flee in
a motor vehicle through tactical application of technology, road spikes, blocking, boxing, PIT
(Pursuit Intervention Technique), ramming or roadblock procedures. In this context, ramming
shall be construed to mean maneuvering the police unit into contact with the pursued vehicle to
mechanically disable or forcibly position it such that further flight is not possible or practicable.
309.7.1 WHEN USE IS AUTHORIZED
Use of pursuit intervention tactics should be employed only after approval of a supervisor. In
deciding whether to use intervention tactics, officers/supervisors should balance the risks of
allowing the pursuit to continue with the potential hazards arising from the use of each tactic to the
public, the officers and persons in or on the pursued vehicle. With these risks in mind, the decision
to use any intervention tactic should be reasonable in light of the circumstances confronting the
officer at the time of the decision.
It is imperative that officers act within the bounds of legality, good judgment and accepted
practices.
309.7.2 DEFINITIONS
Blocking or vehicle intercept - A slow-speed coordinated maneuver where two or more patrol
vehicles simultaneously intercept and block the movement of a suspect vehicle, the driver of which
may be unaware of the impending enforcement stop, with the goal of containment and preventing
a pursuit. Blocking is not a moving or stationary road block.
Boxing-in - A tactic designed to stop a violator’s vehicle by surrounding it with law enforcement
vehicles and then slowing all vehicles to a stop.
Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) - A low-speed maneuver designed to cause the suspect
vehicle to spin out and terminate the pursuit.
Ramming - The deliberate act of impacting a violator’s vehicle with another vehicle to functionally
damage or otherwise force the violator’s vehicle to stop.
Roadblocks - A tactic designed to stop a violator’s vehicle by intentionally placing an emergency
vehicle or other immovable object in the path of the violator’s vehicle.
Spikes or tack strips - A device that extends across the roadway designed to puncture the tires
of the pursued vehicle.

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309.7.3 USE OF FIREARMS
The use of firearms to disable a pursued vehicle is not generally an effective tactic and involves
all the dangers associated with discharging firearms. Officers should not utilize firearms during
an ongoing pursuit unless the conditions and circumstances dictate that such use reasonably
appears necessary to protect life. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any officer
from using a firearm to stop a suspect from using a vehicle as a deadly weapon.
309.7.4 INTERVENTION STANDARDS
Any pursuit intervention tactic, depending upon the conditions and circumstances under which
it is used, may present dangers to the officers, the public or anyone in or on the vehicle being
pursued. Certain applications of intervention tactics may be construed to be a use of deadly force
and subject to the requirements for such use. Officers shall consider these facts and requirements
prior to deciding how, when, where and if an intervention tactic should be employed.
(a)

Blocking or vehicle intercept should only be considered in cases involving felony suspects
or impaired drivers who pose a threat to public safety when officers reasonably believe
that attempting a conventional enforcement stop will likely result in the driver attempting to
flee in the vehicle. Because of the potential risks involved, this technique should only be
employed by officers who have received training in such tactics after giving consideration
to the following:
1.

The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle or prevent it from leaving
substantially outweighs the risks of injury or death to occupants of the suspect
vehicle, officers, or other members of the public.

All other reasonable intervention techniques have failed or reasonably appear
ineffective.

Employing the blocking maneuver does not unreasonably increase the risk to officer
safety.

The target vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed.

At no time should civilian vehicles be used to deploy this technique.

(b)

Only those officers trained in the use of the Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) will
be authorized to use this procedure and only then with approval of a supervisor upon
consideration of the circumstances and conditions presented at the time, including the
potential for risk of injury to officers, the public and occupants of the pursued vehicle.

(c)

Ramming a fleeing vehicle should be done only after other reasonable tactical means at
the officer's disposal have been exhausted. This tactic should be reserved for situations
where there does not appear to be another reasonable alternative method. This policy is
an administrative guide to direct officers in their decision-making process before ramming
another vehicle. When ramming is used as a means to stop a fleeing vehicle, one or more
of the following factors should be present:

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The suspect is an actual or suspected felon who reasonably appears to represent a
serious threat to the public if not apprehended.

The suspect is driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other persons
or is driving in a reckless and life-endangering manner.

If there does not reasonably appear to be a present or immediately foreseeable
serious threat to the public, the use of ramming is not authorized.

(d)

As with all intervention techniques, pursuing officers should obtain supervisor approval
before attempting to box a suspect vehicle during a pursuit. The use of such a technique
must be carefully coordinated with all involved units, taking into consideration the
circumstances and conditions presented at the time as well as the potential risk of injury to
officers, the public and occupants of the pursued vehicle.

(e)

The use of spike strips should be approved in advance by a supervisor and deployed only
when it is reasonably certain that only the pursued vehicle will be affected by their use.
Officers should carefully consider the limitations of such devices as well as the potential
risks to officers, the public and occupants of the pursued vehicle. If the pursued vehicle
is a motorcycle, a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, or a school bus transporting
children, officers and supervisors should weigh the potential consequences against the need
to immediately stop the vehicle.

(f)

Because roadblocks involve a potential for serious injury or death to occupants of the
pursued vehicle if the suspect does not stop, the intentional placement of roadblocks in
the direct path of a pursued vehicle is generally discouraged and should not be deployed
without prior approval of a supervisor and only then under extraordinary conditions when all
other reasonable intervention techniques have failed or reasonably appear ineffective and
the need to immediately stop the pursued vehicle substantially outweighs the risks of injury
or death to occupants of the pursued vehicle, officers or other members of the public.

309.7.5 CAPTURE OF SUSPECTS
Proper self-discipline and sound professional judgment are the keys to a successful conclusion
of a pursuit and apprehension of evading suspects. Officers shall use only that amount of force,
which reasonably appears necessary under the circumstances, to properly perform their lawful
duties.
Unless relieved by a supervisor, the primary officer should coordinate efforts to apprehend the
suspects following the pursuit. Officers should consider safety of the public and the involved
officers when formulating plans to contain and capture the suspects.
309.8 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The following reports should be completed upon conclusion of all pursuits:
(a)

The primary officer should complete appropriate crime/arrest reports.

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(b)

The Watch Commander shall ensure that an Allied Agency Vehicle Pursuit Report (form
CHP 187A) is filed with the CHP not later than 30 days following the pursuit (Vehicle Code
§ 14602.1). The primary officer should complete as much of the required information on the
form as is known and forward the report to the Watch Commander for review and distribution.

(c)

After first obtaining the available information, a field supervisor shall promptly complete a
Supervisor's Log, briefly summarizing the pursuit, and submit it to his/her manager. This log
should minimally contain the following information:
1.

Date and time of pursuit

Length of pursuit

Involved units and officers

Initial reason for pursuit

Starting and termination points

Disposition (arrest, citation), including arrestee information if applicable

Injuries and/or property damage

Medical treatment

Name of supervisor at scene

10.

A preliminary determination whether the pursuit appears to be in compliance with
this policy and whether additional review or follow-up is warranted

309.8.1 REGULAR AND PERIODIC PURSUIT TRAINING
In addition to initial and supplementary Police Officer Standard Training (POST) training on
pursuits required by Penal Code § 13519.8, all sworn members of this department will participate
no less than annually in regular and periodic department training addressing this policy and the
importance of vehicle safety and protecting the public at all times, including a recognition of the
need to balance the known offense and the need for immediate capture against the risks to officers
and others (Vehicle Code § 17004.7(d)).
309.8.2 POLICY REVIEW
Each sworn member of this department shall certify in writing that they have received, read and
understand this policy initially and upon any amendments. The POST attestation form, or an
equivalent form, may be used to document the compliance and should be retained in the member’s
training file.
309.9 APPLICATION OF VEHICLE PURSUIT POLICY
This policy is expressly written and adopted pursuant to the provisions of Vehicle Code § 17004.7,
with additional input from the POST Vehicle Pursuit Guidelines.

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310

Policy Manual

Officer Response to Calls
310.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides for the safe and appropriate response to emergency and non-emergency
situations whether dispatched or self-initiated.
310.2 RESPONSE TO CALLS
Officers dispatched "Code-3" shall consider the call an emergency response and proceed
immediately. Officers responding Code-3 shall continuously operate emergency lighting
equipment, including at minimum a steady forward facing red light, and shall sound the siren as
reasonably necessary pursuant to Vehicle Code § 21055.
Responding with emergency light(s) and siren does not relieve the officer of the duty to continue
to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. The use of any other warning equipment
without a red light and siren does not provide any exemption from the Vehicle Code.
Officers should only respond Code-3 when authorized or when circumstances reasonably indicate
an emergency response is required. Officers not authorized to respond Code-3 shall observe all
traffic laws and proceed without the use of emergency lights and siren.
310.3 REQUESTING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Requests for emergency assistance should be limited to those situations where the involved
personnel reasonably believe that there is an immediate threat to the safety of officers, or
assistance is needed to prevent imminent serious harm to a citizen. In any event, where a situation
has stabilized and emergency response is not required, the requesting officer shall immediately
notify Dispatch.
If circumstances permit, the requesting officer should give the following information:
•

The unit number

•

The location

•

The reason for the request and type of emergency

•

The number of units required

310.4 INITIATING CODE 3 RESPONSE
If an officer believes a Code-3 response to any call is appropriate, the officer shall notify the
Communications Center when reasonably practical. Should another officer believe a code-3
response is appropriate, dispatch shall be notified as soon as practical and the Watch Commander
or supervisor will make the determination as to whether one or more officers driving Code-3 is
appropriate.

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310.5 RESPONSIBILITIES OF RESPONDING OFFICERS
Officers shall exercise sound judgment and care with due regard for life and property when
responding to an emergency call. Officers shall reduce speed at all street intersections to such a
degree that they shall have complete control of the vehicle.
The decision to continue a Code-3 response is at the discretion of the officer. If, in the officer's
judgment, the roadway conditions or traffic congestion does not permit such a response without
unreasonable risk, the officer may elect to respond to the call without the use of red lights and
siren at the legal speed limit. In such an event, the officer should immediately notify Dispatch. An
officer shall also discontinue the Code-3 response when directed by a supervisor.
Upon receiving authorization or determining a Code-3 response is appropriate, an officer shall
immediately give the location from which he/she is responding.
310.6 COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES
A dispatcher shall assign a Code-3 response when an officer requests emergency assistance or
available information reasonably indicates that the public is threatened with serious injury or death
and immediate police response is needed. In all other circumstances, the dispatcher shall obtain
authorization from the Watch Commander or a field supervisor prior to assigning units Code-3 .
The dispatcher shall:
(a)

Attempt to assign the closest available unit to the location requiring assistance

(b)

Immediately notify the Watch Commander

(c)

Confirm the location from which the unit is responding

(d)

Notify and coordinate allied emergency services (e.g., fire and ambulance)

(e)

Continue to obtain and broadcast information as necessary concerning the response and
monitor the situation until it is stabilized or terminated

(f)

Control all radio communications during the emergency and coordinate assistance under
the direction of the Watch Commander or field supervisor

310.7 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon being notified that a Code-3 response has been initiated, the Watch Commander or the field
supervisor shall verify the following:
(a)

The proper response has been initiated

(b)

No more than those units reasonably necessary under the circumstances are involved in
the response

(c)

Affected outside jurisdictions are being notified as practical

The field supervisor shall monitor the response until it has been stabilized or terminated and assert
control by directing units into or out of the response if necessary. If, in the supervisor's judgment,

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the circumstances require additional units to be assigned a Code-3 response, the supervisor may
do so.
It is the supervisor's responsibility to terminate a Code-3 response that, in his/her judgment is
inappropriate due to the circumstances.
When making the decision to authorize a Code-3 response, the Watch Commander or the field
supervisor should consider the following:
•

The type of call

•

The necessity of a timely response

•

Traffic and roadway conditions

•

The location of the responding units

310.8 FAILURE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
If the emergency equipment on the vehicle should fail to operate, the officer must terminate
the Code-3 response and respond accordingly. In all cases, the officer shall notify the Watch
Commander, field supervisor, or Dispatch of the equipment failure so that another unit may be
assigned to the emergency response.

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311

Policy Manual

Canines
311.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes guidelines for the use of canines to augment police services to the
community including, but not limited to locating individuals and contraband and apprehending
criminal offenders.
311.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department that handlers and canines meet and maintain
the appropriate proficiency to effectively and reasonably carry out legitimate law enforcement
objectives.
311.3 ASSIGNMENT
Canine teams should be assigned to assist and supplement the Operations Bureau to function
primarily in assist or cover assignments. However, they may be assigned by the Watch
Commander to other functions, such as routine calls for service, based on the current operational
needs.
311.4 CANINE COORDINATOR
The canine coordinator shall be appointed by and directly responsible to the Operations Bureau or
the authorized designee.
The responsibilities of the coordinator include, but are not limited to:
(a)

Reviewing all canine use reports to ensure compliance with policy and to identify training
issues and other needs of the program.

(b)

Maintaining a liaison with the vendor kennel.

(c)

Maintaining a liaison with command staff and functional supervisors.

(d)

Maintaining a liaison with other agency canine coordinators.

(e)

Maintaining accurate records to document canine activities.

(f)

Recommending and overseeing the procurement of equipment and services for the teams
of handlers and canines.

(g)

Scheduling all canine-related activities.

(h)

Ensuring the canine teams are scheduled for regular training to maximize their capabilities.

311.5 REQUESTS FOR CANINE TEAMS
Operations Bureau members are encouraged to request the use of a canine. Requests for a canine
team from department units outside of the Operations Bureau should be reviewed by the Watch
Commander.

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311.5.1 OUTSIDE AGENCY REQUEST
All requests for canine assistance from outside agencies must be approved by the Watch
Commander or canine coordinator and are subject to the following:
(a)

Canine teams shall not be used for any assignment that is not consistent with this policy.

(b)

It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to coordinate operations with agency
personnel in order to minimize the risk of unintended injury.

(c)

It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to complete all necessary reports or as
directed.

311.5.2 PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS
All public requests for a canine team shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, approved by the canine
coordinator prior to making any resource commitment. The canine coordinator is responsible for
obtaining resources and coordinating involvement in the demonstration to include proper safety
protocols. Canine handlers shall not demonstrate any apprehension work unless authorized to do
so by the canine coordinator.
311.6 APPREHENSION GUIDELINES
A canine may be used to locate and apprehend a suspect if the canine handler reasonably believes
that the individual has either committed, is committing or threatening to commit any serious offense
and if any of the following conditions exist:
(a)

There is a reasonable belief the suspect poses an imminent threat of violence or serious
harm to the public, any officer or the handler.

(b)

The suspect is physically resisting or threatening to resist arrest and the use of a canine
reasonably appears to be necessary to overcome such resistance.

(c)

The suspect is believed to be concealed in an area where entry by other than the canine
would pose a threat to the safety of officers or the public.

It is recognized that situations may arise that do not fall within the provisions set forth in this policy.
Such events require consideration of the totality of the circumstances and the use of an objective
reasonableness standard applied to the decision to use a canine
Absent a reasonable belief that a suspect has committed, is committing or is threatening to commit
a serious offense, mere flight from a pursuing officer, without any of the above conditions, shall
not serve as the basis for the use of a canine to apprehend a suspect.
Use of a canine to locate and apprehend a suspect wanted for a lesser criminal offense than those
identified above requires approval from the Watch Commander. Absent a change in circumstances
that present an imminent threat to officers, the canine or the public, such canine use should
be conducted on-leash or under conditions that minimize the likelihood the canine will bite or
otherwise injure the individual.
In all applications, once the suspect has been located and no longer reasonably appears to present
a threat or risk of escape, the handler should secure the canine as soon as it becomes reasonably
practicable.
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If the canine has apprehended the suspect with a secure bite, and the handler believes that the
suspect no longer poses a threat, the handler should promptly command the canine to release
the suspect.
311.6.1 PREPARATION FOR DEPLOYMENT
Prior to the use of a canine to search for or apprehend any suspect, the canine handler and/or
the supervisor on-scene should carefully consider all pertinent information reasonably available
at the time. The information should include, but is not limited to:
(a)

The nature and seriousness of the suspected offense.

(b)

Whether violence or weapons were used or are anticipated.

(c)

The degree of resistance or threatened resistance, if any, the suspect has shown.

(d)

The suspect’s known or perceived age.

(e)

The potential for injury to officers or the public caused by the suspect if the canine is not
utilized.

(f)

Any potential danger to the public and/or other officers at the scene if the canine is released.

(g)

The potential for the suspect to escape or flee if the canine is not utilized.

As circumstances permit, the canine handler should make every reasonable effort to communicate
and coordinate with other involved members to minimize the risk of unintended injury.
It is the canine handler’s responsibility to evaluate each situation and determine whether the use
of a canine is appropriate and reasonable. The canine handler shall have the authority to decline
the use of the canine whenever he/she deems deployment is unsuitable.
A supervisor who is sufficiently apprised of the situation may prohibit deploying the canine.
Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor, assisting members should take direction from the
handler in order to minimize interference with the canine.
311.6.2 WARNINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Unless it would increase the risk of injury or escape, a clearly audible warning announcing that a
canine will be used if the suspect does not surrender should be made prior to releasing a canine.
The handler should allow a reasonable time for a suspect to surrender and should quiet the canine
momentarily to listen for any verbal response to the warning. If feasible, other members should
be in a location opposite the warning to verify that the announcement could be heard. If available,
warnings given in other languages should be used as necessary. When feasible, a helicopter
should be used to give a canine announcement.
If a warning is not to be given, the canine handler, when practicable, should first advise the
supervisor of his/her decision before releasing the canine. In the event of an apprehension, the
handler shall document in any related report how the warning was given and, if none was given,
the reasons why.

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311.6.3 REPORTING DEPLOYMENTS, BITES AND INJURIES
Whenever a canine deployment results in a bite or causes injury to an intended suspect, a
supervisor should be promptly notified and the injuries documented in a canine incident report.
The injured person shall be promptly treated by emergency medical services personnel and, if
appropriate, transported to an appropriate medical facility for further treatment. The deployment
and injuries should also be included in any related incident or arrest report.
Any unintended bite or injury caused by a canine, whether on- or off-duty, shall be promptly
reported to the Watch Commander and canine coordinator. Unintended bites or injuries caused
by a canine should be documented in an administrative report, not in a canine use report.
If an individual alleges an injury, either visible or not visible, a supervisor shall be notified and both
the individual’s injured and uninjured areas shall be photographed as soon as practicable after first
tending to the immediate needs of the injured party. Photographs shall be retained as evidence in
accordance with current department evidence procedures. The photographs shall be retained until
the criminal proceeding is completed and the time for any related civil proceeding has expired.
Canines used by law enforcement agencies are generally exempt from impoundment and
reporting requirements. However, the canine shall be made available for examination at any
reasonable time if requested by the local health department. The canine handler shall also notify
the local health department if the canine exhibits any abnormal behavior after a bite (Health and
Safety Code § 121685).
311.7 NON-APPREHENSION GUIDELINES
Properly trained canines may be used to track or search for non-criminals (e.g., lost children,
individuals who may be disoriented or in need of medical attention). The canine handler is
responsible for determining the canine’s suitability for such assignments based on the conditions
and the particular abilities of the canine. When the canine is deployed in a search or other nonapprehension operation, the following guidelines apply.
(a)

Absent a change in circumstances that present an immediate threat to officers, the canine or
the public, such applications should be conducted on-leash or under conditions that minimize
the likelihood the canine will bite or otherwise injure the individual, if located.

(b)

Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor, assisting members should take direction from
the handler in order to minimize interference with the canine.

(c)

Throughout the deployment the handler should periodically give verbal assurances that the
canine will not bite or hurt the individual and encourage the individual to make him/herself
known.

(d)

Once the individual has been located, the handler should place the canine in a down-stay
or otherwise secure it as soon as reasonably practicable.

311.7.1 ARTICLE DETECTION
A canine trained to find objects or property related to a person or crime may be used to locate or
identify articles. A canine search should be conducted in a manner that minimizes the likelihood
of unintended bites or injuries.
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311.7.2 NARCOTICS DETECTION
A canine trained in narcotics detection may be used in accordance with current law and under
certain circumstances, including:
(a)

The search of vehicles, buildings, bags and other articles.

(b)

Assisting in the search for narcotics during a search warrant service.

(c)

Obtaining a search warrant by using the narcotics-detection trained canine in support of
probable cause.

311.8 HANDLER SELECTION
The minimum qualifications for the assignment of canine handler include:
(a)

An officer who is currently off training.

(b)

Residing in an adequately fenced, single-family residence (minimum 5-foot high fence with
locking gates).

(c)

A garage that can be secured and accommodate a canine vehicle.

(d)

Agreeing to be assigned to the position for a minimum of four years.

311.9 HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES
The canine handler shall ultimately be responsible for the health and welfare of the canine and
shall ensure that the canine receives proper nutrition, grooming, training, medical care, affection
and healthy living conditions.
The canine handler will be responsible for the following:
(a)

Except as required during appropriate deployment, the handler shall not expose the canine
to any foreseeable and unreasonable risk of harm.

(b)

The handler shall maintain all department equipment under his/her control in a clean and
serviceable condition.

(c)

When not in service, the handler shall maintain the canine vehicle in a locked garage, away
from public view.

(d)

Handlers shall permit the canine coordinator to conduct spontaneous on-site inspections of
affected areas of their homes as well as their canine vehicles to verify that conditions and
equipment conform to this policy.

(e)

Any changes in the living status of the handler that may affect the lodging or environment
of the canine shall be reported to the canine coordinator as soon as possible.

(f)

When off-duty, the canine shall be in a kennel provided by the City at the home of the
handler. When a canine is kenneled at the handler’s home, the gate shall be secured with
a lock. When off-duty, the canine may be let out of the kennel while under the direct control
of the handler.

(g)

The canine should be permitted to socialize in the home with the handler’s family for short
periods of time and under the direct supervision of the handler.

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(h)

Under no circumstances will the canine be lodged at another location unless approved by
the canine coordinator or Watch Commander.

(i)

When off-duty, the handler shall not involve the canine in any law enforcement activity
or official conduct unless approved in advance by the canine coordinator or Watch
Commander.

(j)

Whenever a canine handler is off-duty for an extended number of days, it may be necessary
to temporarily relocate the canine. In those situations, the handler shall give reasonable
notice to the canine coordinator so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

311.9.1 CANINE IN PUBLIC AREAS
The canine should be kept on a leash when in areas that allow access to the public. Exceptions
to this rule would include specific law enforcement operations for which the canine is trained.
(a)

A canine shall not be left unattended in any area to which the public may have access.

(b)

When the canine vehicle is left unattended, all windows and doors shall be secured in such
a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to the dog. The handler shall also ensure that
the unattended vehicle remains inhabitable for the canine.

311.10 CANINE INJURY AND MEDICAL CARE
In the event that a canine is injured, or there is an indication that the canine is not in good physical
condition, the injury or condition will be reported to the canine coordinator or Watch Commander as
soon as practicable and appropriately documented.
All medical attention shall be rendered by the designated canine veterinarian, except during
an emergency where treatment should be obtained from the nearest available veterinarian. All
records of medical treatment shall be maintained in the handler’s personnel file.
311.11 TRAINING
Before assignment in the field, each canine team shall be trained and certified to meet current
POST guidelines or other recognized and approved certification standards. Cross-trained canine
teams or those canine teams trained exclusively for the detection of narcotics and/or explosives
also shall be trained and certified by the California Narcotic Canine Association (CNCA) or other
recognized and approved certification standards established for their particular skills.
The canine coordinator shall be responsible for scheduling periodic training for all department
members in order to familiarize them with how to conduct themselves in the presence of
department canines.
All canine training should be conducted while on-duty unless otherwise approved by the canine
coordinator or Watch Commander.
311.11.1 CONTINUED TRAINING
Each canine team shall thereafter be recertified to a current POST, CNCA or other recognized
and approved certification standards on an annual basis. Additional training considerations are
as follows:
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(a)

Canine teams should receive training as defined in the current contract with the Culver City
Police Department canine training provider.

(b)

Canine handlers are encouraged to engage in additional training with approval of the canine
coordinator.

(c)

To ensure that all training is consistent, no handler, trainer or outside vendor is authorized
to train to a standard that is not reviewed and approved by this department.

311.11.2 FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TRAINING
Any canine team failing to graduate or obtain certification shall not be deployed in the field for tasks
the team is not certified to perform until graduation or certification is achieved. When reasonably
practicable, pending successful certification, the canine handler shall be temporarily reassigned
to regular patrol duties.
311.11.3 TRAINING RECORDS
All canine training records shall be maintained in the canine handler's and the canine's training file.
311.11.4 TRAINING AIDS
Training aids are required to effectively train and maintain the skills of canines.
Officers possessing, using or transporting controlled substances or explosives for canine training
purposes must comply with federal and state requirements regarding the same. Alternatively,
the Culver City Police Department may work with outside trainers with the applicable licenses or
permits.
311.11.5 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TRAINING AIDS
Officers acting in the performance of their official duties may possess or transfer controlled
substances for the purpose of narcotics-detection canine training in compliance with state and
federal laws (Health & Safety Code § 11367.5; 21 USC § 823(f)).
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee may authorize a member to seek a court order
to allow controlled substances seized by the Culver City Police Department to be possessed by
the member or a narcotics-detection canine trainer who is working under the direction of this
department for training purposes, provided the controlled substances are no longer needed as
criminal evidence.
As an alternative, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee may request narcotics training
aids from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
These procedures are not required if the canine handler uses commercially available synthetic
substances that are not controlled narcotics.
311.11.6 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PROCEDURES
Due to the responsibilities and liabilities involved with possessing readily usable amounts of
controlled substances and the ever-present danger of the canine’s accidental ingestion of these
controlled substances, the following procedures shall be strictly followed:

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(a)

All controlled substance training samples shall be weighed and tested prior to dispensing
to the individual canine handler or trainer.

(b)

The weight and test results shall be recorded and maintained by this department.

(c)

Any person possessing controlled substance training samples pursuant to court order or
DEA registration shall maintain custody and control of the controlled substances and shall
keep records regarding any loss of, or damage to, those controlled substances.

(d)

All controlled substance training samples will be inspected, weighed and tested quarterly.
The results of the quarterly testing shall be recorded and maintained by the canine
coordinator with a copy forwarded to the dispensing agency.

(e)

All controlled substance training samples will be stored in locked, airtight and watertight
cases at all times, except during training. The locked cases shall be secured in the trunk of
the canine handler’s assigned patrol vehicle during transport and stored in an appropriate
locked container. There are no exceptions to this procedure.

(f)

The canine coordinator shall periodically inspect every controlled substance training sample
for damage or tampering and take any appropriate action.

(g)

Any unusable controlled substance training samples shall be returned to the Forensic and
Evidence Section or to the dispensing agency.

(h)

All controlled substance training samples shall be returned to the dispensing agency upon
the conclusion of the training or upon demand by the dispensing agency.

311.11.7

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Domestic Violence
312.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide the guidelines necessary to deter, prevent and reduce
domestic violence through vigorous enforcement and to address domestic violence as a serious
crime against society. The policy specifically addresses the commitment of this department to take
enforcement action when appropriate, to provide assistance to victims and to guide officers in the
investigation of domestic violence.
312.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Court order - All forms of orders related to domestic violence, that have been issued by a court
of this state or another, whether civil or criminal, regardless of whether service has been made.
312.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department’s response to incidents of domestic violence and violations of
related court orders shall stress enforcement of the law to protect the victim and shall communicate
the philosophy that domestic violence is criminal behavior. It is also the policy of this department
to facilitate victims’ and offenders’ access to appropriate civil remedies and community resources
whenever feasible.
312.3 OFFICER SAFETY
The investigation of domestic violence cases often places officers in emotionally charged and
sometimes highly dangerous environments. No provision of this policy is intended to supersede
the responsibility of all officers to exercise due caution and reasonable care in providing for the
safety of any officers and parties involved.
312.4 INVESTIGATIONS
The following guidelines should be followed by officers when investigating domestic violence
cases:
(a)

Calls of reported, threatened, imminent or ongoing domestic violence and the violation of
any court order are of extreme importance and should be considered among the highest
response priorities. This includes incomplete 9-1-1 calls.

(b)

When practicable, officers should obtain and document statements from the victim, the
suspect and any witnesses, including children, in or around the household or location of
occurrence.

(c)

Officers should list the full name and date of birth (and school if available) of each child who
was present in the household at the time of the offense. The names of other children who
may not have been in the house at that particular time should also be obtained for follow-up.

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(d)

When practicable and legally permitted, video or audio record all significant statements and
observations.

(e)

All injuries should be photographed, regardless of severity, taking care to preserve the
victim’s personal privacy. Where practicable, photographs should be taken by a person of
the same sex. Victims whose injuries are not visible at the time of the incident should be
asked to contact the Investigation Bureau in the event that the injuries later become visible.

(f)

Officers should request that the victim complete and sign an authorization for release of
medical records related to the incident when applicable.

(g)

If the suspect is no longer at the scene, officers should make reasonable efforts to locate
the suspect to further the investigation, provide the suspect with an opportunity to make a
statement and make an arrest or seek an arrest warrant if appropriate.

(h)

Seize any firearms or other dangerous weapons in the home, if appropriate and legally
permitted, for safekeeping or as evidence. If the domestic violence involved threats of bodily
harm, any firearm discovered in plain view or pursuant to consent or other lawful search
must be taken into temporary custody (Penal Code § 18250).

(i)

When completing an incident or arrest report for violation of a court order, officers should
include specific information that establishes that the offender has been served, including
the date the offender was served, the name of the agency that served the order and the
provision of the order that the subject is alleged to have violated. When reasonably available,
the arresting officer should attach a copy of the order to the incident or arrest report.

(j)

Officers should take appropriate enforcement action when there is probable cause to believe
an offense has occurred. Factors that should not be used as sole justification for declining
to take enforcement action include:
1.

Marital status of suspect and victim.

Whether the suspect lives on the premises with the victim.

Claims by the suspect that the victim provoked or perpetuated the violence.

The potential financial or child custody consequences of arrest.

The physical or emotional state of either party.

Use of drugs or alcohol by either party.

Denial that the abuse occurred where evidence indicates otherwise.

A request by the victim not to arrest the suspect.

Location of the incident (public/private).

10.

Speculation that the complainant may not follow through with the prosecution.

11.

The racial, cultural, social, professional position or sexual orientation of the victim
or suspect.

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312.4.1 IF A SUSPECT IS ARRESTED
If a suspect is arrested, officers should:
(a)

Advise the victim that there is no guarantee the suspect will remain in custody.

(b)

Provide the victim’s contact information to the jail staff to enable notification of the victim
upon the suspect’s release from jail.

(c)

Advise the victim whether any type of court order will be in effect when the suspect is
released from jail.

312.4.2 IF NO ARREST IS MADE
If no arrest is made, the officer should:
(a)

(b)

Advise the parties of any options, including but not limited to:
1.

Voluntary separation of the parties.

Appropriate resource referrals (e.g., counselors, friends, relatives, shelter homes,
victim witness unit).

Document the resolution in a report.

312.5 VICTIM ASSISTANCE
Victims may be traumatized or confused. Officers should:
(a)

Recognize that a victim’s behavior and actions may be affected.

(b)

Provide the victim with the department’s domestic violence information handout, even if the
incident may not rise to the level of a crime.

(c)

Alert the victim to any available victim advocates, shelters and community resources.

(d)

Stand by for a reasonable amount of time when an involved person requests law
enforcement assistance while removing essential items of personal property.

(e)

Seek medical assistance as soon as practicable for the victim if he/she has sustained injury
or complains of pain.

(f)

Ask the victim whether he/she has a safe place to stay. Assist in arranging to transport the
victim to an alternate shelter if the victim expresses a concern for his/her safety or if the
officer determines that a need exists.

(g)

Make reasonable efforts to ensure that children or dependent adults who are under the
supervision of the suspect or victim are being properly cared for.

(h)

Seek or assist the victim in obtaining an emergency order if appropriate.

312.6 DISPATCH ASSISTANCE
All calls of domestic violence, including incomplete 9-1-1 calls, should be dispatched as soon as
practicable.

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Dispatchers are not required to verify the validity of a court order before responding to a request for
assistance. Officers should request that dispatchers check whether any of the involved persons
are subject to the terms of a court order.
312.7 FOREIGN COURT ORDERS
Various types of orders may be issued in domestic violence cases. Any foreign court order properly
issued by a court of another state, Indian tribe or territory shall be enforced by officers as if it
were the order of a court in this state. An order should be considered properly issued when it
reasonably appears that the issuing court has jurisdiction over the parties and reasonable notice
and opportunity to respond was given to the party against whom the order was issued (18 USC
§ 2265). An otherwise valid out-of-state court order shall be enforced, regardless of whether the
order has been properly registered with this state.
312.8 VERIFICATION OF COURT ORDERS
Determining the validity of a court order, particularly an order from another jurisdiction, can be
challenging. Therefore, in determining whether there is probable cause to make an arrest for a
violation of any court order, officers should carefully review the actual order when available, and,
where appropriate and practicable:
(a)

Ask the subject of the order about his/her notice or receipt of the order, his/her knowledge
of its terms and efforts to respond to the order.

(b)

Check available records or databases that may show the status or conditions of the order.

(c)

Contact the issuing court to verify the validity of the order.

(d)

Contact a law enforcement official from the jurisdiction where the order was issued to verify
information.

Officers should document in an appropriate report their efforts to verify the validity of an order,
regardless of whether an arrest is made. Officers should contact a supervisor for clarification when
needed.
312.9 LEGAL MANDATES AND RELEVANT LAWS
California law provides for the following:
312.9.1 STANDARDS FOR ARRESTS
Officers investigating a domestic violence report should consider the following:
(a)

An arrest should be made when there is probable cause to believe that a felony or
misdemeanor domestic violence offense has been committed (Penal Code § 13701). Any
decision to not arrest an adult when there is reasonable cause to do so requires supervisor
approval.

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Officers are only authorized to make an arrest without a warrant for a misdemeanor
domestic violence offense if the officer makes the arrest as soon as probable cause
arises (Penal Code § 836).

(b)

An officer responding to a domestic violence call who cannot make an arrest will advise
the victim of his/her right to make a private person’s arrest. The advisement should be
made out of the presence of the suspect and shall include advising the victim how to safely
execute the arrest. Officers shall not dissuade victims from making a lawful private person’s
arrest. Officers should refer to the provisions in the Private Persons Arrests Policy for options
regarding the disposition of private person’s arrests (Penal Code § 836(b)).

(c)

Officers shall not cite and release a person for the following offenses (Penal Code § 853.6(a)
(3)):

(d)

(e)

Penal Code § 243(e)(1) (battery against spouse, cohabitant)

Penal Code § 273.5 (corporal injury on spouse, cohabitant, fiancé/fiancée, person of
a previous dating or engagement relationship, mother/father of the offender’s child)

Penal Code § 273.6 (violation of protective order) if violence or threats of violence
have occurred or the suspect has gone to the workplace or residence of the protected
party

Penal Code § 646.9 (stalking)

Other serious or violent felonies specified in Penal Code § 1270.1

In responding to domestic violence incidents, including mutual protective order violations,
officers should generally be reluctant to make dual arrests. Officers shall make reasonable
efforts to identify the dominant aggressor in any incident. The dominant aggressor is the
person who has been determined to be the most significant, rather than the first, aggressor
(Penal Code § 13701). In identifying the dominant aggressor, an officer shall consider:
1.

The intent of the law to protect victims of domestic violence from continuing abuse.

The threats creating fear of physical injury.

The history of domestic violence between the persons involved.

Whether either person acted in self-defense.

An arrest shall be made when there is probable cause to believe that a violation of a
domestic violence court order has been committed (Penal Code § 13701; Penal Code § 836),
regardless of whether the offense was committed in the officer’s presence. After arrest, the
officer shall confirm that a copy of the order has been registered, unless the victim provides
a copy (Penal Code § 836).

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312.9.2 COURT ORDERS
(a)

An officer who obtains an emergency protective order from the court shall serve it on the
restrained person if the person can be reasonably located, and shall provide the person
protected or the person’s parent/guardian with a copy of the order. The officer shall file a
copy with the court as soon as practicable and shall have the order entered into the computer
database system for protective and restraining orders maintained by the Department of
Justice (Family Code § 6271; Penal Code § 646.91).

(b)

At the request of the petitioner, an officer at the scene of a reported domestic violence
incident shall serve a court order on a restrained person (Family Code § 6383; Penal Code
§ 13710).

(c)

Any officer serving a protective order that indicates that the respondent possesses weapons
or ammunition shall request that the firearm/ammunition be immediately surrendered
(Family Code § 6389(c)(2)).

(d)

During the service of a protective order any firearm discovered in plain view or pursuant to
consent or other lawful search shall be taken into temporary custody (Penal Code § 18250).

312.9.3 PUBLIC ACCESS TO POLICY
A copy of this domestic violence policy will be provided to members of the public upon request
(Penal Code § 13701).
312.9.4 REPORTS AND RECORDS
(a)

A written report shall be completed on all incidents of domestic violence. All such reports
should be documented on the appropriate form, which includes information and notations
specific to domestic violence incidents as required by Penal Code § 13730.

(b)

Reporting officers should provide the victim with the case number of the report. The case
number may be placed in the space provided on the domestic violence victim information
handout provided to the victim. If the case number is not immediately available, an
explanation should be given regarding how the victim can obtain the information at a later
time.

(c)

Officers who seize any firearm or other deadly weapon in a domestic violence incident shall
issue the individual possessing such weapon a receipt and notice of where the weapon may
be recovered, along with the applicable time limit for recovery (Penal Code § 18250; Penal
Code § 33800; Family Code § 6389(c)(2)).

312.9.5 RECORD-KEEPING AND DATA COLLECTION
This department shall maintain records of court orders related to domestic violence and the service
status of each (Penal Code § 13710), as well as records on the number of domestic violence
related calls reported to the Department, including whether weapons were used in the incident
(Penal Code § 13730). This information is to be reported to the Attorney General monthly. It shall
be the responsibility of the Records Manager to maintain and report this information as required.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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312.9.6 DECLARATION IN SUPPORT OF BAIL INCREASE
Any officer who makes a warrantless arrest for a felony or misdemeanor violation of a domestic
violence restraining order shall evaluate the totality of the circumstances to determine whether
reasonable cause exists to seek an increased bail amount. If there is reasonable cause to believe
that the scheduled bail amount is insufficient to assure the arrestee’s appearance or to protect the
victim or family member of a victim, the officer shall prepare a declaration in support of increased
bail (Penal Code § 1269c).

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313

Policy Manual

Search and Seizure
313.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Both the federal and state Constitutions provide every individual with the right to be free from
unreasonable searches and seizures. This policy provides general guidelines for Culver City
Police Department personnel to consider when dealing with search and seizure issues.
313.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to respect the fundamental privacy rights
of individuals. Members of this department will conduct searches in strict observance of the
constitutional rights of persons being searched. All seizures by this department will comply with
relevant federal and state law governing the seizure of persons and property.
The Department will provide relevant and current training to officers as guidance for the application
of current law, local community standards and prosecutorial considerations regarding specific
search and seizure situations, as appropriate.
313.3 SEARCHES
The U.S. Constitution generally provides that a valid warrant is required in order for a search to
be valid. There are, however, several exceptions that permit a warrantless search.
Examples of law enforcement activities that are exceptions to the general warrant requirement
include, but are not limited to, searches pursuant to the following:
•

Valid consent

•

Incident to a lawful arrest

•

Legitimate community caretaking interests

•

Vehicle searches under certain circumstances

•

Exigent circumstances

Certain other activities are recognized by federal and state courts and by certain statutes as
legitimate law enforcement activities that also do not require a warrant. Such activities may include
seizure and examination of abandoned property, and observations of activities and property
located on open public areas.
Because case law regarding search and seizure is constantly changing and subject to
interpretation by the courts, each member of this department is expected to act in each situation
according to current training and his/her familiarity with clearly established rights as determined
by case law.
Whenever practicable, officers are encouraged to contact a supervisor to resolve questions
regarding search and seizure issues prior to electing a course of action.

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313.4 SEARCH PROTOCOL
Although conditions will vary and officer safety and other exigencies must be considered in every
search situation, the following guidelines should be followed whenever circumstances permit:
(a)

Members of this department will strive to conduct searches with dignity and courtesy.

(b)

Officers should explain to the person being searched the reason for the search and how the
search will be conducted.

(c)

Searches should be carried out with due regard and respect for private property interests
and in a manner that minimizes damage. Property should be left in a condition as close as
reasonably possible to its pre-search condition.

(d)

In order to minimize the need for forcible entry, an attempt should be made to obtain keys,
combinations or access codes when a search of locked property is anticipated.

(e)

When the person to be searched is of the opposite sex as the searching officer, a reasonable
effort should be made to summon an officer of the same sex as the subject to conduct the
search. When it is not practicable to summon an officer of the same sex as the subject, the
following guidelines should be followed:
1.

Another officer or a supervisor should witness the search.

The officer should not search areas of the body covered by tight-fitting clothing, sheer
clothing or clothing that could not reasonably conceal a weapon.

313.5 DOCUMENTATION
When applicable, officers are responsible to document any search and to ensure that any required
reports are sufficient including, at minimum, documentation of the following:
•

Reason for the search

•

Any efforts used to minimize the intrusiveness of any search (e.g., asking for consent or
keys)

•

What, if any, injuries or damage occurred

•

All steps taken to secure property

•

The results of the search, including a description of any property or contraband seized

•

If the person searched is the opposite sex, any efforts to summon an officer of the same sex
as the person being searched and the identification of any witness officer

Supervisors shall review reports to ensure the reports are accurate, that actions are properly
documented and that current legal requirements and department policy have been met.

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Policy Manual

Temporary Custody of Juveniles
314.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines consistent with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Act for juveniles taken into temporary custody by members of the Culver City Police Department
(42 USC § 5633).
Guidance regarding contacting juveniles at schools or who may be victims is provided in the Child
Abuse Policy.
314.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Juvenile non-offender - An abused, neglected, dependent or alien juvenile who may be legally
held for his/her own safety or welfare. This also includes any juvenile who may have initially been
contacted for an offense that would not subject an adult to arrest (e.g., fine-only offense) but was
taken into custody for his/her protection or for purposes of reuniting the juvenile with a parent,
guardian or other responsible person.
Juvenile offender - A juvenile 17 years of age or younger who is alleged to have committed an
offense that would subject an adult to arrest (a non-status offense). It also includes an offense
under Penal Code § 29610 for underage possession of a handgun or concealable firearm (28
CFR 31.303).
Non-secure custody - When a juvenile is held in the presence of an officer or other custody
employee at all times and is not placed in a locked room, cell or behind any locked doors. Juveniles
in non-secure custody may be handcuffed but not to a stationary or secure object. Personal
supervision, through direct visual monitoring and audio two-way communication is maintained.
Monitoring through electronic devices, such as video, does not replace direct visual observation
(Welfare and Institutions Code § 207.1(d); 15 CCR 1150).
Safety checks - Direct, visual observation personally by member of this department performed at
random intervals within time frames prescribed in this policy to provide for the health and welfare
of inmates.
Secure custody - When a juvenile offender is held in a locked room, a set of rooms or a cell.
Secure custody also includes being physically secured to a stationary object (15 CCR 1146).
Examples of secure custody include:
(a)

A juvenile left alone in an unlocked room within the secure perimeter of the adult temporary
holding area.

(b)

A juvenile handcuffed to a rail.

(c)

A juvenile placed in a room that contains doors with delayed egress devices that have a
delay of more than 30 seconds.

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(d)

A juvenile being processed in a secure booking area when an unsecure booking area is
available.

(e)

A juvenile left alone in a secure booking area after being photographed and fingerprinted.

(f)

A juvenile placed in a cell within the adult temporary holding area, whether or not the cell
door is locked.

Sight and sound separation - Located or arranged to prevent physical, visual or auditory contact.
Status offender - A juvenile suspected of committing a criminal violation of the law that would
not be a criminal violation but for the age of the offender. Examples may include running
away, underage possession of tobacco, curfew violation or truancy. A juvenile in custody on a
court order or warrant based upon a status offense is also a status offender. This includes the
habitually disobedient or truant juvenile under Welfare and Institutions Code § 601 and any juvenile
suspected of an offense that would not subject an adult to arrest (e.g., fine-only offense).
314.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department is committed to releasing juveniles from temporary custody as
soon as reasonably practicable and keeping juveniles safe while they are in temporary custody
at the Culver City Police Department. Juveniles should be held in temporary custody only for as
long as reasonably necessary for processing, transfer or release.
314.3 JUVENILES WHO SHOULD NOT BE HELD
Juveniles who exhibit any of the following conditions should not be held at the Culver City Police
Department:
(a)

Unconscious

(b)

Seriously injured

(c)

A known suicide risk or obviously severely emotionally disturbed

(d)

Significantly intoxicated except when approved by the Watch Commander. A medical
clearance shall be obtained for minors who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any
other intoxicating substance to the extent that they are unable to care for themselves (15
CCR 1151).

(e)

Extremely violent or continuously violent

Officers taking custody of a juvenile who exhibits any of the above conditions should take
reasonable steps to provide medical attention or mental health assistance and notify a supervisor
of the situation (15 CCR 1142; 15 CCR 1151).
These juveniles should not be held at the Culver City Police Department unless they have been
evaluated by a qualified medical and/or mental health professional (15 CCR 1142).

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If the officer taking custody of the juvenile believes the juvenile may be a suicide risk, the juvenile
shall be under continuous direct supervision until evaluation, release or a transfer is completed
(15 CCR 1142).
314.3.1 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE OF JUVENILES IN CUSTODY
When emergency medical attention is required for a juvenile, medical assistance will be called
immediately. The Watch Commander shall be notified of the need for medical attention for the
juvenile. Department members should administer first aid as applicable (15 CCR 1142).
314.3.2 SUICIDE PREVENTION OF JUVENILES IN CUSTODY
Department members should be alert to potential symptoms based upon exhibited behavior that
may indicate the juvenile is a suicide risk. These symptoms may include depression, refusal to
communicate, verbally threatening to kill him/herself or any unusual behavior which may indicate
the juvenile may harm him/herself while in either secure or non-secure custody (15 CCR 1142).
314.4 CUSTODY OF JUVENILES
Officers should take custody of a juvenile and temporarily hold the juvenile at the Culver City
Police Department when there is no other lawful and practicable alternative to temporary custody.
Refer to the Child Abuse Policy for additional information regarding detaining a juvenile that is
suspected of being a victim.
No juvenile should be held in temporary custody at the Culver City Police Department without
authorization of the arresting officer's supervisor or the Watch Commander. Juveniles taken into
custody shall be held in non-secure custody unless otherwise authorized by this policy.
Any juvenile taken into custody shall be released to the care of the juvenile’s parent or other
responsible adult or transferred to a juvenile custody facility or to other authority as soon as
practicable and in no event shall a juvenile be held beyond six hours from the time of his/her entry
into the Culver City Police Department (42 USC § 5633; Welfare and Institutions Code § 207.1(d)).
314.4.1 CUSTODY OF JUVENILE NON-OFFENDERS
Non-offenders taken into protective custody in compliance with the Child Abuse Policy should
generally not be held at the Culver City Police Department. Custodial arrangements should be
made for non-offenders as soon as reasonably possible. Juvenile non-offenders shall not be held
in secure custody (42 USC § 5633; Welfare and Institutions Code § 206).
314.4.2 CUSTODY OF JUVENILE STATUS OFFENDERS
Status offenders should generally be released by citation or with a warning rather than taken into
temporary custody. However, officers may take custody of a status offender if requested to do so
by a parent or legal guardian in order to facilitate reunification (e.g., transported home or to the
station to await a parent). Status offenders shall not be held in secure custody (42 USC § 5633).

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314.4.3 CUSTODY OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS
Juvenile offenders should be held in non-secure custody while at the Culver City Police
Department unless another form of custody is authorized by this policy or is necessary due to
exigent circumstances.
Generally, a juvenile offender may be taken into custody when authorized by a court order or when
there is probable cause to believe the juvenile has committed an offense that would subject an
adult to arrest (Welfare and Institutions Code § 625).
A juvenile offender who is 14 years of age or older and suspected of using a firearm in violation
of Welfare and Institutions Code 625.3 shall be transported to a juvenile facility.
A juvenile offender suspected of committing murder or a sex offense that may subject a juvenile
to criminal jurisdiction under Welfare and Institutions Code § 602(b), or a serious or violent felony
should be referred to a probation officer for a decision on further detention.
In all other cases the juvenile offender may be:
(a)

Released upon warning or citation.

(b)

Released to a parent or other responsible adult after processing at the Department.

(c)

Referred to a probation officer for a decision regarding whether to transport the juvenile
offender to a juvenile facility.

(d)

Transported to his/her home or to the place where the juvenile offender was taken into
custody (Welfare and Institutions Code § 207.2).

In determining which disposition is appropriate, the investigating officer or supervisor shall prefer
the alternative which least restricts the juvenile’s freedom of movement, provided that alternative
is compatible with the best interests of the juvenile and the community (Welfare and Institutions
Code § 626).
Whenever a juvenile offender under the age of 14 is taken into custody, the officer should take
reasonable steps to verify and document the child's ability to differentiate between right and wrong,
particularly in relation to the alleged offense (Penal Code § 26).
314.5 ADVISEMENTS
Officers shall take immediate steps to notify the juvenile’s parent, guardian or a responsible relative
that the juvenile is in custody, the location where the juvenile is being held and the intended
disposition (Welfare and Institutions Code § 627).
Whenever a juvenile is taken into temporary custody, he/she shall be given the Miranda rights
advisement regardless of whether questioning is intended (Welfare and Institutions Code § 625).
Anytime a juvenile offender is placed in secure custody, he/she shall be informed of the purpose of
the secure custody, the length of time the secure custody is expected to last and of the maximum
six-hour limitation (Welfare and Institutions Code § 207.1(d)).

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Juveniles taken into custody for an offense shall immediately be advised (or at least within one
hour from being taken into custody, if possible) that they may make three telephone calls: one
call completed to his/her parent or guardian; one to a responsible relative or his/her employer;
and another call completed to an attorney. The calls shall be at no expense to the juvenile when
completed to telephone numbers within the local calling area. Juveniles should be asked whether
they are a caregiver and provided two more phone calls in the same manner as provided to adults
in the Temporary Custody of Adults Policy (Welfare and Institutions Code § 627; Penal Code §
851.5).
314.6 JUVENILE CUSTODY LOGS
Any time a juvenile is held in custody at the Department, the custody shall be promptly and properly
documented in the juvenile custody log, including:
(a)

Identifying information about the juvenile being held.

(b)

Date and time of arrival and release from the Culver City Police Department (15 CCR 1150).

(c)

Watch Commander notification and approval to temporarily hold the juvenile.

(d)

Any charges for which the juvenile is being held and classification of the juvenile as a juvenile
offender, status offender or non-offender.

(e)

Any changes in status.

(f)

Time of all safety checks.

(g)

Any medical and other screening requested and completed (15 CCR 1142).

(h)

Circumstances that justify any secure custody (Welfare and Institutions Code § 207.1(d);
15 CCR 1145).

(i)

Any other information that may be required by other authorities, such as compliance
inspectors or a local juvenile court authority.

The Watch Commander shall initial the log to approve the custody, including any secure custody,
and shall also initial the log when the juvenile is released.
314.7 NO-CONTACT REQUIREMENTS
Sight and sound separation shall be maintained between all juveniles and adults while in custody
at the Department (42 USC § 5633; Welfare and Institutions Code § 207.1(d); Welfare and
Institutions Code § 208; 15 CCR 1144). There should also be sight and sound separation between
non-offenders and juvenile and status offenders.
In situations where brief or accidental contact may occur (e.g., during the brief time a juvenile
is being fingerprinted and/or photographed in booking), a member of the Culver City Police
Department (trained in the supervision of persons in custody) shall maintain a constant, immediate,
side-by-side presence with the juvenile or the adult to minimize any contact. If inadvertent or
accidental contact does occur, reasonable efforts shall be taken to end the contact (15 CCR 1144).
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314.8 TEMPORARY CUSTODY REQUIREMENTS
Members and supervisors assigned to monitor or process any juvenile at the Culver City Police
Department shall ensure the following:
(a)

The Watch Commander should be notified if it is anticipated that a juvenile may need to
remain at the Culver City Police Department more than four hours. This will enable the
Watch Commander to ensure no juvenile is held at the Culver City Police Department more
than six hours.

(b)

A staff member of the same sex shall supervise personal hygiene activities and care, such
as changing clothing or using the restroom, without direct observation to allow for privacy.

(c)

Personal safety checks and significant incidents/activities shall be noted on the log.

(d)

There shall be no viewing devices, such as peep holes or mirrors, of which the juvenile
is not aware. Therefore, an employee should inform a juvenile under his/her care that the
juvenile will be monitored at all times, unless he/she is using the toilet. This does not apply
to surreptitious and legally obtained recorded interrogations.

(e)

Juveniles shall have reasonable access to toilets and wash basins (15 CCR 1143).

(f)

Food shall be provided if a juvenile has not eaten within the past four hours or is otherwise
in need of nourishment, including any special diet required for the health of the juvenile (15
CCR 1143).

(g)

Juveniles shall have reasonable access to a drinking fountain or water (15 CCR 1143).

(h)

Juveniles shall have reasonable opportunities to stand and stretch, particularly if handcuffed
or restrained in any way.

(i)

Juveniles shall have privacy during family, guardian and/or lawyer visits (15 CCR 1143).

(j)

Juveniles shall be permitted to remain in their personal clothing unless the clothing is taken
as evidence or is otherwise unsuitable or inadequate for continued wear while in custody
(15 CCR 1143).

(k)

Blankets shall be provided as reasonably necessary (15 CCR 1143).

(l)

Adequate shelter, heat, light and ventilation should be provided without compromising
security or enabling escape.

(m)

Juveniles shall have adequate furnishings, including suitable chairs or benches.

(n)

Juveniles shall have the right to the same number of telephone calls as an adult in custody.

(o)

No discipline may be administered to any juvenile, nor may juveniles be subjected to corporal
or unusual punishment, humiliation or mental abuse (15 CCR 1142).

314.9 USE OF RESTRAINT DEVICES
Juvenile offenders may be handcuffed in accordance with the Handcuffing and Restraints
Policy. A juvenile offender may be handcuffed at the Culver City Police Department when the
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juvenile presents a heightened risk. However, non-offenders and status offenders should not be
handcuffed unless they are combative or threatening (15 CCR 1142).
Other restraints shall only be used after less restrictive measures have failed and with the
approval of the Watch Commander. Restraints shall only be used so long as it reasonably appears
necessary for the juvenile's protection or the protection of others (15 CCR 1142).
Juveniles in restraints shall be kept away from other unrestrained juveniles or monitored in such
a way as to protect the juvenile from abuse (15 CCR 1142).
314.10 PERSONAL PROPERTY
The officer taking custody of a juvenile offender or status offender at the Culver City Police
Department shall ensure a thorough search of the juvenile’s property is made and all property is
removed from the juvenile, especially those items that could compromise safety, such as pens,
pencils and belts.
The personal property of a juvenile should be placed in a property bag. The property should be
inventoried in the juvenile’s presence and sealed into the bag. The property should be kept in
a monitored or secure location until the juvenile is released from the custody of the Culver City
Police Department.
314.11 SECURE CUSTODY
Only juvenile offenders14 years of age or older may be placed in secure custody (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 207; 15 CCR 1145). Watch Commander approval is required before placing
a juvenile offender in secure custody.
Secure custody should only be used for juvenile offenders when there is a reasonable belief that
the juvenile is a serious risk of harm to him/herself or others. Factors to be considered when
determining if the juvenile offender presents a serious security risk to him/herself or others include
the following (15 CCR 1145):
(a)

Age, maturity and delinquent history

(b)

Severity of offense for which the juvenile was taken into custody

(c)

The juvenile offender’s behavior

(d)

Availability of staff to provide adequate supervision or protection of the juvenile offender

(e)

Age, type and number of other individuals in custody at the facility

Members of this department shall not use secure custody for convenience when non-secure
custody is, or later becomes, a reasonable option (15 CCR 1145).
When practicable and when no locked enclosure is available, handcuffing one hand of a juvenile
offender to a fixed object while otherwise maintaining the juvenile in non-secure custody should
be considered as the method of secure custody. An employee must be present at all times to
ensure the juvenile’s safety while secured to a stationary object (15 CCR 1148).
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Juveniles shall not be secured to a stationary object for more than 60 minutes. Supervisor approval
is required to secure a juvenile to a stationary object for longer than 60 minutes and every 30
minutes thereafter (15 CCR 1148). Supervisor approval should be documented.
The decision for securing a minor to a stationary object for longer than 60 minutes and every 30
minutes thereafter shall be based upon the best interests of the juvenile offender (15 CCR 1148).
314.11.1 LOCKED ENCLOSURES
A thorough inspection of the area shall be conducted before placing a juvenile into the enclosure.
A second inspection shall be conducted after removing the juvenile. Any damage noted to the
room should be photographed and documented in the crime report.
The following requirements shall apply to a juvenile offender who is held inside a locked enclosure:
(a)

The juvenile shall constantly be monitored by an audio/video system during the entire
custody.

(b)

Juveniles shall have constant auditory access to department members (15 CCR 1147).

(c)

Initial placement into and removal from a locked enclosure shall be logged (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 207.1(d)).

(d)

Unscheduled safety checks to provide for the health and welfare of the juvenile by a staff
member, no less than once every 15 minutes, shall occur (15 CCR 1147; 15 CCR 1151).
1.

All safety checks shall be logged.

The safety check should involve questioning the juvenile as to his/her well-being
(sleeping juveniles or apparently sleeping juveniles should be awakened).

Requests or concerns of the juvenile should be logged.

(e)

Males and females shall not be placed in the same locked room (15 CCR 1147).

(f)

Juvenile offenders should be separated according to severity of the crime (e.g., felony or
misdemeanor).

(g)

Restrained juveniles shall not be mixed in a cell or room with unrestrained juveniles.

314.12 SUICIDE ATTEMPT, DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY OF A JUVENILE
The Watch Commander will ensure procedures are in place to address the suicide attempt, death
or serious injury of any juvenile held at the Culver City Police Department (15 CCR 1142; 15 CCR
1047). The procedures will address:
(a)

Immediate notification of the on-duty supervisor, Chief of Police and Administration and
Investigation Bureau Supervisor.

(b)

Notification of the parent, guardian or person standing in loco parentis, of the juvenile.

(c)

Notification of the appropriate prosecutor.

(d)

Notification of the City attorney.

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(e)

Notification to the coroner.

(f)

Notification of the juvenile court.

(g)

In the case of a death, providing a report to the Attorney General under Government Code
§ 12525 within 10 calendar days of the death, and forwarding the same report to the Board
of State and Community Corrections within the same time frame (15 CCR 1046).

(h)

A medical and operational review of deaths and suicide attempts pursuant to 15 CCR 1046.

(i)

Evidence preservation.

314.13 INTERVIEWING OR INTERROGATING JUVENILE SUSPECTS
No interview or interrogation of a juvenile should occur unless the juvenile has been given the
Miranda Warning, has the apparent capacity to consent and does consent to an interview or
interrogation.
314.13.1 MANDATORY RECORDINGS OF JUVENILES
Any interrogation of an individual under 18 years of age who is in custody and suspected
of committing murder shall be audio and video recorded when the interview takes place at a
department facility, jail, detention facility or other fixed place of detention. The recording shall
include the entire interview and a Miranda advisement preceding the interrogation (Penal Code
§ 859.5).
This recording is not mandatory when (Penal Code § 859.5):
(a)

Recording is not feasible because of exigent circumstances that are later documented in
a report.

(b)

The individual refuses to have the interrogation recorded, including a refusal any time during
the interrogation, and the refusal is documented in a report. If feasible, the refusal shall be
electronically recorded.

(c)

The custodial interrogation occurred in another state by law enforcement officers of that
state, unless the interrogation was conducted with the intent to avoid the requirements of
Penal Code § 859.5.

(d)

The interrogation occurs when no member conducting the interrogation has a reason to
believe that the individual may have committed murder. Continued custodial interrogation
concerning that offense shall be electronically recorded if the interrogating member develops
a reason to believe the individual committed murder.

(e)

The interrogation would disclose the identity of a confidential informant or would jeopardize
the safety of an officer, the individual being interrogated or another individual. Such
circumstances shall be documented in a report.

(f)

A recording device fails despite reasonable maintenance and the timely repair or
replacement is not feasible.

(g)

The questions are part of a routine processing or booking, and are not an interrogation.

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(h)

The suspect is in custody for murder and the interrogation is unrelated to a murder.
However, if any information concerning a murder is mentioned during the interrogation, the
remainder of the interrogation shall be recorded.

These recordings shall be retained until a conviction is final and all direct and habeas corpus
appeals are exhausted, a court no longer has any jurisdiction over the individual or the prosecution
for that offense is barred (Penal Code § 859.5; Welfare and Institutions Code § 626.8).
314.14 FORMAL BOOKING
No juvenile offender shall be formally booked without the authorization of the arresting officer's
supervisor, or in his/her absence, the Watch Commander.
Any juvenile, 14 years of age or older, who is taken into custody for a felony, or any juvenile whose
acts amount to a sex crime, shall be booked, fingerprinted and photographed.
For all other acts defined as crimes, juveniles may be booked, fingerprinted or photographed
upon the approval from the Watch Commander or Investigation Bureau supervisor, giving due
consideration to the following:
(a)

The gravity of the offense

(b)

The past record of the offender

(c)

The age of the offender

314.15 RELEASE OF INFORMATION CONCERNING JUVENILES
Court decisions and legislation have combined to carefully specify situations in which information
may be given out or exchanged when a case involves a juvenile. Members of this department
shall not divulge any information regarding juveniles unless they are certain of the legal authority
to do so.
A copy of the current policy of the juvenile court concerning authorized release of information
and appropriate acknowledgment forms shall be kept with copies of this procedure in the Culver
City Police Department Policy Manual. Such releases are authorized by Welfare and Institutions
Code § 827.
Welfare and Institutions Code § 828 authorizes the release of certain information to other
agencies. It shall be the responsibility of the Records Manager and the appropriate Investigation
Bureau supervisors to ensure that personnel of those bureaus act within legal guidelines.
314.16 BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS CERTIFICATION
The Operations Bureau Commander shall coordinate the procedures related to the custody of
juveniles held at the Culver City Police Department and ensure any required certification is
maintained (Welfare and Institution Code § 210.2).

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315

Policy Manual

Adult Abuse
315.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the investigation and reporting of suspected
abuse of certain adults who may be more vulnerable than others. This policy also addresses
mandatory notification for Culver City Police Department members as required by law.
315.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Adult abuse - Any offense or attempted offense involving violence or neglect of an adult victim
when committed by a person responsible for the adult’s care, or any other act that would mandate
reporting or notification to a social service agency or law enforcement (Penal Code § 368).
315.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department will investigate all reported incidents of alleged adult abuse
and ensure proper reporting and notification as required by law.
315.3 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTING
All reported or suspected cases of adult abuse require investigation and a report, even if the
allegations appear unfounded or unsubstantiated.
Investigations and reports related to suspected cases of adult abuse should address, as
applicable:
(a)

The overall basis for the contact. This should be done by the investigating officer in all
circumstances where a suspected adult abuse victim is contacted.

(b)

Any relevant statements the victim may have made and to whom he/she made the
statements.

(c)

If a person is taken into protective custody, the reasons, the name and title of the person
making the decision, and why other alternatives were not appropriate.

(d)

Documentation of any visible injuries or any injuries identified by the victim. This should
include photographs of such injuries, if practicable.

(e)

Whether the victim was transported for medical treatment or a medical examination.

(f)

Whether the victim identified a household member as the alleged perpetrator, and a list of
the names of any other potential victims or witnesses who may reside in the residence.

(g)

Identification of any prior related reports or allegations of abuse, including other jurisdictions,
as reasonably known.

(h)

Previous addresses of the victim and suspect.

(i)

Other potential witnesses who have not yet been interviewed, such as relatives or others
close to the victim’s environment.

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(j)

Results of investigations shall be provided to those agencies (Adult Protectice
Services (APS), long-term ombudsman) that referred or reported the adult abuse (Welfare
and Institutions Code § 15640(f)).

(k)

Whether a death involved the End of Life Option Act:
1.

Whether or not assistance was provided to the person beyond that allowed by
law (Health and Safety Code § 443.14)

Whether an individual knowingly altered or forged a request for an aid-in-dying drug
to end a person’s life without his/her authorization, or concealed or destroyed a
withdrawal or rescission of a request for an aid-in-dying drug (Health and Safety
Code § 443.17)

Whether coercion or undue influence was exerted on the person to request or ingest
an aid-in-dying drug or to destroy a withdrawal or rescission of a request for such
medication (Health and Safety Code § 443.17)

Whether an aid-in-dying drug was administered to a person without his/her
knowledge or consent (Health and Safety Code § 443.17).

Any unexplained death of an adult who was in the care of a guardian or caretaker should be
considered as potential adult abuse and investigated similarly.
315.4 QUALIFIED INVESTIGATORS
Qualified investigators should be available to investigate cases of adult abuse. These investigators
should:
(a)

Conduct interviews in appropriate interview facilities.

(b)

Be familiar with forensic interview techniques specific to adult abuse investigations.

(c)

Present all cases of alleged adult abuse to the prosecutor for review.

(d)

Coordinate with other enforcement agencies, social service agencies and facility
administrators as needed.

(e)

Provide referrals to therapy services, victim advocates, guardians and support for the victim
and family as appropriate.

(f)

Participate in or coordinate with multidisciplinary investigative teams as applicable (Welfare
and Institutions Code § 15610.55).

315.5 MANDATORY NOTIFICATION
Members of the Culver City Police Department shall notify the local office of the California
Department of Social Services (CDSS) APS agency when they reasonably suspect, have
observed or have knowledge of an incident that reasonably appears to be abuse of an elder
(age 65 or older) or dependent adult, or are told by an elder or dependent adult that he/she has
experienced abuse (Welfare and Institutions Code § 15630(b)).

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Notification shall be made by telephone as soon as practicable and a written report shall be
provided within two working days as provided in Welfare and Institutions Code § 15630(b)(c)).
A dependent adult is an individual, between 18 and 64 years of age, who has physical or mental
limitations that restrict his/her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his/her rights
including, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities or whose
physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age. This also includes those admitted
as inpatients to a 24-hour health facility, as defined in state law (Welfare and Institutions Code
§ 15610.23).
For purposes of notification, abuse is physical abuse, abandonment, abduction, isolation, financial
abuse or neglect. Physical abuse includes any assault or sex crime (Welfare and Institutions Code
§ 15610.63). Financial abuse includes taking personal or real property by undue influence or intent
to defraud (Welfare and Institutions Code § 15610.30).
Notification shall also be made to the following agencies as soon as practicable or as provided
below (Welfare and Institutions Code § 15630):
(a)

If the abuse is physical abuse and occurred in a long-term care facility (not a state mental
health hospital or a state developmental center) notification shall be made as follows
(Welfare and Institutions Code § 15630(b)(1)):
1.

If there is serious bodily injury, notification shall be made by telephone and, within two
hours, a written report shall be made to the local ombudsman and the corresponding
licensing agency.

If there is physical abuse and no serious bodily injury, notification shall be made
by telephone and, within 24 hours, a written report shall be made to the local
ombudsman and the corresponding licensing agency.

If the abuse is allegedly caused by a resident with dementia and there is no serious
bodily injury, notification shall be made by telephone and a written report to the local
ombudsman within 24 hours.

When a report of abuse is received by the [Department/Office], local ombudsman
shall be called to coordinate efforts to provide the most immediate and appropriate
response (Welfare and Institutions Code § 15630(b)).

(b)

If the abuse is in a long-term care facility (not a state mental health or a state developmental
center) and is other than physical abuse, a telephone report and a written report shall be
made to the local ombudsman as soon as practicable (Welfare and Institutions Code §
15630(b)).

(c)

The California Department of Public Health (DPH) shall be notified of all known or suspected
abuse in a long-term care facility.

(d)

The SDSS shall be notified of all known or suspected abuse occurring in a residential care
facility for the elderly or in an adult day program.

(e)

If the abuse occurred in an adult day health care center, DPH and the California Department
of Aging shall be notified.

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(f)

The Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse shall be notified of all abuse that constitutes
criminal activity in a long-term care facility.

(g)

The District Attorney’s office shall be notified of all cases of physical abuse and financial
abuse in a long-term care facility.

(h)

If the abuse occurred at a state mental hospital or a state developmental center, notification
shall be made to the designated investigators of the California Department of State Hospitals
or the California Department of Developmental Services as soon as practicable but no later
than two hours after law enforcement becomes aware of the abuse (Welfare and Institutions
Code § 15630(b)).
1.

When a report of abuse is received by the [Department/Office], Investigation efforts
shall be coordinated with the designated investigators of the California Department
of State Hospitals or the California Department of Developmental Services (Welfare
and Institutions Code § 15630(b)).

(i)

If during an investigation it is determined that the adult abuse is being committed by a
licensed health practitioner as identified in Welfare and Institutions Code 15640(b), the
appropriate licensing agency shall be immediately notified (Welfare and Institutions Code
15640(b)).

(j)

When the [Department/Office] receives a report of abuse, neglect or abandonment of an
elder or dependent adult alleged to have occurred in a long-term care facility, the licensing
agency shall be notified by telephone as soon as practicable (Welfare and Institutions Code
§ 15640(e)).

The Investigation Bureau supervisor is responsible for ensuring that proper notifications have
occurred to the District Attorney’s Office and any other regulatory agency that may be applicable
based upon where the abuse took place (e.g., care facility, hospital) per Welfare and Institutions
Code § 15630(b).
Notification is not required for a person who was merely present when a person self-administered
a prescribed aid-in-dying drug or a person prepared an aid-in-dying drug so long as the person
did not assist the individual in ingesting the aid-in-dying drug (Health and Safety Code § 443.14;
Health and Safety Code § 443.18).
315.5.1 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Notification should include the following information, if known (Welfare and Institutions Code §
15630(e)):
(a)

The name of the person making the report.

(b)

The name and age of the elder or dependent adult.

(c)

The present location of the elder or dependent adult.

(d)

The names and addresses of family members or any other adult responsible for the care
of the elder or dependent adult.

(e)

The nature and extent of the condition of the elder or dependent adult.

(f)

The date of incident.

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(g)

Any other information, including information that led the person to suspect elder or
dependent adult abuse.

315.6 PROTECTIVE CUSTODY
Before taking an adult abuse victim into protective custody when facts indicate the adult may
not be able to care for him/herself, the officer should make reasonable attempts to contact APS.
Generally, removal of an adult abuse victim from his/her family, guardian or other responsible
adult should be left to the welfare authorities when they are present or have become involved in
an investigation.
Generally, members of this [department/office] should remove an adult abuse victim from his/her
family or guardian without a court order only when no other effective alternative is reasonably
available and immediate action reasonably appears necessary to protect the victim. Prior to taking
an adult abuse victim into protective custody, the officer should take reasonable steps to deliver
the adult to another qualified legal guardian, unless it reasonably appears that the release would
endanger the victim or result in abduction. If this is not a reasonable option, the officer shall ensure
that the adult is delivered to APS.
Whenever practicable, the officer should inform a supervisor of the circumstances prior to taking
an adult abuse victim into protective custody. If prior notification is not practicable, officers should
contact a supervisor promptly after taking the adult into protective custody.
When adult abuse victims are under state control, have a state-appointed guardian or there are
other legal holdings for guardianship, it may be necessary or reasonable to seek a court order
on behalf of the adult victim to either remove the adult from a dangerous environment (protective
custody) or restrain a person from contact with the adult.
315.6.1 EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ORDERS
In any situation which an officer reasonably believes that an elder or dependent adult is in
immediate and present danger of abuse based on an allegation of a recent incident of abuse or
threat of abuse (other than financial abuse alone), the officer may seek an emergency protective
order against the person alleged to have committed or threatened such abuse (Family Code §
6250(d)).
315.7 INTERVIEWS
315.7.1 PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS
Absent extenuating circumstances or impracticality, officers should audio record the preliminary
interview with a suspected adult abuse victim. Officers should avoid multiple interviews with the
victim and should attempt to gather only the information necessary to begin an investigation. When
practicable, investigating officers should defer interviews until a person who is specially trained
in such interviews is available.

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315.7.2 DETAINING VICTIMS FOR INTERVIEWS
An officer should not detain an adult involuntarily who is suspected of being a victim of abuse
solely for the purpose of an interview or physical exam without his/her consent or the consent of
a guardian unless one of the following applies:
(a)

(b)

Exigent circumstances exist, such as:
1.

A reasonable belief that medical issues of the adult need to be addressed
immediately.

A reasonable belief that the adult is or will be in danger of harm if the interview or
physical exam is not immediately completed.

The alleged offender is a family member or guardian and there is reason to believe
the adult may be in continued danger.

A court order or warrant has been issued.

315.8 MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
When an adult abuse investigation requires a medical examination, the investigating officer should
obtain consent for such examination from the victim, guardian, agency or entity having legal
custody of the adult. The officer should also arrange for the adult’s transportation to the appropriate
medical facility.
In cases where the alleged offender is a family member, guardian, agency or entity having legal
custody and is refusing to give consent for the medical examination, officers should notify a
supervisor before proceeding. If exigent circumstances do not exist or if state law does not provide
for officers to take the adult for a medical examination, the supervisor should consider other
government agencies or services that may obtain a court order for such an examination.
315.9 DRUG-ENDANGERED VICTIMS
A coordinated response by law enforcement and social services agencies is appropriate to meet
the immediate and longer-term medical and safety needs of an adult abuse victim who has been
exposed to the manufacturing, trafficking or use of narcotics.
315.9.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Investigation Bureau supervisor should:
(a)

Work with professionals from the appropriate agencies, including APS, other law
enforcement agencies, medical service providers and local prosecutors, to develop
community specific procedures for responding to situations where there are adult abuse
victims endangered by exposure to methamphetamine labs or the manufacture and
trafficking of other drugs.

(b)

Activate any available interagency response when an officer notifies the Investigation
Bureau supervisor that he/she has responded to a drug lab or other narcotics crime scene
where an adult abuse victim is present or where evidence indicates that an adult abuse
victim lives.

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(c)

Develop a report format or checklist for use when officers respond to drug labs or other
narcotics crime scenes. The checklist will help officers document the environmental,
medical, social and other conditions that may affect the adult.

315.9.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Officers responding to a drug lab or other narcotics crime scene where an adult abuse victim is
present or where there is evidence that an adult abuse victim lives should:
(a)

Document the environmental, medical, social and other conditions of the adult, using
photography as appropriate and the checklist or form developed for this purpose.

(b)

Notify the Investigation Bureau supervisor so an interagency response can begin.

315.10 STATE MANDATES AND OTHER RELEVANT LAWS
California requires or permits the following:
315.10.1 RECORDS SECTION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Records Section is responsible for:
(a)

Providing a copy of the adult abuse report to the APS, ombudsman or other agency as
applicable within two working days or as required by law (Welfare and Institutions Code §
15630; Welfare and Institutions Code § 15640(c)).

(b)

Retaining the original adult abuse report with the initial case file.

315.11 TRAINING
The [Department/Office] should provide training on best practices in adult abuse investigations to
members tasked with investigating these cases. The training should include:
(a)

Participating in multidisciplinary investigations, as appropriate.

(b)

Conducting interviews.

(c)

Availability of therapy services for adults and families.

(d)

Availability of specialized forensic medical exams.

(e)

Cultural competence (including interpretive services) related to adult abuse investigations.

(f)

Availability of victim advocates or other support.

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316

Policy Manual

Discriminatory Harassment
316.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to prevent department members from being subjected to
discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment and retaliation. Nothing in this policy is
intended to create a legal or employment right or duty that is not created by law.
316.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating
and maintaining a work environment that is free of all forms of discriminatory harassment, including
sexual harassment and retaliation. The Department will not tolerate discrimination against a
member in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, fringe benefits and other privileges of
employment. The Department will take preventive and corrective action to address any behavior
that violates this policy or the rights it is designed to protect.
The nondiscrimination policies of the Department may be more comprehensive than state or
federal law. Conduct that violates this policy may not violate state or federal law but still could
subject a member to discipline.
316.3 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
316.3.1 DISCRIMINATION
The Department prohibits all forms of discrimination, including any employment-related action by
a member that adversely affects an applicant or member and is based on race, color, religion, sex,
age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, disability, military service, sexual orientation
and other classifications protected by law.
Discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, is verbal or physical conduct that
demeans or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual based upon that individual’s protected
class. It has the effect of interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating a hostile or
abusive work environment.
Conduct that may, under certain circumstances, constitute discriminatory harassment, can include
making derogatory comments, crude and offensive statements or remarks; making slurs or
off-color jokes, stereotyping; engaging in threatening acts; making indecent gestures, pictures,
cartoons, posters or material; making inappropriate physical contact; or using written material or
department equipment and/or systems to transmit or receive offensive material, statements or
pictures. Such conduct is contrary to department policy and to a work environment that is free
of discrimination.
316.3.2 SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Department prohibits all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, including
sexual harassment. It is unlawful to harass an applicant or a member because of that person’s sex.
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Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
(a)

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of
employment, position or compensation.

(b)

Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct is used as the basis for any employment
decisions affecting the member.

(c)

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a member's work
performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

316.3.3 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Discrimination and discriminatory harassment do not include actions that are in accordance with
established rules, principles or standards, including:
(a)

Acts or omission of acts based solely upon bona fide occupational qualifications under the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Fair Employment
and Housing Council guidelines.

(b)

Bona fide requests or demands by a supervisor that a member improve his/her work quality
or output, that the member report to the job site on time, that the member comply with City
or department rules or regulations, or any other appropriate work-related communication
between supervisor and member.

316.3.4 RETALIATION
Retaliation is treating a person differently or engaging in acts of reprisal or intimidation
against the person because he/she has engaged in protected activity, filed a charge of
discrimination, participated in an investigation or opposed a discriminatory practice. Retaliation
will not be tolerated.
316.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
This policy applies to all department personnel. All members shall follow the intent of these
guidelines in a manner that reflects department policy, professional law enforcement standards
and the best interest of the Department and its mission.
Members are encouraged to promptly report any discriminatory, retaliatory or harassing conduct
or known violations of this policy to a supervisor. Any member who is not comfortable with reporting
violations of this policy to his/her immediate supervisor may bypass the chain of command and
make the report to a higher ranking supervisor or manager. Complaints may also be filed with the
Chief of Police, the Personnel Director or the City Council.
Any member who believes, in good faith, that he/she has been discriminated against, harassed
or subjected to retaliation, or who has observed harassment or discrimination, is encouraged to
promptly report such conduct in accordance with the procedures set forth in this policy.

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Supervisors and managers receiving information regarding alleged violations of this policy shall
determine if there is any basis for the allegation and shall proceed with resolution as stated below.
316.4.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervisors and managers shall:
(a)

Continually monitoring the work environment and strive to ensure that it is free from all types
of unlawful discrimination, including harassment or retaliation.

(b)

Taking prompt, appropriate action within their work units to avoid and minimize the incidence
of any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

(c)

Ensuring that their subordinates understand their responsibilities under this policy.

(d)

Ensuring that members who make complaints or who oppose any unlawful employment
practices are protected from retaliation and that such matters are kept confidential to the
extent possible.

(e)

Making a timely determination regarding the substance of any allegation based upon all
available facts.

(f)

Notify the Chief of Police or Personnel Director in writing of the circumstances surrounding
any reported allegations or observed acts of discrimination, harassment or retaliation no
later than the next business day.

316.4.2 SUPERVISOR’S ROLE
Because of differences in individual values, supervisors and managers may find it difficult to
recognize that their behavior or the behavior of others is discriminatory, harassing or retaliatory.
Supervisors and managers shall be aware of the following considerations:
(a)

Behavior of supervisors and managers should represent the values of our Department and
professional law enforcement standards.

(b)

False or mistaken accusations of discrimination, harassment or retaliation can have negative
effects on the careers of innocent members.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent supervisors or managers from discharging
supervisory or management responsibilities, such as determining duty assignments, evaluating
or counseling members or issuing discipline, in a manner that is consistent with established
procedures.
316.4.3 QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATION
Members with questions regarding what constitutes discrimination, sexual harassment or
retaliation are encouraged to contact a supervisor, a manager, the Chief of Police, the Personnel
Director, the City Council or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing for further
information, direction or clarification.

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316.5 INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS
Various methods of resolution exist. During the pendency of any such investigation, the supervisor
of the involved member should take prompt and reasonable steps to mitigate or eliminate
any continuing abusive or hostile work environment. It is the policy of the Department that all
complaints of discrimination, retaliation or harassment shall be fully documented and promptly
and thoroughly investigated.
316.5.1 SUPERVISORY RESOLUTION
Members who believe they are experiencing discrimination, harassment or retaliation should be
encouraged to inform the individual that his/her behavior is unwelcome, offensive, unprofessional
or inappropriate. However, if the member feels uncomfortable or threatened or has difficulty
expressing his/her concern, or if this does not resolve the concern, assistance should be sought
from a supervisor or manager who is a rank higher than the alleged transgressor.
316.5.2 FORMAL INVESTIGATION
If the complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved through the process described above, a formal
investigation will be conducted.
The person assigned to investigate the complaint will have full authority to investigate all aspects
of the complaint. Investigative authority includes access to records and the cooperation of any
members involved. No influence will be used to suppress any complaint and no member will be
subject to retaliation or reprisal for filing a complaint, encouraging others to file a complaint or for
offering testimony or evidence in any investigation.
Formal investigation of the complaint will be confidential to the extent possible and will include,
but is not limited to, details of the specific incident, frequency dates of occurrences and names of
any witnesses. Witnesses will be advised regarding the prohibition against retaliation, and that a
disciplinary process, up to and including termination, may result if retaliation occurs.
Members who believe they have been discriminated against, harassed or retaliated against
because of their protected status, are encouraged to follow the chain of command but may also
file a complaint directly with the Chief of Police, Personnel Director or the City Council.
316.5.3 ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCESS
No provision of this policy shall be construed to prevent any member from seeking legal redress
outside the Department. Members who believe that they have been harassed, discriminated or
retaliated against are entitled to bring complaints of employment discrimination to federal, state
and/or local agencies responsible for investigating such allegations. Specific time limitations apply
to the filing of such charges. Members are advised that proceeding with complaints under the
provisions of this policy does not in any way affect those filing requirements.
316.6 DOCUMENTATION OF COMPLAINTS
All complaints or allegations shall be thoroughly documented on forms and in a manner designated
by the Chief of Police. The outcome of all reports shall be:

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•

Approved by the Chief of Police, the City Council or the Personnel Director, depending on
the ranks of the involved parties.

•

Maintained in accordance with the department's established records retention schedule.

316.6.1 NOTIFICATION OF DISPOSITION
The complainant and/or victim will be notified in writing of the disposition of the investigation and
the actions taken to remedy or address the circumstances giving rise to the complaint.
316.7 TRAINING
All new members shall be provided with a copy of this policy as part of their orientation. The policy
shall be reviewed with each new member. The member shall certify by signing the prescribed form
that he/she has been advised of this policy, is aware of and understands its contents and agrees
to abide by its provisions during his/her term with the Department.
All members shall receive annual training on the requirements of this policy and shall certify by
signing the prescribed form that they have reviewed the policy, understand its contents and agree
that they will continue to abide by its provisions.
316.7.1 SUPERVISOR TRAINING
All supervisors shall receive specific training and education regarding sexual harassment and
prevention of abusive conduct within six months of assuming a supervisory position. Refresher
training shall be provided every two years thereafter (Government Code § 12950.1; 2 CCR 11023).
316.7.2 TRAINING RECORDS
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant shall be responsible for maintaining records of all
discriminatory harassment training provided to members. Records shall be retained in accordance
with established records retention schedules and for a minimum of two years (2 CCR 11023).

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317

Policy Manual

Child Abuse
317.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the investigation of suspected child abuse.
This policy also addresses when Culver City Police Department members are required to notify
the county Child Protective Services (CPS) of suspected child abuse.
317.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Child - Unless otherwise specified by a cited statute, a child is any person under the age of 18
years.
Child abuse - Any offense or attempted offense involving violence or neglect with a child victim
when committed by a person responsible for the child’s care or any other act that would mandate
notification to a social service agency or law enforcement (Penal Code § 11165.9; Penal Code
§ 11166).
317.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department will investigate all reported incidents of alleged criminal child
abuse and ensure CPS is notified as required by law.
317.3 MANDATORY NOTIFICATION
The child protection agency shall be notified when (Penal Code § 11166):
(a)

There is a known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect reported, which is alleged
to have occurred as a result of the action of a person responsible for the child's welfare, or

(b)

A person responsible for the child's welfare fails to adequately protect the child from abuse
when the person knew or reasonably should have known that the child was in danger of
abuse.

The District Attorney’s office shall be notified in all instances of known or suspected child abuse
or neglect reported to this department. Reports only involving neglect by a person, who has the
care or custody of a child, to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision
where no physical injury to the child has occurred should not be reported to the District Attorney
(Penal Code § 11166).
When the abuse or neglect occurs at a licensed facility or is alleged to have resulted from the
actions of a person who is required to have a state license (e.g., foster homes, group homes,
day care), notification shall also be made to the California Department of Social Services or other
applicable licensing authority (Penal Code 11166.1; Penal Code 11166.2).
For purposes of notification, the abuse or neglect includes physical injury or death inflicted by other
than accidental means upon a child by another person; sexual abuse (Penal Code § 11165.1);
neglect (Penal Code § 11165.2); the willful harming or injuring of a child or the endangering of the
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person or health of a child (Penal Code § 11165.3); and unlawful corporal punishment or injury
(Penal Code § 11165.4). Child abuse or neglect does not include a mutual affray between minors,
nor does it include an injury caused by the reasonable and necessary force used by a peace
officer acting within the course and scope of his/her employment as a peace officer.
317.3.1 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Notification should occur as follows (Penal Code § 11166):
(a)

Notification shall be made immediately, or as soon as practicable, by telephone, fax or
electronic transmission.

(b)

A written follow-up report should be forwarded within 36 hours of receiving the information
concerning the incident.

317.4 QUALIFIED INVESTIGATORS
Qualified investigators should be available for child abuse investigations. These investigators
should:
(a)

Conduct interviews in child appropriate interview facilities.

(b)

Be familiar with forensic interview techniques specific to child abuse investigations.

(c)

Present all cases of alleged child abuse to the prosecutor for review.

(d)

Coordinate with other enforcement agencies, social service agencies and school
administrators as needed.

(e)

Provide referrals to therapy services, victim advocates, guardians and support for the child
and family as appropriate.

(f)

Participate in or coordinate with multidisciplinary investigative teams as applicable (Welfare
and Institutions Code § 18961.7).

317.5 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTING
In all reported or suspected cases of child abuse, a report will be written. Officers shall write a
report even if the allegations appear unfounded or unsubstantiated.
Investigations and reports related to suspected cases of child abuse should address, as
applicable:
(a)

The overall basis for the contact. This should be done by the investigating officer in all
circumstances where a suspected child abuse victim was contacted.

(b)

The exigent circumstances that existed if officers interviewed the child victim without the
presence of a parent or guardian.

(c)

Any relevant statements the child may have made and to whom he/she made the
statements.

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(d)

If a child was taken into protective custody, the reasons, the name and title of the person
making the decision, and why other alternatives were not appropriate.

(e)

Documentation of any visible injuries or any injuries identified by the child. This should
include photographs of such injuries, if practicable.

(f)

Whether the child victim was transported for medical treatment or a medical examination.

(g)

Whether the victim identified a household member as the alleged perpetrator, and a list of
the names of any other children who may reside in the residence.

(h)

Identification of any prior related reports or allegations of child abuse, including other
jurisdictions, as reasonably known.

(i)

Previous addresses of the victim and suspect.

(j)

Other potential witnesses who have not yet been interviewed, such as relatives or others
close to the victim’s environment.

All cases of the unexplained death of a child should be investigated as thoroughly as if it had been
a case of suspected child abuse (e.g., a sudden or unexplained death of an infant).
317.5.1 EXTRA JURISDICTIONAL REPORTS
If a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect that is alleged to have occurred outside this
jurisdiction is received, department members shall ensure that the caller is immediately transferred
to the agency with proper jurisdiction for the investigation of the case. If the caller cannot be
successfully transferred to the appropriate agency, a report shall be taken and immediately
referred by telephone, fax or electronic transfer to the agency with proper jurisdiction (Penal Code
11165.9).
317.6 PROTECTIVE CUSTODY
Before taking any child into protective custody, the officer should make reasonable attempts to
contact CPS. Generally, removal of a child from his/her family, guardian or other responsible adult
should be left to the child welfare authorities when they are present or have become involved in
an investigation.
Generally, members of this department should remove a child from his/her parent or guardian
without a court order only when no other effective alternative is reasonably available and
immediate action reasonably appears necessary to protect the child. Prior to taking a child into
protective custody, the officer should take reasonable steps to deliver the child to another qualified
parent or legal guardian, unless it reasonably appears that the release would endanger the child
or result in abduction. If this is not a reasonable option, the officer shall ensure that the child is
delivered to CPS.
Whenever practicable, the officer should inform a supervisor of the circumstances prior to taking
a child into protective custody. If prior notification is not practicable, officers should contact a
supervisor promptly after taking a child into protective custody.

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Children may only be removed from a parent or guardian in the following situations when a court
order cannot reasonably be obtained in a timely manner (Welfare and Institutions Code § 305):
(a)

(b)

(c)

The officer reasonably believes the child is a person described in Welfare and Institutions
Code § 300, or a commercially exploited child under Penal Code § 647 and Penal
Code § 653.22, and further has good cause to believe that any of the following conditions
exist:
1.

The child has an immediate need for medical care.

The child is in immediate danger of physical or sexual abuse.

The physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended poses an
immediate threat to the child’s health or safety. In the case of a child left unattended,
the officer shall first attempt to locate and determine if a responsible parent or
guardian is available and capable of assuming custody before taking the child into
protective custody.

The officer reasonably believes the child requires protective custody under the provisions
of Penal Code § 279.6, in one of the following circumstances:
1.

It reasonably appears to the officer that a person is likely to conceal the child, flee the
jurisdiction with the child or, by flight or concealment, evade the authority of the court.

There is no lawful custodian available to take custody of the child.

There are conflicting custody orders or conflicting claims to custody and the parties
cannot agree which party should take custody of the child.

The child is an abducted child.

The child is in the company of, or under the control of, a person arrested for Penal
Code § 278 (Detainment or concealment of child from legal custodian) or Penal Code §
278.5 (Deprivation of custody of a child or right to visitation) (Penal Code § 279.6).

A child taken into protective custody shall be delivered to CPS unless otherwise directed by court
order.
317.6.1 CALIFORNIA SAFELY SURRENDERED BABY LAW
An individual having lawful custody of an infant less than 72 hours old is not guilty of abandonment
if the individual voluntarily surrenders physical custody of the infant to personnel on-duty at a safesurrender site, such as a hospital or fire department (Penal Code § 271.5). The law requires the
surrender site to notify CPS.
317.6.2 NEWBORNS TESTING POSITIVE FOR DRUGS
Under certain circumstances, officers can be prohibited from taking a newborn who is the subject
of a proposed adoption into protective custody, even when the newborn has tested positive for
illegal drugs or the birth mother tested positive for illegal drugs.

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Officers shall instead follow the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code § 305.6 to ensure that
the newborn is placed with the adoptive parents when it is appropriate.
317.7 INTERVIEWS
317.7.1 PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS
Officers should avoid multiple interviews with a child victim and should attempt to gather only the
information necessary to begin an investigation. When practicable, investigating officers should
defer interviews until a person who is specially trained in such interviews is available. Generally,
child victims should not be interviewed in the home or location where the alleged abuse occurred.
317.7.2 DETAINING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS FOR AN INTERVIEW
An officer should not detain a child involuntarily who is suspected of being a victim of child abuse
solely for the purpose of an interview or physical exam without the consent of a parent or guardian
unless one of the following applies:
(a)

(b)

Exigent circumstances exist, such as:
1.

A reasonable belief that medical issues of the child need to be addressed
immediately.

A reasonable belief that the child is or will be in danger of harm if the interview or
physical exam is not immediately completed.

The alleged offender is the custodial parent or guardian and there is reason to believe
the child may be in continued danger.

A court order or warrant has been issued.

317.7.3 INTERVIEWS AT A SCHOOL
Any student at school who is a suspected victim of child abuse shall be afforded the option of
being interviewed in private or selecting any qualified available adult member of the school staff
to be present. The purpose of the staff member’s presence is to provide comfort and support. The
staff member shall not participate in the interview. The selection of a staff member should be such
that it does not burden the school with costs or hardship (Penal Code § 11174.3).
317.8 MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
If the child has been the victim of abuse that requires a medical examination, the investigating
officer should obtain consent for such examination from the appropriate parent, guardian or agency
having legal custody of the child. The officer should also arrange for the child’s transportation to
the appropriate medical facility.
In cases where the alleged offender is the custodial parent or guardian and is refusing consent
for the medical examination, officers should notify a supervisor before proceeding. If exigent
circumstances do not exist or if state law does not provide for officers to take the child for a
medical examination, the notified supervisor should consider obtaining a court order for such an
examination.
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317.9 DRUG-ENDANGERED CHILDREN
A coordinated response by law enforcement and social services agencies is appropriate to
meet the immediate and longer-term medical and safety needs of children exposed to the
manufacturing, trafficking or use of narcotics.
317.9.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Investigation Bureau supervisor should:
(a)

Work with professionals from the appropriate agencies, including CPS, other law
enforcement agencies, medical service providers and local prosecutors to develop
community specific procedures for responding to situations where there are children
endangered by exposure to methamphetamine labs or the manufacture and trafficking of
other drugs.

(b)

Activate any available interagency response when an officer notifies the Investigation
Bureau supervisor that the officer has responded to a drug lab or other narcotics crime scene
where a child is present or where evidence indicates that a child lives there.

317.9.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Officers responding to a drug lab or other narcotics crime scene where a child is present or where
there is evidence that a child lives should:
(a)

Document the environmental, medical, social and other conditions of the child.

(b)

Notify the Watch Commander.

317.10 STATE MANDATES AND OTHER RELEVANT LAWS
California requires or permits the following:
317.10.1 RELEASE OF REPORTS
Information related to incidents of child abuse or suspected child abuse shall be confidential and
may only be disclosed pursuant to state law and the Records Maintenance and Release Policy
(Penal Code 841.5; Penal Code § 11167.5).
317.10.2 REQUESTS FOR REMOVAL FROM THE CHILD ABUSE CENTRAL INDEX (CACI)
Any person whose name has been forwarded to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for
placement in California’s CACI, as a result of an investigation, may request that his/her name
be removed from the CACI list. Requests shall not qualify for consideration if there is an active
case, ongoing investigation or pending prosecution that precipitated the entry to CACI (Penal
Code § 11169). All requests for removal shall be submitted in writing by the requesting person
and promptly routed to the CACI hearing officer.
317.10.3 CACI HEARING OFFICER
The Investigation Bureau supervisor will normally serve as the hearing officer but must not be
actively connected with the case that resulted in the person’s name being submitted to CACI. Upon
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receiving a qualified request for removal, the hearing officer shall promptly schedule a hearing to
take place during normal business hours and provide written notification of the time and place of
the hearing to the requesting party.
317.10.4 CACI HEARING PROCEDURES
The hearing is an informal process where the person requesting removal from the CACI list will
be permitted to present relevant evidence (e.g., certified copy of an acquittal, factual finding of
innocence) as to why his/her name should be removed. The person requesting the hearing may
record the hearing at his/her own expense.
Formal rules of evidence will not apply and the hearing officer may consider, in addition to evidence
submitted by the person requesting the hearing, any relevant information including, but not limited
to, the following:
(a)

Case reports including any supplemental reports

(b)

Statements by investigators

(c)

Statements from representatives of the District Attorney’s Office

(d)

Statements by representatives of a child protective agency who may be familiar with the case

After considering all information presented, the hearing officer shall make a determination as to
whether the requesting party’s name should be removed from the CACI list. Such determination
shall be based on a finding that the allegations in the investigation are not substantiated (Penal
Code § 11169).
If, after considering the evidence, the hearing officer finds that the allegations are not
substantiated, he/she shall cause a request to be completed and forwarded to the DOJ that the
person’s name be removed from the CACI list. A copy of the hearing results and the request for
removal will be attached to the case reports.
The findings of the hearing officer shall be considered final and binding.
317.10.5 CHILD DEATH REVIEW TEAM
This department should cooperate with any interagency child death review team
investigation. Written and oral information relating to the death of a child that would otherwise
be subject to release restrictions may be disclosed to the child death review team upon written
request and approval of a supervisor (Penal Code § 11174.32).
317.11 TRAINING
The Department should provide training on best practices in child abuse investigations to members
tasked with investigating these cases. The training should include:
(a)

Participating in multidisciplinary investigations, as appropriate.

(b)

Conducting forensic interviews.

(c)

Availability of therapy services for children and families.

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(d)

Availability of specialized forensic medical exams.

(e)

Cultural competence (including interpretive services) related to child abuse investigations.

(f)

Availability of victim advocate or guardian ad litem support.

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318

Policy Manual

Missing Persons
318.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance for handling missing person investigations.
318.1.1 DEFINITIONS
At risk - Includes, but is not limited to (Penal Code § 14215):

•

A victim of a crime or foul play.

•

A person missing and in need of medical attention.

•

A missing person with no pattern of running away or disappearing.

•

A missing person who may be the victim of parental abduction.

•

A mentally impaired missing person, including cognitively impaired or developmentally
disabled.

Missing person - Any person who is reported missing to law enforcement when the person’s
location is unknown. This includes a child who has been taken, detained, concealed, enticed away
or kept by a parent in violation of the law (Penal Code § 277 et seq.). It also includes any child who
is missing voluntarily, involuntarily or under circumstances that do not conform to his/her ordinary
habits or behavior, and who may be in need of assistance (Penal Code § 14215).
Missing person networks - Databases or computer networks available to law enforcement and
that are suitable for information related to missing persons investigations. These include the
National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications
System (CLETS), Missing Person System (MPS) and the Unidentified Persons System (UPS).
318.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department does not consider any report of a missing person to be routine
and assumes that the missing person is in need of immediate assistance until an investigation
reveals otherwise. The Culver City Police Department gives missing person cases priority over
property-related cases and will not require any time frame to pass before beginning a missing
person investigation (Penal Code § 14211).
318.3 REQUIRED FORMS AND BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE COLLECTION KITS
The Administration and Investigation supervisor should ensure the forms and kits are developed
and available in accordance with this policy, state law, federal law and the California Peace Officer
Standards and Training (POST) Missing Persons Investigations guidelines, including:

•

Department report form for use in missing person cases

•

Missing person investigation checklist that provides investigation guidelines and resources
that could be helpful in the early hours of a missing person investigation (Penal Code §
13519.07)

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•

Missing person school notification form

•

Medical records release form from the California Department of Justice

•

California DOJ missing person forms as appropriate

•

Biological sample collection kits

318.4 ACCEPTANCE OF REPORTS
Any member encountering a person who wishes to report a missing person or runaway shall
render assistance without delay (Penal Code § 14211). This can be accomplished by accepting
the report via telephone or in-person and initiating the investigation. Those members who do not
take such reports or who are unable to render immediate assistance shall promptly dispatch or
alert a member who can take the report.
A report shall be accepted in all cases and regardless of where the person was last seen, where
the person resides or any other question of jurisdiction (Penal Code § 14211).
318.5 INITIAL INVESTIGATION
Officers or other members conducting the initial investigation of a missing person should take the
following investigative actions, as applicable:
(a)

Respond to a dispatched call for service as soon as practicable.

(b)

Interview the reporting party and any witnesses to determine whether the person qualifies
as a missing person and, if so, whether the person may be at risk.

(c)

Notify a supervisor immediately if there is evidence that a missing person is either at risk or
may qualify for a public alert, or both (see the Public Alerts Policy).

(d)

Broadcast a "Be on the Look-Out" (BOLO) bulletin if the person is under 21 years of age or
there is evidence that the missing person is at risk. The BOLO should be broadcast as soon
as practicable but in no event more than one hour after determining the missing person is
under 21 years of age or may be at risk (Penal Code § 14211).

(e)

Ensure that entries are made into the appropriate missing person networks as follows:
1.

Immediately, when the missing person is at risk.

In all other cases, as soon as practicable, but not later than two hours from the time
of the initial report.

(f)

Complete the appropriate report forms accurately and completely and initiate a search as
applicable under the facts.

(g)

Collect and/or review:
1.

A photograph and a fingerprint card of the missing person, if available.

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A voluntarily provided biological sample of the missing person, if available (e.g.,
toothbrush, hairbrush).

Any documents that may assist in the investigation, such as court orders regarding
custody.

Any other evidence that may assist in the investigation, including personal electronic
devices (e.g., cell phones, computers).

(h)

When circumstances permit and if appropriate, attempt to determine the missing person’s
location through his/her telecommunications carrier.

(i)

Contact the appropriate agency if the report relates to a previously made missing person
report and another agency is actively investigating that report. When this is not practical,
the information should be documented in an appropriate report for transmission to the
appropriate agency. If the information relates to an at-risk missing person, the member
should notify a supervisor and proceed with reasonable steps to locate the missing person.

318.6 REPORT PROCEDURES AND ROUTING
Employees should complete all missing person reports and forms promptly and advise the
appropriate supervisor as soon as a missing person report is ready for review.
318.6.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the supervisor shall include, but are not limited to:
(a)

Reviewing and approving missing person reports upon receipt.
1.

The reports should be promptly sent to the Records Section.

(b)

Ensuring resources are deployed as appropriate.

(c)

Initiating a command post as needed.

(d)

Ensuring applicable notifications and public alerts are made and documented.

(e)

Ensuring that records have been entered into the appropriate missing persons networks.

(f)

Taking reasonable steps to identify and address any jurisdictional issues to ensure
cooperation among agencies.

If the case falls within the jurisdiction of another agency, the supervisor should facilitate transfer
of the case to the agency of jurisdiction.
318.6.2 RECORDS SECTION RESPONSIBILITIES
The receiving member shall:
(a)

As soon as reasonable under the circumstances, notify and forward a copy of the report
to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the missing person’s residence in
cases where the missing person is a resident of another jurisdiction (Penal Code § 14211).

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(b)

Notify and forward a copy of the report to the law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction
the missing person was last seen (Penal Code § 14211).

(c)

Notify and forward a copy of the report to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction
over the missing person’s intended or possible destination, if known.

(d)

Forward a copy of the report to the Investigation Bureau.

(e)

Coordinate with the NCIC Terminal Contractor for California to have the missing person
record in the NCIC computer networks updated with additional information obtained from
missing person investigations (42 USC § 5780).

318.7 INVESTIGATION BUREAU FOLLOW-UP
In addition to completing or continuing any actions listed above, the investigator assigned to a
missing person investigation:
(a)

Shall ensure that the missing person’s school is notified within 10 days if the missing person
is a juvenile.
1.

The notice shall be in writing and should also include a photograph (Education Code
§ 49068.6).

The investigator should meet with school officials regarding the notice as appropriate
to stress the importance of including the notice in the child’s student file, along with
contact information if the school receives a call requesting the transfer of the missing
child’s files to another school.

(b)

Should recontact the reporting person and/or other witnesses within 30 days of the initial
report and within 30 days thereafter to determine if any additional information has become
available via the reporting party.

(c)

Should consider contacting other agencies involved in the case to determine if any additional
information is available.

(d)

Shall verify and update CLETS, NCIC and any other applicable missing person networks
within 30 days of the original entry into the networks and every 30 days thereafter until the
missing person is located (42 USC § 5780).

(e)

Should continue to make reasonable efforts to locate the missing person and document
these efforts at least every 30 days.

(f)

Shall maintain a close liaison with state and local child welfare systems and the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children® (NCMEC) if the missing person is under the age
of 21 and shall promptly notify NCMEC when the person is missing from a foster care family
home or childcare institution (42 USC § 5780).

(g)

Should make appropriate inquiry with the [Medical Examiner/JOP].

(h)

Should obtain and forward medical and dental records, photos, X-rays and biological
samples pursuant to Penal Code § 14212 and Penal Code § 14250.

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(i)

Shall attempt to obtain the most recent photograph for persons under 18 years of age if it has
not previously been obtained and forward the photograph to California DOJ (Penal Code §
14210) and enter the photograph into applicable missing person networks (42 USC § 5780).

(j)

Should consider making appropriate entries and searches in the National Missing and
Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

(k)

In the case of an at-risk missing person or a person who has been missing for an extended
time, should consult with a supervisor regarding seeking federal assistance from the FBI
and the U.S. Marshals Service (28 USC § 586).

318.8 WHEN A MISSING PERSON IS FOUND
When any person reported missing is found, the assigned investigator shall document the
location of the missing person in the appropriate report, notify the relatives and/or reporting
party, as appropriate, and other involved agencies and refer the case for additional investigation
if warranted.
The Records Manager shall ensure that, upon receipt of information that a missing person has
been located, the following occurs (Penal Code § 14213):
(a)

Notification is made to California DOJ.

(b)

The missing person’s school is notified.

(c)

Entries are made in the applicable missing person networks.

(d)

Immediately notify the Attorney General’s Office.

(e)

Notification shall be made to any other law enforcement agency that took the initial report
or participated in the investigation within 24 hours.

318.8.1 UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS
Department members investigating a case of an unidentified person who is deceased or a living
person who cannot assist in identifying him/herself should:
(a)

Obtain a complete description of the person.

(b)

Enter the unidentified person’s description into the NCIC Unidentified Person File.

(c)

Use available resources, such as those related to missing persons, to identify the person.

318.9 CASE CLOSURE
The Investigation Bureau supervisor may authorize the closure of a missing person case after
considering the following:
(a)

Closure is appropriate when the missing person is confirmed returned or evidence has
matched an unidentified person or body.

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(b)

If the missing person is a resident of Culver City or this department is the lead agency, the
case should be kept under active investigation for as long as the person may still be alive.
Exhaustion of leads in the investigation should not be a reason for closing a case.

(c)

If this department is not the lead agency, the case can be made inactivate if all investigative
leads have been exhausted, the lead agency has been notified and entries are made in the
applicable missing person networks as appropriate.

(d)

A missing person case should not be closed or reclassified because the person would have
reached a certain age or adulthood or because the person is now the subject of a criminal
or civil warrant.

318.10 TRAINING
Subject to available resources, the Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure that
members of this department whose duties include missing person investigations and reports
receive regular training that includes:
(a)

The initial investigation:
1.

Assessments and interviews

Use of current resources, such as Mobile Audio Video (MAV)

Confirming missing status and custody status of minors

Evaluating the need for a heightened response

Identifying the zone of safety based on chronological age and developmental stage

(b)

Briefing of department members at the scene.

(c)

Identifying NCIC Missing Person File categories (e.g., disability, endangered, involuntary,
juvenile and catastrophe).

(d)

Verifying the accuracy of all descriptive information.

(e)

Initiating a neighborhood investigation.

(f)

Investigating any relevant recent family dynamics.

(g)

Addressing conflicting information.

(h)

Key investigative and coordination steps.

(i)

Managing a missing person case.

(j)

Additional resources and specialized services.

(k)

Update procedures for case information and descriptions.

(l)

Preserving scenes.

(m)

Internet and technology issues (e.g., Internet use, cell phone use).

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(n)

Media relations.

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319

Policy Manual

Public Alerts
319.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for alerting the public to important information
and soliciting public aid when appropriate.
319.2 POLICY
Public alerts may be employed using the Emergency Alert System (EAS), local radio,
television, social media, press organizations and other groups to notify the public of incidents,
or enlist the aid of the public, when the exchange of information may enhance the safety of the
community. Various types of alerts may be available based upon each situation and the alert
system’s individual criteria.
319.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
319.3.1 EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Employees of the Culver City Police Department should notify their supervisor, Watch Commander
or Investigation Bureau Supervisor as soon as practicable upon learning of a situation where
public notification, a warning or enlisting the help of the media and public could assist in locating
a missing person, apprehending a dangerous person or gathering information.
319.3.2 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
A supervisor apprised of the need for a public alert is responsible to make the appropriate
notifications based upon the circumstances of each situation. The supervisor shall promptly notify
the Chief of Police, the appropriate Bureau Commander and the Public Information Officer when
any public alert is generated.
The supervisor in charge of the investigation to which the alert relates is responsible for the
following:
(a)

Updating alerts

(b)

Canceling alerts

(c)

Ensuring all appropriate reports are completed

(d)

Preparing an after-action evaluation of the investigation to be forwarded to the Bureau
Commander

319.4 AMBER ALERTS
The AMBER Alert™ Program is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies,
broadcasters, transportation agencies and the wireless industry, to activate urgent bulletins in
child abduction cases.

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319.4.1 CRITERIA FOR AMBER ALERT
The following conditions must be met before activating an AMBER Alert (Government Code
§ 8594(a)):
(a)

A child has been abducted or taken by anyone, including but not limited to a custodial parent
or guardian.

(b)

The victim is 17 years of age or younger, or has a proven mental or physical disability.

(c)

The victim is in imminent danger of serious injury or death.

(d)

There is information available that, if provided to the public, could assist in the child’s safe
recovery.

319.4.2 PROCEDURE FOR AMBER ALERT
The supervisor in charge will ensure the following:
(a)

An initial press release is prepared that includes all available information that might aid in
locating the child:
1.

The child’s identity, age and description

Photograph if available

The suspect’s identity, age and description, if known

Pertinent vehicle description

Detail regarding location of incident, direction of travel, potential destinations, if
known

Name and telephone number of the Public Information Officer or other authorized
individual to handle media liaison

A telephone number for the public to call with leads or information

(b)

The local California Highway Patrol communications center should be contacted to initiate a
multi-regional or statewide EAS broadcast, following any policies and procedures developed
by CHP (Government Code § 8594).

(c)

The press release information is forwarded to the Sheriff’s Department Emergency
Communications Bureau so that general broadcasts can be made to local law enforcement
agencies.

(d)

Information regarding the missing person should be entered into the California Law
Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS).

(e)

Information regarding the missing person should be entered into the California Department
of Justice Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS)/National Crime Information
Center (NCIC).

(f)

The following resources should be considered as circumstances dictate:

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The local FBI office

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

319.5 BLUE ALERTS
Blue Alerts may be issued when an officer is killed, injured or assaulted and the suspect may pose
a threat to the public or other law enforcement personnel.
319.5.1 CRITERIA FOR BLUE ALERTS
All of the following conditions must be met before activating a Blue Alert (Government Code §
8594.5):
(a)

A law enforcement officer has been killed, suffered serious bodily injury or has been
assaulted with a deadly weapon, and the suspect has fled the scene of the offense.

(b)

The investigating law enforcement agency has determined that the suspect poses an
imminent threat to the public or other law enforcement personnel.

(c)

A detailed description of the suspect’s vehicle or license plate is available for broadcast.

(d)

Public dissemination of available information may help avert further harm or accelerate
apprehension of the suspect.

319.5.2 PROCEDURE FOR BLUE ALERT
The supervisor in charge should ensure the following:
(a)

An initial press release is prepared that includes all available information that might aid in
locating the suspect:
1.

The license number and/or any other available description or photograph of the
vehicle

Photograph, description and/or identification of the suspect

The suspect’s identity, age and description, if known

Detail regarding location of incident, direction of travel, potential destinations, if
known

Name and telephone number of the Public Information Officer or other authorized
individual to handle media liaison

A telephone number for the public to call with leads or information

(b)

The local California Highway Patrol communications center is contacted to initiate a multiregional or statewide EAS broadcast.

(c)

The information in the press release is forwarded to the Sheriff’s Department Emergency
Communications Bureau so that general broadcasts can be made to local law enforcement
agencies.

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(d)

The following resources should be considered as circumstances dictate:
1.

Entry into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS)

The FBI local office

319.6 SILVER ALERTS
Silver Alerts® is an emergency notification system for people who are 65 years of
age or older, developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired and have been reported
missing (Government Code § 8594.10).
319.6.1 CRITERIA FOR SILVER ALERTS
All of the following conditions must be met before activating a Silver Alert (Government Code §
8594.10):
(a)

The missing person is 65 years of age or older, developmentally disabled or cognitively
impaired.

(b)

The department has utilized all available local resources.

(c)

The investigating officer or supervisor has determined that the person is missing under
unexplained or suspicious circumstances.

(d)

The investigating officer or supervisor believes that the person is in danger because of age,
health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions, that the person is
in the company of a potentially dangerous person, or that there are other factors indicating
that the person may be in peril.

(e)

There is information available that, if disseminated to the public, could assist in the safe
recovery of the missing person.

319.6.2 PROCEDURE FOR SILVER ALERT
Requests for a Silver Alert shall be made through the California Highway Patrol (Government
Code § 8594.10).
319.7 MUTUAL AID
The experiences of other law enforcement jurisdictions that have implemented similar plans
indicate an AMBER Alert or Blue Alert will generate a high volume of telephone calls to the handling
agency.
The Sheriff’s Department Emergency Communications Bureau facilities and staff can be made
available in the event of a high call volume.
If the Watch Commander or Investigation Bureau Supervisor elects to use the services of the
Sheriff’s Department, the following will apply:
(a)

Notify the Sheriff’s Department Watch Commander of the incident and the request for
assistance. He/she will provide you with a telephone number for the public to call.

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(b)

In the press release, direct the public to the telephone number provided by the Sheriff’s
Department Watch Commander.

(c)

The Public Information Officer will continue to handle all press releases and media inquiries.
Any press inquiries received by the Sheriff’s Department will be referred back to this
department.

The Culver City Police Department shall assign a minimum of two detectives/officers to respond
to the Sheriff’s Department Emergency Communications Bureau to screen and relay information
and any clues received from incoming calls. As circumstances dictate, more staff resources from
the handling law enforcement agency may be necessary to assist the staff at the Emergency
Communications Bureau.
319.8 YELLOW ALERTS
Yellow Alerts are notifications related to hit-and-run incidents resulting in the death or injury
(Vehicle Code § 20001; Government Code § 8594.15).
319.8.1 CRITERIA FOR YELLOW ALERTS
All of the following conditions must be met before requesting the activation of a Yellow Alert
(Government Code § 8594.15):
(a)

A person has been killed or has suffered serious bodily injury due to a hit-and-run.

(b)

It is likely the suspect may be seen on a state highway.

(c)

There is additional information concerning the suspect’s vehicle, including, but not limited
to any of the following:

(d)

The suspect or the suspect’s vehicle can be particularly described (e.g., a complete
or partial license plate number)

Unique vehicle characteristics (e.g., make, model and color of suspect’s vehicle)

The identity of the suspect

Public assistance can mitigate danger to the public or quicken the apprehension of the
suspect.

319.8.2 PROCEDURE FOR YELLOW ALERT
Requests for a Yellow Alert shall be made through the California Highway Patrol (Government
Code § 8594.15).

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Policy Manual

Victim and Witness Assistance
320.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that crime victims and witnesses receive appropriate
assistance, that they are provided with information from government and private resources, and
that the agency meets all related legal mandates.
320.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department is committed to providing guidance and assistance to the
victims and witnesses of crime. The members of the Culver City Police Department will show
compassion and understanding for victims and witnesses and will make reasonable efforts to
provide the support and information identified in this policy.
320.3 CRIME VICTIM LIAISON
The Chief of Police may appoint a member of the [Department/Office] to serve as the crime
victim liaison. The crime victim liaison will be the point of contact for individuals requiring further
assistance or information from the Culver City Police Department regarding benefits from crime
victim resources. This person shall also be responsible for maintaining compliance with all legal
mandates related to crime victims and/or witnesses.
320.3.1 SPECIFIC VICTIM LIAISON DUTIES
The Chief of Police shall designate a crime victim liaison officer as liaison to the Victim-Witness
Assistance Program office. It shall be his/her responsibility to forward copies of police reports
requested by the local victim centers to verify the criminal activity upon which the application
for assistance is based. The liaison officer shall carry out the functions required by state law;
and devise and implement written procedures to notify and provide the required compensation
information. The Records Maintenance and Release Policy in this manual regarding the release
of reports shall be followed in all cases (Government Code § 13962(b); 2 CCR 649.35; 2 CCR
649.36).
320.4 CRIME VICTIMS
Officers should provide all victims with the applicable victim information handouts.
Officers should never guarantee a victim’s safety from future harm but may make practical safety
suggestions to victims who express fear of future harm or retaliation. Officers should never
guarantee that a person qualifies as a victim for the purpose of compensation or restitution but
may direct him/her to the proper written [department/office] material or available victim resources.
320.4.1 VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Officers investigating or receiving a report involving a victim of human trafficking shall inform the
victim, or the victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, that upon the request of the victim
the names and images of the victim and his/her immediate family members may be withheld from

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becoming a matter of public record until the conclusion of the investigation or prosecution (Penal
Code § 293).
320.5 VICTIM INFORMATION
The Administration and Investigations Supervisor shall ensure that victim information handouts
are available and current. These should include as appropriate:
(a)

Shelters and other community resources for victims of domestic violence.

(b)

Community resources for victims of sexual assault.

(c)

Assurance that sexual assault victims will not incur out-of-pocket expenses for forensic
medical exams, and information about evidence collection, storage and preservation in
sexual assault cases (42 USC § 3796gg-4; 42 USC § 10603f; Penal Code § 13823.95(a)).

(d)

An explanation that victims of sexual assault who seek a medical evidentiary examination
shall not be required to participate or agree to participate in the criminal justice system,
either prior to the examination or at any other time (Penal Code § 13823.95(b)).

(e)

An advisement that a person who was arrested may be released on bond or some other
form of release and that the victim should not rely upon an arrest as a guarantee of safety.

(f)

A clear explanation of relevant court orders and how they can be obtained.

(g)

Information regarding available compensation for qualifying victims of crime.

(h)

VINE® information (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), including the telephone
number and whether this free service is available to allow victims to check on an offender’s
custody status and to register for automatic notification when a person is released from jail.

(i)

Notice regarding U Visa and T Visa application processes.

(j)

Resources available for victims of identity theft.

(k)

A place for the officer’s name, badge number and any applicable case or incident number.

(l)

The "Victims of Domestic Violence" card containing the names, phone numbers or local
county hotlines of local shelters for battered women and rape victim counseling centers
within the county and their 24-hour counseling service telephone numbers (Penal Code §
264.2).

(m)

Any additional information required by state law (Penal Code § 13701; Penal Code § 679.02;
Penal Code § 679.05; Penal Code § 679.026).

320.6 WITNESSES
Officers should never guarantee a witness’ safety from future harm or that his/her identity will
always remain confidential. Officers may make practical safety suggestions to witnesses who
express fear of future harm or retaliation.
Officers should investigate allegations of witness intimidation and take enforcement action when
lawful and reasonable.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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321

Policy Manual

Hate Crimes
321.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to meet or exceed the provisions of Penal Code § 13519.6(c)
and provides members of this [department/office] with guidelines for identifying and investigating
incidents and crimes that may be motivated by hatred or other bias.
321.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Hate crimes - A criminal act committed in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following
actual or perceived characteristics of the victim (Penal Code § 422.55; Penal Code § 422.56;
Penal Code § 422.57):
(a)

Disability

(b)

Gender

(c)

Nationality

(d)

Race or ethnicity

(e)

Religion

(f)

Sexual orientation

(g)

Association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived
characteristics

(h)

Examples of hate crimes include, but are not limited to:
1.

Interfering with, oppressing or threatening any other person in the free exercise or
enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the constitution or laws because of one
or more of the actual or perceived characteristics of the victim (Penal Code § 422.6).

Defacing a person’s property because of one or more of the actual or perceived
characteristics of the victim (Penal Code § 422.6(b)).

Terrorizing a person with a swastika or burning cross (Penal Code § 11411).

Vandalizing a place of worship (Penal Code § 594.3).

The federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expands federal
hate crimes to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity or disability (18 USC § 249).
Victim - Includes, but is not limited to, a community center, educational facility, entity, family,
group, individual, office, meeting hall, person, place of worship, private institution, public agency,
library or other victim or intended victim of the offense (Penal Code § 422.56).
321.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department recognizes and places a high priority on the rights of all
individuals guaranteed under the state and federal constitution and incorporated in state and
federal law.

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321.3 PREVENTION AND PREPARATION
While it is recognized that not all crime can be prevented, this [department/office] is committed to
taking a proactive approach to preventing and preparing for likely hate crimes by, among other
things:
(a)

Make an affirmative effort to establish contact with persons and groups within the
community, who are likely targets of hate crimes and forming networks that address
prevention and response.

(b)

Accessing assistance by, among other things, activating the California Department of Justice
Hate Crime Rapid Response Protocol when necessary.

(c)

Providing victim assistance and follow-up as outlined below, including community follow-up.

(d)

Educating community and civic groups about hate crime laws.

(e)

Establishing a community relations liaison to work with community organizations and
leaders to coordinate public meetings, local group meetings and school assemblies on
recognizing, preparing for and preventing hate crimes.

321.4 INVESTIGATIONS
Whenever any member of this [department/office] receives a report of a suspected hate crime or
other activity that reasonably appears to involve a potential hate crime, the following should occur:
(a)

Officer(s) will be promptly assigned to contact the victim, witness, or reporting party to
investigate the matter further as circumstances may dictate

(b)

A supervisor should be notified of the circumstances as soon as practical

(c)

Once “in progress” aspects of any such situation have been stabilized (e.g., treatment
of victims, apprehension of present suspects, etc.), the assigned officer(s) will take all
reasonable steps to preserve available evidence that may tend to establish that a hate crime
was involved

(d)

Based upon available information, officers should take appropriate action to mitigate further
injury or damage to potential victims or the community.
1.

(e)

Officers should contact the property owner to remove any evidence that cannot be
physically removed (i.e., painted words or signs on a wall) by the officer once the
offense is documented.

The assigned officer(s) will interview available witnesses, victims and others to determine
what circumstances, if any, indicate that the situation may involve a hate crime.
1.

No victim of or a witness to a hate crime who is not otherwise charged with or
convicted of a crime under state law may be detained for or turned over to federal
authorities exclusively for any actual or suspected immigration violation (Penal Code
§ 422.93(b))

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Statements of victims and witnesses should be audio or video recorded if
practicable (see the Portable Audio/Video Recorders Policy).

(f)

Depending on the situation, the assigned officer(s) or supervisor may request additional
assistance from detectives or other resources to further the investigation

(g)

The assigned officer(s) will include all available evidence indicating the likelihood of a hate
crime in the relevant report(s). All related reports will be clearly marked as “Hate Crimes”
and, absent prior approval of a supervisor, will be completed and submitted by the assigned
officer(s) before the end of the shift

(h)

The assigned officer(s) will provide the victim(s) of any suspected hate crime with a brochure
on hate crimes (Penal Code § 422.92). Such brochures will also be available to members
of the general public upon request. The assigned officer(s) should also make reasonable
efforts to assist the victim(s) by providing available information on local assistance programs
and organizations

(i)

The assigned officer(s) and supervisor should take reasonable steps to ensure that any such
situation does not escalate further (e.g., Possible Temporary Restraining Order through the
District Attorney or City Attorney Penal Code § 136.2 or Civil Code § 52.1 as indicated).

321.4.1 INVESTIGATION BUREAU RESPONSIBILITY
If a case is assigned to the Investigation Bureau, the assigned detective will be responsible for
following up on the reported hate crime as follows:
(a)

Coordinate further investigation with the District Attorney and other appropriate law
enforcement agencies, as appropriate.

(b)

Maintain contact with the victim(s) and other involved individuals as needed.

(c)

Maintain statistical data on suspected hate crimes and tracking as indicated and provide
to the Records Manager for required reporting to the Attorney General (Penal Code §
13023). See the Records Section Policy.

(d)

Make reasonable efforts to identify additional witnesses.

(e)

Utilize available criminal intelligence systems as appropriate (see Criminal Organizations
Policy).

(f)

Provide the supervisor and the Public Information Officer ([PIO]) with information that can
be responsibly reported to the media.
1.

When appropriate, the [PIO] should reiterate that the hate crime will not be tolerated
and will be taken seriously.

321.4.2 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
The supervisor should confer with the initial responding officers to identify reasonable and
appropriate preliminary actions. The supervisor should:

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(a)

Review related reports to verify whether the incident is appropriately classified as a hate
crime for federal and state bias crime-reporting purposes.

(b)

Notify other appropriate personnel in the chain of command, depending on the nature
and seriousness of the offense and its potential inflammatory and related impact on the
community.

(c)

Consider the need for further action to be taken for the protection of the victims or vulnerable
sites, such as assigning an officer at specific locations that could become targets or increase
neighborhood surveillance.

(d)

Ensure that members who are responsible for the conduct and maintenance of information
on criminal groups are notified and that they make appropriate inquiries and entries into
criminal intelligence systems (see Criminal Organizations Policy).

321.5 TRAINING
All members of this [department/office] will receive POST-approved training on hate crime
recognition and investigation as provided by Penal Code § 13519.6. Training should also include
recognition of bias motivators such as ranges of attitudes and perceptions toward a specific
characteristic or group.

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Culver City Police Department

322

Policy Manual

Standards of Conduct
322.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes standards of conduct that are consistent with the values and mission of
the Culver City Police Department and are expected of all department members. The standards
contained in this policy are not intended to be an exhaustive list of requirements and prohibitions
but they do identify many of the important matters concerning conduct. In addition to the provisions
of this policy, members are subject to all other provisions contained in this manual, as well as
any additional guidance on conduct that may be disseminated by this department or a member’s
supervisors.
322.2 POLICY
The continued employment or appointment of every member of the Culver City Police Department
shall be based on conduct that reasonably conforms to the guidelines set forth herein. Failure to
meet the guidelines set forth in this policy, whether on- or off-duty, may be cause for disciplinary
action.
322.3 DIRECTIVES AND ORDERS
Members shall comply with lawful directives and orders from any department supervisor or person
in a position of authority, absent a reasonable and bona fide justification.
322.3.1 UNLAWFUL OR CONFLICTING ORDERS
Supervisors shall not knowingly issue orders or directives that, if carried out, would result in a
violation of any law or department policy. Supervisors should not issue orders that conflict with
any previous order without making reasonable clarification that the new order is intended to
countermand the earlier order.
No member is required to obey any order that appears to be in direct conflict with any federal
law, state law or local ordinance. Following a known unlawful order is not a defense and does not
relieve the member from criminal or civil prosecution or administrative discipline. If the legality of
an order is in doubt, the affected member shall ask the issuing supervisor to clarify the order or
shall confer with a higher authority. The responsibility for refusal to obey rests with the member,
who shall subsequently be required to justify the refusal.
Unless it would jeopardize the safety of any individual, members who are presented with a lawful
order that is in conflict with a previous lawful order, department policy or other directive shall
respectfully inform the issuing supervisor of the conflict. The issuing supervisor is responsible
for either resolving the conflict or clarifying that the lawful order is intended to countermand the
previous lawful order or directive, in which case the member is obliged to comply. Members who
are compelled to follow a conflicting lawful order after having given the issuing supervisor the
opportunity to correct the conflict, will not be held accountable for disobedience of the lawful order
or directive that was initially issued.

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The person countermanding the original order shall notify, in writing, the person issuing the original
order, indicating the action taken and the reason.
322.3.2 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervisors and managers are required to follow all policies and procedures and may be subject
to discipline for:
(a)

Failure to be reasonably aware of the performance of their subordinates or to provide
appropriate guidance and control.

(b)

Failure to promptly and fully report any known misconduct of a member to his/her immediate
supervisor or to document such misconduct appropriately or as required by policy.

(c)

Directing a subordinate to violate a policy or directive, acquiesce to such a violation, or are
indifferent to any such violation by a subordinate.

(d)

The unequal or disparate exercise of authority on the part of a supervisor toward any member
for malicious or other improper purpose.

322.4 GENERAL STANDARDS
Members shall conduct themselves, whether on- or off-duty, in accordance with the United States
and California Constitutions and all applicable laws, ordinances and rules enacted or established
pursuant to legal authority.
Members shall familiarize themselves with policies and procedures and are responsible for
compliance with each. Members should seek clarification and guidance from supervisors in the
event of any perceived ambiguity or uncertainty.
Discipline may be initiated for any good cause. It is not mandatory that a specific policy or rule
violation be cited to sustain discipline. This policy is not intended to cover every possible type of
misconduct.
322.5 CAUSES FOR DISCIPLINE
The following are illustrative of causes for disciplinary action. This list is not intended to cover every
possible type of misconduct and does not preclude the recommendation of disciplinary action
for violation of other rules, standards, ethics and specific action or inaction that is detrimental to
efficient department service:
322.5.1 LAWS, RULES AND ORDERS
(a)

Violation of, or ordering or instructing a subordinate to violate any policy, procedure,
rule, order, directive, requirement or failure to follow instructions contained in department
or City manuals.

(b)

Disobedience of any legal directive or order issued by any department member of a higher
rank.

(c)

Violation of federal, state, local or administrative laws, rules or regulations.

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322.5.2 ETHICS
(a)

Using or disclosing one’s status as a member of the Culver City Police Department in any
way that could reasonably be perceived as an attempt to gain influence or authority for nondepartment business or activity.

(b)

The wrongful or unlawful exercise of authority on the part of any member for malicious
purpose, personal gain, willful deceit or any other improper purpose.

(c)

The receipt or acceptance of a reward, fee or gift from any person for service incident to
the performance of the member's duties (lawful subpoena fees and authorized work permits
excepted).

(d)

Acceptance of fees, gifts or money contrary to the rules of this department and/or laws of
the state.

(e)

Offer or acceptance of a bribe or gratuity.

(f)

Misappropriation or misuse of public funds, property, personnel or services.

(g)

Any other failure to abide by the standards of ethical conduct.

322.5.3 ATTENDANCE
(a)

Leaving the job to which the member is assigned during duty hours without reasonable
excuse and proper permission and approval.

(b)

Unexcused or unauthorized absence or tardiness.

(c)

Excessive absenteeism or abuse of leave privileges.

(d)

Failure to report to work or to place of assignment at time specified and fully prepared to
perform duties without reasonable excuse.

322.5.4 CONDUCT
(a)

Failure of any member to promptly and fully report activities on his/her part or the part of
any other member where such activities resulted in contact with any other law enforcement
agency or that may result in criminal prosecution or discipline under this policy.

(b)

Unreasonable and unwarranted force to a person encountered or a person under arrest.

(c)

Exceeding lawful peace officer powers by unreasonable, unlawful or excessive conduct.

(d)

Unauthorized or unlawful fighting, threatening or attempting to inflict unlawful bodily harm
on another.

(e)

Engaging in horseplay that reasonably could result in injury or property damage.

(f)

Discourteous, disrespectful or discriminatory treatment of any member of the public or any
member of this department or the City.

(g)

Use of obscene, indecent, profane or derogatory language while on-duty or in uniform.

(h)

Criminal, dishonest, or disgraceful conduct, whether on- or off-duty, that adversely affects
the member’s relationship with this department.

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(i)

Unauthorized possession of, loss of, or damage to department property or the property of
others, or endangering it through carelessness or maliciousness.

(j)

Attempted or actual theft of department property; misappropriation or misuse of public
funds, property, personnel or the services or property of others; unauthorized removal or
possession of department property or the property of another person.

(k)

Activity that is incompatible with a member’s conditions of employment or appointment as
established by law or that violates a provision of any memorandum of understanding or
contract to include fraud in securing the appointment or hire.

(l)

Initiating any civil action for recovery of any damages or injuries incurred in the course and
scope of employment or appointment without first notifying the Chief of Police of such action.

(m)

Any other on- or off-duty conduct which any member knows or reasonably should know is
unbecoming a member of this department, is contrary to good order, efficiency or morale,
or tends to reflect unfavorably upon this department or its members.

322.5.5 PERFORMANCE
(a)

Failure to disclose or misrepresenting material facts, or making any false or misleading
statement on any application, examination form, or other official document, report or form,
or during the course of any work-related investigation.

(b)

The falsification of any work-related records, making misleading entries or statements with
the intent to deceive or the willful and unauthorized removal, alteration, destruction and/or
mutilation of any department record, public record, book, paper or document.

(c)

Failure to participate in, or giving false or misleading statements, or misrepresenting or
omitting material information to a supervisor or other person in a position of authority, in
connection with any investigation or in the reporting of any department-related business.

(d)

Being untruthful or knowingly making false, misleading or malicious statements that are
reasonably calculated to harm the reputation, authority or official standing of this department
or its members.

(e)

Disparaging remarks or conduct concerning duly constituted authority to the extent that such
conduct disrupts the efficiency of this department or subverts the good order, efficiency and
discipline of this department or that would tend to discredit any of its members.

(f)

Unlawful gambling or unlawful betting at any time or any place. Legal gambling or betting
under any of the following conditions:

(g)

While on department premises.

At any work site, while on-duty or while in uniform, or while using any department
equipment or system.

Gambling activity undertaken as part of an officer official duties and with the express
knowledge and permission of a direct supervisor is exempt from this prohibition.

Improper political activity including:
1.

Unauthorized attendance while on-duty at official legislative or political sessions.

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Solicitations, speeches or distribution of campaign literature for or against any
political candidate or position while on-duty or, on department property except as
expressly authorized by City policy, the memorandum of understanding, or the Chief
of Police.

(h)

Engaging in political activities during assigned working hours except as expressly authorized
by City policy, the memorandum of understanding, or the Chief of Police.

(i)

Any act on- or off-duty that brings discredit to this department.

322.5.6 DISCRIMINATION, OPPRESSION OR FAVORITISM
Discriminating against, oppressing or providing favoritism to any person because of age, race,
color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin,
ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition or other classification
protected by law, or intentionally denying or impeding another in the exercise or enjoyment of any
right, privilege, power or immunity, knowing the conduct is unlawful.
322.5.7 RELATIONSHIPS
(a)

Unwelcome solicitation of a personal or sexual relationship while on-duty or through the use
of one’s official capacity.

(b)

Engaging in on-duty sexual activity including, but not limited to, sexual intercourse,
excessive displays of public affection or other sexual contact.

(c)

Establishing or maintaining an inappropriate personal or financial relationship, as a result of
an investigation, with a known victim, witness, suspect or defendant while a case is being
investigated or prosecuted, or as a direct result of any official contact.

(d)

Associating with or joining a criminal gang, organized crime and/or criminal syndicate when
the member knows or reasonably should know of the criminal nature of the organization.
This includes any organization involved in a definable criminal activity or enterprise, except
as specifically directed and authorized by this department.

(e)

Associating on a personal, rather than official basis with persons who demonstrate recurring
involvement in serious violations of state or federal laws after the member knows, or
reasonably should know of such criminal activities, except as specifically directed and
authorized by this department.

322.5.8 UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, DISCLOSURE OR USE
(a)

Unauthorized and inappropriate intentional release of confidential or protected information,
materials, data, forms or reports obtained as a result of the member’s position with this
department.
1.

(b)

Members of this department shall not disclose the name, address or image of any
victim of human trafficking except as authorized by law (Penal Code § 293).

Disclosing to any unauthorized person any active investigation information.

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(c)

The use of any information, photograph, video or other recording obtained or accessed as
a result of employment or appointment to this department for personal or financial gain or
without the express authorization of the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.

(d)

Loaning, selling, allowing unauthorized use, giving away or appropriating any Culver City
Police Department badge, uniform, identification card or department property for personal
use, personal gain or any other improper or unauthorized use or purpose.

(e)

Using department resources in association with any portion of an independent civil action.
These resources include, but are not limited to, personnel, vehicles, equipment and nonsubpoenaed records.

322.5.9 EFFICIENCY
(a)

Neglect of duty.

(b)

Unsatisfactory work performance including, but not limited to, failure, incompetence,
inefficiency or delay in performing and/or carrying out proper orders, work assignments or
the instructions of supervisors without a reasonable and bona fide excuse.

(c)

Concealing, attempting to conceal, removing or destroying defective or incompetent work.

(d)

Unauthorized sleeping during on-duty time or assignments.

(e)

Failure to notify the Department within 24 hours of any change in residence address, contact
telephone numbers or marital status.

322.5.10 SAFETY
(a)

Failure to observe or violating department safety standards or safe working practices.

(b)

Failure to maintain current licenses or certifications required for the assignment or position
(e.g., driver license, first aid).

(c)

Failure to maintain good physical condition sufficient to adequately and safely perform law
enforcement duties.

(d)

Unsafe firearm or other dangerous weapon handling to include loading or unloading firearms
in an unsafe manner, either on- or off- duty.

(e)

Carrying, while on the premises of the work place, any firearm or other lethal weapon that
is not authorized by the member’s appointing authority.

(f)

Unsafe or improper driving habits or actions in the course of employment or appointment.

(g)

Any personal action contributing to a preventable traffic collision.

(h)

Concealing or knowingly failing to report any on-the-job or work-related accident or injury
as soon as practicable but within 24 hours.

322.5.11 INTOXICANTS
(a)

Reporting for work or being at work while intoxicated or when the member’s ability to perform
assigned duties is impaired due to the use of alcohol, medication or drugs, whether legal,
prescribed or illegal.

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(b)

Possession or use of alcohol at any work site or while on-duty, except as authorized in the
performance of an official assignment. A member who is authorized to consume alcohol is
not permitted to do so to such a degree that it may impair on-duty performance.

(c)

Unauthorized possession, use of, or attempting to bring a controlled substance, illegal drug
or non-prescribed medication to any work site.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

323

Policy Manual

Information Technology Use
323.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the proper use of department information
technology resources, including computers, electronic devices, hardware, software and systems.
323.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Computer system - All computers (on-site and portable), electronic devices, hardware, software,
and resources owned, leased, rented or licensed by the Culver City Police Department that are
provided for official use by its members. This includes all access to, and use of, Internet Service
Providers (ISP) or other service providers provided by or through the Department or department
funding.
Hardware - Includes, but is not limited to, computers, computer terminals, network equipment,
electronic devices, telephones, including cellular and satellite, pagers, modems or any other
tangible computer device generally understood to comprise hardware.
Software - Includes, but is not limited to, all computer programs, systems and applications,
including shareware. This does not include files created by the individual user.
Temporary file, permanent file or file - Any electronic document, information or data residing
or located, in whole or in part, on the system including, but not limited to, spreadsheets, calendar
entries, appointments, tasks, notes, letters, reports, messages, photographs or videos.
323.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department that members shall use information technology
resources, including computers, software and systems, that are issued or maintained by the
Department in a professional manner and in accordance with this policy.
323.3 PRIVACY EXPECTATION
Members forfeit any expectation of privacy with regard to emails, texts or anything published,
shared, transmitted or maintained through file-sharing software or any Internet site that is
accessed, transmitted, received or reviewed on any department computer system.
The Department reserves the right to access, audit and disclose, for whatever reason, any
message, including attachments, and any information accessed, transmitted, received or reviewed
over any technology that is issued or maintained by the Department, including the department
email system, computer network and/or any information placed into storage on any department
system or device. This includes records of all keystrokes or Web-browsing history made at any
department computer or over any department network. The fact that access to a database, service
or website requires a username or password will not create an expectation of privacy if it is
accessed through department computers, electronic devices or networks.

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However, the Department may not require a member to disclose a personal username or password
or open a personal social website, except when access is reasonably believed to be relevant to
the investigation of allegations of work-related misconduct (Labor Code § 980).
323.4 RESTRICTED USE
Members shall not access computers, devices, software or systems for which they have
not received prior authorization or the required training. Members shall immediately report
unauthorized access or use of computers, devices, software or systems by another member to
their supervisors or Watch Commanders.
Members shall not use another person’s access passwords, logon information and other individual
security data, protocols and procedures unless directed to do so by a supervisor.
323.4.1 SOFTWARE
Members shall not copy or duplicate any copyrighted or licensed software except for a single copy
for backup purposes in accordance with the software company’s copyright and license agreement.
To reduce the risk of a computer virus or malicious software, members shall not install any
unlicensed or unauthorized software on any department computer. Members shall not install
personal copies of any software onto any department computer.
When related to criminal investigations, software program files may be downloaded only with the
approval of the information systems technology (IT) staff and with the authorization of the Chief
of Police or the authorized designee.
No member shall knowingly make, acquire or use unauthorized copies of computer software that
is not licensed to the Department while on department premises, computer systems or electronic
devices. Such unauthorized use of software exposes the Department and involved members to
severe civil and criminal penalties.
Introduction of software by members should only occur as part of the automated maintenance
or update process of department- or City-approved or installed programs by the original
manufacturer, producer or developer of the software.
Any other introduction of software requires prior authorization from IT staff and a full scan for
malicious attachments.
323.4.2 HARDWARE
Access to technology resources provided by or through the Department shall be strictly limited to
department-related activities. Data stored on or available through department computer systems
shall only be accessed by authorized members who are engaged in an active investigation
or assisting in an active investigation, or who otherwise have a legitimate law enforcement or
department-related purpose to access such data. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved
by a supervisor.

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323.4.3 INTERNET USE
Internet sites containing information that is not appropriate or applicable to department use and
which shall not be intentionally accessed include, but are not limited to, adult forums, pornography,
gambling, chat rooms and similar or related Internet sites. Certain exceptions may be permitted
with the express approval of a supervisor as a function of a member’s assignment.
.
323.5 PROTECTION OF AGENCY SYSTEMS AND FILES
All members have a duty to protect the computer system and related systems and devices from
physical and environmental damage and are responsible for the correct use, operation, care and
maintenance of the computer system.
Members shall ensure department computers and access terminals are not viewable by persons
who are not authorized users. Computers and terminals should be secured, users logged
off and password protections enabled whenever the user is not present. Access passwords,
logon information and other individual security data, protocols and procedures are confidential
information and are not to be shared. Password length, format, structure and content shall meet
the prescribed standards required by the computer system or as directed by a supervisor and
shall be changed at intervals as directed by IT staff or a supervisor.
It is prohibited for a member to allow an unauthorized user to access the computer system at any
time or for any reason. Members shall promptly report any unauthorized access to the computer
system or suspected intrusion from outside sources (including the Internet) to a supervisor.
323.6 INSPECTION OR REVIEW
A supervisor or the authorized designee has the express authority to inspect or review the
computer system, all temporary or permanent files, related electronic systems or devices, and any
contents thereof, whether such inspection or review is in the ordinary course of his/her supervisory
duties or based on cause.
Reasons for inspection or review may include, but are not limited to, computer system
malfunctions, problems or general computer system failure, a lawsuit against the Department
involving one of its members or a member’s duties, an alleged or suspected violation of any
department policy, a request for disclosure of data, or a need to perform or provide a service.
The IT staff may extract, download or otherwise obtain any and all temporary or permanent files
residing or located in or on the department computer system when requested by a supervisor or
during the course of regular duties that require such information.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

324

Policy Manual

Report Preparation
324.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Report preparation is a major part of each officer's job. The purpose of reports is to document
sufficient information to refresh the officer’s memory and to provide sufficient information for followup investigation and successful prosecution. Report writing is the subject of substantial formalized
training and on-the-job training.
324.1.1 REPORT PREPARATION
Employees should ensure that reports are sufficiently detailed for their purpose and free from
errors prior to submission. It is the responsibility of the assigned employee to complete and submit
all reports taken during the shift before going off-duty unless permission to hold the report has
been approved by a supervisor. Generally, reports requiring prompt follow-up action on active
leads, or arrest reports where the suspect remains in custody should not be held.
Handwritten reports must be prepared legibly. If the report is not legible, the submitting employee
will be required by the reviewing supervisor to promptly make corrections and resubmit the report.
Employees who dictate reports shall use appropriate grammar, as content is not the responsibility
of the typist. Employees who generate reports on computers are subject to all requirements of
this policy.
All reports shall accurately reflect the identity of the persons involved, all pertinent information
seen, heard or assimilated by any other sense, and any actions taken. Employees shall not
suppress, conceal or distort the facts of any reported incident, nor shall any employee make a false
report orally or in writing. Generally, the reporting employee’s opinions should not be included in
reports unless specifically identified as such.
324.2 REQUIRED REPORTING
Written reports are required in all of the following situations on the appropriate department
approved form unless otherwise approved by a supervisor.
324.2.1 CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
When a member responds to a call for service, or as a result of self-initiated activity becomes
aware of any activity where a crime has occurred, the member should document the incident
regardless of whether a victim desires prosecution. Activity to be documented in a written report
includes:
(a)

All arrests

(b)

All felony crimes

(c)

Non-Felony incidents involving threats or stalking behavior

(d)

Situations covered by separate policy. These include:
1.

Use of Force Policy

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(e)

Domestic Violence Policy

Child Abuse Policy

Adult Abuse Policy

Hate Crimes Policy

Suspicious Activity Reporting Policy

All misdemeanor crimes where the victim desires a report

Misdemeanor crimes where the victim does not desire a report shall be documented using the
department-approved alternative reporting method (e.g., dispatch log).
324.2.2 NON-CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
The following incidents shall be documented using the appropriate approved report:
(a)

Any use of force against any person by a member of this department (see the Use of Force
Policy)

(b)

Any firearm discharge (see the Firearms Policy)

(c)

Anytime a person is reported missing, regardless of jurisdiction (see the Missing Persons
Policy)

(d)

Any found property or found evidence

(e)

Any traffic collisions above the minimum reporting level (see Traffic Collision Reporting
Policy)

(f)

Suspicious incidents that may indicate a potential for crimes against children or that a child’s
safety is in jeopardy

(g)

All protective custody detentions

(h)

Suspicious incidents that may place the public or others at risk

(i)

Whenever the employee believes the circumstances should be documented or at the
direction of a supervisor

324.2.3 DEATH CASES
Death investigations require specific investigation methods depending on circumstances and
should be handled in accordance with the Death Investigations Policy. The handling officer should
notify and apprise a supervisor of the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine how
to proceed. The following cases shall be appropriately investigated and documented using the
approved report:
(a)

Sudden or accidental deaths.

(b)

Suicides.

(c)

Homicide or suspected homicide.

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(d)

Unattended deaths (No physician or qualified hospice care in the 20 days preceding death).

(e)

Found dead bodies or body parts.

324.2.4 INJURY OR DAMAGE BY CITY PERSONNEL
Reports shall be taken if an injury occurs that is a result of an act of a City employee. Additionally,
reports shall be taken involving damage to City property or City equipment.
324.2.5 MISCELLANEOUS INJURIES
Any injury that is reported to this department shall require a report when:
(a)

The injury is a result of drug overdose

(b)

Attempted suicide

(c)

The injury is major/serious, whereas death could result

(d)

The circumstances surrounding the incident are suspicious in nature and it is desirable to
record the event

The above reporting requirements are not intended to be all-inclusive. A supervisor may direct an
employee to document any incident he/she deems necessary.
324.2.6 MANDATORY REPORTING OF JUVENILE GUNSHOT INJURIES
A report shall be taken when any incident in which a child 18 years or younger suffered an
unintentional or self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Records Section shall notify the California
Department of Public Health (CDPH) of the incident, on a form provided by the state. Forms may
be obtained from the CDPH website (Penal Code § 23685).
324.3 GENERAL POLICY OF EXPEDITIOUS REPORTING
In general, all officers and supervisors shall act with promptness and efficiency in the preparation
and processing of all reports. An incomplete report, unorganized reports or reports delayed without
supervisory approval are not acceptable. Reports shall be processed according to established
priorities or according to special priority necessary under exceptional circumstances.
324.3.1 GENERAL POLICY OF HANDWRITTEN REPORTS
Some incidents and report forms lend themselves to block print rather than typing. In general,
the narrative portion of those reports where an arrest is made or when there is a long narrative
should be typed or dictated.
Supervisors may require, with the foregoing general policy in mind, block printing or typing of
reports of any nature for departmental consistency.
324.3.2 GENERAL USE OF OTHER HANDWRITTEN FORMS
County, state and federal agency forms may be block printed as appropriate. In general, the form
itself may make the requirement for typing apparent.

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324.4 REPORT CORRECTIONS
Supervisors shall review reports for content and accuracy. If a correction is necessary, the original
report should be returned to the reporting employee for correction as soon as practical. It shall
be the responsibility of the originating officer to ensure that any report returned for correction is
processed in a timely manner.
324.5 REPORT CHANGES OR ALTERATIONS
Reports that have been approved by a supervisor and accepted by the Records Section for filing
and distribution shall not be modified or altered except by way of a supplemental report. Reviewed
reports that have not yet been submitted to the Records Section may be corrected or modified by
the authoring officer only with the knowledge and authorization of the reviewing supervisor.

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325

Policy Manual

Media Relations
325.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for media releases and media access to scenes of disasters,
criminal investigations, emergencies and other law enforcement activities.
325.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
The ultimate authority and responsibility for the release of information to the media shall remain
with the Chief of Police, however, in situations not warranting immediate notice to the Chief of
Police and in situations where the Chief of Police has given prior approval, Bureau Commanders,
Watch Commanders and designated Public Information Officer(s) may prepare and release
information to the media in accordance with this policy and the applicable law.
325.2.1 MEDIA REQUEST
Any media request for information or access to a law enforcement situation shall be referred to the
designated department media representative, or if unavailable, to the first available supervisor.
Prior to releasing any information to the media, employees shall consider the following:
(a)

At no time shall any employee of this department make any comment or release any
official information to the media without prior approval from a supervisor or the designated
department media representative.

(b)

In situations involving multiple law enforcement agencies, every reasonable effort should
be made to coordinate media releases with the authorized representative of each involved
agency prior to the release of any information by this department.

(c)

Under no circumstance should any member of this department make any comments to the
media regarding any law enforcement incident not involving this department without prior
approval of the Chief of Police.

325.3 MEDIA ACCESS
Authorized members of the media shall be provided access to scenes of disasters, criminal
investigations, emergencies and other law enforcement activities subject to the following
conditions (Penal Code § 409.5(d)):
(a)

The media representative shall produce valid press credentials that shall be prominently
displayed at all times while in areas otherwise closed to the public.

(b)

Media representatives may be prevented from interfering with emergency operations and
criminal investigations.
1.

Reasonable effort should be made to provide a safe staging area for the media that
is near the incident and that will not interfere with emergency or criminal investigation
operations. All information released to the media should be coordinated through the
department Public Information Officer or other designated spokesperson.

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Whenever the presence of media or other aircraft pose a threat to public or officer
safety or significantly hampers incident operations, the field supervisor should
consider requesting a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). All requests for a TFR
should be routed through the Watch Commander. The TFR request should include
specific information regarding the perimeter and altitude necessary for the incident
and should be requested through the appropriate control tower. If the control tower
is not known, the Federal Aviation Administration should be contacted (14 CFR
91.137).

(c)

No member of this department who is under investigation shall be subjected to media visits
or interviews without the consent of the involved employee (Government Code § 3303(e)).

(d)

Media interviews with individuals who are in custody should not be permitted without the
approval of the Chief of Police and the express consent of the person in custody.

A tactical operation should be handled in the same manner as a crime scene, except the news
media shall be permitted within the outer perimeter of the scene, subject to any restrictions as
determined by the supervisor in charge. Department members shall not jeopardize a tactical
operation in order to accommodate the news media. All comments to the media shall be
coordinated through a supervisor or the Public Information Officer.
325.3.1 PROVIDING ADVANCE INFORMATION
To protect the safety and rights of officers and other persons, advance information about planned
actions by law enforcement personnel, such as movement of persons in custody or the execution
of an arrest or search warrant, should not be disclosed to the news media, nor should media
representatives be invited to be present at such actions except with the prior approval of the Chief
of Police.
Any exceptions to the above should only be considered for the furtherance of legitimate law
enforcement purposes. Prior to approving any exception the Chief of Police will consider, at
minimum, whether the release of information or presence of the media would unreasonably
endanger any individual, prejudice the rights of any person or is otherwise prohibited by law.
325.4 SCOPE OF INFORMATION SUBJECT TO RELEASE
The Department will maintain a daily information log of significant law enforcement activities that
shall be made available, upon request, to media representatives through the Records Supervisor.
This log will generally contain the following information:
(a)

The date, time, location, case number, type of crime, extent of injury or loss, and names
of individuals (except confidential informants) involved in crimes occurring within this
jurisdiction unless the release of such information would endanger the safety of any
individual or jeopardize the successful completion of any ongoing investigation

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(b)

The date, time, location, case number, name, birth date and charges for each person
arrested by this department unless the release of such information would endanger the
safety of any individual or jeopardize the successful completion of any ongoing investigation

(c)

The time and location of other significant law enforcement activities or requests for service
with a brief summary of the incident subject to the restrictions of this policy and applicable law

At no time shall identifying information pertaining to a juvenile arrestee (13 years of age and under),
victim or witness be publicly released without prior approval of a competent court. The identity
of a minor 14 years of age or older shall not be publicly disclosed unless the minor has been
arrested for a serious felony and the release of such information has been approved by the Watch
Commander (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.5).
Information concerning incidents involving certain sex crimes and other offenses set forth in
Government Code § 6254(f) shall be restricted in accordance with applicable statutory provisions.
Identifying information concerning deceased individuals shall not be released to the media until
notification of next of kin or otherwise cleared through the Coroner's Office.
Any requests for copies of related reports or additional information not contained in this log shall
be referred to the designated department media representative, the custodian of records, or if
unavailable, to the Watch Commander. Such requests will generally be processed in accordance
with the provisions of the Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250, et seq.).
325.4.1 RESTRICTED INFORMATION
It shall be the responsibility of the authorized employee dealing with media requests to ensure
that restricted information is not inappropriately released to the media by this department. When
in doubt, authorized and available legal counsel should be obtained.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

326

Policy Manual

Subpoenas and Court Appearances
326.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes the guidelines for department members who must appear in court. It
will allow the Culver City Police Department to cover any related work absences and keep the
Department informed about relevant legal matters.
326.2 POLICY
Culver City Police Department members will respond appropriately to all subpoenas and any other
court-ordered appearances.
326.3 SUBPOENAS
Only department members authorized to receive a subpoena on behalf of this department or any
of its members may do so. This may be accomplished by personal service to the officer or by
delivery of two copies of the subpoena to the officer's supervisor or other authorized departmental
agent (Government Code § 68097.1; Penal Code § 1328(c)).
The party that issues a civil subpoena to an officer to testify as a witness must tender the statutory
fee of $275 with the subpoena for each day that an appearance is required before service is
accepted of the subpoena (Government Code § 68097.2).
An immediate supervisor or authorized individual may refuse to accept service for a criminal
subpoena if (Penal Code § 1328(d)(e)):
(a)

He/she knows that he/she will be unable to deliver a copy of the subpoena to the
named officer within sufficient time for the named officer to comply with the subpoena.

(b)

It is less than five working days prior to the date listed for an appearance and he/she is not
reasonably certain that service can be completed.

If, after initially accepting service of a criminal subpoena, a supervisor or other authorized
individual determines that he/she is unable to deliver a copy of the subpoena to the named officer
within sufficient time for the named officer to comply with the subpoena, the supervisor or the
subpoena clerk shall notify the server or the attorney named on the subpoena of such not less
than 48 hours prior to the date listed for the appearance (Penal Code § 1328(f)).
326.3.1 SPECIAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Any member who is subpoenaed to testify, agrees to testify or provides information on behalf of
or at the request of any party other than the City Attorney or the prosecutor shall notify his/her
immediate supervisor without delay regarding:
(a)

Any civil case where the City or one of its members, as a result of his/her official capacity,
is a party.

(b)

Any civil case where any other city, county, state or federal unit of government or a member
of any such unit of government, as a result of his/her official capacity, is a party.

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(c)

Any criminal proceeding where the member is called to testify or provide information on
behalf of the defense.

(d)

Any civil action stemming from the member’s on-duty activity or because of his/her
association with the Culver City Police Department.

(e)

Any personnel or disciplinary matter when called to testify or to provide information by a
government entity other than the Culver City Police Department.

The supervisor will then notify the Chief of Police and the appropriate prosecuting attorney as
may be indicated by the case. The Chief of Police should determine if additional legal support
is necessary.
No member shall be retaliated against for testifying in any matter.
326.3.2 CIVIL SUBPOENA
The Department will compensate members who appear in their official capacities on civil matters
arising out of their official duties, as directed by the current memorandum of understanding or
collective bargaining agreement.
The Department should seek reimbursement for the member’s compensation through the civil
attorney of record who subpoenaed the member.
326.3.3 OFF-DUTY RELATED SUBPOENAS
Members receiving valid subpoenas for off-duty actions not related to their employment or
appointment will not be compensated for their appearance. Arrangements for time off shall be
coordinated through their immediate supervisors.
326.4 FAILURE TO APPEAR
Any member who fails to comply with the terms of any properly served subpoena or court-ordered
appearance may be subject to discipline. This includes properly served orders to appear that were
issued by a state administrative agency.
326.5 STANDBY
To facilitate standby agreements, members are required to provide and maintain current
information on their addresses and contact telephone numbers with the Department.
If a member on standby changes his/her location during the day, the member shall notify the
designated department member of how he/she can be reached. Members are required to remain
on standby until released by the court or the party that issued the subpoena.
326.6 COURTROOM PROTOCOL
When appearing in court, members shall:
(a)

Be punctual and prepared to proceed immediately with the case for which they are scheduled
to appear.

(b)

Dress in the department uniform or business attire.

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(c)

Observe all rules of the court in which they are appearing and remain alert to changes in
the assigned courtroom where their matter is to be heard.

326.6.1 TESTIMONY
Before the date of testifying, the subpoenaed member shall request a copy of relevant reports and
become familiar with the content in order to be prepared for court.
326.7 OVERTIME APPEARANCES
When a member appears in court on his/her off-duty time, he/she will be compensated in
accordance with the current memorandum of understanding or collective bargaining agreement.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

327

Policy Manual

Reserve Officers
327.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Culver City Police Department Reserve Unit was established to supplement and assist regular
sworn police officers in their duties. This unit provides professional, sworn volunteer reserve
officers who can augment regular staffing levels.
327.2 SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF POLICE RESERVE OFFICERS
The Culver City Police Department shall endeavor to recruit and appoint to the Reserve Unit only
those applicants who meet the high ethical, moral and professional standards set forth by this
department.
327.2.1 PROCEDURE
All applicants shall be required to meet and pass the same pre-employment procedures as regular
police officers before appointment.
Before appointment to the Police Reserve Unit, an applicant must have completed, or be in the
process of completing, a POST approved basic academy or extended basic academy.
327.2.2 APPOINTMENT
Applicants who are selected for appointment to the Police Reserve Unit shall, on the
recommendation of the Chief of Police, be sworn in by the Chief of Police and take a loyalty oath to
observe and obey all of the laws of the land and to carry out their duties to the best of their ability.
327.2.3 COMPENSATION FOR POLICE RESERVE OFFICERS
Compensation for reserve officers is provided as follows:
All reserve officer appointees are issued designated safety equipment. All property issued to
the reserve officer shall be returned to the Department upon termination or resignation. Upon
submission of purchase receipt(s), Reserves shall receive reimbursement for uniform purchases
pre-approved through the Reserve Coordinator.
327.2.4 EMPLOYEES WORKING AS RESERVE OFFICERS
Qualified employees of this department, when authorized, may also serve as reserve officers.
However, the Department must not utilize the services of a reserve or volunteer in such a way
that it would violate employment laws or labor agreements (e.g., a detention officer working as
a reserve officer for reduced or no pay). Therefore, the Reserve Coordinator should consult the
Personnel Department prior to an employee serving in a reserve or volunteer capacity (29 CFR
553.30).
327.3 DUTIES OF RESERVE OFFICERS
Reserve officers assist regular officers in the enforcement of laws and in maintaining peace
and order within the community. Assignments of reserve officers will usually be to augment the
Operations Bureau. Reserve officers may be assigned to other areas within the Department as
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needed. Reserve officers are required to work a minimum of 20 hours, and attend a four hour
meeting per month.
327.3.1 POLICY COMPLIANCE
Police reserve officers shall be required to adhere to all departmental policies and procedures.
A copy of the policies and procedures will be made available to each reserve officer upon
appointment and he/she shall become thoroughly familiar with these policies.
Whenever a rule, regulation, or guideline in this manual refers to a sworn regular full-time officer,
it shall also apply to a sworn reserve officer unless by its nature it is inapplicable.
327.3.2 RESERVE OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS
All reserve officers will be assigned to duties by the Reserve Coordinator or his/her designee.
327.3.3 RESERVE COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police shall delegate the responsibility for administering the Reserve Officer Program
to a Reserve Coordinator.
The Reserve Coordinator shall have the responsibility of, but not be limited to:
(a)

Assignment of reserve personnel

(b)

Conducting reserve meetings

(c)

Establishing and maintaining a reserve call-out roster

(d)

Maintaining and ensuring performance evaluations are completed

(e)

Monitoring individual reserve officer performance

(f)

Monitoring overall Reserve Program

(g)

Maintaining liaison with other agency Reserve Coordinators

327.4 FIELD TRAINING
Penal Code § 832.6 requires Level II reserve officers, who have not been released from
the immediate supervision requirement per the Completion of the Formal Training Process
subsection, to work under the immediate supervision of a peace officer who possesses a Basic
POST Certificate.
327.4.1 TRAINING OFFICERS
Officers of this department, who demonstrate a desire and ability to train reserve officers, may
train the reserves during Phase II, subject to Watch Commander approval.
327.4.2 PRIMARY TRAINING OFFICER
Upon completion of the Academy, reserve officers will be assigned to a primary training officer.
The primary training officer will be selected from members of the Field Training Officer (FTO)
Committee. The reserve officer will be assigned to work with his/her primary training officer during
the first 160 hours of training. This time shall be known as the Primary Training Phase.
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327.4.3 FIELD TRAINING MANUAL
Each new reserve officer will be issued a Field Training Manual at the beginning of his/her Primary
Training Phase. This manual is an outline of the subject matter and/or skills necessary to properly
function as an officer with the Culver City Police Department. The reserve officer shall become
knowledgeable of the subject matter as outlined. He/she shall also become proficient with those
skills as set forth in the manual.
327.4.4 COMPLETION OF THE PRIMARY TRAINING PHASE
At the completion of the Primary Training Phase, (Phase I) the primary training officer will meet
with the Reserve Coordinator. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the progress of the reserve
officer in training.
If the reserve officer has progressed satisfactorily, he/she will then proceed to Phase II of the
training. If he/she has not progressed satisfactorily, the Reserve Coordinator will determine the
appropriate action to be taken.
327.4.5 SECONDARY TRAINING PHASE
The Secondary Training Phase (Phase II) shall consist of 100 hours of additional on-duty training.
The reserve officer will no longer be required to ride with his/her primary training officer. The
reserve officer may now ride with any officer designated by the Watch Commander.
During Phase II of training, as with Phase I, the reserve officer's performance will be closely
monitored. In addition, rapid progress should continue towards the completion of the Officer's Field
Training Manual. At the completion of Phase II of training, the reserve officer will return to his/her
primary training officer for Phase III of the training.
327.4.6 THIRD TRAINING PHASE
Phase III of training shall consist of 24 hours of additional on-duty training. For this training phase,
the reserve officer will return to his/her original primary training officer. During this phase, the
training officer will evaluate the reserve officer for suitability to graduate from the formal training
program.
At the completion of Phase III training, the primary training officer will meet with the Reserve
Coordinator. Based upon the reserve officer's evaluations, plus input from the primary training
officer, the Reserve Coordinator shall decide if the reserve officer has satisfactorily completed his/
her formal training. If the reserve officer has progressed satisfactorily, he/she will then graduate
from the formal training process. If his/her progress is not satisfactory, the Reserve Coordinator
will decide upon the appropriate action to be taken.
327.4.7 COMPLETION OF THE FORMAL TRAINING PROCESS
When a reserve officer has satisfactorily completed all three phases of formal training, he/she will
have had a minimum of 284 hours of on-duty training. He/she will no longer be required to ride
with a reserve training officer. The reserve officer may now be assigned to ride with any officer
for the remaining 200-hour requirement for a total of 484 hours before being considered for relief
of immediate supervision.
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327.5 SUPERVISION OF RESERVE OFFICERS
Reserve officers who have attained the status of Level II shall be under the immediate supervision
of a regular sworn officer (Penal Code 832.6). The immediate supervision requirement shall also
continue for reserve officers who have attained Level I status unless special authorization is
received from the Reserve Coordinator with the approval of the Bureau Commander.
327.5.1 SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Reserve officers certified as Level I may, with prior authorization of the Reserve Coordinator
and on approval of the Reserve Program Lieutenant, be relieved of the "immediate supervision"
requirement. Level I reserve officers may function under the authority of Penal Code § 832.6(a)
(1) only for the duration of the assignment or purpose for which the authorization was granted.
In the absence of the Reserve Coordinator and the Bureau Commander, the Watch Commander
may assign a certified Level I reserve officer to function under the authority of Penal Code §
832.6(a)(1) for specific purposes and duration.
327.5.2 RESERVE OFFICER MEETINGS
All reserve officer meetings will be scheduled and conducted by the Reserve Coordinator. All
reserve officers are required to attend scheduled meetings. Any absences must be satisfactorily
explained to the Reserve Coordinator.
327.5.3 IDENTIFICATION OF RESERVE OFFICERS
All reserve officers will be issued a uniform badge and a Department identification card. The
uniform badge shall be the same as that worn by a regular full-time officer. The identification card
will be the standard identification card with the exception that "Reserve" will be indicated on the
card.
327.5.4 UNIFORM
Reserve officers shall conform to all uniform regulation and appearance standards of this
department.
327.5.5 INVESTIGATIONS AND COMPLAINTS
If a reserve officer has a complaint made against him/her or becomes involved in an internal
investigation, that complaint or internal investigation may be investigated by the Professional
Standards Unit or the Reserve Coordinator.
Reserve officers are considered at-will employees. Government Code § 3300 et seq. applies to
reserve officers with the exception that the right to a hearing is limited to the opportunity to clear
their name.
Any disciplinary action that may have to be administered to a reserve officer shall be accomplished
as outlined in the Policy Manual.

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327.5.6 RESERVE OFFICER EVALUATIONS
While in training reserves will be continuously evaluated using standardized daily and weekly
observation reports. The reserve will be considered a trainee until all of the training phases have
been completed. Reserves having completed their field training will be evaluated annually using
performance dimensions applicable to the duties and authorities granted to that reserve.
327.5.7 SUSPENSION FROM SERVICE
When an incident involving a Reserve Officer is of a nature warranting such action, the officer may
be temporarily suspended from the Section. The period of the suspension shall be determined by
the nature of the incident. The decision on whether or not an officer should be suspended from
the Section shall be that of the Bureau Commander and upon approval of the Chief of Police.
327.5.8 REMOVAL FROM MEMBERSHIP
A Reserve Officer may be removed from the Reserve Program by the Traffic Bureau Commander
based upon the recommendation of the Reserve Coordinator and or the Community/Media
Relations Lieutenant.
A Reserve Officer's course of appeal shall be the Chief of Police. Such appeal shall be made
within ten (10) calendar days of the disciplinary action.
327.6 FIREARMS REQUIREMENTS
Penal Code § 830.6(a)(1) designates a reserve officer as having peace officer powers during his/
her assigned tour of duty, provided the reserve officer qualifies or falls within the provisions of
Penal Code § 832.6.
327.6.1 CARRYING WEAPON ON DUTY
Penal Code § 830.6(a)(1) permits qualified reserve officers to carry a loaded firearm while onduty. It is the policy of this department to allow reserves to carry firearms only while on-duty or
to and from duty.
327.6.2 CONCEALED FIREARMS PROHIBITED
No reserve officer will be permitted to carry a concealed firearm while in an off-duty capacity, other
than to and from work, except those reserve officers who possess a valid CCW permit. An instance
may arise where a reserve officer is assigned to a plainclothes detail for his/her assigned tour of
duty. Under these circumstances, the reserve officer may be permitted to carry a weapon more
suited to the assignment with the knowledge and approval of the supervisor in charge of the detail.
Any reserve officer who is permitted to carry a firearm other than the assigned duty weapon may do
so only after verifying that the weapon conforms to departmental standards. The weapon must be
registered by the reserve officer and be inspected and certified as fit for service by a departmental
armorer.
Before being allowed to carry any optional firearm during an assigned tour of duty, the reserve
officer shall have demonstrated his/her proficiency with said weapon.

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When a reserve officer has satisfactorily completed all three phases of training (as outlined in
the Field Training section), he/she may be issued a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The
decision to issue a concealed weapon permit will be made by the Chief of Police with input from
the Reserve Program Coordinator and administrative staff. In issuing a concealed weapon permit
a reserve officer's qualification will be individually judged. A reserve officer's dedication to the
program and demonstrated maturity, among other factors, will be considered before a concealed
weapon permit will be issued. Once issued, the concealed weapon permit will be valid only for
as long as the reserve officer remains in good standing as a Reserve Officer with the Culver City
Police Department.
327.6.3 RESERVE OFFICER FIREARM TRAINING
All reserve officers are required to maintain proficiency with firearms used in the course of their
assignments. Reserve officers shall comply with all areas of the firearms training section of the
Policy Manual, with the following exceptions:
(a)

All reserve officers are required to qualify with their duty weapon(s) as outlined for all sworn
personnel in this Policy Manual

(b)

Should a reserve officer fail to qualify over a two-month period, that reserve officer will not
be allowed to carry a firearm until he/she has reestablished his/her proficiency

327.7 EMERGENCY CALL-OUT FOR RESERVE PERSONNEL
The Reserve Coordinator shall develop a plan outlining an emergency call-out procedure for
reserve personnel.
327.7.1 PLANNED EVENTS
Where the Department has prior knowledge of planned events such as parades, demonstrations
and the like, plans will be finalized prior to the event. Use of the Police Reserve Section at the
scene of such events shall be indicated in the Department plan and all Reserve Officers shall have
prior knowledge of their respective assignments and responsibilities.
327.8 RESERVE OFFICER BASIC DUTIES
All Reserve Officers shall perform their duties as assigned in the same manner as Regular Officers,
except as limited by the following:
(a)

Level III Reserve Officers, with the authorization of the Traffic Bureau Commander, may
carry a firearm while on duty. Unless they possess a concealed weapon permit, Level III
Reserve Officers are not authorized to carry a firearm while off duty. They shall not be
assigned to work active patrol or detective assignments. Level III Reserves should always
be supervised by a Regular Officer.

(b)

Level II Reserve Officers may be assigned the same or similar duties as a Regular Officer.
Unless authorized by the Traffic Bureau Commander, Level II Reserve Officers shall not
be assigned to any active enforcement duty without being accompanied by or directly
supervised by a Regular Officer.

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(c)

Level I Reserve Officers may be assigned to the same duties as a Regular Officer.

(d)

Such duties of any Reserve Officer as outlined above may be restricted by the policy or
order of the Chief of Police, Bureau Commander, or Bureau Lieutenant.

327.9 LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The following procedures apply to those officers desiring to request a leave of absence from
"Active" status within the Reserve Section:
(a)

Submit a written request to the Reserve Officer in Charge stating the reasons for desiring
the leave.

(b)

The Reserve Section Officer in Charge shall review and forward the request to the Bureau
Lieutenant for his review and submission to the Bureau Commander for his review and
concurrence with the request. The Bureau Commander shall note the approval and cause
it to be placed in the concerned officer's file. He shall then cause the officer to be notified
of the result.

(c)

An official leave of absence shall not affect the "Active" status of the concerned officer,
unless it extends beyond six months, at which time the officer shall be placed in an "Inactive"
status.

327.10 RANK STRUCTURE
Reserve officer program rank structure will be determined by the Traffic Bureau Commander
based on the recommendations of the Reserve Coordinator and the Community/Media Relations
Lieutenant.
327.11 RESERVE OFFICER CREDENTIALED RETIREMENT
After twenty years of honorable service with the Department, Reserve Officer retirees may be
issued an appropriate "retired" badge and identification card.

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328

Policy Manual

Outside Agency Assistance
328.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to members when requesting or responding to
a request for mutual aid or when assisting another law enforcement agency.
328.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to promptly respond to requests for assistance
by other law enforcement agencies, subject to available resources and consistent with the
applicable laws and policies of this department.
328.3 ASSISTING OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Generally, requests for any type of assistance from another agency should be routed to the Watch
Commander’s office for approval. In some instances, a memorandum of understanding or other
established protocol may exist that eliminates the need for approval of individual requests.
When another law enforcement agency requests assistance from this department, the Watch
Commander may authorize, if available, an appropriate number of personnel to assist. Members
are reminded that their actions when rendering assistance must conform with applicable laws and
be consistent with the policies of this department.
Officers may respond to a request for emergency assistance, however, they shall notify a
supervisor of their activity as soon as practicable.
Arrestees may be temporarily detained by this department until arrangements for transportation
are made by the outside agency. Probation violators who are temporarily detained by this
department will not ordinarily be booked at this department. Only in exceptional circumstances,
and subject to supervisor approval, will this department provide transportation of arrestees to other
facilities on behalf of another agency.
When transportation assistance is rendered, a report shall be prepared and submitted by the
handling member unless otherwise directed by a supervisor.
328.3.1 INITIATED ACTIVITY
Any on-duty officer who engages in law enforcement activities of any type that are not part of a
mutual aid request and take place outside the jurisdiction of the Culver City Police Department
shall notify his/her supervisor or the Watch Commander and Dispatch as soon as practicable.
This requirement does not apply to special enforcement details or multi-agency units that regularly
work in multiple jurisdictions.
328.4 REQUESTING OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
If assistance is needed from another agency, the member requesting assistance should, if
practicable, first notify a supervisor. The handling member or supervisor should direct assisting
personnel to where they are needed and to whom they should report when they arrive.
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The requesting member should arrange for appropriate radio communication capabilities, if
necessary and available, so that communication can be coordinated between assisting personnel.
328.5 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Incidents of outside assistance or law enforcement activities that are not documented in a crime
report shall be documented in a Incident Report, Supervisor's Log or as directed by the Watch
Commander.
328.6 MANDATORY SHARING
Equipment and supplies purchased with federal funds or grants that require such equipment and
supplies be shared with other agencies should be documented and updated as necessary by
the Administration and Investigations Bureau Commander or the authorized designee.
The documentation should include:
(a)

The conditions relative to sharing.

(b)

The training requirements for:

(c)

The use of the supplies and equipment.

The members trained in the use of the supplies and equipment.

Any other requirements for use of the equipment and supplies.

Copies of the documentation should be provided to Dispatch and the Watch Commander to ensure
use of the equipment and supplies is in compliance with the applicable sharing agreements.
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should maintain documentation that the appropriate
members have received the required training.

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Policy

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329

Policy Manual

Megan's Law
329.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes guidelines by which the Culver City Police Department will address issues
associated with certain offenders who are residing in the jurisdiction and how the Department
will disseminate information and respond to public inquiries for information about registered sex,
arson and drug offenders.
329.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to identify and monitor registered offenders
living within this jurisdiction and to take reasonable steps to address the risks those persons may
pose.
329.3 REGISTRATION
The Special Victim's Unit supervisor shall establish a process to reasonably accommodate
registration of certain offenders. The process should rebut any allegation on the part of the
offender that the registration process was too confusing, burdensome or difficult for compliance.
If it is reasonable to do so, an investigator assigned to related investigations should conduct the
registration in order to best evaluate any threat the person may pose to the community. Employees
assigned to register offenders should receive appropriate training regarding the registration
process.
Upon conclusion of the registration process, the investigator shall ensure that the registration
information is provided to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) in accordance with applicable
law (Health and Safety Code § 11594; Penal Code § 457.1; Penal Code § 290 et seq).
The refusal of a registrant to provide any of the required information or complete the process
should initiate a criminal investigation for failure to register.
329.3.1 CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION
The information collected from the registering offenders shall include a signed statement as
required by the California DOJ, fingerprints and a photograph and any other information required
by applicable law (Health and Safety Code § 11594; Penal Code § 457.1; Penal Code § 290 et
seq.).
329.4 MONITORING OF REGISTERED OFFENDERS
The Special Victim's Unit supervisor should establish a system to periodically, and at least once
annually, verify that a registrant remains in compliance with his/her registration requirements after
the initial registration. This verification should include:
(a)

Efforts to confirm residence using an unobtrusive method, such as an Internet search or
drive-by of the declared residence.

(b)

Review of information on the California DOJ website for sex offenders.

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(c)

Contact with a registrant's parole or probation officer.

Any discrepancies should be reported to the California DOJ.
The Special Victim's Unit supervisor should also establish a procedure to routinely disseminate
information regarding registered offenders to Culver City Police Department personnel, including
timely updates regarding new or relocated registrants.
329.5 DISSEMINATION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
Employees will not unilaterally make a public notification advising the community of a particular
registrant's presence in the community. Employees who identify a significant risk or other public
safety issue associated with a registrant should promptly advise their supervisor. The supervisor
should evaluate the request and forward the information to the Chief of Police if warranted.
A determination will be made by the Chief of Police, with the assistance of legal counsel as
necessary, whether such a public alert should be made.
Members of the public requesting information on sex registrants should be provided the Megan's
Law website or the Culver City Police Department's website.
The Records Manager may release local registered offender information to residents only in
accordance with applicable law (Penal Code § 290.45; Penal Code § 290.46; Penal Code §
457.1; Health and Safety Code § 11594), and in compliance with a California Public Records Act
(Government Code § 6250-6276.48) request.
329.5.1 LIMITED RELEASE WITHIN COLLEGE CAMPUS COMMUNITY
California law allows the following additional information regarding a registered sex offender on
campus, whose information is not available to the public via the Internet website, to be released
to a campus community (Penal Code § 290.01(d)):
(a)

The offender's full name

(b)

The offender's known aliases

(c)

The offender's sex

(d)

The offender's race

(e)

The offender's physical description

(f)

The offender's photograph

(g)

The offender's date of birth

(h)

Crimes resulting in the registration of the offender under Penal Code § 290

(i)

The date of last registration

For purposes of this section, campus community shall be defined as those persons present at
or regularly frequenting any place constituting campus property, satellite facilities, laboratories,
public areas contiguous to the campus and other areas set forth in Penal Code § 290.01(d).
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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329.5.2 RELEASE NOTIFICATIONS
Registrant information that is released should include notification that:
(a)

The offender registry includes only those persons who have been required by law to register
and who are in compliance with the offender registration laws.

(b)

The information is provided as a public service and may not be current or accurate.

(c)

Persons should not rely solely on the offender registry as a safeguard against offenses in
their communities.

(d)

The crime for which a person is convicted may not accurately reflect the level of risk.

(e)

Anyone who uses information contained in the registry to harass registrants or commit any
crime may be subject to criminal prosecution.

(f)

The purpose of the release of information is to allow members of the public to protect
themselves and their children from sex offenders (Penal Code 290.45).

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330

Policy Manual

Major Incident Notification
330.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to members of this department in determining
when, how and to whom notification of major incidents should be made.
330.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department recognizes that certain incidents should be brought to the
attention of supervisors or other specified personnel of this department to facilitate the coordination
of activities and ensure that inquiries from the media and the public may be properly addressed.
330.3 MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR NOTIFICATION
Most situations where the media show a strong interest are also of interest to the Chief of Police
and the affected Bureau Commander. The following list of incident types is provided as a guide
for notification and is not intended to be all inclusive:

•

Homicides

•

Traffic accidents with fatalities

•

Officer-involved shooting - on or off duty (see Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths Policy
for special notifications)

•

Significant injury or death to employee - on or off duty

•

Death of a prominent Culver City official

•

Arrest of a department employee or prominent Culver City official

•

Aircraft crash with major damage and/or injury or death

•

In-custody deaths

330.4 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
The Watch Commander is responsible for making the appropriate notifications. The Watch
Commander shall make reasonable attempts to obtain as much information on the incident as
possible before notification. The Watch Commander shall attempt to make the notifications as
soon as practicable. Notification should be made by calling the home telephone number first and
then by any other available contact numbers.
330.4.1 STAFF NOTIFICATION
In the event an incident occurs described in the Major Incident Notification Policy, the Chief of
Police shall be notified along with the affected Bureau Commander and the Detective Lieutenant
if that bureau is affected.

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330.4.2 DETECTIVE NOTIFICATION
If the incident requires that a detective respond from home, the immediate supervisor of the
appropriate detail shall be contacted who will then contact the appropriate detective.
330.4.3 TRAFFIC BUREAU NOTIFICATION
In the event of a traffic fatality or major injury, the Traffic Sergeant shall be notified who will then
contact the appropriate accident investigator. The Traffic Sergeant will notify the Traffic Lieutenant.
330.4.4 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO)
The Public Information Officer shall be called after members of staff have been notified that it
appears the media may have a significant interest in the incident.

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331

Policy Manual

Death Investigation
331.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The investigations of cases involving death include those ranging from natural cause to homicide.
Some causes of death may not be readily apparent and some cases differ substantially from what
they appeared to be initially. The thoroughness of death investigations cannot be emphasized
enough.
331.2 INVESTIGATION CONSIDERATIONS
Death investigation cases require certain actions be taken. Paramedics shall be called in all
suspected death cases unless the death is obvious (e.g., decapitated, decomposed). A supervisor
shall be notified in all death investigations.
331.2.1 CORONER REQUEST
Government Code § 27491 and Health & Safety Code § 102850 direct the Coroner to inquire
into and determine the circumstances, manner and cause of certain deaths. The Coroner shall
be called in any of the following cases:
(a)

Unattended deaths (No physician in attendance or during the continued absence of the
attending physician. Also, includes all deaths outside hospitals and nursing care facilities).

(b)

Deaths where the deceased has not been attended by either a physician or a registered
nurse, who is a member of a hospice care interdisciplinary team, as defined by Health and
Safety Code § 1746 in the 20 days prior to death.

(c)

Physician unable to state the cause of death. Unwillingness does not apply. Includes all
sudden, unexpected and unusual deaths and fetal deaths when the underlying cause is
unknown.

(d)

Known or suspected homicide.

(e)

Known or suspected suicide.

(f)

Involving any criminal action or suspicion of a criminal act. Includes child and dependent
adult negligence and abuse.

(g)

Related to or following known or suspected self-induced or criminal abortion.

(h)

Associated with a known or alleged rape or crime against nature.

(i)

Following an accident or injury (primary or contributory). Deaths known or suspected as
resulting (in whole or in part) from or related to accident or injury, either old or recent.

(j)

Drowning, fire, hanging, gunshot, stabbing, cutting, starvation, exposure, alcoholism, drug
addiction, strangulation or aspiration.

(k)

Accidental poisoning (food, chemical, drug, therapeutic agents).

(l)

Occupational diseases or occupational hazards.

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(m)

Known or suspected contagious disease and constituting a public hazard.

(n)

All deaths in operating rooms and all deaths where a patient has not fully recovered from
an anesthetic, whether in surgery, recovery room or elsewhere.

(o)

In prison or while under sentence. Includes all in-custody and police involved deaths.

(p)

All deaths of unidentified persons.

(q)

All deaths of state hospital patients.

(r)

Suspected Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths.

(s)

All deaths where the patient is comatose throughout the period of the physician’s
attendance. Includes patients admitted to hospitals unresponsive and expire without
regaining consciousness.

The body shall not be disturbed or moved from the position or place of death without permission
of the coroner.
331.2.2 SEARCHING DEAD BODIES
The Coroner or Deputy Coroner is generally the only person permitted to search a body known to
be dead from any of the circumstances set forth in Government Code § 27491. The only exception
is that an officer is permitted to search the body of a person killed in a traffic collision for the limited
purpose of locating an anatomical donor card (Government Code § 27491.3). If such a donor card
is located, the Coroner or a designee shall be promptly notified. Should exigent circumstances
indicate to an officer that any search of a known dead body is warranted prior to the arrival of the
Coroner or a designee; the investigating officer shall first obtain verbal consent from the Coroner
or a designee (Government Code § 27491.2).
Whenever possible, a witness, preferably a relative to the deceased or a member of the household,
should be requested to remain at the scene with the officer pending the arrival of the Coroner or
a designee. The name and address of this person shall be included in the narrative of the death
report. Whenever personal effects are removed from the body of the deceased by the Coroner or
a designee, a receipt shall be obtained. This receipt shall be attached to the death report.
331.2.3 DEATH NOTIFICATION
When practical, and if not handled by the Coroner’s Office, notification to the next-of-kin of the
deceased person shall be made, in person, by the officer assigned to the incident. If the next-ofkin lives in another jurisdiction, a law enforcement official from that jurisdiction shall be requested
to make the personal notification. If the relatives live outside this county, the Coroner may be
requested to make the notification. The Coroner needs to know if notification has been made.
Assigned detectives may need to talk to the next-of-kin.
331.2.4 UNIDENTIFIED DEAD BODIES
If the identity of a dead body cannot be established after the Coroner arrives, the Coroner’s office
will issue a “John Doe" or "Jane Doe” number for the report.

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331.2.5 DEATH INVESTIGATION REPORTING
All incidents involving a death shall be documented on the appropriate form.
331.2.6 SUSPECTED HOMICIDE
If the initially assigned officer suspects that the death involves a homicide or other suspicious
circumstances, the Investigations Bureau shall be notified to determine the possible need for a
detective to respond to the scene for further immediate investigation.
331.2.7 EMPLOYMENT RELATED DEATHS OR INJURIES
Any member of this agency who responds to and determines that a death, serious illness,
or serious injury has occurred as a result of an accident at or in connection with the victim's
employment shall ensure that the nearest office of Cal-OSHA is notified by telephone immediately
or as soon as practicable with all pertinent information (8 CCR 342(b)).

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332

Policy Manual

OCCUPATIONAL INJURY OR DEATH RESPONSE
332.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
California's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A.) is responsible for issuing
rules designed to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for workers throughout the state. A
violation of those rules may result not only in administrative fines and penalties, but also potential
criminal liability. Per Penal Code Sectionl 387 and Labor Code Section 6425, employers and/or
employees may be guilty of a felony if they are found to be willfully in violation of safety rules that
cause death or serious injury to any worker. As a result, any employee or employer with control
over a workplace may be guilty of a homicide in the event of a workplace death.
The Los angeles County District Attorney's Office has been instructed to become involved at
the earliest possible moment during the investigation of occupational deaths and life-threatening
injuries at a workplace. This also includes significant violations of environmental laws that pose
substantial and serious threats to public safety and/or the environment. The Los Angeles County
District Attorney's Office, in appropriate cases, intends to "roll out" to the scene of such incidents
and assist in the investigations. The responding team will consist of one or more Distract Attorney
Investigators and, if appropriate, a Deputy District Attorney. The Culver City Police Department
has entered into an operational agreement with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
regarding a notification process when such circumstances arise.
332.2 REPORTING
When an occupational death or serious injury in the workplace occurs, or a significant violation
of environmental law that poses a serious threat to public safety and/or the environment
occurs, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Command Center shall be notified immediately
at (213) 974-3607. The Culver City Police Department shall provide the following to the Command
Center:
(a)

Department call back number and a brief description of the incident.

(b)

The name and location of the employer and/or the potential responsible party.

(c)

The name and age of the deceased or injured person(s), severity of injuries, the manner
in which the injury was sustained and the contact information for the employer's safety
manager.

Upon arrival of the District Attorney roll out team, the Culver City Police Department shall maintain
the primary responsibility to investigate the incident. The responsibility of the District Attorney
roll out team will consist of assisting and advising the lead investigator on applicable criminal law
issues, participate in the investigation when appropriate, and observe the overall investigation.
As soon as practical, the Culver City Police Department will provide the following to the on-scene
Deistrict Attorney roll out team:
(a)

An initial briefing of the incident.

(b)

The names and present whereabouts of the first responding officers and lead investigator.

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(c)

The names, contact information and present whereabouts of all civilian witnesses including
copies of all F.I. cards.

(d)

Any recorded or annotated statements from first responders, investigators, and civilian
witnesses.

(e)

Any physical evidence discovered. (All physical evidence shall remain in the custody of the
Culver City Police Department or the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office respectively).

(f)

A walkthrough of the scene.

(g)

The medical condition of any and all injured persons.

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333

Policy Manual

Identity Theft
333.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Identity theft is a growing trend that frequently involves related crimes in multiple jurisdictions. This
policy is intended to provide guidelines for the reporting and investigation of such crimes.
333.2 REPORTING
(a)

In an effort to maintain uniformity in reporting, officers presented with the crime of identity
theft (Penal Code § 530.6) shall initiate a report for victims residing within the jurisdiction
of this department. For incidents of identity theft occurring outside this jurisdiction, officers
should observe the following:
1.

For any victim not residing within this jurisdiction, the officer may either take a
courtesy report to be forwarded to the victim's residence agency or the victim should
be encouraged to promptly report the identity theft to the law enforcement agency
where he or she resides.

(b)

While the crime of identity theft should be reported to the law enforcement agency
where the victim resides, officers of this department should investigate and report crimes
occurring within this jurisdiction which have resulted from the original identity theft (e.g., the
identity theft occurred elsewhere, but the credit card fraud occurred and is reported in this
jurisdiction).

(c)

Officers should include all known incidents of fraudulent activity (e.g., credit card number
applied for in victim's name when the victim has never made such an application).

(d)

Officers should also cross-reference all known reports made by the victim (e.g., U.S. Secret
Service, credit reporting bureaus, U.S. Postal Service and DMV) with all known report
numbers.

(e)

The reporting officer should inform victims of identity theft that the California Identity Theft
Registry (HTTP://ag.ca.gov/idtheft/general.htm) is available to help those who are wrongly
linked to crimes. The registry can be checked by law enforcement and other authorized
persons to investigate whether a criminal history or want was created in the victim's name
(Penal Code § 530.7). Information regarding the California Identity Theft Registry can be
obtained by calling toll free (888) 880-0240.

(f)

Following supervisory review and departmental processing, the initial report should be
forwarded to the appropriate detective for follow up investigation, coordination with other
agencies and prosecution as circumstances dictate.

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334

Policy Manual

Private Persons Arrests
334.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the handling of private person's arrests made
pursuant to Penal Code § 837.
334.2 ADVISING PRIVATE PERSONS OF THE ARREST PROCESS
Penal Code § 836(b) expressly mandates that all officers shall advise victims of domestic violence
of the right to make a private person's arrest, including advice on how to safely execute such an
arrest. In all other situations, officers should use sound discretion in determining whether or not
to advise an individual of the arrest process.
(a)

When advising any individual regarding the right to make a private person's arrest, officers
should refrain from encouraging or dissuading any individual from making such an arrest
and should instead limit advice to the legal requirements for such an arrest as listed below.

(b)

Private individuals should be discouraged from using force to effect a private person's arrest,
and absent immediate threat to their own safety or the safety of others, private individuals
should be encouraged to refer matters to law enforcement officials for further investigation
or arrest.

334.3 ARRESTS BY PRIVATE PERSONS
Penal Code § 837 provides that a private person may arrest another:
(a)

For a public offense committed or attempted in his or her presence;

(b)

When the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in his or her presence;

(c)

When a felony has been in fact committed, and he or she has reasonable cause for believing
the person arrested has committed it.

Unlike peace officers, private persons may not make an arrest on suspicion that a felony has been
committed - the felony must in fact have taken place.
334.4 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Any officer presented with a private person wishing to make an arrest must determine whether or
not there is reasonable cause to believe that such an arrest would be lawful (Penal Code § 847).
(a)

Should any officer determine that there is no reasonable cause to believe that a private
person's arrest is lawful, the officer should take no action to further detain or restrain
the individual beyond that which reasonably appears necessary to investigate the matter,
determine the lawfulness of the arrest and protect the public safety.
1.

Any officer who determines that a private person's arrest appears to be unlawful
should promptly release the arrested individual pursuant to Penal Code § 849(b)(1).
The officer must include the basis of such a determination in a related report.

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(b)

Absent reasonable cause to support a private person's arrest or other lawful grounds
to support an independent arrest by the officer, the officer should advise the parties
that no arrest will be made and that the circumstances will be documented in a related
report.

Whenever an officer determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that a private
person's arrest is lawful, the officer may exercise any of the following options:
1.

Take the individual into physical custody for booking

Release the individual pursuant to a Notice to Appear

Release the individual pursuant to Penal Code § 849

334.5 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
In all circumstances in which a private person is claiming to have made an arrest, the individual
must complete and sign a department Private Person's Arrest form under penalty of perjury.
In addition to the Private Person's Arrest Form (and any other related documents such as citations,
booking forms, etc.), officers shall complete a narrative report regarding the circumstances and
disposition of the incident.

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335

Policy Manual

Anti-Reproductive Rights Crimes Reporting
335.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy shall establish a procedure for the mandated reporting of Anti-Reproductive Rights
Crimes (ARRC) to the Attorney General pursuant to the Reproductive Rights Law Enforcement
Act (Penal Code § 13775 et seq.).
335.2 DEFINITIONS
Penal Code § 423.2 provides that the following acts shall be considered Anti-Reproductive Rights
Crimes (ARRC) when committed by any person, except a parent or guardian acting towards his
or her minor child or ward:
(a)

By force, threat of force, or physical obstruction that is a crime of violence, intentionally
injures, intimidates, interferes with, or attempts to injure, intimidate, or interfere with any
person or entity because that person or entity is a reproductive health services client,
provider, or assistant, or in order to intimidate any person or entity, or any class of persons
or entities, from becoming or remaining a reproductive health services client, provider, or
assistant

(b)

By non-violent physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates, or interferes with, or
attempts to injure, intimidate, or interfere with, any person or entity because that person or
entity is a reproductive health services client, provider, or assistant, or in order to intimidate
any person or entity, or any class of persons or entities, from becoming or remaining a
reproductive health services client, provider or assistant

(c)

Intentionally damages or destroys the property of a person, entity, or facility, or attempts to
do so, because the person, entity, or facility is a reproductive health services client, provider,
assistant, or facility

335.3 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
(a)

Upon the receipt of the report of an ARRC, it shall be the responsibility of the employee
taking such a report to also complete an ARRC Data Collection Worksheet (BCIA 8371) in
accordance with the instructions contained on such forms.

(b)

The ARRC Data Collection Worksheet shall be processed with all related reports and
forwarded to the Investigation Bureau Commander.

(c)

By the tenth day of each month, it shall be the responsibility of the Investigation Bureau
Commander to ensure that a Summary Worksheet (BCIA 8370) is submitted to the
Department of Justice Criminal Justice Statistics Center.
1.

In the event that no ARRC(s) were reported during the previous month, a Summary
Worksheet shall be submitted to Department of Justice with an indication that no
such crimes were reported.

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Any ARRC(s) reported in the Summary Worksheet shall be accompanied by a copy
of the related Data Collection Worksheet(s).

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336

Policy Manual

Limited English Proficiency Services
336.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance to members when communicating with individuals with limited
English proficiency (LEP) (42 USC § 2000d).
336.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Authorized interpreter - A person who has been screened and authorized by the Department to
act as an interpreter and/or translator for others.
Interpret or interpretation - The act of listening to a communication in one language (source
language) and orally converting it to another language (target language), while retaining the same
meaning.
Limited English proficient (LEP) - Any individual whose primary language is not English and
who has a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English. These individuals may be
competent in certain types of communication (e.g., speaking or understanding) but still be LEP
for other purposes (e.g., reading or writing). Similarly, LEP designations are context-specific; an
individual may possess sufficient English language skills to function in one setting but these skills
may be insufficient in other situations.
Qualified bilingual member - A member of the Culver City Police Department, designated by the
Department, who has the ability to communicate fluently, directly and accurately in both English
and another language. Bilingual members may be fluent enough to communicate in a non-English
language but may not be sufficiently fluent to interpret or translate from one language into another.
Translate or translation - The replacement of written text from one language (source language)
into an equivalent written text (target language).
336.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to reasonably ensure that LEP individuals
have meaningful access to law enforcement services, programs and activities, while not imposing
undue burdens on its members.
The Department will not discriminate against or deny any individual access to services, rights or
programs based upon national origin or any other protected interest or right.
336.3 FOUR-FACTOR ANALYSIS
Since there are many different languages that members could encounter, the Department will
utilize the four-factor analysis outlined in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Guidance to
Federal Financial Assistance Recipients, available at the DOJ website, to determine which
measures will provide meaningful access to its services and programs. It is recognized that law

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enforcement contacts and circumstances will vary considerably. This analysis, therefore, must
remain flexible and will require an ongoing balance of four factors, which are:
(a)

The number or proportion of LEP individuals eligible to be served or likely to be encountered
by department members, or who may benefit from programs or services within the
jurisdiction of the Department or a particular geographic area.

(b)

The frequency with which LEP individuals are likely to come in contact with department
members, programs or services.

(c)

The nature and importance of the contact, program, information or service provided.

(d)

The cost of providing LEP assistance and the resources available.

336.4 TYPES OF LEP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Culver City Police Department members should never refuse service to an LEP individual who
is requesting assistance, nor should they require an LEP individual to furnish an interpreter as a
condition for receiving assistance. The Department will make every reasonable effort to provide
meaningful and timely assistance to LEP individuals through a variety of services.
The Department will utilize all reasonably available tools, such as language identification cards,
when attempting to determine an LEP individual's primary language.
LEP individuals may choose to accept department-provided LEP services at no cost or they may
choose to provide their own.
Department-provided LEP services may include, but are not limited to, the assistance methods
described in this policy.
336.5 WRITTEN FORMS AND GUIDELINES
Vital documents or those that are frequently used should be translated into languages most likely to
be encountered. The LEP Coordinator will arrange to make these translated documents available
to members and other appropriate individuals, as necessary.
336.6 AUDIO RECORDINGS
The Department may develop audio recordings of important or frequently requested information
in a language most likely to be understood by those LEP individuals who are representative of
the community being served.
336.7 QUALIFIED BILINGUAL MEMBERS
Bilingual members may be qualified to provide LEP services when they have demonstrated
through established department procedures a sufficient level of skill and competence to fluently
communicate in both English and a non-English language. Members utilized for LEP services
must demonstrate knowledge of the functions of an interpreter/translator and the ethical issues
involved when acting as a language conduit. Additionally, bilingual members must be able to

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communicate technical and law enforcement terminology, and be sufficiently proficient in the
non-English language to perform complicated tasks, such as conducting interrogations, taking
statements, collecting evidence or conveying rights or responsibilities.
When a qualified bilingual member from this department is not available, personnel from other
City departments, who have been identified by the Department as having the requisite skills and
competence, may be requested.
336.8 AUTHORIZED INTERPRETERS
Any person designated by the Department to act as an authorized interpreter and/or translator
must have demonstrated competence in both English and the involved non-English language,
must have an understanding of the functions of an interpreter that allows for correct and effective
translation, and should not be a person with an interest in the department case or investigation
involving the LEP individual. A person providing interpretation or translation services may be
required to establish the accuracy and trustworthiness of the interpretation or translation in a court
proceeding.
Authorized interpreters must pass a screening process established by Human Resources which
demonstrates that their skills and abilities include:
(a)

The competence and ability to communicate information accurately in both English and in
the target language.

(b)

Knowledge, in both languages, of any specialized terms or concepts peculiar to this
department and of any particularized vocabulary or phraseology used by the LEP individual.

(c)

The ability to understand and adhere to the interpreter role without deviating into other roles,
such as counselor or legal adviser.

(d)

Knowledge of the ethical issues involved when acting as a language conduit.

336.8.1 SOURCES OF AUTHORIZED INTERPRETERS
The Department may contract with authorized interpreters who are available over the telephone.
Members may use these services with the approval of a supervisor and in compliance with
established procedures.
Other sources may include:
•

Qualified bilingual members of this department or personnel from other City departments.

•

Individuals employed exclusively to perform interpretation services.

•

Contracted in-person interpreters, such as state or federal court interpreters, among others.

•

Interpreters from other agencies who have been qualified as interpreters by this department,
and with whom the Department has a resource-sharing or other arrangement that they will
interpret according to department guidelines.

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336.8.2 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AND OTHER SOURCES OF LANGUAGE
ASSISTANCE
Language assistance may be available from community volunteers who have demonstrated
competence in either monolingual (direct) communication and/or in interpretation or translation (as
noted in above), and have been approved by the Department to communicate with LEP individuals.
Where qualified bilingual members or other authorized interpreters are unavailable to assist,
approved community volunteers who have demonstrated competence may be called upon when
appropriate. However, department members must carefully consider the nature of the contact and
the relationship between the LEP individual and the volunteer to ensure that the volunteer can
provide neutral and unbiased assistance.
While family or friends of an LEP individual may offer to assist with communication or
interpretation, members should carefully consider the circumstances before relying on such
individuals. For example, children should not be relied upon except in exigent or very informal and
non-confrontational situations.
336.9 CONTACT AND REPORTING
While all law enforcement contacts, services and individual rights are important, this department
will utilize the four-factor analysis to prioritize service to LEP individuals so that such services may
be targeted where they are most needed, according to the nature and importance of the particular
law enforcement activity involved.
Whenever any member of this department is required to complete a report or other documentation,
and interpretation services are provided to any involved LEP individual, such services should be
noted in the related report. Members should document the type of interpretation services utilized
and whether the individual elected to use services provided by the Department or some other
identified source.
336.10 RECEIVING AND RESPONDING TO REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
The Culver City Police Department will take reasonable steps and will work with Human Resources
to develop in-house language capacity by hiring or appointing qualified members proficient in
languages representative of the community being served.
336.10.1 EMERGENCY CALLS TO 9-1-1
Department members will make every reasonable effort to promptly accommodate LEP individuals
utilizing 9-1-1 lines. When a 9-1-1 call-taker receives a call and determines that the caller is an LEP
individual, the call-taker shall quickly determine whether sufficient information can be obtained to
initiate an appropriate emergency response. If language assistance is still needed, the language
is known and a qualified bilingual member is available in Dispatch, the call shall immediately be
handled by the qualified bilingual member.
If a qualified bilingual member is not available or the call-taker is unable to identify the caller's
language, the call-taker will contact the contracted telephone interpretation service and establish
a three-way call between the call-taker, the LEP individual and the interpreter.
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Dispatchers will make every reasonable effort to dispatch a qualified bilingual member to the
assignment, if available and appropriate.
While 9-1-1 calls shall receive top priority, reasonable efforts should also be made to
accommodate LEP individuals seeking routine access to services and information by utilizing the
resources listed in this policy.
336.11 FIELD ENFORCEMENT
Field enforcement will generally include such contacts as traffic stops, pedestrian stops, serving
warrants and restraining orders, crowd/traffic control and other routine field contacts that may
involve LEP individuals. The scope and nature of these activities and contacts will inevitably vary.
Members and/or supervisors must assess each situation to determine the need and availability of
language assistance to all involved LEP individuals and utilize the methods outlined in this policy
to provide such assistance.
Although not every situation can be addressed in this policy, it is important that members are able
to effectively communicate the reason for a contact, the need for information and the meaning
or consequences of any enforcement action. For example, it would be meaningless to request
consent to search if the officer is unable to effectively communicate with an LEP individual.
If available, officers should obtain the assistance of a qualified bilingual member or an authorized
interpreter before placing an LEP individual under arrest.
336.12 INVESTIGATIVE FIELD INTERVIEWS
In any situation where an interview may reveal information that could be used as the basis for
arrest or prosecution of an LEP individual and a qualified bilingual member is unavailable or
lacks the skills to directly communicate with the LEP individual, an authorized interpreter should
be used. This includes interviews conducted during an investigation with victims, witnesses and
suspects. In such situations, audio recordings of the interviews should be made when reasonably
possible. Identification and contact information for the interpreter (e.g., name, address) should be
documented so that the person can be subpoenaed for trial if necessary.
If an authorized interpreter is needed, officers should consider calling for an authorized interpreter
in the following order:
•

An authorized department member or allied agency interpreter

•

An authorized telephone interpreter

•

Any other authorized interpreter

Any Miranda warnings shall be provided to suspects in their primary language by an authorized
interpreter or, if the suspect is literate, by providing a translated Miranda warning card.
The use of an LEP individual's bilingual friends, family members, children, neighbors or bystanders
may be used only when a qualified bilingual member or authorized interpreter is unavailable and
there is an immediate need to interview an LEP individual.
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336.13 CUSTODIAL INTERROGATIONS
Miscommunication during custodial interrogations may have a substantial impact on the evidence
presented in a criminal prosecution. Only qualified bilingual members or, if none is available
or appropriate, authorized interpreters shall be used during custodial interrogations. Miranda
warnings shall be provided to suspects in their primary language by the qualified bilingual member
or an authorized interpreter.
In order to ensure that translations during custodial interrogations are accurately documented and
are admissible as evidence, interrogations should be recorded whenever reasonably possible.
See guidance on recording custodial interrogations in the Investigation and Prosecution Policy.
336.14 BOOKINGS
When gathering information during the booking process, members should remain alert to the
impediments that language barriers can create. In the interest of the arrestee's health and welfare,
the safety and security of the facility, and to protect individual rights, it is important that accurate
medical screening and booking information be obtained. Members should seek the assistance
of a qualified bilingual member whenever there is concern that accurate information cannot be
obtained or that booking instructions may not be properly understood by an LEP individual.
336.15 COMPLAINTS
The Department shall ensure that LEP individuals who wish to file a complaint regarding members
of this department are able to do so. The Department may provide an authorized interpreter or
translated forms, as appropriate. Complaints will be referred to the LEP Coordinator.
Investigations into such complaints shall be handled in accordance with the Personnel Complaints
Policy. Authorized interpreters used for any interview with an LEP individual during an investigation
should not be members of this department.
Any notice required to be sent to an LEP individual as a complaining party pursuant to the
Personnel Complaints Policy should be translated or otherwise communicated in a languageaccessible manner.
336.16 TRAINING
To ensure that all members who may have contact with LEP individuals are properly trained,
the Department will provide periodic training on this policy and related procedures, including
how to access department-authorized telephonic and in-person interpreters and other available
resources.
The Personnel and Training Section shall be responsible for ensuring new members receive LEP
training. Those who may have contact with LEP individuals should receive refresher training at
least once every two years thereafter. The Personnel and Training Section shall maintain records
of LEP training provided, and will retain a copy in each member's training file in accordance with
established records retention schedules.

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Policy Manual

Communications with Persons with Disabilities
337.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance to members when communicating with individuals with disabilities,
including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have impaired speech or vision, or are blind.
337.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Auxiliary aids - Tools used to communicate with people who have a disability or impairment. They
include, but are not limited to, the use of gestures or visual aids to supplement oral communication;
a notepad and pen or pencil to exchange written notes; a computer or typewriter; an assistive
listening system or device to amplify sound; a teletypewriter (TTY) or videophones (video relay
service or VRS); taped text; qualified readers; or a qualified interpreter.
Disability or impairment - A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life
activity, including hearing or seeing, regardless of whether the disabled person uses assistive or
adaptive devices or auxiliary aids. Individuals who wear ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses are
not considered to have a disability (42 USC § 12102).
Qualified interpreter - A person who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially,
both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Qualified
interpreters include oral interpreters, translators, sign language interpreters and intermediary
interpreters.
337.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to reasonably ensure that people with
disabilities, including victims, witnesses, suspects and arrestees have equal access to law
enforcement services, programs and activities. Members must make efforts to communicate
effectively with individuals with disabilities.
The Department will not discriminate against or deny any individual access to services, rights or
programs based upon disabilities.
337.3 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA) COORDINATOR
All Americans with Disabilities (ADA) issues and complaints shall be directed to the Human
Resources Department (28 CFR 35.107).
337.4 FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Because the nature of any law enforcement contact may vary substantially from one situation
to the next, members of this department should consider all information reasonably available to
them when determining how to communicate with an individual with a disability. Members should
carefully balance all known factors in an effort to reasonably ensure people who are disabled have
equal access to services, programs and activities. These factors may include, but are not limited to:

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(a)

Members should not always assume that effective communication is being achieved. The
fact that an individual appears to be nodding in agreement does not always mean he/she
completely understands the message. When there is any doubt, members should ask the
individual to communicate back or otherwise demonstrate their understanding.

(b)

The nature of the disability (e.g., deafness or blindness vs. hard of hearing or low vision).

(c)

The nature of the law enforcement contact (e.g., emergency vs. non-emergency, custodial
vs. consensual contact).

(d)

The availability of auxiliary aids. The fact that a particular aid is not available does not
eliminate the obligation to reasonably ensure access. However, in an emergency, availability
may factor into the type of aid used.

337.5 INITIAL AND IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATIONS
Recognizing that various law enforcement encounters may be potentially volatile and/or
emotionally charged, members should remain alert to the possibility of communication problems.
Members should exercise special care in the use of all gestures, and verbal and written
communication to minimize initial confusion and misunderstanding when dealing with any
individual with known or suspected disabilities.
In a non-emergency situation, when a member knows or suspects an individual requires
assistance to effectively communicate, the member shall identify the individual’s choice of auxiliary
aid or service.
The individual’s preferred communication method must be honored unless another effective
method of communication exists under the circumstances (28 CFR 35.160).
Factors to consider when determining whether an alternative method is effective include:
(a)

The methods of communication usually used by the individual.

(b)

The nature, length and complexity of the communication involved.

(c)

The context of the communication.

In emergency situations involving an imminent threat to the safety or welfare of any person,
members may use whatever auxiliary aids and services that reasonably appear effective under
the circumstances. This may include, for example, exchanging written notes or using the services
of a person who knows sign language but is not a qualified interpreter, even if the person who is
deaf or hard of hearing would prefer a qualified sign language interpreter or another appropriate
auxiliary aid or service. Once the emergency has ended, the continued method of communication
should be reconsidered. The member should inquire as to the individual's preference and give
primary consideration to that preference.
If an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing or has impaired speech must be handcuffed while in
the custody of the Culver City Police Department, consideration should be given, safety permitting,

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to placing the handcuffs in the front of the body to facilitate communication using sign language
or writing.
337.6 TYPES OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Culver City Police Department members shall never refuse to assist an individual with disabilities
who is requesting assistance. The Department will not charge anyone to receive auxiliary aids, nor
shall they require anyone to furnish their own auxiliary aid or service as a condition for receiving
assistance. The Department will make every reasonable effort to provide equal access and timely
assistance to individuals who are disabled through a variety of services.
A person who is disabled may choose to accept department-provided auxiliary aids or services
or they may choose to provide their own.
Department-provided auxiliary aids or services may include, but are not limited to, the assistance
methods described in this policy.
337.7 AUDIO RECORDINGS AND ENLARGED PRINT
The Department may develop audio recordings to assist people who are blind or have a visual
impairment with accessing important information. If such a recording is not available, members
may read aloud from the appropriate form, for example a personnel complaint form, or provide
forms with enlarged print.
337.8 QUALIFIED INTERPRETERS
A qualified interpreter may be needed in lengthy or complex transactions (e.g., interviewing a
victim, witness, suspect or arrestee), if the individual to be interviewed normally relies on sign
language or speechreading (lip-reading) to understand what others are saying. The qualified
interpreter should not be a person with an interest in the case or investigation involving the disabled
individual. A person providing interpretation services may be required to establish the accuracy
and trustworthiness of the interpretation in a court proceeding.
Qualified interpreters should be:
(a)

Available within a reasonable amount of time but in no event longer than one hour if
requested.

(b)

Experienced in providing interpretation services related to law enforcement matters.

(c)

Familiar with the use of VRS and/or video remote interpreting services.

(d)

Certified in either American Sign Language (ASL) or Signed English (SE).

(e)

Able to understand and adhere to the interpreter role without deviating into other roles, such
as counselor or legal adviser.

(f)

Knowledgeable of the ethical issues involved when providing interpreter services.

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Members should use department-approved procedures to request a qualified interpreter at the
earliest reasonable opportunity, and generally not more than 15 minutes after a request for an
interpreter has been made or it is reasonably apparent that an interpreter is needed. No individual
who is disabled shall be required to provide his/her own interpreter (28 CFR 35.160).
337.9 TTY AND RELAY SERVICES
In situations where an individual without a disability would have access to a telephone (e.g.,
booking or attorney contacts), members must also provide those who are deaf, hard of hearing
or have impaired speech the opportunity to place calls using an available TTY (also known as a
telecommunications device for deaf people, or TDD). Members shall provide additional time, as
needed, for effective communication due to the slower nature of TTY and TDD communications.
The Department will accept all TTY or TDD calls placed by those who are deaf or hard of hearing
and received via a telecommunications relay service (28 CFR 35.162).
Note that relay services translate verbatim, so the conversation must be conducted as if speaking
directly to the caller.
337.10 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS
Interpreter services may be available from community volunteers who have demonstrated
competence in communication services, such as ASL or SE, and have been approved by the
Department to provide interpreter services.
Where qualified interpreters are unavailable to assist, approved community volunteers who have
demonstrated competence may be called upon when appropriate. However, department members
must carefully consider the nature of the contact and the relationship between the individual with
the disability and the volunteer to ensure that the volunteer can provide neutral and unbiased
assistance.
337.11 FAMILY AND FRIENDS
While family or friends may offer to assist with interpretation, members should carefully consider
the circumstances before relying on such individuals. The nature of the contact and relationship
between the individual with the disability and the person offering services must be carefully
considered (e.g., victim/suspect).
Children shall not be relied upon except in emergency or critical situations when there is no
qualified interpreter reasonably available.
Adults may be relied upon when (28 CFR 35.160):
(a)

There is an emergency or critical situation and there is no qualified interpreter reasonably
available.

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(b)

The person with the disability requests that the adult interpret or facilitate communication and
the adult agrees to provide such assistance, and reliance on that adult for such assistance
is reasonable under the circumstances.

337.12 REPORTING
Whenever any member of this department is required to complete a report or other documentation,
and communication assistance has been provided, such services should be noted in the related
report. Members should document the type of communication services utilized and whether the
individual elected to use services provided by the Department or some other identified source.
If the individual’s express preference is not honored, the member must document why another
method of communication was used.
All written communications exchanged in a criminal case shall be attached to the report or placed
into evidence.
337.13 FIELD ENFORCEMENT
Field enforcement will generally include such contacts as traffic stops, pedestrian stops, serving
warrants and restraining orders, crowd/traffic control and other routine field contacts that may
involve individuals with disabilities. The scope and nature of these activities and contacts will
inevitably vary.
The Department recognizes that it would be virtually impossible to provide immediate access
to complete communication services to every member of this department. Members and/or
supervisors must assess each situation and consider the length, complexity and importance of the
communication, as well as the individual’s preferred method of communication, when determining
the type of resources to use and whether a qualified interpreter is needed.
Although not every situation can be addressed in this policy, it is important that members are able
to effectively communicate the reason for a contact, the need for information and the meaning
or consequences of any enforcement action. For example, it would be meaningless to verbally
request consent to search if the officer is unable to effectively communicate with an individual who
is deaf or hard of hearing and requires communications assistance.
If available, officers should obtain the assistance of a qualified interpreter before placing an
individual with a disability under arrest. Individuals who are arrested and are assisted by service
animals should be permitted to make arrangements for the care of such animals prior to transport.
337.13.1 FIELD RESOURCES
Examples of methods that may be sufficient for transactions, such as checking a license or giving
directions to a location or for urgent situations such as responding to a violent crime in progress,
may, depending on the circumstances, include such simple things as:
(a)

Hand gestures or visual aids with an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing or has impaired
speech.

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(b)

Exchange of written notes or communications.

(c)

Verbal communication with an individual who can speechread by facing the individual and
speaking slowly and clearly.

(d)

Use of computer, word processing, personal communication device or similar device to
exchange texts or notes.

(e)

Slowly and clearly speaking or reading simple terms to individuals who have a visual or
mental impairment.

Members should be aware that these techniques may not provide effective communication as
required by law and this policy depending on the circumstances.
337.14 CUSTODIAL INTERROGATIONS
In an effort to ensure that the rights of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech
impairment are protected during a custodial interrogation, this department will provide interpreter
services before beginning an interrogation, unless exigent circumstances exist or the individual
has made a clear indication that he/she understands the process and desires to proceed without
an interpreter. The use of a video remote interpreting service should be considered, where
appropriate, if a live interpreter is not available. Miranda warnings shall be provided to suspects
who are deaf or hard of hearing by a qualified interpreter or by providing a written Miranda warning
card.
In order to ensure that communications during custodial investigations are accurately documented
and are admissible as evidence, interrogations should be recorded whenever reasonably possible.
See guidance on recording custodial interrogations in the Investigation and Prosecution Policy.
337.15 ARREST AND BOOKINGS
If an individual with speech or hearing disabilities is arrested, the arresting officer shall use
department-approved procedures to provide a qualified interpreter at the place of arrest or
booking as soon as reasonably practicable, unless the individual indicates that he/she prefers a
different auxiliary aid or service or the officer reasonably determines another effective method of
communication exists under the circumstances.
When gathering information during the booking process, members should remain alert to the
impediments that often exist when communicating with those who are deaf, hard of hearing,
who have impaired speech or vision, are blind, or have other disabilities. In the interest of the
arrestee’s health and welfare, the safety and security of the facility and to protect individual
rights, it is important that accurate medical screening and booking information be obtained. If
necessary, members should seek the assistance of a qualified interpreter whenever there is
concern that accurate information cannot be obtained or that booking instructions may not be
properly understood by the individual.
Individuals who require and possess personally owned communication aids (e.g., hearing aids,
cochlear processors) should be permitted to retain them while in custody.
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337.16 COMPLAINTS
The Department shall ensure that individuals with disabilities who wish to file a complaint regarding
members of this department are able to do so. The Department may provide a qualified interpreter
or forms in enlarged print, as appropriate. Complaints will be referred to the Watch Commander.
Investigations into such complaints shall be handled in accordance with the Personnel Complaints
Policy. Qualified interpreters used during the investigation of a complaint should not be members
of this Department.
337.17 TRAINING
To ensure that all members who may have contact with individuals who are disabled are properly
trained, the Department will provide periodic training that should include:
(a)

Awareness and understanding of this policy and related procedures, related forms and
available resources.

(b)

Procedures for accessing qualified interpreters and other available resources.

(c)

Working with in-person and telephone interpreters and related equipment.

The Personnel and Training Lieutenant shall be responsible for ensuring new members receive
training related to interacting with individuals who have disabilities, including individuals who are
deaf, hard of hearing, who have impaired speech or vision, or are blind. Those who may have
contact with such individuals should receive refresher training at least once every two years
thereafter. The Personnel and Training Lieutenant shall maintain records of all training provided,
and will retain a copy in each member’s training file in accordance with established records
retention schedules.
337.17.1 CALL-TAKER TRAINING
Emergency call-takers shall be trained in the use of TTY equipment protocols for communicating
with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have speech impairments. Such training
and information should include:
(a)

The requirements of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for telephone
emergency service providers.

(b)

ASL syntax and accepted abbreviations.

(c)

Practical instruction on identifying and processing TTY or TDD calls, including the
importance of recognizing silent TTY or TDD calls, using proper syntax, abbreviations and
protocol when responding to TTY or TDD calls.

(d)

Hands-on experience in TTY and TDD communications, including identification of TTY or
TDD tones.

Training should be mandatory for all Dispatch members who may have contact with individuals
from the public who are deaf, hard of hearing or have impaired speech. Refresher training should
occur every six months.
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338

Policy Manual

Mandatory Employer Notification
338.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to describe the requirements and procedures to follow when a
public or private school employee (teacher and non-teacher) has been arrested under certain
circumstances.
338.2 MANDATORY SCHOOL EMPLOYEE ARREST REPORTING
In the event a school employee is arrested for any offense enumerated below, the Chief of Police
or his/her designee is required to report the arrest as follows.
338.2.1 ARREST OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER
In the event a public school teacher is arrested for any controlled substance offense enumerated
in Health and Safety Code § 11590 or Health and Safety Code § 11364, in so far as that section
relates to Health and Safety Code § 11054(d)(12), or for any of the offenses enumerated in Penal
Code § 290, Penal Code § 261(a) or Education Code § 44010, the Chief of Police or his/her
designee is mandated to immediately notify by telephone the superintendent of the school district
employing the teacher and to immediately give written notice of the arrest to the Commission on
Teacher Credentialing and to the superintendent of schools in the county where the person is
employed (Health and Safety Code § 11591; Penal Code § 291).
338.2.2 ARREST OF PUBLIC SCHOOL NON-TEACHER EMPLOYEE
In the event a public school non-teacher employee is arrested for any controlled substance offense
enumerated in Health and Safety Code § 11590 or Health and Safety Code § 11364, in so far
as that section relates to Health and Safety Code § 11054(d)(12), or for any of the offenses
enumerated in Penal Code § 290, Penal Code § 261(a) or Education Code § 44010, the Chief of
Police or his/her designee is mandated to immediately notify by telephone the superintendent of
the school district employing the non-teacher and to immediately give written notice of the arrest
to the governing board of the school district employing the person (Health and Safety Code §
11591; Penal Code § 291).
338.2.3 ARREST OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHER
In the event a private school teacher is arrested for any controlled substance offense enumerated
in Health and Safety Code § 11590 or Health and Safety Code § 11364, in so far as that
section relates to Health and Safety Code § 11054(d)(12), or for any of the offenses enumerated
in Penal Code § 290 or Education Code § 44010, the Chief of Police or his/her designee is
mandated to immediately notify by telephone the private school authority employing the teacher
and to immediately give written notice of the arrest to the private school authority employing the
teacher (Health and Safety Code § 11591; Penal Code § 291.1).

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338.2.4 ARREST OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR
In the event a teacher or instructor employed in a community college district school is arrested
for any controlled substance offense enumerated in Health and Safety Code § 11590 or Health
and Safety § 11364, in so far as that section relates to Health and Safety Code § 11054(d)(9),
or for any of the offenses enumerated in Penal Code § 290 or in Penal Code § 261(a)(1), the
Chief of Police or the authorized designee is mandated to immediately notify by telephone the
superintendent of the community college district employing the person, and shall immediately give
written notice of the arrest to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (Health and
Safety Code § 11591.5; Penal Code § 291.5).
338.3 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department will meet the reporting requirements of California law to
minimize the risks to children and others.
338.4 ARREST OF PERSONS EMPLOYED IN COMMUNITY CARE FACILITIES
In the event an employee of a community treatment facility, a day treatment facility, a group home,
a short-term residential therapeutic program or a foster family agency is arrested for child abuse
(as defined in Penal Code § 11165.6) and the employee is free to return to work where children
are present, the investigating member shall notify the licensee of the charge of abuse (Health and
Safety Code § 1522.2).

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Policy Manual

Biological Samples
339.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the collection of DNA evidence from those
individuals required to provide such samples under the DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime and
Innocence Protection Act, and the State of California DNA Data Bank Program (Penal Code §
295, et seq.).
339.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department will assist in the expeditious collection of required biological
samples from offenders in accordance with the laws of this state and with as little reliance on
force as practicable.
339.2.1 ARRESTEES
Any adult arrested or charged with any felony offense is required to provide DNA samples. DNA
samples should be collected immediately following arrest, or during the booking process, or as
soon as administratively practicable after arrest but in any case prior to release on bail or other
physical release from custody (Penal Code § 296.1(a)(1)(A)).
339.2.2 SEX AND ARSON REGISTRANTS
Any adult or juvenile who is required to register as a sex offender under Penal Code § 290 or
arsonist under Penal Code § 457.1, including those whose registration resulted from a qualifying
misdemeanor crime is required to submit a DNA sample. (Penal Code § 296(a)(3)).
At the time that any such registrant registers, updates registration, or is notified by the Department
of Justice or other law enforcement officer, an appointment shall be made designating the time
and place for the collection of DNA samples if no such sample has already been provided (Penal
Code § 296.2(c)).
339.3 PERSONS SUBJECT TO DNA COLLECTION
Those who must submit a biological sample include (Penal Code § 296):
(a)

A person, including a juvenile, upon conviction or other adjudication of any felony offense.

(b)

A person, including a juvenile, upon conviction or other adjudication of any offense if the
person has a prior felony on record.

(c)

An adult arrested or charged with any felony.

339.3.1 BLOOD SAMPLES
The withdrawal of blood may only be performed in a medically approved manner by health care
providers trained and qualified to draw blood. Blood samples obtained for submission to the
Department of Justice DNA lab shall be placed in Department of Justice blood vials (Penal Code §
298(a) and (b)(2)). A right thumbprint shall be placed on the sample vial along with other required
identifying information.
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339.3.2 BUCCAL SWABS
Buccal swab samples (taken from the inside of the mouth) may only be procured by employees
who have successfully completed departmentally approved training in the collection of buccal
swabs and with the use of the California Department of Justice LivescanBuccal DNA Collection
Kit. (Penal Code § 298(a) and (b)(3)). Subject's full name and CII# shall be placed on the collector.
(Note: If an individual violently resists or presents other officer safety issues, employees may omit
buccal swab samples upon approval of a supervisor.)
339.3.3 FULL PALM PRINTS
Full palm print impressions shall be obtained on Department of Justice prescribed forms along
with all DNA samples. (Penal Code § 298(b)(4)).
339.3.4 USE OF FORCE TO OBTAIN SAMPLES
If, after a written or oral request, a qualified individual refuses to provide any or all of the required
DNA samples, a sworn member of this department may use reasonable force to obtain such
sample(s) under the following conditions:
(a)

Prior to the use of reasonable force, the officer(s) shall take and document reasonable steps
to secure voluntary compliance (Penal Code § 298.1(c)(1)(C)).

(b)

Prior to the use of reasonable force, the officer(s) shall obtain written authorization from
a supervisor which shall minimally include that the individual was asked to provide the
sample(s) and refused (Penal Code § 298.1(c)(1)(B)).

(c)

If the authorized use of reasonable force includes a cell extraction, such extraction shall be
video recorded (Penal Code § 298.1(c)(1)(D)).

For the purpose of this section, the "use of reasonable force" shall be defined as the force that an
objective, trained and competent officer faced with similar facts and circumstances would consider
necessary and reasonable to gain compliance. (Penal Code § 298.1(c)(1)(A)).
339.4 PROCEDURE
When an individual is required to provide a biological sample, a trained employee shall obtain the
sample in accordance with this policy.
339.4.1 COLLECTION
The following steps should be taken to collect a sample:
(a)

Verify that the individual is required to provide a sample pursuant to Penal Code § 296;
Penal Code § 296.1.

(b)

Verify that a biological sample has not been previously collected from the offender
by querying the individual’s criminal history record for a DNA collection flag or, during
regular business hours, calling the California Department of Justice (DOJ) designated DNA
laboratory. There is no need to obtain a biological sample if one has been previously
obtained.

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(c)

Use a DNA buccal swab collection kit provided by the California DOJ to perform the collection
and take steps to avoid cross contamination.

339.4.2 FOLLOW UP NOTICE TO DOJ
Within two years of submitting any DNA specimen, sample or impression to the Department of
Justice, this department shall notify DOJ whether the individual remains a suspect in a criminal
investigation (Penal Code § 297(c)(2)). It shall be the responsibility of the Department of Justice
to thereafter purge samples of any individual(s) who are no longer a suspect in any criminal
investigation from the DNA database.
339.5 USE OF FORCE TO OBTAIN SAMPLES
If a person refuses to cooperate with the sample collection process, officers should attempt to
identify the reason for refusal and seek voluntary compliance without resorting to using force.
Force will not be used in the collection of samples except as authorized by court order and only
with the approval of a supervisor. Methods to consider when seeking voluntary compliance include
contacting:
(a)

The person’s parole or probation officer when applicable.

(b)

The prosecuting attorney to seek additional charges against the person for failure to comply
or to otherwise bring the refusal before a judge.

(c)

The judge at the person’s next court appearance.

(d)

The person’s attorney.

(e)

A chaplain.

(f)

Another custody facility with additional resources, where an arrestee can be transferred to
better facilitate sample collection.

(g)

A supervisor who may be able to authorize custodial disciplinary actions to compel
compliance, if any are available.

The supervisor shall review and approve any plan to use force and be present to document the
process.
339.6 LITIGATION
The Chief of Police or authorized designee shall immediately notify the Department of Justice DNA
Legal Unit at (415) 703-5892 in the event this department is named in a lawsuit involving the DNA
Data Bank sample collection, sample use, or any aspect of the state's DNA Data Bank Program.

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340

Policy Manual

Child and Dependent Adult Safety
340.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that children and dependent adults are not left without
appropriate care in the event their caregiver or guardian is arrested or otherwise prevented from
providing care due to actions taken by members of this department (Penal Code § 833.2(a)).
This policy does not address the actions to be taken during the course of a child abuse or
dependent adult investigation. These are covered in the Child Abuse and Adult Abuse policies.
340.2 POLICY
It is the policy of this department to mitigate, to the extent reasonably possible, the stressful
experience individuals may have when their parent or caregiver is arrested. The Culver City
Police Department will endeavor to create a strong, cooperative relationship with local, state and
community-based social services to ensure an effective, collaborative response that addresses
the needs of those affected, including call-out availability and follow-up responsibilities.
340.3 PROCEDURES DURING AN ARREST
When encountering an arrest or prolonged detention situation, officers should make reasonable
attempts to determine if the arrestee is responsible for children or dependent adults. In some
cases this may be obvious, such as when children or dependent adults are present. However,
officers should inquire if the arrestee has caregiver responsibilities for any children or dependent
adults who are without appropriate supervision. The following steps should be taken (Penal Code
§ 13517.7(b)(1)):
(a)

Inquire about and confirm the location of any children or dependent adults.

(b)

Look for evidence of children and dependent adults. Officers should be mindful that some
arrestees may conceal the fact that they have a dependent for fear the individual may be
taken from them.

(c)

Consider inquiring of witnesses, neighbors, friends and relatives of the arrestee as to
whether the person is responsible for a child or dependent adult.

Whenever reasonably possible, officers should take reasonable steps to accomplish the arrest of
a parent, guardian or caregiver out of the presence of his/her child or dependent adult. Removing
children or dependent adults from the scene in advance of the arrest will generally ensure the
best outcome for the individual.
Whenever it is safe to do so, officers should allow the parent or caregiver to assure children or
dependent adults that they will be provided care. If this is not safe or if the demeanor of the parent
or caregiver suggests this conversation would be non-productive, the officer at the scene should
explain the reason for the arrest in age-appropriate language and offer reassurance to the child
or dependent adult that he/she will receive appropriate care.

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340.3.1 AFTER AN ARREST
Whenever an arrest is made, the officer should take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of
the arrestee’s disclosed or discovered children or dependent adults.
Officers should allow the arrestee reasonable time to arrange for care of children and dependent
adults. Temporary placement with family or friends may be appropriate. However, any decision
should give priority to a care solution that is in the best interest of the child or dependent adult. In
such cases the following guidelines should be followed:
(a)

Allow the person reasonable time to arrange for the care of children and dependent adults
with a responsible party, as appropriate.
1.

(b)

Officers should consider allowing the person to use his/her cell phone to facilitate
arrangements through access to contact phone numbers, and to lessen the likelihood
of call screening by the recipients due to calls from unknown sources.

Unless there is evidence to the contrary (e.g., signs of abuse, drug use, unsafe environment),
officers should respect the parent or caregiver’s judgment regarding arrangements for care.
It is generally best if the child or dependent adult remains with relatives or family friends
that he/she knows and trusts because familiarity with surroundings and consideration for
comfort, emotional state and safety are important.
1.

Except when a court order exists limiting contact, the officer should attempt to locate
and place children or dependent adults with the non-arrested parent, guardian or
caregiver.

(c)

Provide for the immediate supervision of children or dependent adults until an appropriate
caregiver arrives.

(d)

Notify Child Protective Services or the Division of Aging and Adult Services, if appropriate.

(e)

Notify the field supervisor or Watch Commander of the disposition of children or dependent
adults.

If children or dependent adults are at school or another known location outside the household
at the time of arrest, the arresting officer should attempt to contact the school or other known
location and inform the principal or appropriate responsible adult of the caregiver’s arrest and of
the arrangements being made for the care of the arrestee’s dependent. The result of such actions
should be documented in the associated report.
340.3.2 DURING THE BOOKING PROCESS
During the booking process the arrestee shall be allowed to make additional telephone calls to
relatives or other responsible individuals as is reasonably necessary to arrange for the care of any
child or dependent adult. These telephone calls should be given as soon as practicable and are
in addition to any other telephone calls allowed by law (Penal Code § 851.5(c)).

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If an arrestee is unable to resolve the care of any child or dependent adult through this process,
a supervisor should be contacted to determine the appropriate steps to arrange for care. These
steps may include additional telephone calls or contacting a local, county or state services agency.
340.4 DEPENDENT WELFARE SERVICES
Whenever an arrestee is unwilling or incapable of arranging for the appropriate care of any
child or dependent adult, the handling officer should contact the appropriate welfare service or
other department-approved social service to determine whether protective custody is appropriate
(Welfare and Institutions Code § 305).
Only when other reasonable options are exhausted should a child or dependent adult be
transported to the police facility, transported in a marked patrol car or taken into formal protective
custody.
Under no circumstances should a child or dependent adult be left unattended or without
appropriate care.
340.5 TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Section is responsible to ensure that all personnel of this department
who may be involved in arrests affecting children or dependent adults receive approved POSTapproved training on effective safety measures when a parent, guardian or caregiver is arrested
(Penal Code § 13517.7).

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Policy Manual

Service Animals
341.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide the guidelines necessary to ensure the rights of individuals
who use service animals to assist with disabilities are protected in accordance with Title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
341.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Service animal - A dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual
with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.
The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's
disability (28 CFR 35.104; Health and Safety Code § 113903).
Service animal also includes a miniature horse if the horse is trained to do work or perform tasks
for people with disabilities, provided the horse is housebroken, is under the handler’s control, the
facility can accommodate the horse’s type, size and weight, and the horse’s presence will not
compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility (28 CFR
35.136(i)).
341.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to provide services and access to persons with
service animals in the same manner as those without service animals. Department members shall
protect the rights of persons assisted by service animals in accordance with state and federal law.
341.3 IDENTIFICATION AND USE OF SERVICE ANIMALS
Some service animals may be readily identifiable. However, many do not have a distinctive
symbol, harness or collar.
Service animals may be used in a number of ways to provide assistance, including:

•

Guiding people who are blind or have low vision.

•

Alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

•

Retrieving or picking up items, opening doors or flipping switches for people who have limited
use of their hands, arms or legs.

•

Pulling wheelchairs.

•

Providing physical support and assisting with stability and balance.

•

Doing work or performing tasks for persons with traumatic brain injury, intellectual disabilities
or psychiatric disabilities, such as reminding a person with depression to take medication.

•

Alerting a person with anxiety to the onset of panic attacks, providing tactile stimulation to
calm a person with post-traumatic stress disorder, assisting people with schizophrenia to

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distinguish between hallucinations and reality, and helping people with traumatic brain injury
to locate misplaced items or follow daily routines.
341.4 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Service animals that are assisting individuals with disabilities are permitted in all public facilities
and areas where the general public is allowed. Department members are expected to treat
individuals with service animals with the same courtesy and respect that the Culver City Police
Department affords to all members of the public (28 CFR 35.136).
341.4.1 INQUIRY
If it is apparent or if a member is aware that an animal is a service animal, the individual generally
should not be asked any questions as to the status of the animal. If it is unclear whether an animal
meets the definition of a service animal, the member should ask the individual only the following
questions (28 CFR 35.136(f)):

•

Is the animal required because of a disability?

•

What task or service has the service animal been trained to perform?

If the individual explains that the animal is required because of a disability and has been trained to
work or perform at least one task, the animal meets the definition of a service animal and no further
questions as to the animal’s status should be asked. The individual should not be questioned
about his/her disability nor should the person be asked to provide any license, certification or
identification card for the service animal.
341.4.2 CONTACT
Service animals are not pets. Department members should not interfere with the important work
performed by a service animal by talking to, petting or otherwise initiating contact with a service
animal.
341.4.3 REMOVAL
If a service animal is not housebroken or exhibits vicious behavior, poses a direct threat to the
health of others, or unreasonably disrupts or interferes with normal business operations, an officer
may direct the handler to remove the animal from the premises. Barking alone is not a threat nor
does a direct threat exist if the person takes prompt, effective action to control the service animal
(28 CFR 35.136(b)).
Each incident must be considered individually and past incidents alone are not cause for excluding
a service animal. Removal of a service animal may not be used as a reason to refuse service to
an individual with disabilities. Members of this department are expected to provide all services as
are reasonably available to an individual with a disability, with or without a service animal.
341.4.4 COMPLAINTS
When handling calls of a complaint regarding a service animal, members of this department
should remain neutral and should be prepared to explain the ADA requirements concerning service

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animals to the concerned parties. Businesses are required to allow service animals to accompany
their handlers into the same areas that other customers or members of the public are allowed
(28 CFR 36.302).
Absent a violation of law independent of the ADA, officers should take no enforcement action
beyond keeping the peace. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against as a
result of a disability should be referred to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice
(DOJ).

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Policy Manual

Volunteer Program
342.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
It is the policy of this department to use qualified volunteers for specified tasks and duties in order
to create efficiencies for the Department and improve services to the community. Volunteers are
intended to supplement and support, rather than supplant, sworn officers and civilian personnel.
Volunteers are an important part of any organization and are proven to be a valuable asset to
law enforcement agencies. Volunteers help to increase departmental responsiveness, delivery of
services and data entry, and provide new program opportunities. In addition, volunteers bring new
skills and expertise to the Department and prompt new enthusiasm.
342.1.1 DEFINITION OF VOLUNTEER
An individual who performs a service for the Department without promise, expectation or receipt of
compensation for services rendered. This may include unpaid chaplains, unpaid reserve officers,
interns, persons providing administrative support and youth involved in a law enforcement Explorer
Post, among others.
342.2 VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT
342.2.1 VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
The Community and Media Relations Lieutenant shall act as the Volunteer Coordinator. The
function of the Volunteer Coordinator is to provide a central coordinating point for effective
volunteer management within the Department, and to direct and assist staff and volunteer efforts
to jointly provide more productive services. The Volunteer Coordinator should work with other
Department staff on an ongoing basis to assist in the development and implementation of
volunteer-staffed positions.
The Volunteer Coordinator, or his/her designee, shall be responsible for the following:

(a)

Recruiting, selecting and training qualified volunteers for various positions.

(b)

Facilitating the implementation of new volunteer activities and assignments.

(c)

Maintaining records for each volunteer.

(d)

Tracking and evaluating the contribution of volunteers.

(e)

Maintaining a record of volunteer schedules and work hours.

(f)

Completion and dissemination as appropriate of all necessary paperwork and information.

342.2.2 RECRUITMENT
Volunteers should be considered consistent with department policy on equal opportunity
nondiscriminatory employment. A primary qualification for participation in the application process
should be an interest in, and an ability to assist the Department in serving the public.

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Requests for volunteers should be submitted in writing by interested staff to the Volunteer
Coordinator through the requester's immediate supervisor. A complete position description and
a requested time-frame should be included in the request. All parties should understand that the
recruitment of volunteers is enhanced by creative and interesting assignments. The Volunteer
Coordinator may withhold assignment of any volunteer until such time as the requesting unit is
prepared to make effective use of volunteer resources.
342.2.3 SCREENING
All prospective volunteers should complete the volunteer application form. The Volunteer
Coordinator or designee should conduct a face-to-face interview with an applicant under
consideration.
A documented background investigation shall be completed on each volunteer applicant and shall
include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
(a)

Traffic and criminal background check. Fingerprints shall be obtained from all applicants
and processed through the California Criminal Information Index.

(b)

Employment

(c)

References

(d)

Confidential Database Certification

A polygraph exam may be required of each applicant depending on the type of assignment.
342.2.4 SELECTION AND PLACEMENT
Service as a volunteer with the Department shall begin with an official notice of acceptance or
appointment to a volunteer position. Notice may only be given by an authorized representative of
the Department, who will normally be the Volunteer Coordinator. No volunteer should begin any
assignment until they have been officially accepted for that position and completed all required
screening and paperwork. At the time of final acceptance, each volunteer should complete all
required enrollment paperwork and will receive a copy of their position description and agreement
of service with the Department. All volunteers shall receive a copy of the volunteer handbook and
shall be required to sign a volunteer agreement.
Volunteers should be placed only in assignments or programs that are consistent with their
knowledge, skills, abilities and the needs of the Department.
342.2.5 TRAINING
Volunteers will be provided with an orientation program to acquaint them with the Department,
personnel, and policies/procedures that have a direct impact on their work assignment.
Volunteers should receive position-specific training to ensure they have adequate knowledge and
skills to complete tasks required by the position and should receive periodic ongoing training as
deemed appropriate by their supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Training should reinforce to volunteers that they may not intentionally represent themselves as, or
by omission infer that they are sworn officers or other full-time members of the Department. They
shall always represent themselves as volunteers.
All volunteers shall comply with the rules of conduct and with all orders and directives, either oral
or written, issued by the Department.
342.2.6 FITNESS FOR DUTY
No volunteer shall report to work or be on-duty when his/her judgment or physical condition has
been impaired by alcohol, medication, other substances, illness or injury.
Volunteers shall report to their supervisor any changes in status that may affect their ability to fulfill
their duties. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a)

Driver license

(b)

Medical condition

(c)

Arrests

(d)

Criminal investigations

All volunteers shall adhere to the guidelines set forth by this department regarding drug and alcohol
use.
342.2.7 DRESS CODE
As representatives of the Department, volunteers are responsible for presenting a professional
image to the community. Volunteers shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance
of their duties.
Volunteers shall conform to department-approved dress consistent with their duty assignment.
Uniforms authorized for volunteers should be readily distinguishable from those worn by sworn
officers and be in good order. The uniform or identifiable parts of the uniform shall not be worn
while off-duty except volunteers may choose to wear the uniform while in transit to or from official
department assignments or functions provided an outer garment is worn over the uniform shirt so
as not to bring attention to the volunteer while he/she is off duty.
Volunteers shall be required to return any issued uniform or department property at the termination
of service.
342.3 SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEERS
Each volunteer who is accepted to a position with the Department must have a clearly identified
supervisor who is responsible for direct management of that volunteer. This supervisor will be
responsible for day-to-day management and guidance of the work of the volunteer and should be
available to the volunteer for consultation and assistance.
A volunteer may be assigned as and act as a supervisor of other volunteers provided that the
supervising volunteer is under the direct supervision of a paid staff member.

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Functional supervision of volunteers is the responsibility of the supervisor in charge of the unit
where the volunteer is assigned.
342.4 CONFIDENTIALITY
Volunteers should not have access to confidential information such as criminal histories or
investigative files. Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor or departmental policy, all information
shall be considered confidential. Only that information specifically identified and approved by
authorized personnel shall be released. Confidential information shall be given only to persons
who have a need and a right to know as determined by D.O.J. mandates, departmental policy
and supervisory personnel.

Volunteers shall not address public gatherings, appear on radio or television, prepare any article
for publication, act as correspondents to a newspaper or other periodical, release or divulge
any information concerning the activities of the Department, or maintain that they represent the
Department in such matters without permission from the proper department personnel.
342.5 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Volunteers will be issued an identification card. Any fixed and portable equipment issued by the
Department shall be for official and authorized use only. Any property or equipment issued to a
volunteer shall remain the property of the Department and shall be returned at the termination
of their shift.
342.6 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES/TERMINATION
A volunteer may be removed from the volunteer program at the discretion of the Chief of Police or
the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers have no property interests in their continued appointment.
However, if a volunteer is removed for alleged misconduct, the volunteer will be afforded an
opportunity solely to clear his/her name through a liberty interest hearing which shall be limited to
a single appearance before the Chief of Police or authorized designee.
Volunteers may resign from volunteer service with the Department at any time. It is requested
that volunteers who intend to resign provide advance notice of their departure and a reason for
their decision.
342.6.1 EXIT INTERVIEWS
Exit interviews, where possible, should be conducted with volunteers who are leaving their
positions. The interview should ascertain why the volunteer is leaving the position and solicit the
volunteer's suggestions on improving the position.

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343

Policy Manual

Flag Flown at Half-Staff
343.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy sets guidelines and describes when the National, State, and City Flags should be flown
at half-staff.
343.1.1 PROCEDURE
From time to time the National, State and City Flags are displayed at half-staff. This is
accomplished by first hoisting the flag to the peak and then lowering it to the half-staff position.
The State and City flags should be lowered first with the National Flag being lowered last. No flag
should ever be made to fly higher than the National Flag.
343.1.2 CIRCUMSTANCES PERMITTING THE FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF
The flags shall only be flown at half-staff at the direction of the City Manager, Chief of Police, any
Bureau Commander, or the on-duty Watch Commander, in compliance with this manual.
At the direction of the City Manager, Chief of Police, any Bureau Commander, or the on-duty
Watch Commander, the flags will be flown at half-staff whenever any local, county, state or federal
law enforcement officer dies in the line of duty within California.
Additionally, the City Manager or Chief of Police may authorize the flags to be flown at half-staff
whenever any active duty or retired Culver City Police Officer dies, or other situations determined
by the Chief of Police.
The flags will be flown at half-staff from the time of death to the interment.
At the direction of the City Manager or Chief of Police, the flags may be flown at half-staff in respect
for other deaths or events.

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Policy Manual

Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions
344.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The decision to become involved in a law enforcement action when off-duty can place an officer
as well as others at great risk and must be done with careful consideration. This policy is intended
to provide guidelines for officers of the Culver City Police Department with respect to taking law
enforcement action while off-duty.
344.2 POLICY
Initiating law enforcement action while off-duty is generally discouraged. Officers should not
attempt to initiate enforcement action when witnessing crimes such as suspected intoxicated
drivers, reckless driving or minor property crimes. Such incidents should be promptly reported to
the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Officers are not expected to place themselves in unreasonable peril. However, any sworn member
of this department who becomes aware of an incident or circumstance that he/she reasonably
believes poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death, or significant property damage
may take reasonable action to minimize the threat.
When public safety or the prevention of major property damage requires immediate action, officers
should first consider reporting and monitoring the activity and only take direct action as a last
resort.
344.3 FIREARMS
Officers of this department may carry firearms while off-duty in accordance with federal regulations
and department policy. All firearms and ammunition must meet guidelines as described in the
department Firearms Policy. When carrying firearms while off-duty officers shall also carry their
department-issued identification.Firearms shall not be carried by any officer who has consumed
an amount of an alcoholic beverage or taken any drugs or medications or any combination thereof
that would tend to adversely affect the officer’s senses or judgment.
344.4 DECISION TO INTERVENE
There is no legal requirement for off-duty officers to take law enforcement action. However, should
officers decide to intervene, they must evaluate whether the action is necessary or desirable, and
should take into consideration the following:
(a)

The tactical disadvantage of being alone and the fact there may be multiple or hidden
suspects.

(b)

The inability to communicate with responding units.

(c)

The lack of equipment, such as handcuffs, OC or baton.

(d)

The lack of cover.

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(e)

The potential for increased risk to bystanders if the off-duty officer were to intervene.

(f)

Unfamiliarity with the surroundings.

(g)

The potential for the off-duty officer to be misidentified by other peace officers or members
of the public.

Officers should consider waiting for on-duty uniformed officers to arrive, and gather as much
accurate intelligence as possible instead of immediately intervening.
344.4.1 INTERVENTION PROCEDURE
If involvement is reasonably necessary the officer should attempt to call or have someone else
call 9-1-1 to request immediate assistance. The dispatcher should be informed that an off-duty
officer is on-scene and should be provided a description of the officer if possible.
Whenever practicable, the officer should loudly and repeatedly identify him/herself as an Culver
City Police Department officer until acknowledged. Official identification should also be displayed.
344.4.2 INCIDENTS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
Officers should refrain from handling incidents of personal interest, (e.g., family or neighbor
disputes) and should remain neutral. In such circumstances officers should call the responsible
agency to handle the matter.
344.4.3 CIVILIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
Civilian personnel should not become involved in any law enforcement actions while off-duty
except to notify the local law enforcement authority and remain at the scene if safe and practicable.
344.4.4 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
When encountering a non-uniformed officer in public, uniformed officers should wait for
acknowledgement by the non-uniformed officer in case he/she needs to maintain an undercover
capability.
344.5 REPORTING
Any off-duty officer who engages in any law enforcement activity, regardless of jurisdiction, shall
notify the Watch Commander as soon as practicable. The Watch Commander shall determine
whether a report should be filed by the employee.
Officers should cooperate fully with the agency having jurisdiction in providing statements or
reports as requested or as appropriate.

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Policy Manual

Department Use of Social Media
345.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that any use of social media on behalf of the Department
is consistent with the department mission.
This policy does not address all aspects of social media use. Specifically, it does not address:

•

Personal use of social media by department members (see the Employee Speech,
Expression and Social Networking Policy).

•

Use of social media in personnel processes (see the Recruitment and Selection Policy).

•

Use of social media as part of a criminal investigation, other than disseminating information
to the public on behalf of this department (see the Investigation and Prosecution Policy).

345.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Social media - Any of a wide array of Internet-based tools and platforms that allow for the sharing
of information, such as the department website or social networking services
345.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department may use social media as a method of effectively informing the
public about department services, issues, investigations and other relevant events.
Department members shall ensure that the use or access of social media is done in a manner
that protects the constitutional rights of all.
345.3 AUTHORIZED USERS
Only members authorized by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee may utilize social
media on behalf of the Department. Authorized members shall use only department-approved
equipment during the normal course of duties to post and monitor department-related social media,
unless they are specifically authorized to do otherwise by their supervisors.
The Chief of Police may develop specific guidelines identifying the type of content that may be
posted. Any content that does not strictly conform to the guidelines should be approved by a
supervisor prior to posting.
Requests to post information over department social media by members who are not authorized
to post should be made through the member’s chain of command.
345.4 AUTHORIZED CONTENT
Only content that is appropriate for public release, that supports the department mission and
conforms to all department policies regarding the release of information may be posted.
Examples of appropriate content include:

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(a)

Announcements.

(b)

Tips and information related to crime prevention.

(c)

Investigative requests for information.

(d)

Requests that ask the community to engage in projects that are relevant to the department
mission.

(e)

Real-time safety information that is related to in-progress crimes, geographical warnings or
disaster information.

(f)

Traffic information.

(g)

Press releases.

(h)

Recruitment of personnel.

345.4.1 INCIDENT-SPECIFIC USE
In instances of active incidents where speed, accuracy and frequent updates are paramount
(e.g., crime alerts, public safety information, traffic issues), the Public Information Officer or the
authorized designee will be responsible for the compilation of information to be released, subject
to the approval of the Incident Commander.
345.5 PROHIBITED CONTENT
Content that is prohibited from posting includes, but is not limited to:
(a)

Content that is abusive, discriminatory, inflammatory or sexually explicit.

(b)

Any information that violates individual rights, including confidentiality and/or privacy rights
and those provided under state, federal or local laws.

(c)

Any information that could compromise an ongoing investigation.

(d)

Any information that could tend to compromise or damage the mission, function, reputation
or professionalism of the Culver City Police Department or its members.

(e)

Any information that could compromise the safety and security of department operations,
members of the Department, victims, suspects or the public.

(f)

Any content posted for personal use.

(g)

Any content that has not been properly authorized by this policy or a supervisor.

Any member who becomes aware of content on this department’s social media site that he/she
believes is unauthorized or inappropriate should promptly report such content to a supervisor. The
supervisor will ensure its removal from public view and investigate the cause of the entry.
345.5.1 PUBLIC POSTING PROHIBITED
Department social media sites shall be designed and maintained to prevent posting of content
by the public.
The Department may provide a method for members of the public to contact department members
directly.

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345.6 MONITORING CONTENT
The Chief of Police will appoint a supervisor to review, at least annually, the use of department
social media and report back on, at a minimum, the resources being used, the effectiveness of
the content, any unauthorized or inappropriate content and the resolution of any issues.
345.7 RETENTION OF RECORDS
The Administration and Investigations Bureau Commander should work with the Custodian of
Records to establish a method of ensuring that public records generated in the process of social
media use are retained in accordance with established records retention schedules.
345.8 TRAINING
Authorized members should receive training that, at a minimum, addresses legal issues
concerning the appropriate use of social media sites, as well as privacy, civil rights, dissemination
and retention of information posted on department sites.

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Policy

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346

Policy Manual

Gun Violence Restraining Orders
346.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for petitioning and serving gun violence
restraining orders and accounting for the firearms obtained pursuant to those orders.
346.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Gun violence restraining order - Civil restraining order prohibiting a named person from
controlling, owning, purchasing, possessing, receiving or otherwise having custody of any firearms
or ammunition (Penal Code § 18100).
346.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to petition and serve gun violence restraining
orders in compliance with state law and to properly account for firearms and ammunition obtained
by the Department pursuant to such orders.
346.3 GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
An officer who reasonably believes a person is a present danger to him/herself or another person
by controlling, owning, purchasing, possessing, receiving or otherwise having custody of a firearm
may request permission from his/her supervisor to petition the court for a gun violence restraining
order.
Officers petitioning the court should use the forms established by the Judicial Council (Penal
Code § 18105). The petition should describe the number, types and locations of any firearms and
ammunition that the officer believes to be possessed or controlled by the person (Penal Code
§ 18107). The petition should also describe why less-restrictive alternatives are ineffective or
inadequate for the circumstances (Penal Code § 18125; Penal Code § 18150; Penal Code §
18175).
If it is not practical under the circumstances to submit a written petition, an officer may orally
request an order using the procedures for obtaining an oral search warrant and preparing the
order using the appropriate Judicial Council form (Penal Code § 18140; Penal Code § 18145).
346.4 SERVICE OF GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
An officer serving any gun violence restraining order shall:
(a)

Request that any firearms or ammunition be immediately surrendered and issue a receipt
for the surrendered items (Penal Code § 18120).

(b)

Take into temporary custody any firearm or other deadly weapon discovered in plain view
or pursuant to consent or other lawful search (Penal Code § 18250).

(c)

Inform the restrained person of any scheduled hearing regarding the order (Penal Code §
18160).

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(d)

Transmit the original proof of service form to the issuing court as soon as practicable but
within one business day (Penal Code § 18115).

(e)

As soon as practicable, but by the end of his/her shift, submit proof of service to the Records
Manager for prompt entry into the California Restraining and Protective Order System (Penal
Code § 18115).

The officer should also inform the restrained person that he/she is required, within 24 hours, to
surrender to a law enforcement agency any other firearms and ammunition he/she owns or that
are in his/her custody or control or sell them to a firearms dealer. This notification should be
documented.
All firearms and ammunition collected shall be handled and booked in accordance with the
Property and Evidence Policy.
346.4.1 SERVICE OF ORAL GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
If a gun violence restraining order is obtained orally, the officer shall (Penal Code § 18140):
(a)

Serve the order on the restrained person in the manner outlined above, if the restrained
person can reasonably be located.

(b)

File a copy of the order with the court as soon as practicable after issuance.

(c)

Ensure the order is provided to the Records Section for entry into the computer database
system for protective and restraining orders maintained by the Department of Justice.

346.5 SEARCH WARRANTS
If a person who has been served with a gun violence restraining order refuses to surrender any
firearm or ammunition, the officer should consider whether to seek a search warrant. If a search
warrant is to be obtained, the preparation and service of the search warrant shall be done in
accordance with the Warrant Service Policy. Additionally, (Penal Code § 1542.5):
(a)

The officer serving the warrant shall take custody of any firearm or ammunition that is
controlled, possessed or owned by the person who is the subject of the gun violence
restraining order, including any discovered pursuant to the warrant, a consensual search
or other lawful search.

(b)

If the location being searched is jointly occupied and the firearm or ammunition is owned by
a person other than the restrained person, the firearm or ammunition should not be seized
if the following conditions are met:

(c)

The firearm or ammunition can be stored in a manner that does not allow the
restrained person to have control or access.

There is no evidence that the owner unlawfully possesses the firearm or ammunition.

If a locked gun safe belonging to someone other than the subject of a gun violence
restraining order is discovered, the officer shall not search the contents of the safe unless
the owner consents or there is a valid search warrant for the safe. Any search of the safe
must be done in the owner’s presence.

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346.6 RECORDS MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Records Manager is responsible for ensuring:
(a)

Proof of service of any gun violence restraining order served by an officer or received
from the clerk of the court is entered in the computer database system for protective and
restraining orders maintained by the Department of Justice within one business day of
service if served by an officer, or within one business day of receipt of proof of service if
served by a person other than a law enforcement officer (Penal Code § 18115).

(b)

Oral orders are entered into the California Restraining and Protective Order System (Penal
Code § 18140).

(c)

Copies of receipts of surrendered firearms or ammunition issued by other agencies for gun
violence restraining orders issued by the Department are properly maintained (Penal Code
§ 18120).

346.7 COURT-ORDERED FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SURRENDERS
Authorized members shall accept firearms and ammunition from any individual who is the subject
of a gun violence restraining order. The member receiving any firearm or ammunition shall:
(a)

Record the individual’s name, address and telephone number.

(b)

Record the serial number of the firearm.

(c)

Prepare an incident report and property report.

(d)

Provide a property receipt to the individual who surrendered the firearms and ammunition.

(e)

Package and submit the firearms and ammunition in accordance with the Property and
Evidence Policy.

346.8 RELEASE OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Firearms and ammunition that were taken into temporary custody or surrendered pursuant to a
gun violence restraining order shall be returned to the restrained person upon the expiration of
the order and in accordance with Penal Code § 18120 and the Property and Evidence Policy.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

347

Policy Manual

Community Relations
347.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for community relationship-building.
Additional guidance on community relations and outreach is provided in other policies, including:

•

Hate Crimes Policy.

•

Limited English Proficiency Services Policy.

•

Communications with Persons with Disabilities Policy

•

Patrol Function Policy.

•

Suspicious Activity Reporting Policy.

347.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to promote positive relationships between
members the [department/office] and the community by treating community members with dignity
and respect and engaging them in public safety strategy development and relationship-building
activities, and by making relevant policy and operations information available to the community
in a transparent manner.
347.3 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Officers should, as time and circumstances reasonably permit:
(a)

Make casual and consensual contacts with community members to promote positive
community relationships (see the Detentions and Photographing Detainees Policy).

(b)

Become reasonably familiar with the schools, businesses and community groups in their
assigned jurisdictional areas.

(c)

Work with community members and the [department/office] community relations coordinator
to identify issues and solve problems related to community relations and public safety.

(d)

Conduct periodic foot patrols of their assigned areas to facilitate interaction with community
members. Officers carrying out foot patrols should notify an appropriate supervisor
and Dispatch of their status (i.e., on foot patrol) and location before beginning and upon
completion of the foot patrol. They should also periodically inform Dispatch of their location
and status during the foot patrol.

347.4 COMMUNITY RELATIONS LIEUTENANT
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee should designate a member of the [Department/
Office] to serve as the community relations lieutenant . He/she should report directly to the Chief
of Police or authorized designee and is responsible for:
(a)

Obtaining [department/office]-approved training related to his/her responsibilities.

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(b)

Responding to requests from [department/office] members and the community for
assistance in identifying issues and solving problems related to community relations and
public safety.

(c)

Organizing surveys to measure the condition of the [department/office]’s relationship with
the community.

(d)

Working with community groups, [department/office] members and other community
resources to:
1.

Identify and solve public safety problems within the community.

Organize programs and activities that help build positive relationships
between [department/office] members and the community and provide community
members with an improved understanding of [department/office] operations.

(e)

Working with the Operations Bureau Commander to develop patrol deployment plans
that allow officers the time to participate in community engagement and problem-solving
activities.

(f)

Recognizing [department/office] and community members for exceptional work or
performance in community relations efforts.

(g)

Attending City council and other community meetings to obtain information on community
relations needs.

(h)

Assisting with the [department/office]’s response to events that may affect community
relations, such as an incident where the conduct of a [department/office] member is called
into public question.

(i)

Informing the Chief of Police and others of developments and needs related to the
furtherance of the [department/office]’s community relations goals, as appropriate.

347.5 COMMUNITY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS
The community relations lieutenant should organize or assist with programs and activities that
create opportunities for [department/office] members and community members, especially youth,
to interact in a positive setting. Examples of such programs and events include:
(a)

Police-community get-togethers (e.g., cookouts, meals, charity events).

(b)

Youth leadership and life skills mentoring.

(c)

School resource officer/Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.®) programs.

(d)

Neighborhood Watch and crime prevention programs.

347.6 INFORMATION SHARING
The community relations lieutenant should develop methods and procedures for the convenient
sharing of information (e.g., major incident notifications, significant changes in [department/
office] operations, comments, feedback, positive events) between the [Department/Office] and
community members. Examples of information-sharing methods include:
(a)

Community meetings.

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(b)

Social media (see the [Department/Office] Use of Social Media Policy).

(c)

[Department/Office] website postings.

Information should be regularly refreshed, to inform and engage community members
continuously.
347.7 LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS EDUCATION
The community relations lieutenant should develop methods to educate community members on
general law enforcement operations so they may understand the work that officers do to keep the
community safe. Examples of educational methods include:
(a)

Development and distribution of informational cards/flyers.

(b)

[Department/Office] website postings.

(c)

Instruction in schools.

(d)

[Department/Office] ride-alongs (see the Ride-Along Policy).

(e)

Scenario/Simulation exercises with community member participation.

(f)

Youth internships at the [Department/Office].

(g)

Citizen academies.

Instructional information should include direction on how community members should interact
with the police during enforcement or investigative contacts and how community members can
make a complaint to the [department/office] regarding alleged misconduct or inappropriate job
performance by [department/office] members.
347.8 SAFETY AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
[Department/Office] members responsible for community relations activities should consider the
safety of the community participants and, as much as reasonably practicable, not allow them to
be present in any location or situation that would jeopardize their safety.
[Department/Office] members in charge of community relations events should ensure that
participating community members have completed waiver forms before participation, if
appropriate. A parent or guardian must complete the waiver form if the participating community
member has not reached 18 years of age.
Community members are subject to a criminal history check before approval for participation in
certain activities, such as citizen academies.
347.9 TRANSPARENCY
The [Department/Office] should periodically publish statistical data and analysis regarding
the [department/office]’s operations. The reports should not contain the names of officers,
suspects or case numbers. The community relations lieutenant should work to identify information
that may increase transparency regarding [department/office] operations.

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347.10 TRAINING
Subject to available resources, members should receive training related to this policy, including
training on topics such as:
(a)

Effective social interaction and communication skills.

(b)

Cultural, racial and ethnic diversity and relations.

(c)

Building community partnerships.

(d)

Community policing and problem-solving principles.

(e)

Enforcement actions and their effects on community relations.

Where practicable and appropriate, community members, especially those with relevant expertise,
should be involved in the training to provide input from a community perspective.

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Chapter 4 - Patrol Operations

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400

Policy Manual

Patrol Function
400.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to define the functions of the patrol unit of the Department to ensure
intra-department cooperation and information sharing.
400.1.1 FUNCTION
Officers will generally patrol in clearly marked vehicles, patrol assigned jurisdictional areas of
Culver City, respond to calls for assistance, act as a deterrent to crime, enforce state and local
laws and respond to emergencies 24 hours per day seven days per week.
Patrol will generally provide the following services within the limits of available resources:
(a)

Patrol that is proactive in nature and directed at the detection and prevention of criminal
acts, traffic violations and collisions, the maintenance of public order, and the discovery of
hazardous situations or conditions

(b)

Crime prevention activities such as residential inspections, business inspections, community
presentations, etc.

(c)

Calls for service, both routine and emergency in nature

(d)

Investigation of both criminal and non-criminal acts

(e)

The apprehension of criminal offenders

(f)

Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving activities such as citizen assists and
individual citizen contacts of a positive nature

(g)

The sharing of information between the Patrol and other bureaus within the Department, as
well as other outside governmental agencies

(h)

The application of resources to specific problems or situations within the community,
which may be improved or resolved by Community Oriented Policing and problem solving
strategies

(i)

Traffic direction and control

400.1.2 TERRORISM
It is the goal of the Culver City Police Department to make every reasonable effort to accurately
and appropriately gather and report any information that may relate to either foreign or domestic
terrorism. Officers should advise a supervisor as soon as practicable of any activity believed to be
terrorism related and should document such incidents with a written report or Field Interview card
(FI). The supervisor should ensure that all terrorism related reports and FIs are forwarded to the
Investigations Bureau Supervisor or a Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) in a timely fashion.

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400.2 PATROL INFORMATION SHARING PROCEDURES
The following guidelines are intended to develop and maintain intra-department cooperation and
information flow between the various bureaus of the Culver City Police Department.
400.2.1 CRIME REPORTS
A crime report may be completed by any patrol officer or Community Service Officer who receives
criminal information. The report will be processed and forwarded to the appropriate bureau for
retention or follow-up investigation.
400.2.2 PATROL BRIEFINGS
Patrol supervisors, detective sergeants, and special unit sergeants are encouraged to share
information as much as possible. All supervisors and/or officers will be provided an opportunity to
share information at the daily patrol briefing(s) as time permits.
400.2.3
400.3 CROWDS, EVENTS AND GATHERINGS
Officers may encounter gatherings of people, including but not limited to, civil demonstrations,
civic, social and business events, public displays, parades and sporting events. Officers should
monitor such events as time permits in an effort to keep the peace and protect the safety and
rights of those present. Officers encountering such gatherings shall notify a supervisor as soon
as possible.
Officers responding to an event or gathering that warrants law enforcement involvement should
carefully balance the speech and association rights of those present with applicable public safety
concerns before taking enforcement action. Officers are encouraged to contact organizers or
responsible persons to seek voluntary compliance that may address relevant public safety/order
concerns.
Officers should consider enforcement of applicable state and local laws, such as Penal Code
602.1 (obstructing or intimidating business operators), when the activity blocks the entrance or
egress of a facility or location and when voluntary compliance with the law is not achieved.
400.4 ASSIGNED PATROL AREAS
At the beginning of each shift, each officer shall be assigned to a specific patrol district or area
of responsibility for that shift. In some cases this area may be city-wide but in every case shall
consist of an area within the boundaries of the City of Culver City.
400.4.1 DEPARTURE FROM ASSIGNED PATROL AREAS
Unless authorized to leave, uniformed officers are required to remain within their assigned patrol
areas during their shift. This section shall not prevent officers from approved departures from
their areas for Code 7, to handle radio calls, or in response to emergency reports received in
the field, when appropriate. In all cases where it is necessary for a uniformed officer to depart
from his assigned patrol area he shall, as soon as practical, notify Communications of said

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departure and the reason for the action. Communications shall then notify the on-duty supervisor
as soon as practical. The Department recognizes that some of the corporate boundaries of Culver
City intermingle with those of the City and County of Los Angeles. Nothing in these sections
prevents uniformed officers, in the course of their duties, from passing through these jurisdictional
boundaries if they are contained within their district or if they are proceeding to a radio call or other
assignment and the most direct route of travel takes them over these boundaries.

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Policy

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401

Policy Manual

Patrol Equipment
401.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
In order to perform their duties at the highest level, police officers need certain equipment to
be readily available to them. This policy provides a description of both required and optional
equipment for officers working in the field.
401.1.1 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR UNIFORMED OFFICERS WORKING THE FIELD
In addition to the basic uniform, sworn personnel engaged in uniform field duty shall carry the
following equipment:
(a)

Handcuffs and Key - Handcuffs and key shall be carried at all times.

(b)

Oleoresin Capsicum Spray (OC) - Department issued pepper spray shall be carried at all
times in a black basket weave or nylon carrying case.

(c)

TASER - The Departmentally approved Taser shall be carried by Officers and Sergeants
while engaged in field operations. See Policy 309 for further guidelines.

(d)

Helmet - Department issued ballistic helmet and face shield.

(e)

Flashlight - A flashlight shall be carried during the hours of darkness.

(f)

Report Books - Report forms normally used in field operations shall be carried by officers
assigned to field duty.

(g)

Notebook - A pocket sized notebook should be carried by all officers assigned to field duty.

(h)

Traffic Citation Books - Both moving citation and parking citation books shall be carried.

(i)

Writing Equipment - Ball point pen with black or blue ink and mechanical or regular pencils
shall be carried in the pen pocket. They shall not be clipped over the pocket nor be exposed
to view.

Officers working plain clothes details are only required to carry the following items:
•

Department badge and identification card.

•

Official duty weapon, unless another type of weapon is authorized by the Chief of Police.

•

Pocket notebook.

•

Pen with blue or black ink.

•

Minimum of five rounds of extra ammunition.

Exception: Officers detailed to undercover duty wherein it is necessary to conceal their identity,
may be excused by their Bureau Commanders from the provision of all or part of this section.

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401.1.2 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR UNIFORMED OFFICERS WORKING THE FIELD
In addition to the equipment in the foregoing sections, the individual officer may carry the following
items:
(a)

Disposable plastic handcuffs.

(b)

Police whistle (Traffic personnel only) at the Traffic Bureau Commander's discretion.

(c)

A miniature flashlight may be worn on the uniform belt consistent with other accessories
in a holder.

(d)

A RIPP Hobble (if properly trained).

(e)

A weapon-mounted light may be carried for on-duty use with Department approved
weapons. The H&K USP and Sure Fire Tactical lights are two options available. No other
types of sight devices i.e. laser sights, "red dot sights" or telescopic sights are authorized.
1.

Should officers choose to use this equipment it will be purchased at their own
expense. This includes the pouch and duty holster. The duty holster will not be a
tactical type of holster that rides at the officer's thigh (Officers working in modified
uniform or assigned to the Canine Unit may wear a holster on the thigh). Officers may
carry the tactical light on their duty belt or attached to their duty weapon. Any officer
desiring to carry these lights shall demonstrate proficiency before his/her supervisor
or the Rangemaster and shall forward an IDC, through the chain of command,
requesting authorization from the Chief of Police.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

402

Policy Manual

Racial- or Bias-Based Profiling
402.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance to [department/office] members and establishes appropriate
controls to ensure that members of the Culver City Police Department do not engage in racial- or
bias-based profiling or violate any related laws while serving the community.
402.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Racial- or bias-based profiling - An inappropriate reliance on factors such as race, ethnicity,
national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, economic status, age, cultural group, disability
or affiliation with any other similar identifiable group as a factor in deciding whether to take law
enforcement action or to provide service. This includes gender identity or expression (Penal
Code § 13519.4).
402.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department is committed to providing law enforcement services to the
community with due regard for the racial, cultural or other differences of those served. It is the
policy of this [department/office] to provide law enforcement services and to enforce the law
equally, fairly and without discrimination toward any individual or group.
Race, ethnicity or nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, economic status, age, cultural
group, disability or affiliation with any other similar identifiable group shall not be used as the basis
for providing differing levels of law enforcement service or the enforcement of the law.
402.3 RACIAL- OR BIAS-BASED PROFILING PROHIBITED
Racial- or bias-based profiling is strictly prohibited. However, nothing in this policy is intended
to prohibit an officer from considering factors such as race or ethnicity in combination with other
legitimate factors to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause (e.g., suspect description
is limited to a specific race or group).
402.4 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY
Every member of this [department/office] shall perform his/her duties in a fair and objective manner
and is responsible for promptly reporting any known instances of racial- or bias-based profiling
to a supervisor.
402.5 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
Supervisors shall monitor those individuals under their command for any behavior that may conflict
with the purpose of this policy and shall handle any alleged or observed violation of this policy in
accordance with the Personnel Complaints Policy.

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(a)

Supervisors should discuss any issues with the involved officer and his/her supervisor in
a timely manner.

(b)

Supervisors should periodically review MAV recordings, MDC data and any other available
resource used to document contact between officers and the public to ensure compliance
with the policy.
1.

Supervisors should document these periodic reviews.

Recordings that capture a potential instance of racial- or bias-based profiling should
be appropriately retained for administrative investigation purposes.

(c)

Supervisors shall initiate investigations of any actual or alleged violations of this policy.

(d)

Supervisors should ensure that no retaliatory action is taken against any member of
this [department/office] who discloses information concerning racial- or bias-based profiling.

402.6 TRAINING
Training on racial- or bias-based profiling and review of this policy should be conducted as directed
by the Personnel and Training.
(a)

All sworn members of this [department/office] will be scheduled to attend Peace Officer
Standards and Training (POST)-approved training on the subject of racial- or bias-based
profiling.

(b)

Pending participation in such POST-approved training and at all times, all members of
this [department/office] are encouraged to familiarize themselves with and consider racial
and cultural differences among members of this community.

(c)

Each sworn member of this [department/office] who received initial racial- or bias-based
profiling training will thereafter be required to complete an approved refresher course
every five years, or sooner if deemed necessary, in order to keep current with changing
racial, identity and cultural trends (Penal Code § 13519.4(i)).

402.7 REPORTING TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The Professional Standards Unit Manager shall ensure that all data required by the California
Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding complaints of racial bias against officers is collected and
provided to the Records Manager for required reporting to the DOJ (Penal Code § 13012; Penal
Code § 13020). See the Records Section Policy.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

403

Policy Manual

Briefing Training
403.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Briefing training is generally conducted at the beginning of the officer’s assigned shift. Briefing
provides an opportunity for important exchange between employees and supervisors. A supervisor
generally will conduct Briefing; however officers may conduct Briefing for training purposes with
supervisor approval.
Briefing should accomplish, at a minimum, the following basic tasks:
(a)

Briefing officers with information regarding daily patrol activity, with particular attention given
to unusual situations and changes in the status of wanted persons, stolen vehicles, and
major investigations

(b)

Notifying officers of changes in schedules and assignments

(c)

Notifying officers of new General Orders or changes in General Orders

(d)

Reviewing recent incidents for training purposes

(e)

Providing training on a variety of subjects

403.2 PREPARATION OF MATERIALS
The supervisor conducting Briefing is responsible for preparation of the materials necessary for
a constructive briefing. Supervisors may delegate this responsibility to a subordinate officer in his
or her absence or for training purposes.
403.3 RETENTION OF BRIEFING TRAINING RECORDS
Briefing training materials and a curriculum or summary shall be forwarded to the Personnel and
Training Lieutenant for inclusion in training records, as appropriate.

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Policy

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404

Policy Manual

Front Desk Officer/Community Service Officer
404.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy sets guidelines for the function and responsibilities of police officers and community
service officers working the front desk.
404.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
The front desk officer and or community service officer shall assist and direct all persons
entering the police facility through the front entrance. The front desk officer will be responsible for
ascertaining the particular needs of an individual and ensuring that the person is provided with
the appropriate assistance.
The front desk officer and or community service officer shall remain cognizant of visitor needs and
address those needs in a timely and professional manner. The employee assigned to the front
desk is responsible for directing visitors to the appropriate sources of service and information. In
addition to providing referral services within the department (i.e., investigative services, fingerprint
services, reports/records information), the front desk officer and or community service officer
should direct visitors to the resources of other agencies (i.e., city department, other governmental
agencies, social services agencies, etc.) when suitable. If conditions are such that the front desk
officer and or community service officer cannot provide the appropriate level of service, the Watch
Commander should be advised and appropriate action taken.
404.2.1 TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
The front desk officer and or community service officer shall answer all incoming calls to the front
desk.
All employees shall limit self-initiated telephone calls to those that are essential to the employees
assigned duties.
404.2.2 POLICE REPORTS
The front desk officer and or community service officer will take crime or incident reports as
appropriate.
404.2.3 LIVE SCAN
Live Scan and fingerprinting services are typically available to the public Monday through Friday
between the hours of 0700 hours and 1500 hours; excluding holidays. Live Scan will generally be
performed by a community service officer.
404.2.4 POLICE FACILITY VISITORS
The front desk officer and or community service officer shall determine the needs of each visitor.
If the visitor has legitimate business with the department, the visitor shall be directed to the
appropriate individual or bureau. All visitors to the department are required to check-in at the front
desk. Visitors from other law enforcement agencies must display their picture identification card
or badge in plain sight.
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The front desk officer or community service officer shall issue a visitors pass, and obtain a valid
form of identification in return, permitting the visitor to access the facility. The visitor will only be
admitted to the facility when escorted by a department employee. Exceptions may be authorized
by the Watch Commander or a supervisor.
When it is apparent that a visitor does not intend to conduct legitimate business within the police
facility, or the visitor poses a potential threat to the police operations and or personnel, the front
desk officer or community service officer will immediately notify the communications center and
request an officer or supervisor.
The front desk officer and or community service officer shall immediately notify the
communications center when there is a disturbance or a disruption of city business at the front
desk.
404.2.5 BUILDING SECURITY
The Watch Commander is ultimately responsible for ensuring that adequate security is maintained
at the front entrance of the police facility.
The access door adjacent to the front counter shall remain secured, and all visitors shall not be
permitted beyond the front desk lobby until such time that the front desk officer or the community
service officer has determined a legitimate need for access. Only those persons requesting or
requiring service provided by this agency shall be permitted to remain within the police facility.
There should be at least one armed sworn employee on the police facility property at all times.
404.2.6 DELIVERIES AT THE FRONT DESK
The front desk officer or community service officer is responsible for receiving deliveries at the
front desk both during and after business hours.
All mail, newspapers, gratuities or gifts received at the front desk shall be forwarded without
unnecessary delay to the office of the Operations Captain.

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405

Policy Manual

Crime and Disaster Scene Integrity
405.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance in handling a major crime or disaster.
405.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to secure crime or disaster scenes so that
evidence is preserved, and to identify and mitigate the dangers associated with a major crime or
disaster scene for the safety of the community and those required to enter or work near the scene.
405.3 SCENE RESPONSIBILITY
The first officer at the scene of a crime or major incident is generally responsible for the immediate
safety of the public and preservation of the scene. Officers shall also consider officer safety and
the safety of those persons entering or exiting the area, including those rendering medical aid to
any injured parties. Once an officer has assumed or been assigned to maintain the integrity and
security of the crime or disaster scene, the officer shall maintain the crime or disaster scene until
he/she is properly relieved by a supervisor or other designated person.
405.4 FIRST RESPONDER CONSIDERATIONS
The following list generally describes the first responder’s function at a crime or disaster scene.
This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, is not necessarily in order and may be altered according
to the demands of each situation:
(a)

Broadcast emergency information, including requests for additional assistance and
resources.

(b)

Provide for the general safety of those within the immediate area by mitigating, reducing or
eliminating threats or dangers.

(c)

Locate or identify suspects and determine whether dangerous suspects are still within the
area.

(d)

Provide first aid to injured parties if it can be done safely.

(e)

Evacuate the location safely as required or appropriate.

(f)

Secure the inner perimeter.

(g)

Protect items of apparent evidentiary value.

(h)

Secure an outer perimeter.

(i)

Identify potential witnesses.

(j)

Start a chronological log noting critical times and personnel allowed access.

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405.5 SEARCHES
Officers arriving at crime or disaster scenes are often faced with the immediate need to search for
and render aid to victims, and to determine if suspects are present and continue to pose a threat.
Once officers are satisfied that no additional suspects are present and/or there are no injured
persons to be treated, those exigent circumstances will likely no longer exist. Officers should
thereafter secure the scene and conduct no further search until additional or alternate authority
for the search is obtained, such as consent or a search warrant.
405.5.1 CONSENT
When possible, officers should seek written consent to search from authorized individuals.
However, in the case of serious crimes or major investigations, it may be prudent to also obtain
a search warrant. Consent as an additional authorization may be sought, even in cases where a
search warrant has been granted.
405.6 EXECUTION OF HEALTH ORDERS
Any sworn member of this department is authorized to enforce all orders of the local health officer
that have been issued for the purpose of preventing the spread of any contagious, infectious or
communicable disease (Health and Safety Code § 120155).

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406

Policy Manual

Mutual Aid & Tactical Mobilization
406.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Mutual Aid and Tactical Mobilization plans are established to restore and maintain order during
emergencies, including civil unrest and to provide assistance to local agencies during other
unusual and or major events.
406.1.1 STRUCTURE AND GUIDELINES
As a component of the Standardized Emergency Management System [SEMS], the System
is based on four organizational levels: cities, counties, regions and the state. (A county is
an operational area along with its political sub-divisions) The state is divided into seven Law
Enforcement Mutual Aid Regions. Each sheriff serves as the Operational Area Coordinator. Within
each region, one sheriff is elected to serve as the Regional Mutual Aid Coordinator.
When the Chief of Police determines that an emergency situation may become or is already
beyond the control of the department's resources, it is his responsibility to request mutual aid from
the Operational Area Coordinator (West Hollywood Sheriff's Station).
The basic concept provides that within the operational area, adjacent or neighboring law
enforcement agencies will assist each other. Should the event require assistance from outside
the county, the region will provide assistance to the impacted county. If the combined resources
of the region are insufficient to cope with the incident, the Regional Coordinator will contact the
State Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Coordinator at the Office of Emergency Services. Nothing in
this section is intended to restrict watch commanders from providing immediate mutual assistance
to neighboring cities in critical or life threatening situations. When such requests are made, the
watch commander will provide resources to the requesting agency so as not to adversely impact
the department's delivery of police service. Requests for assistance will be evaluated on a case
by case basis weighing all the attendant factors. Generally it is acceptable to send personnel that
do not exceed 50% of the on duty field force, accompanied by a supervisor.
406.1.2 UNUSUAL INCIDENTS NOTIFICATION
Officers investigating an incident that is or may be, in the officer's opinion, of unusual concern
to the Department, or which requires major police action, shall notify or cause to be notified the
Watch Commander. If in the opinion of the Watch Commander, the incident is of major concern to
the Department, he shall notify the Operations Bureau Commander. Such incidents shall include:
(a)

Natural occurrences such as earthquakes, serious floods and landslides.

(b)

Fires, explosions, train wrecks, and traffic collisions of major proportions.

(c)

Major disturbances or mass arrests.

(d)

Any unusual, vicious or significant crimes.

(e)

Death or serious injury of a Department employee on or off-duty.

(f)

Massive searches in pursuit of dangerous suspects.

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406.1.3 TACTICAL MOBILIZATION PLAN
In the event of an unusual occurrence or extreme emergency of such magnitude that the entire
resources of the Department are required, a tactical mobilization may be called.
According to the following procedure the Chief of Police or his designee shall authorize such
mobilization for the necessary deployment of the Department.
(a)

The Watch Commander shall cause the notification of command officers in the following
order:
o

Chief of Police

Operations Bureau Commander

Administration and Investigations Bureau Commander

Traffic Bureau Commander

(b)

When authorized by the Operations Bureau Commander or the Chief of Police or his
designee, the on-duty Watch Commander shall implement the Tactical Mobilization and
Deployment Plan. All regular days off shall be canceled. The cancellation of vacation leave or
special days off shall be evaluated on an individual basis and canceled in extreme situations
only.

(c)

The on-duty Watch Commander shall coordinate all field operations until relieved by the
Operations Bureau Commander.

(d)

All field operations and the deployment of all field personnel and equipment shall be the
responsibility of the Operations Bureau Commander.

(e)

The Department generally will deploy two 12 hour shifts in lieu of any other deployment
mode. Shift "A" will commence at 0700 hours and run to 1900 hours; shift "B" from 1900
hours to 0700 hours.

(f)

"A" and "B" shift commanders should consider the need to implement measures to provide
for the handling of routine calls for service as well as emergency incidents. Deployment of
personnel should reflect consideration for this function within practicable limits.

(g)

Personnel assignment or organizational changes will be made at the discretion of the field
commander.

406.1.4 TACTICAL ALERT
The following organizational plan shall be utilized for a tactical alert. "Tactical Alert" affords us
the ability to place additional personnel in the field. However, it is fewer personnel than would be
utilized in a full mobilization plan.
406.2 OFF-DUTY REPORTING
Employees off-duty shall, upon official notice, report for duty immediately upon receipt of and in
compliance with directions given at the time of notification.

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Employees shall report for duty immediately in the event of any disaster or any other emergency
wherein it would be reasonably expected that the Department would require the services of such
employee.
Whenever any disaster occurs within the Los Angeles County area, employees shall immediately
attempt to contact the on duty Watch Commander to ascertain mobilization status.
If telephone services are out, the employee shall assume that the Department is in full mobilization
and respond to the shift (A or B) that they are assigned.
Exception to this policy may include, severe family hardships, roadways blocked or impossible
roadway
406.3 DEPLOYMENT
406.3.1 DAY "A" SHIFT (0700-1900 HOURS)

•

Supervisors
o

Assistant Chief Administration & Investigations Bureau

Captain Operations Bureau

Lt. Professional Standards

Lt. Media Relations

Lt. Investigations

Lt. Records

Lt. Day Watch

Lt. Administration

Budget/Grants Manager

Sgt. Communications

Day Watch

Sgt. Motors

Sgt. Parking

Sgt. P.&T.

Sgt. Adult Detectives

Parking Supervisor

Officers
o

Day Watch

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•

Detectives
o

•

Day Watch Motor Officers

Commercial Enforcement Officers

Accident Investigator

Red Light Officer

Professional Staff
o

Day Watch Jailers

Management Analyst

Community Service Officers
o

Day Watch C.S.O.

Traffic C.S.O.s

Communications Operators

P.E.O.s

Forensic Specialists
o

•

Day Watch Communications Operators

Parking Enforcement Officers
o

•

Adult Detectives

Traffic

•

Day Watch K-9

Forensic Specialist (Senior)

Records Technicians
o

Records/Property Supervisor

Day Watch Records Technicians

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•

Property Technician
o

•

Computer Services Technician
o

•

Computer Services Technician (Senior)

Custodian
o

•

Property Technician (Senior)

Custodian

Secretaries
o

Operations Bureau Secretary

Admin/Investigations Secretary

Chief's Secretary

Automated Enforcement Clerk

406.3.2 NIGHT "B" SHIFT (1900-0700 HOURS)

•

Supervisors
o

Captain Traffic Bureau

Lt. Traffic

Lt. Property and Forensics

Lt. Night Watch Ops.

Lt. Morning Watch Ops.

Sgt. Photo Enforcement

Night watch

Morning Watch

Sgt. C.I.T.

Sgt. Special Victims Unit

Officers
o

Officer Personnel and Training

Morning Watch

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•

Night Watch

Night Watch K-9

Morning Watch K-9

Officer P&T

Detectives
o

Special Victims Unit Detectives

S.R.O.

C.I.T.

Traffic
o

•

Task Force Personnel
o

L.A. Impact

Cal-MMet

Professional Staff
o

•

Night Watch C.S.O.

Facilities C.S.O

Communications Operators
Night Watch Communications Operators

Forensic Specialisits
o

•

Night Watch Jailers

Community Service Officers

•

Night Watch Motor Officers

Forensic Specialists (Junior)

Records Technicians
o

Night Watch Records Technicians

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•

Property Technicians
o

•

Computer Services Technicians
o

•

Property Technician (Junior)

Computer Services Technician

Custodian
o

Custodian

•

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407

Policy Manual

Ride-Along Policy
407.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Ride-Along Program provides an opportunity for citizens to experience the law enforcement
function first hand. This policy provides the requirements, approval process, and hours of operation
for the Ride-Along Program.
407.1.1 ELIGIBILITY
The Culver City Police Department Ride-Along Program is offered to residents, students and those
employed within the City. Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons however
any applicant may be disqualified without cause.
The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:
•

Being under 15 years of age

•

Prior criminal history

•

Pending criminal action

•

Pending lawsuit against the Department

•

Denial by any supervisor

407.1.2 AVAILABILITY
The Ride-Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions. The
ride-along times are from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as
approved by the Chief of Police, Bureau Commander, or Watch Commander.
407.2 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A RIDE-ALONG
Generally, ride-along requests will be scheduled by the Watch Commander. The participant will
complete a ride-along waiver form. Information requested will include a valid ID or California
driver’s license, address, and telephone number. If the participant is under 18 years of age, a
parent/guardian must be present to complete the Ride-Along Form.
The Watch Commander will schedule a date, based on availability, at least one week after the
date of application. If approved, a copy will be forwarded to the respective Watch Commander as
soon as possible for his/her scheduling considerations.
If the ride-along is denied after the request has been made, a representative of the Department
will contact the applicant and advise him/her of the denial.
407.2.1 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Once approved, civilian ride-alongs will be allowed to ride no more than once every six months. An
exception would apply to the following: Community Service Officers employed by the Department,
Explorers, RSVP, Chaplains, Reserves, police applicants, and all others with approval of the
Watch Commander.

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An effort will be made to ensure that no more than one citizen will participate in a ride-along during
any given time period. Normally, no more than one ride-along will be allowed in the officer's vehicle
at a given time.
Ride-along requirements for Community Service Officers are covered in Policy Manual § 1048,
"Community Service Officer Program."
407.2.2 SUITABLE ATTIRE
Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed in collared shirt, blouse or
jacket, slacks and shoes. Sandals, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and ripped or torn blue jeans are
not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn in the police vehicle. The Watch Commander
or field supervisor may refuse a ride along to anyone not properly dressed.
407.2.3 PEACE OFFICER RIDE-ALONGS
Off-duty members of this department or any other law enforcement agency will not be permitted
to ride-along with on-duty officers without the expressed consent of the Watch Commander. In
the event that such a ride-along is permitted, the off-duty employee shall not be considered onduty and shall not represent themselves as a peace officer or participate in any law enforcement
activity except as emergency circumstances may require.
407.2.4 RIDE-ALONG CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK
All Ride-along applicants are subject to a criminal history check. The criminal history check may
include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal History System
check through CLETS prior to their approval as a ride-along with a law enforcement officer
(provided that the ride-along is not an employee of the Culver City Police Department) (CLETS
Policies, Practices and Procedures Manual § 1.6.1.F.2.).
407.3 OFFICER’S RESPONSIBILITY
The officer shall advise the dispatcher that a ride-along is present in the vehicle before going into
service. Officers shall consider the safety of the ride-along at all times. Officers should use sound
discretion when encountering a potentially dangerous situation, and if feasible, let the participant
out of the vehicle in a well-lighted place of safety. The dispatcher will be advised of the situation
and as soon as practical have another police unit respond to pick up the participant at that location.
The ride-along may be continued or terminated at this time.
The Watch Commander is responsible for maintaining and scheduling ride-alongs.
407.4 CONTROL OF RIDE-ALONG
The assigned employee shall maintain control over the ride-along at all times and instruct him/her
in the conditions that necessarily limit their participation. These instructions should include:
(a)

The ride-along will follow the directions of the officer

(b)

The ride-along will not become involved in any investigation, handling of evidence,
discussions with victims or suspects, or handling any police equipment

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(c)

The ride-along may terminate the ride at any time and the officer may return the observer to
their home or to the station if the ride-along interferes with the performance of the officer’s
duties

(d)

Ride-alongs may be allowed to continue riding during the transportation and booking process
provided this does not jeopardize their safety

(e)

Officers will not allow any ride-alongs to be present in any residences or situations that
would jeopardize their safety or cause undue stress or embarrassment to a victim or any
other citizen

(f)

Under no circumstance shall a civilian ride along be permitted to enter a private residence
with an officer without the expressed consent of the resident or other authorized person

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Culver City Police Department

408

Policy Manual

Hazardous Material Response
408.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Hazardous materials present a potential harm to employees resulting from their exposure. To
comply with Title 8, California Code of Regulations, § 5194, the following is to be the policy of
this department.
408.1.1 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL DEFINED
A hazardous material is a substance which by its nature, containment and reactivity, has the
capability of inflicting harm during exposure; characterized as being toxic, corrosive, flammable,
reactive, an irritant or strong sensitizer and thereby posing a threat to health when improperly
managed.
408.2 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE
Employees may encounter situations involving suspected hazardous materials, such as at the
scene of a traffic accident, chemical spill or fire. When employees come into contact with a
suspected hazardous material, certain steps should be taken to protect themselves and citizens.
The following steps should be considered at any scene involving suspected hazardous materials:
(a)

Attempt to identify the type of hazardous substance. (Identification can be determined by
placard, driver's manifest or statements from the person transporting).

(b)

Notify the Fire Department.

(c)

Ensure that first-aid is provided for injured parties if it can be done safely and without
contamination.

(d)

Begin evacuation of the immediate area and surrounding areas, depending on the
substance. Voluntary evacuation should be considered; however, depending on the
substance, mandatory evacuation may be necessary.

(e)

Notify the local health authority. Such notification is mandatory when a spilled or released
item is a pesticide (Health and Safety Code § 105215).

(f)

Notify the Department of Toxic Substances Control. This is mandatory when an officer
comes in contact with, or is aware of, the presence of a suspected hazardous substance
at a site where an illegal controlled substance is or was manufactured (Health and Safety
§ 25354.5).

408.3 REPORTING EXPOSURE(S)
Department personnel who believe that they have been exposed to a hazardous material shall
immediately report the exposure to a supervisor. Each exposure shall be documented by the
employee in an employee memorandum that shall be forwarded via chain of command to the
Bureau Commander. Should the affected employee be unable to document the exposure for any
reason, it shall be the responsibility of the notified supervisor to complete the memorandum.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Injury or illness caused or believed to be caused from exposure to hazardous materials shall be
reported the same as any other on-duty injury or illness in addition to a crime report or incident
report.
408.3.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
When a supervisor has been informed that an employee has been exposed to a hazardous
material, he/she shall ensure that immediate medical treatment is obtained and appropriate action
is taken to lessen the exposure.
To ensure the safety of employees, safety equipment is available through supervisory personnel.
Safety items not maintained by the Department will be obtained through the Fire Department.

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409

Policy Manual

Hostage and Barricade Incidents
409.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for situations where officers have legal cause
to contact, detain or arrest a person, and the person refuses to submit to the lawful requests of
the officers by remaining in a structure or vehicle and/or by taking a hostage.
The scope of this policy is not intended to address all variables that officers encounter during
their initial response or when a hostage or barricade situation has developed. This policy does
not require or purport to recommend specific strategies or tactics for resolution as each incident
is a dynamic and rapidly evolving event.
409.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Barricade situation - An incident where a person maintains a position of cover or concealment
and ignores or resists law enforcement personnel, and it is reasonable to believe the subject is
armed with a dangerous or deadly weapon.
Hostage situation - An incident where it is reasonable to believe a person is unlawfully held by
a hostage-taker as security so that specified terms or conditions will be met.
409.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to address hostage and barricade situations
with due regard for the preservation of life and balancing the risk of injury, while obtaining the safe
release of hostages, apprehending offenders and securing available evidence.
409.3 COMMUNICATION
When circumstances permit, initial responding officers should try to establish and maintain lines
of communication with a barricaded person or hostage-taker. Officers should attempt to identify
any additional subjects, inquire about victims and injuries, seek the release of hostages, gather
intelligence information, identify time-sensitive demands or conditions and obtain the suspect’s
surrender.
When available, department-authorized negotiators should respond to the scene as soon as
practicable and assume communication responsibilities. Negotiators are permitted to exercise
flexibility in each situation based upon their training, the circumstances presented, suspect actions
or demands and the available resources.
409.3.1 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Only an officer who has been designated by the District Attorney or Attorney General may use
or authorize the use of an electronic amplifying or recording device to eavesdrop on or record,
or both, oral communication in response to an emergency situation involving a hostage or the
barricading of a location, and only when (Penal Code § 633.8(b)):

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(a)

The officer reasonably determines an emergency situation exists that involves the immediate
danger of death or serious physical injury to any person within the meaning of 18 USC
§ 2518(7)(a)(i),

(b)

The officer reasonably determines that the emergency situation requires that eavesdropping
on oral communication occur immediately, and

(c)

There are grounds upon which an order could be obtained pursuant to 18 USC § 2516(2).

(d)

An application for an order approving the eavesdropping and complying with the
requirements of Section 629.50 is made within 48 hours of the beginning of the
eavesdropping.

(e)

The contents of any oral communications overheard are recorded on tape or other
comparable device.

409.4 FIRST RESPONDER CONSIDERATIONS
First responding officers should promptly and carefully evaluate all available information to
determine whether an incident involves, or may later develop into, a hostage or barricade situation.
The first responding officer should immediately request a supervisor’s response as soon as it is
determined that a hostage or barricade situation exists. The first responding officer shall assume
the duties of the supervisor until relieved by a supervisor or a more qualified responder. The officer
shall continually evaluate the situation, including the level of risk to officers, to the persons involved
and to bystanders, and the resources currently available.
The handling officer should brief the arriving supervisor of the incident, including information about
suspects and victims, the extent of any injuries, additional resources or equipment that may be
needed, and current perimeters and evacuation areas.
409.4.1 BARRICADE SITUATION
Unless circumstances require otherwise, officers handling a barricade situation should attempt to
avoid a forceful confrontation in favor of stabilizing the incident by establishing and maintaining
lines of communication while awaiting the arrival of specialized personnel and trained negotiators.
During the interim the following options, while not all-inclusive or in any particular order, should
be considered:
(a)

Ensure injured persons are evacuated from the immediate threat area if it is reasonably safe
to do so. Request medical assistance.

(b)

Assign personnel to a contact team to control the subject should he/she attempt to exit the
building, structure or vehicle, and attack, use deadly force, attempt to escape or surrender
prior to additional resources arriving.

(c)

Request additional personnel, resources and equipment as needed (e.g., canine team, air
support).

(d)

Provide responding emergency personnel with a safe arrival route to the location.

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(e)

Evacuate non-injured persons in the immediate threat area if it is reasonably safe to do so.

(f)

Attempt or obtain a line of communication and gather as much information on the subject
as possible, including weapons, other involved parties, additional hazards or injuries.

(g)

Establish an inner and outer perimeter as circumstances require and resources permit to
prevent unauthorized access.

(h)

Evacuate bystanders, residents and businesses within the inner and then outer perimeter as
appropriate. Check for injuries, the presence of other involved subjects, witnesses, evidence
or additional information.

(i)

Determine the need for and notify the appropriate persons within and outside the
Department, such as command officers and the Public Information Officer.

(j)

If necessary and available, establish a tactical or exclusive radio frequency for the incident.

(k)

Establish a command post.

409.4.2 HOSTAGE SITUATION
Officers presented with a hostage situation should attempt to avoid a forceful confrontation in favor
of controlling the incident in anticipation of the arrival of specialized personnel and trained hostage
negotiators. However, it is understood that hostage situations are dynamic and can require that
officers react quickly to developing or changing threats. The following options while not all-inclusive
or in any particular order, should be considered:
(a)

Ensure injured persons are evacuated from the immediate threat area if it is reasonably safe
to do so. Request medical assistance.

(b)

(c)

Establish a rapid response team in the event it becomes necessary to rapidly enter a
building, structure or vehicle, such as when the suspect is using deadly force against any
hostages (see the Rapid Response and Deployment Policy).

(d)

Assist hostages or potential hostages to escape if it is reasonably safe to do so. Hostages
should be kept separated if practicable pending further interview.

(e)

Request additional personnel, resources and equipment as needed (e.g., canine team, air
support).

(f)

Provide responding emergency personnel with a safe arrival route to the location.

(g)

Evacuate non-injured persons in the immediate threat area if it is reasonably safe to do so.

(h)

Coordinate pursuit or surveillance vehicles and control of travel routes.

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(i)

Attempt or obtain a line of communication and gather as much information about the suspect
as possible, including any weapons, victims and their injuries, additional hazards, other
involved parties and any other relevant intelligence information.

(j)

Establish an inner and outer perimeter as resources and circumstances permit to prevent
unauthorized access.

(k)

(l)

Determine the need for and notify the appropriate persons within and outside the
Department, such as command officers and the Public Information Officer.

(m)

If necessary and available, establish a tactical or exclusive radio frequency for the incident.

409.5 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon being notified that a hostage or barricade situation exists, the supervisor should immediately
respond to the scene, assess the risk level of the situation, establish a proper chain of command
and assume the role of Incident Commander until properly relieved. This includes requesting a
CRU response if appropriate and apprising the CRU Commander of the circumstances. In addition,
the following options should be considered:
(a)

Ensure injured persons are evacuated and treated by medical personnel.

(b)

Ensure the completion of necessary first responder responsibilities or assignments.

(c)

Request crisis negotiators, specialized units, additional personnel, resources or equipment
as appropriate.

(d)

Establish a command post location as resources and circumstances permit.

(e)

Designate assistants who can help with intelligence information and documentation of the
incident.

(f)

If it is practicable to do so, arrange for video documentation of the operation.

(g)

Consider contacting utility and communication providers to restrict such services (e.g.,
restricting electric power, gas, telephone service).
1.

When considering restricting communication services, a supervisor should make
the determination that there is reason to believe an emergency situation exists
involving immediate danger of death or great bodily harm and that an interruption to
communication services is necessary to protect public safety. The supervisor must
ensure the Department obtains a court order, in accordance with Public Utilities
Code section 7908, prior to requesting the interruption. In the case of an extreme
emergency when there is insufficient time to obtain an order prior to the request,
application for the order must be submitted within six hours after initiating the
interruption (Public Utilities Code § 7908).

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(h)

Ensure adequate law enforcement coverage for the remainder of the City during the incident.
The supervisor should direct non-essential personnel away from the scene unless they have
been summoned by the supervisor or Dispatch.

(i)

Identify a media staging area outside the outer perimeter and have the department Public
Information Officer or a designated temporary media representative provide media access
in accordance with the News Media Relations Policy.

(j)

Identify the need for mutual aid and the transition or relief of personnel for incidents of
extended duration.

(k)

Debrief personnel and review documentation as appropriate.

409.6 REPORTING
Unless otherwise relieved by a supervisor or Incident Commander, the handling officer at the
scene is responsible for completion and/or coordination of incident reports.

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Policy

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410

Policy Manual

Response to Bomb Calls
410.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to assist members of the Culver City Police
Department in their initial response to incidents involving explosives, explosive devices, explosion/
bombing incidents or threats of such incidents. Under no circumstances should these guidelines
be interpreted as compromising the safety of first responders or the public. When confronted with
an incident involving explosives, safety should always be the primary consideration.
410.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to place a higher priority on the safety of
persons and the public over damage or destruction to public or private property.
410.3 RECEIPT OF BOMB THREAT
Department members receiving a bomb threat should obtain as much information from the
individual as reasonably possible, including the type, placement and alleged detonation time of
the device.
If the bomb threat is received on a recorded line, reasonable steps should be taken to ensure that
the recording is preserved in accordance with established department evidence procedures.
The member receiving the bomb threat should ensure that the Watch Commander is immediately
advised and informed of the details. This will enable the Watch Commander to ensure that the
appropriate personnel are dispatched, and, as appropriate, the threatened location is given an
advance warning.
410.4 GOVERNMENT FACILITY OR PROPERTY
A bomb threat targeting a government facility may require a different response based on the
government agency.
410.4.1 CULVER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT FACILITY
If the bomb threat is against the Culver City Police Department facility, the Watch Commander
will direct and assign officers as required for coordinating a general building search or evacuation
of the police department, as he/she deems appropriate.
410.4.2 OTHER COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL FACILITY OR PROPERTY
If the bomb threat is against a county or municipal facility within the jurisdiction of the Culver
City Police Department that is not the property of this department, the appropriate agency will
be promptly informed of the threat. Assistance to the other entity may be provided as the Watch
Commander deems appropriate.

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410.4.3 FEDERAL BUILDING OR PROPERTY
If the bomb threat is against a federal building or property, the Federal Protective Service should
be immediately notified. The Federal Protective Service provides a uniformed law enforcement
response for most facilities, which may include use of its Explosive Detector Dog teams.
If the bomb threat is against a federal government property where the Federal Protective Service
is unable to provide a timely response, the appropriate facility’s security or command staff should
be notified.
Bomb threats against a military installation should be reported to the military police or other military
security responsible for the installation.
410.5 PRIVATE FACILITY OR PROPERTY
When a member of this department receives notification of a bomb threat at a location in the City
of Culver City, the member receiving the notification should obtain as much information as
reasonably possible from the notifying individual, including:
(a)

The location of the facility.

(b)

The nature of the threat.

(c)

Whether the type and detonation time of the device is known.

(d)

Whether the facility is occupied and, if so, the number of occupants currently on-scene.

(e)

Whether the individual is requesting police assistance at the facility.

(f)

Whether there are any internal facility procedures regarding bomb threats in place, such as:
1.

No evacuation of personnel and no search for a device.

Search for a device without evacuation of personnel.

Evacuation of personnel without a search for a device.

Evacuation of personnel and a search for a device.

The member receiving the bomb threat information should ensure that the Watch Commander is
immediately notified so that he/she can communicate with the person in charge of the threatened
facility.
410.5.1 ASSISTANCE
The Watch Commander should be notified when police assistance is requested. The Watch
Commander will make the decision whether the Department will render assistance and at what
level. Information and circumstances that indicate a reasonably apparent, imminent threat to the
safety of either the facility or the public may require a more active approach, including police
control over the facility.
Should the Watch Commander determine that the Department will assist or control such an
incident, he/she will determine:
(a)

The appropriate level of assistance.

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(b)

The plan for assistance.

(c)

Whether to evacuate and/or search the facility.

(d)

Whether to involve facility staff in the search or evacuation of the building.

(e)

The person in charge of the facility should be made aware of the possibility of damage
to the facility as a result of a search.

The safety of all participants is the paramount concern.

The need for additional resources, including:
1.

Notification and response, or standby notice, for fire and emergency medical
services.

Even though a facility does not request police assistance to clear the interior of a building, based
upon the circumstances and known threat, officers may be sent to the scene to evacuate other
areas that could be affected by the type of threat, or for traffic and pedestrian control.
410.6 FOUND DEVICE
When handling an incident involving a suspected explosive device, the following guidelines, while
not all inclusive, should be followed:
(a)

No known or suspected explosive item should be considered safe regardless of its size or
apparent packaging.

(b)

The device should not be touched or moved except by the bomb squad or military explosive
ordnance disposal team.

(c)

Personnel should not transmit on any equipment that is capable of producing radio frequency
energy within the evacuation area around the suspected device. This includes the following:
1.

Two-way radios

Cell phones

Other personal communication devices

(d)

The appropriate bomb squad or military explosive ordnance disposal team should be
summoned for assistance.

(e)

The largest perimeter reasonably possible should initially be established around the device
based upon available personnel and the anticipated danger zone.

(f)

A safe access route should be provided for support personnel and equipment.

(g)

Search the area for secondary devices as appropriate and based upon available resources.

(h)

Consider evacuation of buildings and personnel near the device or inside the danger zone
and the safest exit route.

(i)

Promptly relay available information to the Watch Commander including:
1.

The time of discovery.

The exact location of the device.

A full description of the device (e.g., size, shape, markings, construction).

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The anticipated danger zone and perimeter.

The areas to be evacuated or cleared.

410.7 EXPLOSION/BOMBING INCIDENTS
When an explosion has occurred, there are multitudes of considerations which may confront the
responding officers. As in other catastrophic events, a rapid response may help to minimize injury
to victims, minimize contamination of the scene by gathering crowds, or minimize any additional
damage from fires or unstable structures.
410.7.1 CONSIDERATIONS
Officers responding to explosions, whether accidental or a criminal act, should consider the
following actions:
(a)

Assess the scope of the incident, including the number of victims and extent of injuries.

(b)

Request additional personnel and resources, as appropriate.

(c)

Assist with first aid.

(d)

Identify and take appropriate precautions to mitigate scene hazards, such as collapsed
structures, bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials.

(e)

Assist with the safe evacuation of victims, if possible.

(f)

Establish an inner perimeter to include entry points and evacuation routes. Search for
additional or secondary devices.

(g)

Preserve evidence.

(h)

Establish an outer perimeter and evacuate if necessary.

(i)

Identify witnesses.

410.7.2 NOTIFICATIONS
When an explosion has occurred, the following people should be notified as appropriate:

•

Fire department

•

Bomb squad

•

Additional department personnel, such as investigators and forensic services

•

Field supervisor

•

Watch Commander

•

Other law enforcement agencies, including local, state or federal agencies, such as the FBI
and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

•

Other government agencies, as appropriate

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410.7.3 CROWD CONTROL
Only authorized members with a legitimate need should be permitted access to the scene.
Spectators and other unauthorized individuals should be restricted to a safe distance as is
reasonably practicable given the available resources and personnel.
410.7.4 PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE
As in any other crime scene, steps should immediately be taken to preserve the scene. The Watch
Commander should assign officers to protect the crime scene area, which could extend over a
long distance. Consideration should be given to the fact that evidence may be imbedded in nearby
structures or hanging in trees and bushes.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

411

Policy Manual

Mental Illness Commitments
411.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for when officers may take a person into custody for psychiatric
evaluation and treatment (5150 commitment) (Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150).
411.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to protect the public and individuals
through legal and appropriate use of the 72-hour treatment and evaluation commitment (5150
commitment) process.
411.3 AUTHORITY
An officer having probable cause may take a person into custody and place the person in an
approved mental health facility for 72-hour treatment and evaluation when the officer believes that,
as a result of a mental disorder, the person is a danger to him/herself or others or the person is
gravely disabled (Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150; Welfare and Institutions Code § 5585.50).
When determining whether to take a person into custody, officers are not limited to determining
the person is an imminent danger and shall consider reasonably available information about the
historical course of the person’s mental disorder, which may include evidence presented from any
of the following (Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150; Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150.05):
(a)

An individual who is providing or has provided mental health treatment or related support
services to the person

(b)

A family member

(c)

The person subject to the determination or anyone designated by the person

411.3.1 VOLUNTARY EVALUATION
If an officer encounters an individual who may qualify for a 5150 commitment, he/she may inquire
as to whether the person desires to voluntarily be evaluated at an appropriate facility. If the person
so desires, the officers should:
(a)

Transport the person to an appropriate facility that is able to conduct the evaluation and
admit the person pursuant to a 5150 commitment.

(b)

If at any point the person changes his/her mind regarding voluntary evaluation, officers
should proceed with the 5150 commitment, if appropriate.

(c)

Document the circumstances surrounding the individual’s desire to pursue voluntary
evaluation and/or admission.

411.3.2 RESTRAINTS
If the patient is violent or potentially violent, the officer will notify the staff of this concern. The staff
member in charge will have discretion as to whether soft-restraints will be used. If these restraints

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are desired, the officer will wait while they are being applied to help provide physical control of
the patient, if needed.
411.3.3 MENTAL HEALTH DOCUMENTATION
The officer will complete an Application For 72-Hour Detention for Evaluation and Treatment form
(MH-302) and provide it to the staff member assigned to that patient. The officer will retain a copy
of the 72-hour evaluation for inclusion in the case report. The officer shall also provide a verbal
summary to an emergency department staff member regarding the circumstances leading to the
involuntary detention.
411.4 CONSIDERATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Any officer handling a call involving an individual who may qualify for a 5150 commitment should
consider, as time and circumstances reasonably permit:
(a)

Available information that might assist in determining the cause and nature of the person’s
action or stated intentions.

(b)

Community or neighborhood mediation services.

(c)

Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.

(d)

Community or other resources available to assist in dealing with mental health issues.

While these steps are encouraged, nothing in this section is intended to dissuade officers from
taking reasonable action to ensure the safety of the officers and others.
Officers should consider a 5150 commitment over arrest when mental health issues appear to
be a mitigating factor for people who are suspected of committing minor crimes or creating other
public safety issues.
411.4.1 SECURING OF PROPERTY
When a person is taken into custody for evaluation, or within a reasonable time thereafter, and
unless a responsible relative, guardian or conservator is in possession of the person's personal
property, the officer shall take reasonable precautions to safeguard the individual’s personal
property in his/her possession or on the premises occupied by the person (Welfare and Institutions
Code § 5150).
The officer taking the person into custody shall provide a report to the court that describes the
person’s property and its disposition in the format provided in Welfare and Institutions Code §
5211, unless a responsible person took possession of the property, in which case the officer shall
only include the name of the responsible person and the location of the property (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 5150).
411.5 TRANSPORTATION
When transporting any individual for a 5150 commitment, the transporting officer should have
Dispatch notify the receiving facility of the estimated time of arrival, the level of cooperation of the
individual and whether any special medical care is needed.
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Officers may transport individuals in a patrol unit and shall secure them in accordance with the
Handcuffing and Restraints Policy. Should the detainee require transport in a medical transport
vehicle and the safety of any person, including the detainee, requires the presence of an officer
during the transport, Watch Commander approval should be sought before transport commences.
411.5.1 RETURN OF CONFISCATED FIREARMS AND WEAPONS
(a)

Whenever the handling officer has cause to believe that the future return of any confiscated
weapon(s) might endanger the person or others, the officer shall detail those facts and
circumstances in a report. The report shall be forwarded to the Investigations Bureau which
shall be responsible for initiating a petition to the superior court for a hearing in accordance
with Welfare and Institutions Code § 8102(b), to determine whether or not the weapon(s)
will be returned.

(b)

The petition to the Superior Court shall be initiated within 30 days of the release of the
individual from whom such weapon(s) have been confiscated unless the Department makes
an ex parte application to the court to extend the time to file such a petition, up to a maximum
of 60 days. At the time any such petition is initiated, the Department shall send written notice
to the individual informing him or her of the right to a hearing on the issue and that he or she
has 30 days to confirm with the court clerk any desire for a hearing and that the failure to
do so will result in the forfeiture of any confiscated weapon(s).

(c)

If no petition is initiated within the above period, the Department shall make the weapon(s)
available for return in accordance with subsection (d) below. If the person does not confirm
a desire for a hearing within the prescribed 30 days, the Department may file a petition for
an order of default.

(d)

Under no circumstances shall any firearm be returned to any individual unless and until such
person presents valid identification and written notification from the California Department
of Justice which conforms to the provisions of Penal Code § 12021.3(e).

(e)

In no case in which a firearm or other deadly weapon is not retained as evidence shall the
Department be required to retain such firearms or other deadly weapon longer than 180
days after notice has been provided to the owner that such firearm or other deadly weapon is
available for return. At the expiration of such period, the firearm or other deadly weapon may
be processed for disposal in accordance with applicable law (Penal Code § 12021.3(g)).

411.6 TRANSFER TO APPROPRIATE FACILITY
Upon arrival at the facility, the officer will escort the individual into a treatment area designated
by a facility staff member. If the individual is not seeking treatment voluntarily, the officer should
provide the staff member with the written application for 5150 commitment and remain present to
provide clarification of the grounds for detention, upon request.
Absent exigent circumstances, the transporting officer should not assist facility staff with the
admission process, including restraint of the individual. However, if the individual is transported
and delivered while restrained, the officer may assist with transferring the individual to facility
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restraints and will be available to assist during the admission process, if requested. Under normal
circumstances, officers will not apply facility-ordered restraints.
411.7 DOCUMENTATION
The officer shall complete an application for a 72-Hour detention for evaluation and treatment,
provide it to the facility staff member assigned to that patient and retain a copy of the application
for inclusion in the case report.
The application shall include the circumstances for officer involvement; the probable cause to
believe the person is, as a result of a mental health disorder, a danger to others or him/herself or
gravely disabled; and all information used for the determination of probable cause (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 5150; Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150.05).
The officer should also provide a verbal summary to any evaluating staff member regarding the
circumstances leading to the involuntary detention.
411.7.1 ADVISEMENT
The officer taking a person into custody for evaluation shall advise the person of:
(a)

The officer’s name and agency.

(b)

The fact that the person is not under criminal arrest but is being taken for examination by
mental health professionals and the mental health staff will advise him/her of their rights.

(c)

The name of the facility to which the person is being taken.

(d)

If the person is being taken into custody at his/her residence, he/she should also be advised
that he/she may take a few personal items, which the officer must approve, and may make
a telephone call or leave a note indicating where he/she is being taken. The officer should
also ask if the person needs assistance turning off any appliance or water.

The advisement shall be given in a language the person understands. If the person cannot
understand an oral advisement, the information shall be provided in writing (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 5150).
411.8 CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Officers investigating an individual who is suspected of committing a minor criminal offense and
who is being taken on a 5150 commitment should resolve the criminal matter by issuing a warning
or a Notice to Appear as appropriate.
When an individual who may qualify for a 5150 commitment has committed a serious criminal
offense that would normally result in an arrest and transfer to a jail facility, the officer should:
(a)

Arrest the individual when there is probable cause to do so.

(b)

Notify the appropriate supervisor of the facts supporting the arrest and the facts that would
support the 5150 commitment.

(c)

Facilitate the individual’s transfer to jail.

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(d)

Thoroughly document in the related reports the circumstances that indicate the individual
may qualify for a 5150 commitment.

In the supervisor’s judgment, the individual may instead be arrested or booked and transported
to the appropriate mental health facility. The supervisor should consider the seriousness of the
offense, the treatment options available, the ability of this department to regain custody of the
individual, department resources (e.g., posting a guard) and other relevant factors in making this
decision.
411.9 FIREARMS AND OTHER WEAPONS
Whenever a person is taken into custody for a 5150 commitment, the handling officers should
seek to determine if the person owns or has access to any firearm or other deadly weapon defined
in Welfare and Institute § 8100. Officers should consider whether it is appropriate and consistent
with current search and seizure law under the circumstances to seize any such firearms or other
dangerous weapons (e.g. safekeeping, evidence, consent).
Officers are cautioned that a search warrant may be needed before entering a residence or
other place to search, unless lawful, warrantless entry has already been made (e.g., exigent
circumstances, consent). A search warrant may also be needed before searching for or seizing
weapons
The handling officers shall issue a receipt describing the deadly weapon or any firearm seized,
and list any serial number or other identification that is on the firearm. Officers shall advise the
person of the procedure for the return of any firearm or other weapon that has been taken into
custody (Welfare and Institutions Code § 8102 (b)) (see Property and Evidence Policy).
411.9.1 PETITION FOR RETURN OF FIREARMS AND OTHER WEAPONS
Whenever the handling officer has cause to believe that the future return of any confiscated
weapon might endanger the person or others, the officer shall detail those facts and circumstances
in a report. The report shall be forwarded to the Investigation Bureau, which shall be responsible for
initiating a petition to the Superior Court for a hearing in accordance with Welfare and Institutions
Code § 8102(c), to determine whether the weapon will be returned.
The petition to the Superior Court shall be initiated within 30 days of the release of the individual
from whom such weapon has been confiscated, unless the Department makes an ex parte
application to the court to extend the time to file such a petition, up to a maximum of 60 days. At
the time any such petition is initiated, the Department shall send written notice to the individual
informing him/her of the right to a hearing on the issue, that he/she has 30 days to confirm with
the court clerk any desire for a hearing and that the failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of
any confiscated weapon.

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411.10 TRAINING
This department will endeavor to provide Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-approved
advanced officer training on interaction with persons with mental disabilities, 5150 commitments
and crisis intervention.

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412

Policy Manual

Cite and Release Policy
412.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance on when to release adults who are arrested for a criminal
misdemeanor offense on a written notice to appear (citation) and when to hold for court or bail.
412.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to release all persons arrested on misdemeanor
or other qualifying charges on a citation with certain exceptions (Penal Code § 853.6).
If there is a reason for non-release, the Department’s mission to protect the community will be
the primary consideration when determining whether to release any individual in lieu of holding
for court or bail.
412.3 RELEASE BY CITATION
Except in cases where a reason for non-release as described below exists, adults arrested for
a misdemeanor offense, including a private persons arrest, shall be released from custody on a
citation (Penal Code § 853.6).
The citing officer shall, at the time the defendant signs the notice to appear, call attention to the
time and place for appearance and take any other steps he/she deems necessary to ensure that
the defendant understands his/her written promise to appear.
412.3.1 FIELD CITATIONS
In most cases an adult arrested for a misdemeanor offense may be released in the field on a
citation in lieu of physical arrest when booking and fingerprinting is not practicable or immediately
required provided the individual can be satisfactorily identified, there is no outstanding arrest
warrant for the individual and none of the below described disqualifying circumstances are present
(Penal Code § 853.6; Penal Code § 1270.1). In such cases the arresting officer should check the
booking required box on the citation form to indicate that the person will be photographed and
fingerprinted at a later time prior to appearing in court.
When a booking photo or fingerprints are needed for the furtherance of any investigation, the
person should be released on citation after booking instead of on a field citation.
412.3.2 RELEASE AFTER BOOKING
In some cases it may not be feasible or desirable to release a person in the field. The person
should instead be released on citation after booking at the jail. All bookings shall be approved by
the Watch Commander or the authorized designee.

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412.3.3 INSTRUCTIONS TO CITED PERSON
The citing officer shall, at the time he/she asks the defendant to sign the notice to appear, call
attention to the time and place for appearance and take any other steps he/she deems necessary
to ensure that the defendant understands his/her written promise to appear.
412.4 NON-RELEASE
412.4.1 DISQUALIFYING OFFENSES
An adult arrested on any of the following disqualifying charges shall not be released on citation
and shall be transported to the appropriate detention facility or held for court or bail after booking:
Disqualifying offenses include (Penal Code § 1270.1):
(a)

Misdemeanor domestic battery (Penal Code § 243(e)(1)).

(b)

Felony domestic battery (Penal Code § 273.5).

(c)

Serious or violent felonies (Penal Code § 1270.1(a)(1)).

(d)

Violation of a protective order and the arrested person has made threats, used violence or
has gone to the protected person’s workplace or residence (Penal Code § 273.6).

(e)

Stalking (Penal Code § 646.9).

(f)

Misdemeanor violations of a protective order relating to domestic violence if there is a
reasonable likelihood the offense will continue or the safety of the individuals or property
would be endangered (Penal Code § 853.6).

412.4.2 REASONS FOR NON-RELEASE
A person arrested for a misdemeanor shall be released on a citation unless there is a reason for
non-release. The Watch Commander may authorize a release on citation regardless of whether
a reason for non-release exists when it is determined to be in the best interest of the Department
and does not present an unreasonable risk to the community (e.g., release of an intoxicated or
ill person to a responsible adult).
Reasons for non-release include (Penal Code § 853.6(i)):
(a)

The person arrested is so intoxicated that he/she could be a danger to him/herself or to
others. Release may occur as soon as this condition no longer exists.

(b)

The person arrested requires medical examination or medical care or is otherwise unable
to care for his/her own safety
1.

(c)

The Culver City Police Department shall not release an arrestee from custody for
the purpose of allowing that person to seek medical care at a hospital, and then
immediately re-arrest the same individual upon discharge from the hospital, unless
the hospital determines this action will enable it to bill and collect from a third-party
payment source (Penal Code § 4011.10).

The person is arrested for one or more of the offenses listed in Vehicle Code §§ 40302,
40303 and 40305.

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(d)

There are one or more outstanding arrest warrants for the person (see Misdemeanor
Warrants elsewhere in this policy).

(e)

The person could not provide satisfactory evidence of personal identification.
1.

If a person released on citation does not have satisfactory identification in his/her
possession, a right thumbprint or fingerprint should be obtained on the citation form.

(f)

The prosecution of the offense or offenses for which the person was arrested or the
prosecution of any other offense or offenses would be jeopardized by the immediate release
of the person arrested.

(g)

There is a reasonable likelihood that the offense or offenses would continue or resume, or
that the safety of persons or property would be imminently endangered by the release of
the person arrested.

(h)

The person arrested demands to be taken before a magistrate or has refused to sign the
notice to appear.

(i)

There is reason to believe that the person would not appear at the time and place specified
in the notice to appear. The basis for this determination shall be specifically documented.
Reasons may include:
(a)

Previous failure to appear is on record

(b)

The person lacks ties to the area, such as a residence, job or family

(c)

Unusual circumstances lead the officer responsible for the release of prisoners to
conclude that the suspect should be held for further investigation

412.5 MISDEMEANOR WARRANTS
An adult arrested on a misdemeanor warrant may be released, subject to Watch Commander
approval, unless any of the following conditions exist:
(a)

The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves violence

(b)

The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves a firearm

(c)

The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves resisting arrest

(d)

The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves giving false information to a peace officer

(e)

The person arrested is a danger to him/herself or others due to intoxication or being under
the influence of drugs or narcotics

(f)

The person requires medical examination or medical care or was otherwise unable to care
for his/her own safety

(g)

The person has other ineligible charges pending against him/her

(h)

There is reasonable likelihood that the offense or offenses would continue or resume, or
that the safety of persons or property would be immediately endangered by the release of
the person

(i)

The person refuses to sign the notice to appear

(j)

The person cannot provide satisfactory evidence of personal identification

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(k)

The warrant of arrest indicates that the person is not eligible to be released on a notice to
appear

Release under this section shall be done in accordance with the provisions of this policy.
412.6 JUVENILE CITATIONS
All juveniles must have citation or be housed at Juvenile Hall in lieu of citation. Citations are
inclusive of:

•

Traffic violation infractions of the Vehicle Code

•

Misdemeanor traffic violations of the Vehicle Code

•

Violations of the Penal Code

•

Violations of the Culver City City codes

All other misdemeanor violations for juveniles shall be documented with a case number and the
case should be referred to the Investigation Bureau for further action.
412.7 REQUESTING CASE NUMBERS
Many cases involving a criminal citation release can be handled without requesting a case number.
Traffic situations and local code violations can be documented on the reverse side of the records
copy of the citation. Most Penal Code sections will require a case number to document the incident
properly in a report. This section does not preclude an officer from requesting a case number if
he/she feels the situation should be documented more thoroughly in a case report.
836.6(a) (1)

Misdemeanor arrestees shall be
released (no discretion) on cite with only
certain specified exceptions; may be
booked first but then must be cited out.

(2)

DV protective order (without threats) arrestees
may be released if offense is not likely
to continue and release does not create
imminent endangerment (should be W/
C’s call based on officer’s justification)

(3)

No cite for: Misd/Felony DV, violating DV
protective orders if threats were made and
stalking however arrestees are still entitled to
release on scheduled bail or OR release (OR
release or deviation from bail schedule require
Bail Hearing, for listed violent felonies (1270.1))

836.6.(h)

Must cite out misdemeanor arrestees. Note that
code says a person “the officer has arrested” not
“suspected offender”. Includes pvt. person arrests.

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(i)

Identifies the only reasons for which a
misdemeanant may be held for court/bail (too
drunk, no ID, would jeopardize a prosecution,
offense likely to continue…). Note that these
reasons do not prohibit citing out “the arresting
officer may release”. Must indicate in writing the
reason the person was not cited and include with
any transmittal of the arrestee to other facility.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

413

Policy Manual

Foreign Diplomatic and Consular
Representatives
413.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that members of the Culver City Police Department
extend appropriate privileges and immunities to foreign diplomatic and consular representatives
in accordance with international law.
413.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department respects international laws related to the special privileges
and immunities afforded foreign diplomatic and consular representatives assigned to the United
States.
All foreign diplomatic and consular representatives shall be treated with respect and courtesy,
regardless of any privileges or immunities afforded them.
413.3 CLAIMS OF IMMUNITY
If a member comes into contact with a person where law enforcement action may be warranted and
the person claims diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, the member should, without
delay:
(a)

Notify a supervisor.

(b)

Advise the person that his/her claim will be investigated and he/she may be released in
accordance with the law upon confirmation of the person’s status.

(c)

Request the person’s identification card, either issued by the U.S. Department of State
(DOS), Office of the Chief of Protocol, or in the case of persons accredited to the United
Nations, by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. These are the only reliable documents
for purposes of determining privileges and immunities.

(d)

Contact the DOS Diplomatic Security Command Center at 571-345-3146 or toll free at
866-217-2089, or at another current telephone number and inform the center of the
circumstances.

(e)

Verify the immunity status with DOS and follow any instructions regarding further detention,
arrest, prosecution and/or release, as indicated by the DOS representative. This may require
immediate release, even if a crime has been committed.

Identity or immunity status should not be presumed from the type of license plates displayed on a
vehicle. If there is a question as to the status or the legitimate possession of a Diplomat or Consul
license plate, a query should be run via the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications
System (NLETS), designating “US” as the state.

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413.4 ENFORCEMENT
If the DOS is not immediately available for consultation regarding law enforcement action,
members shall be aware of the following:
(a)

Generally, all persons with diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities may be issued
a citation or notice to appear. However, the person may not be compelled to sign the citation.

(b)

All persons, even those with a valid privilege or immunity, may be reasonably restrained
in exigent circumstances for purposes of self-defense, public safety or the prevention of
serious criminal acts.

(c)

An impaired foreign diplomatic or consular representative may be prevented from driving a
vehicle, even if the person may not be arrested due to privileges and immunities.
1.

(d)

(e)

Investigations, including the request for field sobriety tests, chemical tests and any
other tests regarding impaired driving may proceed but they shall not be compelled.

The following persons may not be detained or arrested, and any property or vehicle owned
by these persons may not be searched or seized:
1.

Diplomatic-level staff of missions to international organizations and recognized family
members

Diplomatic agents and recognized family members

Members of administrative and technical staff of a diplomatic mission and recognized
family members

Career consular officers, unless the person is the subject of a felony warrant

The following persons may generally be detained and arrested:
1.

International organization staff; however, some senior officers are entitled to the
same treatment as diplomatic agents.

Support staff of missions to international organizations

Diplomatic service staff and consular employees; however, special bilateral
agreements may exclude employees of certain foreign countries.

Honorary consular officers

Whenever an officer arrests and incarcerates, or detains for investigation for over two
hours, a person with diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities, the officer
shall promptly advise the person that he/she is entitled to have his/her government
notified of the arrest or detention (Penal Code § 834c). If the individual wants his/her
government notified, the officer shall begin the notification process.

413.5 DOCUMENTATION
All contacts with persons who have claimed privileges and immunities afforded foreign diplomatic
and consular representatives should be thoroughly documented and the related reports forwarded
to DOS.

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413.6 DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY TABLE
Reference table on diplomatic immunity:
Category

Arrested or
Detained

Enter
Residence
Subject to
Ordinary
Procedures

Issued
Traffic
Citation

Subpoenaed Prosecuted
as Witness

Diplomatic
Agent

Yes

Same as
sponsor (full
immunity &
inviolability)

Yes

Same as
sponsor (full
immunity &
inviolability)

Yes

No for
official acts.

No immunity
or inviolability

Yes
otherwise

(note (a))

(note (b))
Member of
Admin and
Tech Staff

No
(note (b))

Service Staff

Yes

Recognized
Family
Members

(note (a))

(note (a))
Career
Consul
Officer

Yes if for a
felony and
pursuant to
a warrant

Yes

Officer
Consulate
Employees

Yes

No for
official acts.

No immunity
or inviolability

Testimony
may not be
compelled
in any case

Yes
otherwise

No for
official acts

Yes
otherwise.

Yes
otherwise

No for
official acts

No for
official acts.

No immunity
or inviolability

Yes
otherwise.

Yes
otherwise

(note (a))

(note (d))

(note (a))
Honorable
Consul

No for
official acts

Yes

(note (a))
No immunity
or inviolability

(note (a))

(note (a))
Int’l Org
Staff

Yes

(note (c))

(note (b))

Yes

No for
official acts.

No immunity
or inviolability

(note (c))
Yes
otherwise
(note (c))

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DiplomaticLevel Staff
of Missions
to Int’l Org
Support
Staff of
Missions to
Int’l Orgs

Yes

Same as
sponsor (full
immunity &
inviolability)

Yes

No for
official acts

No immunity
or inviolability

(note (b))
Yes

Yes
otherwise

Notes for diplomatic immunity table:
(a)

This table presents general rules. The employees of certain foreign countries may enjoy
higher levels of privileges and immunities on the basis of special bilateral agreements.

(b)

Reasonable constraints, however, may be applied in emergency circumstances involving
self-defense, public safety, or in the prevention of serious criminal acts.

(c)

A small number of senior officers are entitled to be treated identically to diplomatic agents.

(d)

Note that consul residences are sometimes located within the official consular premises. In
such cases, only the official office space is protected from police entry.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

414

Policy Manual

Rapid Response and Deployment
414.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Violence that is committed in schools, workplaces and other locations by individuals or a group of
individuals who are determined to target and kill persons and to create mass casualties presents
a difficult situation for law enforcement. The purpose of this policy is to identify guidelines and
factors that will assist responding officers in situations that call for rapid response and deployment.
414.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department will endeavor to plan for rapid response to crisis situations,
and to coordinate response planning with other emergency services as well as with those that are
responsible for operating sites that may be the target of a critical incident.
Nothing in this policy shall preclude the use of reasonable force, deadly or otherwise, by members
of the Department in protecting themselves or others from death or serious injury.
414.3 FIRST RESPONSE
If there is a reasonable belief that acts or threats by a suspect are placing lives in imminent danger,
first responding officers should consider reasonable options to reduce, prevent or eliminate the
threat. Officers must decide, often under a multitude of difficult and rapidly evolving circumstances,
whether to advance on the suspect, take other actions to deal with the threat or wait for additional
resources.
If a suspect is actively engaged in the infliction of serious bodily harm or other life-threatening
activity toward others, officers should take immediate action, if reasonably practicable, while
requesting additional assistance.
Officers should remain aware of the possibility that an incident may be part of a coordinated multilocation attack that may require some capacity to respond to other incidents at other locations.
When deciding on a course of action officers should consider:
(a)

Whether to advance on or engage a suspect who is still a possible or perceived threat to
others. Any advance or engagement should be based on information known or received at
the time.

(b)

Whether to wait for additional resources or personnel. This does not preclude an
individual officer from taking immediate action.

(c)

Whether individuals who are under imminent threat can be moved or evacuated with
reasonable safety.

(d)

Whether the suspect can be contained or denied access to victims.

(e)

Whether the officers have the ability to effectively communicate with other personnel or
resources.

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(f)

Whether planned tactics can be effectively deployed.

(g)

The availability of rifles, shotguns, shields, breaching tools, control devices and any
other appropriate tools, and whether the deployment of these tools will provide a tactical
advantage.

In a case of a barricaded suspect with no hostages and no immediate threat to others, officers
should consider summoning and waiting for additional assistance (special tactics and/or hostage
negotiation team response).
414.4 CONSIDERATIONS
When dealing with a crisis situation members should:
(a)

Assess the immediate situation and take reasonable steps to maintain operative control of
the incident.

(b)

Obtain, explore and analyze sources of intelligence and known information regarding the
circumstances, location and suspect involved in the incident.

(c)

Attempt to attain a tactical advantage over the suspect by reducing, preventing or eliminating
any known or perceived threat.

(d)

Attempt, if feasible and based upon the suspect’s actions and danger to others, a negotiated
surrender of the suspect and release of the hostages.

414.5 PLANNING
The Operations Bureau Commander should coordinate critical incident planning. Planning efforts
should consider:
(a)

Identification of likely critical incident target sites, such as schools, shopping centers,
entertainment and sporting event venues.

(b)

Availability of building plans and venue schematics of likely critical incident target sites.

(c)

Communications interoperability with other law enforcement and emergency service
agencies.

(d)

Training opportunities in critical incident target sites, including joint training with site
occupants.

(e)

Evacuation routes in critical incident target sites.

(f)

Patrol first-response training.

(g)

Response coordination and resources of emergency medical and fire services.

(h)

Equipment needs.

(i)

Mutual aid agreements with other agencies.

(j)

Coordination with private security providers in critical incident target sites.

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414.6 TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should include rapid response to critical incidents in the
training plan. This training should address:
(a)

Orientation to likely critical incident target sites, such as schools, shopping centers,
entertainment and sporting event venues.

(b)

Communications interoperability with other law enforcement and emergency service
agencies.

(c)

Patrol first-response training, including patrol rifle, shotgun, breaching tool and control
device training.
1.

This should include the POST terrorism incident training required for officers
assigned to field duties (Penal Code § 13519.12).

(d)

First aid, including gunshot trauma.

(e)

Reality-based scenario training (e.g., active shooter, disgruntled violent worker).

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

415

Policy Manual

Immigration Violations
415.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to members of the Culver City Police
Department for investigating and enforcing immigration laws.
415.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department that all members make personal and
professional commitments to equal enforcement of the law and equal service to the public.
Confidence in this commitment will increase the effectiveness of this [department/office] in
protecting and serving the entire community and recognizing the dignity of all persons, regardless
of their immigration status.
415.3 VICTIMS AND WITNESSES
To encourage crime reporting and cooperation in the investigation of criminal activity, all
individuals, regardless of their immigration status, must feel secure that contacting or being
addressed by members of law enforcement will not automatically lead to immigration inquiry and/
or deportation. While it may be necessary to determine the identity of a victim or witness, members
shall treat all individuals equally and without regard to race, color or national origin in any way that
would violate the United States or California Constitutions.
415.4 ENFORCEMENT
An officer may detain an individual when there are facts supporting a reasonable suspicion that the
individual entered into the United States in violation of a federal criminal law. Federal authorities
shall be notified as soon as possible and the detained individual shall be immediately released if
the federal authorities do not want the person held. An officer should not detain any individual, for
any length of time, for a civil violation of federal immigration laws or a related civil warrant.
415.4.1 CIVIL VS. CRIMINAL FEDERAL OFFENSES
An individual who enters into the United States illegally has committed a misdemeanor (8 USC
§ 1325(a)). Generally, an alien who initially made a legal entry into the United States but has
remained beyond what is a legal period of time has committed a federal civil offense.
Reasonable suspicion that a criminal immigration violation has occurred shall not be based on
race, color, national origin or any other generalization that would cast suspicion on or stigmatize
any person, except to the extent permitted by the United States or California Constitutions. Instead,
the totality of circumstances shall be used to determine reasonable suspicion, and shall include
factors weighing for and against reasonable suspicion.
Factors that may be considered in determining reasonable suspicion that a criminal immigration
violation has occurred may include, but are not limited to:
(a)

An admission that the person entered the United States illegally.

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(b)

Reason to suspect that the person possesses immigration documentation that is forged,
altered or otherwise indicative that the person is not legally present in the United States.

(c)

While a lack of English proficiency may be considered, it should not be the sole factor in
establishing reasonable suspicion. When practicable, reasonable effort should be made to
accommodate persons with limited English proficiency.

(d)

Other factors based upon training and experience.

415.4.2 IMMIGRATION CHECKS
Immigration status may be determined through any of the following sources:
(a)

A law enforcement officer who is authorized by the federal government under 8 USC §
1357 to verify or ascertain an alien's immigration status (sometimes referred to as a 287(g)
certified officer)

(b)

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

(c)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

An officer shall verify from a 287(g) certified officer, ICE or CBP whether a person’s presence in
the United States relates to a federal civil violation or a criminal violation.
If the officer has facts that establish probable cause to believe that a person already lawfully
detained has committed a criminal immigration offense, he/she may continue the detention and
may request ICE or CBP to respond to the location to take custody of the detained person.
In addition, the officer should notify a supervisor as soon as practicable. No individual who is
otherwise ready to be released should continue to be detained only because questions about the
individual’s status are unresolved.
An officer is encouraged to forgo detentions made solely on the basis of a misdemeanor offense
when time limitations, availability of personnel, issues of officer safety, communication capabilities
or the potential to obstruct a separate investigation outweigh the need for the detention.
415.4.3 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
When notified that an officer has detained a person and established probable cause to believe
the person has committed a criminal immigration offense, the supervisor should:
(a)

Confirm that the detained person’s immigration status was properly verified.

(b)

Ensure that the detained person is taken into custody when appropriate. Take any additional
steps necessary that may include, but are not limited to:
1.

Transfer to federal authorities.

Lawful arrest for a criminal offense or warrant.

415.5 ARREST NOTIFICATION TO IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT
Except as described below, it is not necessary to notify ICE when booking arrestees at the county
jail. Immigration officials routinely interview suspected undocumented aliens who are booked into
the county jail. Notification should be handled according to jail operation procedures.

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Whenever an officer has reason to believe that an individual arrested for any offense listed in
Health and Safety Code § 11369 may not be a citizen of the United States, and the individual is
not going to be booked into the county jail, the arresting officer shall notify ICE or other appropriate
agency of the United States.
Individuals arrested for other offenses who are not going to be booked into the county jail may be
reported to ICE or other appropriate agency of the United States.
When determining whether notification of immigration authorities is appropriate, the officer should,
in consultation with a supervisor, consider the totality of circumstances of each case, including,
but not limited to:
(a)

Seriousness of the offense

(b)

Community safety

(c)

Potential burden on ICE or other federal agency

(d)

Impact on the immigrant community

No individual who is otherwise ready to be released should continue to be detained solely for the
purpose of making notification to immigration authorities.
415.6 ICE REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Requests by ICE, or any other federal agency, for assistance from this [department/office] should
be directed to a supervisor. The [Department/Office] may provide available support services, such
as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts, to ICE or other federal agencies.
415.7 INFORMATION SHARING
No member of this [department/office] will prohibit, or in any way restrict, any other member from
doing any of the following regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of
any individual (8 USC § 1373):
(a)

Sending information to, or requesting or receiving such information from ICE

(b)

Maintaining such information in [department/office] records

(c)

Exchanging such information with any other federal, state or local government entity

415.7.1 IMMIGRATION HOLDS
Individuals should not be held in custody solely for a civil immigration hold under 8 CFR 287.7
unless the individual (Government Code § 7282; Government Code § 7282.5):
(a)

Has been convicted of offenses specified in Government Code § 7282.5.

(b)

Has been charged with offenses specified in Government Code § 7282.5 after a court has
determined probable cause supports the charge.

(c)

Is a sex or arson registrant.

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In no event should a person be held under this section for longer than 48 hours. Notification to the
federal authority should be made prior to the release.
415.7.2 NOTICE TO INDIVIDUALS
Individuals shall be given a copy of documentation received from Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) regarding a hold, notification or transfer request along with information as to
whether the Culver City Police Department intends to comply with the request (Government Code
§ 7283.1).
If the Culver City Police Department provides ICE with notification that an individual is being, or will
be, released on a certain date, the same notification shall be provided in writing to the individual
and to his/her attorney or to one additional person who the individual may designate (Government
Code § 7283.1).
415.7.3 ICE INTERVIEWS
Before any interview regarding civil immigration violations takes place between ICE personnel
and an individual in custody, the Culver City Police Department shall provide the individual with
a written consent form that explains the purpose of the interview, that the interview is voluntary
and that he/she may decline to be interviewed or may choose to be interviewed only with his/her
attorney present. The consent form must be available in the languages specified in Government
Code § 7283.1.
415.8 U VISA AND T VISA NONIMMIGRANT STATUS
Under certain circumstances, federal law allows temporary immigration benefits, known as a
U visa, to victims and witnesses of certain qualifying crimes (8 USC § 1101(a)(15)(U)). A law
enforcement certification for a U visa may be completed by an officer in order for a U visa to be
issued.
Similar immigration protection, known as a T visa, is available for certain qualifying victims of
human trafficking (8 USC § 1101(a)(15)(T)). A law enforcement declaration for a T visa may be
completed by an officer in order for a T visa to be issued.
Any request for assistance in applying for U visa or T visa status should be forwarded in a timely
manner to the Investigation Bureau supervisor assigned to oversee the handling of any related
case. The Investigation Bureau supervisor shall:
(a)

Consult with the assigned investigator to determine the current status of any related case
and whether further documentation is warranted.

(b)

Contact the appropriate prosecutor assigned to the case, if applicable, to ensure the
certification or declaration has not already been completed and whether a certification or
declaration is warranted.

(c)

Address the request and complete the certification or declaration, if appropriate, in a timely
manner.
1.

The instructions for completing certification and declaration forms can be found on
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website.

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Form I-918 Supplement B certification shall be completed if the victim qualifies
under Penal Code § 679.10 (multiple serious offenses). Form I-914 Supplement B
certification shall be completed if the victim qualifies under Penal Code § 236.5 or
Penal Code § 679.11 (human trafficking).

(d)

Ensure that any decision to complete, or not complete, a certification or declaration form is
documented in the case file and forwarded to the appropriate prosecutor. Include a copy of
any completed form in the case file.

(e)

Inform the victim liaison of any requests and their status.

415.8.1 TIME FRAMES FOR COMPLETION
Officers and their supervisors who are assigned to investigate a case of human trafficking as
defined by Penal Code § 236.1 shall complete the above process and the documents needed for
a T visa application within 15 business days of the first encounter with the victim, regardless of
whether it is requested by the victim (Penal Code § 236.5).
Officers and their supervisors shall complete the above process and the documents needed for a
U visa or T visa application pursuant to Penal Code § 679.10 and Penal Code § 679.11 within 90
days of a request from the victim or victim’s family related to one of their assigned cases. If the
victim is in removal proceedings, the certification shall be processed within 14 days of the request.
415.8.2 REPORTING TO LEGISLATURE
The Investigation Bureau supervisor or the authorized designee should ensure that certification
requests are reported to the Legislature in January of each year and include the number of
certifications signed and the number denied. The report shall comply with Government Code §
9795 (Penal Code § 679.10; Penal Code § 679.11).
415.9 TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant shall ensure that all appropriate members receive
immigration training.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

416

Policy Manual

Emergency Utility Service
416.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The City Public Works Department has personnel available to handle emergency calls 24
hours per day. Calls for service during non-business hours are frequently directed to the Police
Department. Requests for such service received by this department should be handled in the
following manner.
416.1.1 BROKEN WATER LINES
'

The City s responsibility ends at the water meter; any break or malfunction in the water system
from the water meter to the citizen's residence or business is the customer's responsibility.Public
Works can only turn off the valve at the meter. The citizen can normally accomplish this.
If a break occurs on the City side of the meter, emergency personnel should be called as soon
as practical by Dispatch.
416.1.2 ELECTRICAL LINES
City Public Works does not maintain electrical lines to street light poles. When a power line poses
a hazard, an officer should be dispatched to protect against personal injury or property damage
that might be caused by power lines. The Electric Company or Public Works should be promptly
notified, as appropriate.
416.1.3 RESERVOIRS, PUMPS, WELLS, ETC.
Public Works maintains the reservoirs and public water equipment, as well as several underpass
and other street drainage pumps. In the event of flooding or equipment malfunctions, emergency
personnel should be contacted as soon as possible.
416.1.4 EMERGENCY NUMBERS
A current list of emergency personnel who are to be called for municipal utility emergencies is
maintained by Dispatch.
416.2 TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE
The City of Culver City maintains all traffic signals within the City, other than those maintained
by the State of California.
416.2.1 OFFICER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Upon observing a damaged or malfunctioning signal, the officer will advise the Communications
Center of the location and problem with the signal. The dispatcher should make the necessary
notification to the proper maintenance agency.

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417

Policy Manual

Rifle
417.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
In order to more effectively and accurately address the increasing level of fire power and body
armor utilized by criminal suspects, the Culver City Police Department will make rifles available
to qualified officers as an additional and more immediate tactical resource.
417.2 RIFLE
417.2.1 DEFINITION
A rifle is an authorized weapon which is owned by the Department and which is made available
to properly trained and qualified officers as a supplemental resource to their duty handgun or
shotgun. No personally owned rifles may be carried for patrol duty unless preapproved in writing
by the Chief of Police.
417.3 SPECIFICATIONS
Only weapons, ammunition, and accessories that meet agency authorized specifications and are
approved by the Chief of Police may be used by officers in their law enforcement responsibilities.
The authorized patrol rifle issued by the Department is the Colt Commando, 5.56 mm.
417.4 RIFLE MAINTENANCE
(a)

Primary responsibility for maintenance of rifles shall fall on the Rangemaster or armorer who
should inspect and service each rifle on a monthly basis.

(b)

Each officer carrying a patrol rifle may be required to field strip and clean an assigned rifle
as needed.

(c)

All users of the rifles shall be responsible for promptly reporting to a supervisor any damage
or malfunction of an assigned rifle.

(d)

Each rifle shall be subject to inspection by a supervisor, the Rangemaster or Armorer at
any time.

(e)

No modification shall be made to any rifle without prior written authorization from the Chief
of Police.

417.5 TRAINING
Officers shall not carry or utilize the rifle unless they have successfully completed departmental
training. This training shall consist of an initial 16 hour rifle user's course and qualification with
a certified rifle instructor. Officers shall thereafter be required to re-qualify biannually under the
supervision of a certified rifle instructor.

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Any officer who fails to qualify or who fails to successfully complete two or more Department
sanctioned training/qualification sessions within a calendar year will no longer be authorized to
carry the rifle without successfully retaking the initial user's course and qualification.
417.6 DEPLOYMENT OF THE RIFLE
Officers may deploy the rifle in any circumstance where the officer can articulate a reasonable
expectation that the rifle may be needed. The rifle shall not be deployed in full auto mode.
Examples of some general guidelines for deploying the rifle may include, but are not limited to:
(a)

Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter, including high risk
vehicle stops

(b)

Situations involving a suspect armed in a distant or fortified location that affords tactical
superiority

(c)

Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's
firepower

(d)

Situations involving a suspect armed with a shoulder fired weapon

(e)

When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to deliver fire on a barricaded
suspect or a suspect with a hostage

(f)

When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor or shielding
material

(g)

Situations involving tactical operations on a search warrant or other detail

(h)

When authorized or requested by a supervisor

417.7 DISCHARGE OF THE PATROL RIFLE
The discharge of the rifle shall be governed by the Department's Deadly Force Policy, Policy
Manual § 300.
417.8 PATROL READY
Any qualified officer carrying a rifle in the field shall maintain the weapon in the "patrol ready" until
deployed. A rifle is considered "patrol ready" when it has been inspected by the assigned officer
and meets the following conditions:
(a)

The chamber is empty.

(b)

The rifle bolt is forward and hammer is cocked.

(c)

The selector is placed of safe.

(d)

There is a fully loaded (28 rounds) Department magazine in the magazine well.

(e)

The dust cover is closed.

(f)

The rifle is stored in the locked patrol vehicle's rifle rack.

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417.9 RIFLE STORAGE
(a)

When not in use, rifles will be stored in the Department armory.

(b)

At the start of each assigned shift, any qualified, on duty officer may contact the Desk Officer
or Watch Commander for access to the Department armory.

(c)

At the end of the assigned officer's shift, the rifle will be returned and secured in the
Department armory.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

418

Policy Manual

Shotgun
418.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
In order to more effectively and accurately address the increasing level of fire power utilized by
criminal suspects, the Culver City Police Department will make shotguns available to qualified
officers as an additional and more immediate tactical resource.
418.1.1 SHOTGUN
418.1.2 DEFINITION
Shotguns are authorized weapons which are owned by the Department and which are made
available to properly trained and qualified officers as a supplemental resource to their duty
handgun. No personally owned shotguns may be carried for patrol duty unless pre-approved in
writing by the Chief of Police and the department Rangemaster.
418.1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
Only weapons and ammunition that meet agency authorized specifications, approved by the
Chief of Police, and issued by the Department may be used by officers in their law enforcement
responsibilities. The authorized shotgun issued by the Department is the 12 gauge Benelli Super
90. The authorized factory ammunition is 12 gauge 2 3/4" buckshot or 1 ounce slug, approved
by the Chief of Police.
418.1.4 SHOTGUN MAINTENANCE
(a)

Primary responsibility for maintenance of shotguns shall fall on the Rangemaster or armorer
who shall inspect and service each shotgun on a regular basis.

(b)

Each patrol officer shall be responsible for promptly reporting any damage or malfunction
of an assigned shotgun.

(c)

Each shotgun shall be subject to inspection by a supervisor, the Rangemaster or armorer
at any time.

(d)

No modification shall be made to any shotgun without prior written authorization from the
Chief of Police.

418.1.5 TRAINING
Officers shall not carry or utilize the shotgun unless they have successfully completed
departmentally approved training. This training shall consist of an initial user's course
and qualification with the department's Rangemaster. Officers shall thereafter be required
to successfully complete regular training and qualification conducted by the department's
Rangemaster.
Any officer who fails to qualify or who fails to successfully complete two or more department
sanctioned training/qualification sessions will no longer be authorized to carry the shotgun without
successfully retaking the initial shotgun user's course and qualification.
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Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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418.1.6 DEPLOYMENT OF THE SHOTGUN
Officers may deploy the shotgun in any circumstance where the officer can articulate a reasonable
expectation that the shotgun may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines for deploying
the shotgun may include, but are not limited to:
(a)

Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter

(b)

When an officer is faced with a situation that may require the delivery of accurate and
effective fire and the suspect is beyond normal handgun range

(c)

Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's
firepower

(d)

When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to deliver fire on a barricaded
suspect

(e)

When authorized or requested by a supervisor

418.1.7 DISCHARGE OF THE SHOTGUN
The discharge of the shotgun shall be governed by the Department's Deadly Force Policy, Policy
Manual § 300.
418.1.8 PATROL READY
Any qualified officer carrying a shotgun in the field shall maintain the weapon in a patrol ready
condition until deployed. A shotgun is considered in a patrol ready condition when it has been
inspected by the assigned officer, the safety is on "fire," the chamber is empty, it is secured and
locked in a vehicle gun rack, the magazine tube is loaded with five buckshot shells, and the side
saddle is loaded with six slug shells.
Officers working a special detail are not required to carry the shotgun in a vehicle gun rack, all
other requirements of this section still apply to these officers.
418.1.9 SHOTGUN STORAGE
(a)

When not in use, shotguns will be stored in the department armory.

(b)

At the start of each assigned shift, any qualified, on-duty officer may contact the Desk Officer
for access to the department armory.

(c)

A shotgun will only be removed from the armory for use after properly being checked out
with the Desk Officer

(d)

At the end of the assigned officer's shift, the shotgun will be returned and secured in the
department armory and checked in with the Desk Officer.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

419

Policy Manual

Field Training Officer Program
419.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Field Training Officer Program is intended to provide a standardized program to facilitate the
officer’s transition from the academic setting to the actual performance of general law enforcement
duties of the Culver City Police Department.
It is the policy of this department to assign all new police officers to a structured Field Training
Officer Program that is designed to prepare the new officer to perform in a patrol assignment, and
possessing all skills needed to operate in a safe, productive and professional manner.
419.2 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER - SELECTION AND TRAINING
The Field Training Officer (FTO) is an experienced officer trained in the art of supervising, training
and evaluating entry level and lateral police officers in the application of their previously acquired
knowledge and skills.
419.2.1 SELECTION PROCESS
FTO's will be selected based on the following requirements:
(a)

Desire to be an FTO

(b)

Minimum of two years of patrol experience, all of which shall be with this department

(c)

Demonstrated ability as a positive role model

(d)

Evaluation by supervisors and current FTO's

(e)

Possess a POST Basic certificate

419.2.2 TRAINING
An officer selected as a Field Training Officer shall successfully complete a POST certified (40hour) Field Training Officer’s Course prior to being assigned as an FTO.
All FTOs must complete a 24-hour Field Training Officer update course every three years while
assigned to the position of FTO (11 CCR 1004).
All FTOs must meet any training mandate regarding crisis intervention behavioral health training
pursuant to Penal Code § 13515.28.
419.2.3 ASSIGNMENT
The Field Training Officer position is a one year assignment that can be modified at the discretion
of the Bureau Commander or Chief of Police.
419.3 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
The FTO Program supervisor should be selected from the rank of sergeant or above by the
Operations Bureau Commander or a designee and should possess, or be eligible to receive, a
POST Supervisory Certificate.

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The responsibilities of the FTO Program supervisor include the following:
(a)

Assignment of trainees to FTOs

(b)

Conduct FTO meetings

(c)

Maintain and ensure FTO/trainee performance evaluations are completed

(d)

Maintain, update and issue the Field Training Manual to each trainee

(e)

Monitor individual FTO performance

(f)

Monitor overall FTO Program

(g)

Maintain liaison with FTO coordinators of other agencies

(h)

Maintain liaison with academy staff on recruit performance during the academy

(i)

Develop ongoing training for FTOs

The FTO Program supervisor will be required to successfully complete a POST approved Field
Training Administrator’s Course within one year of appointment to this position (11 CCR 1004(c)).
419.4 TRAINEE DEFINED
Any entry level or lateral police officer newly appointed to the Culver City Police Department who
has successfully completed a POST approved Basic Academy.
419.5 REQUIRED TRAINING
Entry level officers shall be required to successfully complete the Field Training Program,
consisting of a minimum of 10 weeks.
The training period for a lateral officer may be modified depending on the trainee’s demonstrated
performance and level of experience, but shall consist of a minimum of eight weeks.
To the extent practicable, entry level and lateral officers should be assigned to a variety of Field
Training Officers, shifts and geographical areas during their Field Training Program.
419.5.1 FIELD TRAINING MANUAL
Each new officer will be issued a Field Training Manual at the beginning of his/her Primary Training
Phase. This manual is an outline of the subject matter and/or skills necessary to properly function
as an officer with the Culver City Police Department. The officer shall become knowledgeable of
the subject matter as outlined. He/she shall also become proficient with those skills as set forth
in the manual.
The Field Training Manual will specifically cover those policies, procedures, rules and regulations
adopted by the Culver City Police Department.
419.6 EVALUATIONS
Evaluations are an important component of the training process and shall be completed as outlined
below.
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Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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419.6.1 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER
The FTO will be responsible for the following:
(a)

Complete and submit a written evaluation on the performance of his/her assigned trainee
to the FTO Coordinator on a daily basis.

(b)

Review the Daily Trainee Performance Evaluations with the trainee each day.

(c)

Complete a detailed end-of-phase performance evaluation on his/her assigned trainee at
the end of each phase of training.

(d)

Sign off all completed topics contained in the Field Training Manual, noting the method(s)
of learning and evaluating the performance of his/her assigned trainee.

419.6.2 IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR
The immediate supervisor shall review and approve the Daily Trainee Performance Evaluations
and forward them to the Field Training Administrator.
419.6.3 FIELD TRAINING ADMINISTRATOR
The Field Training Administrator will review and approve the Daily Trainee Performance
Evaluations submitted by the FTO through his/her immediate supervisor.
419.6.4 TRAINEE
At the completion of the Field Training Program, the trainee shall submit a confidential
performance evaluation on each of their FTOs and on the Field Training Program.
419.7 DOCUMENTATION
All documentation of the Field Training Program will be retained in the officer’s training files and
will consist of the following:
(a)

Daily Trainee Performance Evaluations

(b)

End of phase evaluations

(c)

A Certificate of Completion certifying that the trainee has successfully completed the
required number of hours of field training

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

420

Policy Manual

Obtaining Air Support
420.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The use of a police helicopter can be invaluable in certain situations. This policy specifies potential
situations where the use of a helicopter may be requested and the responsibilities for making a
request.
420.2 REQUEST FOR HELICOPTER ASSISTANCE
If a supervisor or officer in charge of an incident determines that the use of a helicopter would be
beneficial, a request to obtain helicopter assistance may be made.
420.2.1 REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM ANOTHER AGENCY
After consideration and approval of the request for a helicopter, the Watch Commander, or his/her
designee, will call the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department,
or the closet agency with an available helicopter. The Watch Commander on duty or his/her
designee will apprise that agency of the specific details of the incident prompting the request.
When the helicopter arrives, the supervisor in charge of the incident, or his or her designee, will
make contact with the helicopter crew by radio and provide them with all the relevant information
needed to fulfill the objective.
420.2.2 CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH AID MAY BE REQUESTED
Police helicopters may be requested under any of the following conditions:
(a)

When the helicopter is activated under existing mutual aid agreements

(b)

Whenever the safety of law enforcement personnel is in jeopardy and the presence of the
helicopters may reduce such hazard

(c)

When the use of the helicopters will aid in the capture of a suspected fleeing felon whose
continued freedom represents an ongoing threat to the community

(d)

When a helicopter is needed to locate a person who has strayed or is lost and whose
continued absence constitutes a serious health or safety hazard

(e)

Vehicle pursuits

While it is recognized that the availability of helicopter support will generally provide valuable
assistance to ground personnel, the presence of a helicopter will rarely replace the need for officers
on the ground.

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Policy

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421

Policy Manual

Detentions And Photographing Detainees
421.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for conducting field interviews (FI) and patdown searches, and the taking and retention of photographs of persons detained in the field but
not arrested. Due to a variety of situations confronting the officer, the decision to FI or photograph
a field detainee shall be left to the discretion of the involved officer based on the totality of the
circumstances available to them at the time of the detention.
421.1.1 CONSENSUAL ENCOUNTERS
Nothing in this policy is intended to discourage consensual contacts. Frequent and random casual
contacts with consenting individuals are encouraged by the Culver City Police Department to
strengthen our community involvement, community awareness and problem identification.
421.2 DEFINITIONS
Detention - Occurs when an officer intentionally, through words, actions or physical force
causes an individual to reasonably believe he/she is being required to restrict his/her movement.
Detentions also occur when an officer actually restrains a person’s freedom of movement.
Consensual Encounter - Occurs when an officer contacts an individual but does not create a
detention through words, actions or other means. In other words, a reasonable individual would
believe that his/her contact with the officer is voluntary.
Field Interview - The brief detainment of an individual, whether on foot or in a vehicle, based on
reasonable suspicion for the purposes of determining the individual's identity and resolving the
officer's suspicions.
Field Photographs - Field photographs are defined as posed photographs taken of a person
during a contact, detention, or arrest in the field. Undercover surveillance photographs of an
individual and recordings captured by the normal operation of a Mobile Audio Video (MAV)
system when persons are not posed for the purpose of photographing are not considered field
photographs.
Pat-Down Search - This type of search is used by officers in the field to check an individual for
weapons. It involves a thorough patting down of clothing to locate any weapons or dangerous
items that could pose a danger to the officer, the detainee, or others.
Reasonable Suspicion - Occurs when, under the totality of the circumstances, an officer has
articulable facts that criminal activity may be afoot and a particular person is connected with that
possible criminal activity.
421.3 FIELD INTERVIEWS
Officers may stop individuals for the purpose of conducting an FI where reasonable suspicion is
present. In justifying the stop, the officer should be able to point to specific facts which, when

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taken together with rational inferences, reasonably warrant the stop. Such facts include, but are
not limited to, the following:
(a)

The appearance or demeanor of an individual suggests that he/she is part of a criminal
enterprise or is engaged in a criminal act.

(b)

The actions of the suspect suggest that he/she is engaged in a criminal activity.

(c)

The hour of day or night is inappropriate for the suspect's presence in the area.

(d)

The suspect's presence in the particular area is suspicious.

(e)

The suspect is carrying a suspicious object.

(f)

The suspect's clothing bulges in a manner that suggests he/she is carrying a weapon.

(g)

The suspect is located in proximate time and place to an alleged crime.

(h)

The officer has knowledge of the suspect's prior criminal record or involvement in criminal
activity.

421.3.1 INITIATING A FIELD INTERVIEW
An officer may initiate the stop of a person when there is articulable, reasonable suspicion to do
so. A person however, should not be detained longer than is reasonably necessary to resolve the
officer’s suspicions.
Nothing in this policy is intended to discourage consensual contacts. Frequent and random casual
contacts with consenting individuals are encouraged by the Culver City Police Department to
strengthen our community involvement, community awareness and problem identification.
421.3.2 WITNESS IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVIEWS
Because potential witnesses to an incident may become unavailable or the integrity of their
statements compromised with the passage of time, officers should, when warranted by the
seriousness of the case, take reasonable steps to promptly coordinate with an on-scene supervisor
and/or criminal investigators to utilize available personnel for the following:
(a)

(b)

Identify all persons present at the scene and in the immediate area.
1.

When feasible, a recorded statement should be obtained from those persons who
claim not to have witnessed the incident but who were present at the time it occurred.

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A written, verbal or recorded statement of consent should be obtained prior to
transporting a witness in a department vehicle. When the witness is a minor, consent
should be obtained from the parent or guardian, if available, prior to transportation.

421.4 PAT-DOWN SEARCHES
A pat-down search of a detained subject may be conducted whenever an officer reasonably
believes that the person may possess an object that can be utilized as an offensive weapon
or whenever the officer has a reasonable fear for his/her own safety or the safety of others.
Circumstances that may establish justification for performing a pat-down search include, but are
not limited to the following:
(a)

The type of crime suspected, particularly in crimes of violence where the use or threat of
deadly weapons is involved.

(b)

Where more than one suspect must be handled by a single officer.

(c)

The hour of the day and the location or neighborhood where the stop takes place.

(d)

Prior knowledge of the suspect's use of force and/or propensity to carry deadly weapons.

(e)

The appearance and demeanor of the suspect.

(f)

Visual indications which suggest that the suspect is carrying a firearm or other weapon.

(g)

The age and gender of the suspect.

Whenever possible, pat-down searches should be performed by officers of the same gender.
421.5 FIELD PHOTOGRAPHS
Before photographing any field detainee, the officer shall carefully consider, among other things,
the factors listed below.
421.5.1 FIELD PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN WITH CONSENT
Field photographs may be taken when the subject of the photograph knowingly and voluntarily
gives consent. The fact that a consensual photograph was taken of a subject in the field should
be documented by the officer either on a field interview card or in the related crime/arrest report.
421.5.2 FIELD PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN WITHOUT CONSENT
Field photographs may be taken without consent only if they are taken during a detention that is
based upon reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, and the photograph serves a legitimate law
enforcement purpose related to the detention. Mere knowledge or suspicion of gang membership
or affiliation is not a sufficient justification for taking a photograph without consent. The officer
must be able to articulate facts that reasonably indicate that the subject was involved in or was
about to become involved in criminal conduct.
If, prior to taking a photograph, the officer's reasonable suspicion of criminal activity has been
dispelled, the detention must cease and the photograph should not be taken.

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All field photographs and related reports shall be retained on department networks in compliance
with this policy.
421.6 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
While it is recognized that field photographs often become valuable investigative tools, supervisors
should monitor such practices in view of the above listed considerations. This is not to imply that
supervisor approval is required before each photograph. Access to field photographs shall be
strictly limited to law enforcement purposes.
421.7 DISPOSITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS
If an individual is photographed as a suspect in a particular crime, the photograph should be
submitted as an evidence item in the related case, following standard evidence procedures.
If a photograph is not associated with an investigation where a case number has been issued, it
should be forward to one of the following locations:

(a)

If the photo and associated FI is relevant to criminal street gang enforcement, the officers will
forward the photo and documents to the Gang Intelligence Unit (GIU). The GIUSupervisor
will ensure the photograph and supporting documents are retained as prescribed by Policy
§ 442.

(b)

Photographs that do not qualify for Criminal Street Gang file retention or which are not
evidence in an investigation with an assigned case number should be forwarded to the
Forensics Section.

When a photograph is taken in association with a particular case, the detective may use such
photograph in a photo lineup. Thereafter, the individual photograph should be retained as a part
of the case file. All other photographs will be kept in the Forensics Section in a separate nonbooking photograph file.

Detentions And Photographing Detainees 335

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Culver City Police Department

422

Policy Manual

Criminal Organizations
422.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Culver City Police Department appropriately utilizes
criminal intelligence systems and temporary information files to support investigations of criminal
organizations and enterprises.
422.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Criminal intelligence system - Any record system that receives, stores, exchanges or
disseminates information that has been evaluated and determined to be relevant to the
identification of a criminal organization or enterprise, its members or affiliates. This does not
include temporary information files.
422.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department recognizes that certain criminal activities, including but not
limited to gang crimes and drug trafficking, often involve some degree of regular coordination and
may involve a large number of participants over a broad geographical area.
It is the policy of this department to collect and share relevant information while respecting the
privacy and legal rights of the public.
422.3 CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS
No department member may create, submit to or obtain information from a criminal intelligence
system unless the Chief of Police has approved the system for department use.
Any criminal intelligence system approved for department use should meet or exceed the
standards of 28 CFR 23.20.
A designated supervisor will be responsible for maintaining each criminal intelligence system that
has been approved for department use. The supervisor or the authorized designee should ensure
the following:
(a)

Members using any such system are appropriately selected and trained.

(b)

Use of every criminal intelligence system is appropriately reviewed and audited.

(c)

Any system security issues are reasonably addressed.

422.3.1 SYSTEM ENTRIES
It is the designated supervisor’s responsibility to approve the entry of any information from a
report, FI, photo or other relevant document into an authorized criminal intelligence system. If
entries are made based upon information that is not on file with this department, such as open
or public source documents or documents that are on file at another agency, the designated
supervisor should ensure copies of those documents are retained by the Records Section. Any

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supporting documentation for an entry shall be retained by the Records Section in accordance
with the established records retention schedule and for at least as long as the entry is maintained
in the system.
The designated supervisor should ensure that any documents retained by the Records Section
are appropriately marked as intelligence information. The Records Manager may not purge such
documents without the approval of the designated supervisor.
422.3.2 GANG DATABASES
The Chief of Police may approve participation by the gang unit in a shared criminal gang
intelligence database, such as CALGANG®. Members must obtain the requisite training before
accessing any such database.
It is the gang unit supervisor’s responsibility to determine whether any report or field
interrogation (FI) contains information that would qualify for entry into the database. Prior to
designating any person as a suspected gang member, associate or affiliate in a shared gang
database; or submitting a document to the Attorney General’s office for the purpose of designating
a person in a shared gang database; or otherwise identifying the person in a shared gang
database, the gang unit supervisor shall provide written notice to the person and, if the person
is under the age of 18, to his/her parent or guardian of the designation and the basis for the
designation, unless providing that notification would compromise an active criminal investigation
or compromise the health or safety of a minor. Notice shall also describe the process to contest
the designation (Penal Code § 186.34).
The person or his/her parent or guardian may contest the designation by submitting written
documentation which shall be reviewed by the gang unit supervisor. If it is determined that the
person is not a suspected gang member, associate or affiliate, the person shall be removed from
the database. The person and the parent or guardian shall be provided written verification of
the department decision within 30 days of receipt of the written documentation contesting the
designation and shall include the reason for a denial when applicable (Penal Code § 186.34).
The department shall also provide a response to a person or his/her attorney who requests
information as to whether the person has been designated as a suspected gang member,
associate or affiliate in a shared gang database and what law enforcement agency made the
designation. The request may also come from a guardian or parent if the person is under 18
years old. If the Culver City Police Department made the designation and the person requests
to know the basis for including him/her in the database, the basis for inclusion shall be provided
in the response. The information shall be provided unless doing so would compromise an active
criminal investigation or the health or safety of the minor. The response by the Department shall
be provided in writing within 30 days of the receipt of the request (Penal Code § 186.34).
The gang unit supervisor should forward reports or FIs to the Records Section after appropriate
database entries are made. The supervisor should clearly mark the report/FI as gang intelligence
information.

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It is the responsibility of the Records Section supervisor to retain reports and FIs in compliance
with the database rules and any applicable end user agreement.
422.3.3 REPORT TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The Administration and Investigation Bureau Commander or the authorized designee shall ensure
that the annual report of information submitted to a shared gang database as required by Penal
Code § 186.34 is submitted to the California Department of Justice.
422.4 TEMPORARY INFORMATION FILE
No member may create or keep files on individuals that are separate from the approved criminal
intelligence system. However, members may maintain temporary information that is necessary to
actively investigate whether a person or group qualifies for entry into the department-approved
CIS only as provided in this section. Once information qualifies for inclusion, it should be submitted
to the supervisor responsible for consideration of CIS entries.
422.4.1 FILE REVIEW AND PURGING
The contents of a temporary information file shall not be retained longer than one year. At the
end of one year, the contents must be purged or entered in an authorized criminal intelligence
system, as applicable.
The designated supervisor shall periodically review the temporary information files to verify that
the contents meet the criteria for retention. Validation and purging of files is the responsibility of
the supervisor.
422.5 INFORMATION RECOGNITION
Department members should document facts that suggest an individual, organization or enterprise
is involved in criminal activity and should forward that information appropriately. Examples include,
but are not limited to:
(a)

Gang indicia associated with a person or residence.

(b)

Information related to a drug-trafficking operation.

(c)

Vandalism indicating an animus for a particular group.

(d)

Information related to an illegal gambling operation.

Department supervisors who utilize an authorized criminal intelligence system should work with
the Personnel and Training Lieutenant to train members to identify information that may be
particularly relevant for inclusion.
422.6 RELEASE OF INFORMATION
Department members shall comply with the rules of an authorized criminal intelligence system
regarding inquiries and release of information.

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Information from a temporary information file may only be furnished to department members
and other law enforcement agencies on a need-to-know basis and consistent with the Records
Maintenance and Release Policy.
When an inquiry is made by the parent or guardian of a juvenile as to whether that juvenile’s
name is in a temporary information file, such information should be provided by the supervisor
responsible for the temporary information file, unless there is good cause to believe that the
release of such information might jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation.
422.7 CRIMINAL STREET GANGS
The Investigation Bureau supervisor should ensure that there are an appropriate number of
department members who can:
(a)

Testify as experts on matters related to criminal street gangs, and maintain an above
average familiarity with:
1.

Any organization, associate or group of three or more persons that meets the
definition of a criminal street gang under Penal Code § 186.22(f).

Identification of a person as a criminal street gang member and criminal street gangrelated crimes.

The California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (Penal Code §
186.21 et seq.), associated crimes and what defines a criminal street gang (Penal
Code § 186.22).

(b)

Coordinate with other agencies in the region regarding criminal street gang-related crimes
and information.

(c)

Train other members to identify gang indicia and investigate criminal street gang-related
crimes.

422.8 TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should provide training on best practices in the use of each
authorized criminal intelligence system to those tasked with investigating criminal organizations
and enterprises. Training should include:
(a)

The protection of civil liberties.

(b)

Participation in a multiagency criminal intelligence system.

(c)

Submission of information into a multiagency criminal intelligence system or the receipt of
information from such a system, including any governing federal and state rules and statutes.

(d)

The type of information appropriate for entry into a criminal intelligence system or temporary
information file.

(e)

The review and purging of temporary information files.

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Policy

Culver City Police Department

423

Policy Manual

Watch Commanders
423.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Each patrol shift must be directed by supervisors who are capable of making decisions
and communicating in a manner consistent with departmental policies, procedures, practices,
functions and objectives. To accomplish this goal, a Lieutenant heads each watch.
423.2 DESIGNATION AS ACTING WATCH COMMANDER
When a Lieutenant is unavailable for duty as Watch Commander, a sergeant shall be designated
as the Watch Commander. This policy does not preclude designating a less senior sergeant as
an acting Watch Commander when operational needs require or training permits.

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424

Policy Manual

Mobile Digital Computer Use
424.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the proper access, use and application of
the Mobile Digital Computer (MDC) system in order to ensure appropriate access to confidential
records from local, state and national law enforcement databases, and to ensure effective
electronic communications between department members and Dispatch.
424.2 PRIVACY EXPECTATION
Members forfeit any expectation of privacy with regard to messages accessed, transmitted,
received or reviewed on any department technology system (see the Information Technology Use
Policy for additional guidance).
424.3 POLICY
Culver City Police Department members using the MDC shall comply with all appropriate federal
and state rules and regulations and shall use the MDC in a professional manner, in accordance
with this policy.
424.4 RESTRICTED ACCESS AND USE
MDC use is subject to the Information Technology Use and Protected Information policies.
Members shall not access the MDC system if they have not received prior authorization and the
required training. Members shall immediately report unauthorized access or use of the MDC by
another member to their supervisors or Watch Commanders.
Use of the MDC system to access law enforcement databases or transmit messages is restricted
to official activities, business-related tasks and communications that are directly related to the
business, administration or practices of the Department. In the event that a member has questions
about sending a particular message or accessing a particular database, the member should seek
prior approval from his/her supervisor.
Sending derogatory, defamatory, obscene, disrespectful, sexually suggestive, harassing or any
other inappropriate messages on the MDC system is prohibited and may result in discipline.
It is a violation of this policy to transmit a message or access a law enforcement database under
another member’s name or to use the password of another member to log in to the MDC system
unless directed to do so by a supervisor. Members are required to log off the MDC or secure
the MDC when it is unattended. This added security measure will minimize the potential for
unauthorized access or misuse.
424.4.1 USE WHILE DRIVING
Use of the MDC by the vehicle operator should be limited to times when the vehicle is stopped.
Information that is required for immediate enforcement, investigative, tactical or safety needs
should be transmitted over the radio.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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Short transmissions, such as a license plate check, are permitted if it reasonably appears that
it can be done safely. In no case shall an operator attempt to send or review lengthy messages
while the vehicle is in motion.
424.5 DOCUMENTATION OF ACTIVITY
Except as otherwise directed by the Watch Commander or other department-established protocol,
all calls for service assigned by a [dispatcher should be communicated by voice over the police
radio and electronically via the MDC unless security or confidentiality prevents such broadcasting.
MDC and voice transmissions are used to document the member's daily activity. To ensure
accuracy:
(a)

All contacts or activity should be documented at the time of the contact.

(b)

Whenever the activity or contact is initiated by voice, it should be documented by
a [dispatcher.

(c)

Whenever the activity or contact is not initiated by voice, the member should document it
via the MDC.

424.5.1 STATUS CHANGES
All changes in status (e.g., arrival at scene, meal periods, in service) will be transmitted over
the police radio or through the MDC system.
Members responding to in-progress calls should advise changes in status over the radio to
assist other members responding to the same incident. Other changes in status can be made on
the MDC.
424.5.2 EMERGENCY ACTIVATION
If there is an emergency activation and the member does not respond to a request for confirmation
of the need for emergency assistance or confirms the need, available resources will be sent to
assist in locating the member. If the location is known, the nearest available officer should respond
in accordance with the Officer Response to Calls Policy.
Members should ensure a field supervisor and the Watch Commander are notified of the incident
without delay.
Officers not responding to the emergency shall refrain from transmitting on the police radio until
a no-further-assistance broadcast is made or if they are also handling an emergency.
424.6 EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS
424.6.1 MALFUNCTIONING MDC
Whenever possible, members will not use vehicles with malfunctioning MDCs. Whenever
members must drive a vehicle in which the MDC is not working, they shall notify Dispatch. It shall
be the responsibility of the [dispatcher to document all information that will then be transmitted
verbally over the police radio.

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424.6.2 BOMB CALLS
When investigating reports of possible bombs, members should not communicate on their MDCs
when in the evacuation area of a suspected explosive device. Radio frequency emitted by the MDC
could cause some devices to detonate.

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425

Policy Manual

Portable Audio/Video Recorders
425.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the use of portable audio/video recording devices by members
of this department while in the performance of their duties. Portable audio/video recording devices
include all recording systems whether body-worn, hand held or integrated into portable equipment.
This policy does not apply to mobile audio/video recordings, interviews or interrogations conducted
at any Culver City Police Department facility, authorized undercover operations, wiretaps or
eavesdropping (concealed listening devices).
425.2 ACTIVATION OF THE AUDIO RECORDER
Penal Code § 632 prohibits any individual from surreptitiously recording any conversation in
which any party to the conversation has a reasonable belief that the conversation was private or
confidential, however Penal Code § 633 expressly exempts law enforcement from this prohibition
during the course of a criminal investigation.
(a) Unless otherwise exempted, no member of this department may surreptitiously record (audio
or video) a conversation of any other member of this department without the expressed knowledge
and consent of all parties. Nothing in this section is intended to interfere with an officer's right to
openly record any interrogation pursuant to Government Code § 3303(g).
(b) Any member of this department may surreptitiously record (audio or video) any conversation
during the course of a criminal investigation in which the officer reasonably believes that such a
recording will be beneficial to the investigation.
1. For the purpose of this policy, any officer contacting an individual suspected of violating any
law or during the course of any official law enforcement related activity shall be presumed to
be engaged in a criminal investigation. This presumption shall not apply to contacts with other
employees conducted solely for administrative purposes.
(c) Members of the Department should activate their recorders and or camcorders any time the
officer reasonably believes that an on-duty contact with a member of the public may involve an
actual or potential violation of the law. Officers should also activate thier recorders any time the
officer feels that the recorded contact may be of benefit in a non-criminal matter (e.g., hostile
contact).
1. At no time should an officer jeopardize his/her safety in order to activate a recorder or
camcorder, or change the recording media.
2. Officers are prohibited from utilizing department recorders and recording media for personal
use.

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425.3 MEMBER PRIVACY EXPECTATION
All recordings made by members on any department-issued device at any time, and any recording
made while acting in an official capacity for this department, regardless of ownership of the device
it was made on, shall remain the property of the Department. Members shall have no expectation
of privacy or ownership interest in the content of these recordings.
425.3.1 NON-CRIMINAL MATTER
At any time that an officer reasonably believes that a recorded contact may be of benefit in a noncriminal matter (e.g., a hostile contact), the recorded media shall be forwarded to the Professional
Standards Unit via the chain of command.
(a) Under such circumstances, the officer shall notify a supervisor of the existence of the recording
as soon as practicable.
(b) Recorded media which has been forwarded to PSU shall be retained for a period of no less
than 2 years or until the related matter has been closed (e.g., internal investigation, civil litigation).
425.4 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Prior to going into service, each uniformed member will be responsible for making sure that he/
she is equipped with a portable recorder issued by the Department, and that the recorder is in
good working order. If the recorder is not in working order or the member becomes aware of a
malfunction at any time, the member shall promptly report the failure to his/her supervisor and
obtain a functioning device as soon as reasonably practicable. Uniformed members should wear
the recorder in a conspicuous manner or otherwise notify persons that they are being recorded,
whenever reasonably practicable.
Any member assigned to a non-uniformed position may carry an approved portable recorder at any
time the member believes that such a device may be useful. Unless conducting a lawful recording
in an authorized undercover capacity, non-uniformed members should wear the recorder in a
conspicuous manner when in use or otherwise notify persons that they are being recorded,
whenever reasonably practicable.
When using a portable recorder, the assigned member shall record his/her name, CCPD
identification number and the current date and time at the beginning and the end of the shift
or other period of use, regardless of whether any activity was recorded. This procedure is not
required when the recording device and related software captures the user’s unique identification
and the date and time of each recording.
Members should document the existence of a recording in any report or other official record of the
contact, including any instance where the recorder malfunctioned or the member deactivated the
recording. Members should include the reason for deactivation.
425.4.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervisors should take custody of a portable audio/video recording device as soon as practicable
when the device may have captured an incident involving the use of force, an officer-involved

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shooting or death or other serious incident, and ensure the data is downloaded (Penal Code §
832.18).
425.5 COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall appoint a member of the Department to
coordinate the use and maintenance of portable audio/video recording devices and the storage
of recordings, including (Penal Code § 832.18):
(a)

Establishing a system for downloading, storing and security of recordings.

(b)

Designating persons responsible for downloading recorded data.

(c)

Establishing a maintenance system to ensure availability of operable portable audio/video
recording devices.

(d)

Establishing a system for tagging and categorizing data according to the type of incident
captured.

(e)

Establishing a system to prevent tampering, deleting and copying recordings and ensure
chain of custody integrity.

(f)

Working with counsel to ensure an appropriate retention schedule is being applied to
recordings and associated documentation.

(g)

Maintaining logs of access and deletions of recordings.

425.6 RETENTION OF RECORDINGS
Recordings of the following should be retained for a minimum of two years (Penal Code § 832.18):
(a)

Incident involving use of force by an officer

(b)

Officer-involved shootings

(c)

Incidents that lead to the detention or arrest of an individual

(d)

Recordings relevant to a formal or informal complaint against an officer or the Culver City
Police Department

Recordings containing evidence that may be relevant to a criminal prosecution should be retained
for any additional period required by law for other evidence relevant to a criminal prosecution
(Penal Code § 832.18).
All other recordings should be retained for a period consistent with the requirements of the
organization’s records retention schedule but in no event for a period less than 180 days.
Records or logs of access and deletion of recordings should be retained permanently (Penal Code
§ 832.18).
425.6.1 RELEASE OF AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDINGS
Requests for the release of audio/video recordings shall be processed in accordance with the
Records Maintenance and Release Policy.

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426

Policy Manual

Medical Marijuana
426.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide members of this department with guidelines for investigating
the acquisition, possession, transportation, delivery, production or use of marijuana under
California’s medical marijuana laws.
426.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Cardholder - A person issued a current identification card.
Compassionate Use Act (CUA) (Health and Safety § 11362.5) - California law intended to
provide protection from prosecution to those who are seriously ill and whose health would benefit
from the use of marijuana in the treatment of illness for which marijuana provides relief. The CUA
does not grant immunity from arrest but rather provides an affirmative defense from prosecution
for possession of medical marijuana.
Identification card - A valid document issued by the State Department of Public Health to both
persons authorized to engage in the medical use of marijuana and also to designated primary
caregivers.
Medical marijuana - Marijuana possessed by a patient or primary caregiver for legitimate medical
purposes.
Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) (Health and Safety § 11362.7 et seq.) - California laws
passed following the CUA to facilitate the prompt identification of patients and their designated
primary caregivers in order to avoid unnecessary arrests and provide needed guidance to
law enforcement officers. MMP prohibits arrest for possession of medical marijuana in certain
circumstances and provides a defense in others.
Patient - A person who is entitled to the protections of the CUA because he/she has received
a written or oral recommendation or approval from a physician to use marijuana for medical
purposes or any person issued a valid identification card.
Primary caregiver - A person designated by the patient, who has consistently assumed
responsibility for the patient’s housing, health or safety, who may assist the patient with the medical
use of marijuana under the CUA or the MMP (Health and Safety Code § 11362.5; Health and
Safety Code § 11362.7).
Statutory amount - No more than eight ounces of dried, mature, processed female marijuana
flowers (“bud”) or the plant conversion (e.g., kief, hash, hash oil), and no more than six mature or
12 immature marijuana plants (roots, stems and stem fibers should not be considered).

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426.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to prioritize resources to forgo making arrests
related to marijuana that the arresting officer reasonably believes would not be prosecuted by
state or federal authorities.
California’s medical marijuana laws are intended to provide protection to those who are seriously
ill and whose health would benefit from the use of medical marijuana.
However, California medical marijuana laws do not affect federal laws and there is no medical
exception under federal law for the possession or distribution of marijuana. The Culver City
Police Department will exercise discretion to ensure laws are appropriately enforced without
unreasonably burdening both those individuals protected under California law and public
resources.
426.3 INVESTIGATION
Investigations involving the possession, delivery, production or use of marijuana generally fall into
one of several categories:
(a)

Investigations when no person makes a medicinal claim.

(b)

Investigations when a medicinal claim is made by a cardholder.

(c)

Investigations when a medicinal claim is made by a non-cardholder.

426.3.1 INVESTIGATIONS WITH NO MEDICINAL CLAIM
In any investigation involving the possession, delivery, production or use of marijuana or drug
paraphernalia where no person claims that the marijuana is used for medicinal purposes, the
officer should proceed with a criminal investigation if the amount is greater than permitted for
personal use under the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Health and Safety
Code § 11362.1; Health and Safety Code § 11362.2). A medicinal defense may be raised at
any time, so officers should document any statements and observations that may be relevant to
whether the marijuana was possessed or produced for medicinal purposes.
426.3.2 INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING A MEDICINAL CLAIM MADE BY A CARDHOLDER
A cardholder or designated primary caregiver in possession of an identification card shall not be
arrested for possession, transportation, delivery or cultivation of medical marijuana at or below
the statutory amount unless there is reasonable cause to believe that (Health and Safety Code §
11362.71; Health and Safety Code § 11362.78):
(a)

The information contained in the card is false or falsified.

(b)

The card has been obtained or used by means of fraud.

(c)

The person is otherwise in violation of the provisions of the MMP.

(d)

The person possesses marijuana but not for personal medical purposes.

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Officers who reasonably believe that a person who does not have an identification card in his/her
possession has been issued an identification card may treat the investigation as if the person had
the card in his/her possession.
Cardholders may possess, transport, deliver or cultivate medical marijuana in amounts above
the statutory amount if their doctor has concluded that the statutory amount does not meet
the patient’s medical needs (Health and Safety Code § 11362.71; Health and Safety Code §
11362.77). Investigations involving cardholders with more than the statutory amount of marijuana
should be addressed as provided in this policy for a case involving a medicinal claim made by
a non-cardholder.
426.3.3 INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING A MEDICINAL CLAIM MADE BY A NONCARDHOLDER
No patient or primary caregiver should be arrested for possession or cultivation of an amount
of medical marijuana if the officer reasonably believes that marijuana is in a form and amount
reasonably related to the qualified patient's current medical needs (Health and Safety Code
§ 11362.5). This arrest guidance also applies to sales, transportation or, delivery of medical
marijuana, or maintaining/renting a drug house or building that may be a nuisance if otherwise in
compliance with MMP (Health and Safety Code § 11362.765).
Officers are not obligated to accept a person’s claim of having a physician’s recommendation
when the claim cannot be readily verified with the physician but are expected to use their judgment
to assess the validity of the person’s medical-use claim.
Officers should review any available written documentation for validity and whether it contains
the recommending physician’s name, telephone number, address and medical license number
for verification.
Officers should generally accept verified recommendations by a physician that statutory amounts
do not meet the patient’s needs (Health and Safety Code § 11362.77).
426.3.4 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Officers should consider the following when investigating an incident involving marijuana
possession, delivery, production or use:
(a)

Because enforcement of medical marijuana laws can be complex, time consuming and call
for resources unavailable at the time of initial investigation, officers may consider submitting
a report to the prosecutor for review, in lieu of making an arrest. This can be particularly
appropriate when:
1.

The suspect has been identified and can be easily located at a later time.

The case would benefit from review by a person with expertise in medical marijuana
investigations.

Sufficient evidence, such as photographs or samples, has been lawfully obtained.

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4.
(b)

Other relevant factors, such as available department resources and time constraints
prohibit making an immediate arrest.

Whenever the initial investigation reveals an amount of marijuana greater than the statutory
amount, officers should consider the following when determining whether the form and
amount is reasonably related to the patient’s needs:
1.

The amount of marijuana recommended by a medical professional to be ingested.

The quality of the marijuana.

The method of ingestion (e.g., smoking, eating, nebulizer).

The timing of the possession in relation to a harvest (patient may be storing
marijuana).

Whether the marijuana is being cultivated indoors or outdoors, the climate, etc.

(c)

Before proceeding with enforcement related to collective gardens or dispensaries, officers
should consider conferring with a supervisor, an applicable state regulatory agency or other
member with special knowledge in this area and/or appropriate legal counsel (Business and
Professions Code § 26010; Business and Professions Code § 26060). Licensing, zoning
and other related issues can be complex. Patients, primary caregivers and cardholders who
collectively or cooperatively cultivate marijuana for medical purposes are provided a defense
under MMP (Health & Safety Code § 11362.775; Business and Professions Code § 19320
et seq.).

(d)

Investigating members should not order a patient to destroy marijuana plants under threat
of arrest.

426.3.5 EXCEPTIONS
This policy does not apply to, and officers should consider taking enforcement action for the
following:
(a)

Persons who engage in illegal conduct that endangers others, such as driving under the
influence of marijuana in violation of the Vehicle Code (Health and Safety Code § 11362.5).

(b)

Marijuana possession in jails or other correctional facilities that prohibit such possession
(Health and Safety Code § 11362.785).

(c)

Smoking marijuana (Health and Safety Code § 11362.79):
1.

In any place where smoking is prohibited by law.

In or within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school, recreation center or youth center,
unless the medical use occurs within a residence.

On a school bus.

While in a motor vehicle that is being operated.

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5.
(d)

While operating a boat.

Use of marijuana by a person on probation or parole, or on bail and use is prohibited by the
terms of release (Health and Safety Code § 11362.795).

426.3.6 INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING A STATE LICENSEE
No person issued a state license under the Business and Professions Code shall be arrested
or cited for cultivation, possession, manufacture, processing, storing, laboratory testing, labeling,
transporting, distribution or sale of medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product related to
qualifying patients and primary caregivers when conducted lawfully. Whether conduct is lawful
may involve questions of license classifications, local ordinances, specific requirements of the
Business and Professions Code and adopted regulations. Officers should consider conferring with
a supervisor, the applicable state agency or other member with special knowledge in this area and/
or appropriate legal counsel before taking enforcement action against a licensee or an employee
or agent (Business and Professions Code § 19317; Business and Professions Code § 19319).
426.4 FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
Officers should provide information regarding a marijuana investigation to federal law enforcement
authorities when it is requested by federal law enforcement authorities or whenever the officer
believes those authorities would have a particular interest in the information.
426.5 FORENSIC AND EVIDENCE SECTION SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Forensic and Evidence Section Supervisor should ensure that marijuana, drug paraphernalia
or other related property seized from a person engaged or assisting in the use of medical marijuana
is not destroyed pending any charges and without a court order. The Forensic and Evidence
Section Supervisor is not responsible for caring for live marijuana plants.
Upon the prosecutor’s decision to forgo prosecution, or the dismissal of charges or an acquittal,
the Forensic and Evidence Section Supervisor should, as soon as practicable, return to the person
from whom it was seized any useable medical marijuana, plants, drug paraphernalia or other
related property.
The Forensic and Evidence Section Supervisor may release marijuana to federal law enforcement
authorities upon presentation of a valid court order or by a written order of the Investigation Bureau
Supervisor.

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427

Policy Manual

Bicycle Patrol Unit
427.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Culver City Police Department has established the Bicycle Patrol Unit (BPU) for the purpose
of enhancing patrol efforts in the community. Bicycle patrol has been shown to be an effective way
to increase officer visibility and their quiet operation can provide a tactical approach to crimes in
progress. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the safe and effective operation
of the patrol bicycle.
427.2 POLICY
Bicycles may be deployed to any area at all hours of the day or night, according to Department
needs .
Requests for specific deployment of bicycle patrol officers shall be coordinated through the
Operations Bureau Commander or the Bicycle Patrol Lieutenant
427.3 TRAINING
Participants in the program must complete a Department approved bicycle-training course before
being assigned a bicycle patrol detail. Thereafter bicycle patrol officers should receive training as
needed to maintain skills and refresh safety, health and operational procedures, or at the direction
of the Bicycle Patrol Sergeant. The training shall minimally include the following:

•

Bicycle patrol strategies.

•

Bicycle safety and accident prevention.

•

Operational tactics using bicycles.

If assigned to a detail in which an officer rides a bicycle, he/she may be required to qualify with
their duty firearm while wearing bicycle safety equipment including the helmet and riding gloves.
427.4 UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
Officers should wear the department-approved uniform and safety equipment while operating
the department bicycle. Safety equipment includes department-approved helmet, riding gloves,
protective eyewear and black athletic shoes without a contrasting manufacturer's logo.
The bicycle patrol unit uniform consists of the standard short or long sleeve (Crime Impact Team)
POLICE polo shirt , and black bicycle patrol pants or shorts.
Helmets will be made available by the department, or, at their own expense, Officers may purchase
their own helmet for use while assigned to bicycle patrol duties. This helmet will be similar to the
helmets maintained by the department and shall be black in color with 1/2" block capital letering on

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each side reading "POLICE." Helmets will be available through an approved department vendor.
Officers should obtain approval from the Bicycle Patrol Sergeant prior to ordering a helmet for
use while on duty.
Optional equipment includes a radio head set and microphone, and jackets in colder weather.
Turtleneck shirts are permitted only when a long-sleeved uniform shirt is worn.
Bicycle patrol officers shall carry the same equipment on the bicycle patrol duty belt as they would
on a regular patrol assignment.
Officers will be responsible for obtaining the necessary forms, citation books and other department
equipment needed while on bicycle patrol.
427.5 CARE AND USE OF PATROL BICYCLES
Officers participating in bicycle patrol details will use a department-owned, specially marked and
equipped patrol bicycle. If needed, the bicycle may be equipped with an attached gear bag.
Bicycles utilized for uniformed bicycle patrol shall be primarily black or white with a "POLICE"
decal affixed to each side of the crossbar and the bike's saddlebag. Every such bicycle shall be
equipped with front and rear reflectors front lights and a siren/horn satisfying the requirements of
Vehicle Code §2800.1(b).
Bicycles utilized for uniformed bicycle patrol may be equipped with a rear rack and/or saddle
bag(s) sufficient to carry all necessary equipment to handle the assigned detail.

Each bicycle may be equipped with a steady or flashing blue warning light that is visible from the
front, sides, or rear of the bicycle. (Vehicle Code § 21201.3)
Bicycle officers shall conduct an inspection of the bicycle and equipment prior to use to insure
proper working order of the equipment. Officers are responsible for the routine care and
maintenance of their assigned equipment (e.g., tire pressure, chain lubrication, overall cleaning).
If a needed repair is beyond the ability of the bicycle officer, the officer will notify the Bicycle Patrol
Sergeant. The Bicycle Patrol Sergeant will be responsible for arranging maintenance and repairs
on the department bicycles at a department approved repair shop.

At the end of a bicycle assignment, the bicycle shall be returned clean and in good working order
for the next assignment.
Officers shall not modify the patrol bicycle, remove, modify or add components except with the
approval of the Bicycle Patrol Sergeant, or in the event of an emergency.
Vehicle bicycle racks are available should the officer need to transport the patrol bicycle. Due to
possible component damage, transportation of the patrol bicycle in a trunk or on a patrol car pushbumper is discouraged.

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Bicycles should be properly secured when not in the officer's immediate presence.
427.6 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY
Officers shall operate the bicycle in compliance with the vehicle code under normal operation.
Officers may operate the bicycle without lighting equipment during hours of darkness when such
operation reasonably appears necessary for officer safety and tactical considerations. Officers
must use caution and care when operating the bicycle without lighting equipment.

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428

Policy Manual

Foot Pursuits
428.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines to assist officers in making the decision to initiate or continue the
pursuit of suspects on foot.
428.1.1 POLICY
It is the policy of this department when deciding to initiate or continue a foot pursuit that officers
must continuously balance the objective of apprehending the suspect with the risk and potential
for injury to department personnel, the public or the suspect.
Officers are expected to act reasonably, based on the totality of the circumstances. The safety
of department personnel and the public should be the primary consideration when determining
whether a foot pursuit should be initiated or continued. Officers must be mindful that immediate
apprehension of a suspect is not always more important than the safety of the public and
department personnel.
428.2 DECISION TO PURSUE
The safety of department members and the public should be the primary consideration when
determining whether a foot pursuit should be initiated or continued. Officers must be mindful that
immediate apprehension of a suspect is rarely more important than the safety of the public and
department members.
Officers may be justified in initiating a foot pursuit of any individual the officer reasonably believes
is about to engage in, is engaging in or has engaged in criminal activity. The decision to initiate
or continue such a foot pursuit, however, must be continuously re-evaluated in light of the
circumstances presented at the time.
Mere flight by a person who is not suspected of criminal activity shall not serve as justification for
engaging in an extended foot pursuit without the development of reasonable suspicion regarding
the individual’s involvement in criminal activity or being wanted by law enforcement.
Deciding to initiate or continue a foot pursuit is a decision that an officer must make quickly and
under unpredictable and dynamic circumstances. It is recognized that foot pursuits may place
department members and the public at significant risk. Therefore, no officer or supervisor shall
be criticized or disciplined for deciding not to engage in a foot pursuit because of the perceived
risk involved.
If circumstances permit, surveillance and containment are generally the safest tactics for
apprehending fleeing persons. In deciding whether to initiate or continue a foot pursuit, an
officer should continuously consider reasonable alternatives to a foot pursuit based upon the
circumstances and resources available, such as:
(a)

Containment of the area.

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(b)

Saturation of the area with law enforcement personnel, including assistance from other
agencies.

(c)

A canine search.

(d)

Thermal imaging or other sensing technology.

(e)

Air support.

(f)

Apprehension at another time when the identity of the suspect is known or there is
information available that would likely allow for later apprehension, and the need to
immediately apprehend the suspect does not reasonably appear to outweigh the risk of
continuing the foot pursuit.

428.3 GENERAL GUIDELINES
When reasonably practicable, officers should consider alternatives to engaging in or continuing
a foot pursuit when:
(a)

Directed by a supervisor to terminate the foot pursuit; such an order shall be considered
mandatory

(b)

The officer is acting alone.

(c)

Two or more officers become separated, lose visual contact with one another, or obstacles
separate them to the degree that they cannot immediately assist each other should a
confrontation take place. In such circumstances, it is generally recommended that a single
officer keep the suspect in sight from a safe distance and coordinate the containment effort.

(d)

The officer is unsure of his/her location and direction of travel.

(e)

The officer is pursuing multiple suspects and it is not reasonable to believe that the officer
would be able to control the suspect should a confrontation occur.

(f)

The physical condition of the officer renders him/her incapable of controlling the suspect if
apprehended.

(g)

The officer loses radio contact with the [dispatcher or with assisting or backup officers.

(h)

The suspect enters a building, structure, confined space, isolated area or dense or difficult
terrain, and there are insufficient officers to provide backup and containment. The primary
officer should consider discontinuing the foot pursuit and coordinating containment pending
the arrival of sufficient resources.

(i)

The officer becomes aware of unanticipated or unforeseen circumstances that unreasonably
increase the risk to officers or the public.

(j)

The officer reasonably believes that the danger to the pursuing officers or public outweighs
the objective of immediate apprehension.

(k)

The officer loses possession of his/her firearm or other essential equipment.

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(l)

The officer or a third party is injured during the pursuit, requiring immediate assistance, and
there are no other emergency personnel available to render assistance.

(m)

The suspect’s location is no longer definitely known.

(n)

The identity of the suspect is established or other information exists that will allow for the
suspect’s apprehension at a later time, and it reasonably appears that there is no immediate
threat to department members or the public if the suspect is not immediately apprehended.

(o)

The officer’s ability to safely continue the pursuit is impaired by inclement weather, darkness
or other environmental conditions.

428.4 RESPONSIBILITIES IN FOOT PURSUITS
428.4.1 INITIATING OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Unless relieved by another officer or a supervisor, the initiating officer shall be responsible for
coordinating the progress of the pursuit. When acting alone and when practicable, the initiating
officer should not attempt to overtake and confront the suspect but should attempt to keep the
suspect in sight until sufficient officers are present to safely apprehend the suspect.
Early communication of available information from the involved officers is essential so that
adequate resources can be coordinated and deployed to bring a foot pursuit to a safe conclusion.
Officers initiating a foot pursuit should, at a minimum, broadcast the following information as soon
as it becomes practicable and available:
(a)

Location and direction of travel

(b)

Call sign identifier

(c)

Reason for the foot pursuit, such as the crime classification

(d)

Number of suspects and description, to include name if known

(e)

Whether the suspect is known or believed to be armed with a dangerous weapon

Officers should be mindful that radio transmissions made while running may be difficult to
understand and may need to be repeated.
Absent extenuating circumstances, any officer unable to promptly and effectively broadcast this
information should terminate the foot pursuit. If the foot pursuit is discontinued for any reason,
immediate efforts for containment should be established and alternatives considered based upon
the circumstances and available resources.
When a foot pursuit terminates, the officer will notify the [dispatcher of his/her location and the
status of the pursuit termination (e.g., suspect in custody, lost sight of suspect), and will direct
further actions as reasonably appear necessary, to include requesting medical aid as needed
for officers, suspects or members of the public.

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428.4.2 ASSISTING OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Whenever any officer announces that he/she is engaged in a foot pursuit, all other officers should
minimize non-essential radio traffic to permit the involved officers maximum access to the radio
frequency.
428.4.3 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon becoming aware of a foot pursuit, the supervisor shall make every reasonable effort to
ascertain sufficient information to direct responding resources and to take command, control and
coordination of the foot pursuit. The supervisor should respond to the area whenever possible;
the supervisor does not, however, need not be physically present to exercise control over the foot
pursuit. The supervisor shall continuously assess the situation in order to ensure the foot pursuit
is conducted within established department guidelines.
The supervisor shall terminate the foot pursuit when the danger to pursuing officers or the public
appears to unreasonably outweigh the objective of immediate apprehension of the suspect.
Upon apprehension of the suspect, the supervisor shall promptly proceed to the termination point
to direct the post-foot pursuit activity.
428.4.4 DISPATCH RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon notification or becoming aware that a foot pursuit is in progress, the [dispatcher is
responsible for:
(a)

Clearing the radio channel of non-emergency traffic.

(b)

Coordinating pursuit communications of the involved officers.

(c)

Broadcasting pursuit updates as well as other pertinent information as necessary.

(d)

Ensuring that a field supervisor is notified of the foot pursuit.

(e)

Notifying and coordinating with other involved or affected agencies as practicable.

(f)

Notifying the Watch Commander as soon as practicable.

(g)

Assigning an incident number and logging all pursuit activities.

428.5 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The initiating officer shall complete appropriate crime/arrest reports documenting, at minimum:
(a)

Date and time of the foot pursuit.

(b)

Initial reason and circumstances surrounding the foot pursuit.

(c)

Course and approximate distance of the foot pursuit.

(d)

Alleged offenses.

(e)

Involved vehicles and officers.

(f)

Whether a suspect was apprehended as well as the means and methods used.

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Any use of force shall be reported and documented in compliance with the Use of
Force Policy.

(g)

Arrestee information, if applicable.

(h)

Any injuries and/or medical treatment.

(i)

Any property or equipment damage.

(j)

Name of the supervisor at the scene or who handled the incident.

Assisting officers taking an active role in the apprehension of the suspect shall complete
supplemental reports as necessary or as directed.
The supervisor reviewing the report will make a preliminary determination that the pursuit appears
to be in compliance with this policy or that additional review and/or follow-up is warranted.
In any case in which a suspect is not apprehended and there is insufficient information to support
further investigation, a supervisor may authorize that the initiating officer need not complete a
formal report.
428.6 POLICY
It is the policy of this department that officers, when deciding to initiate or continue a foot pursuit,
continuously balance the objective of apprehending the suspect with the risk and potential for
injury to department members, the public or the suspect.
Officers are expected to act reasonably, based on the totality of the circumstances.

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429

Policy Manual

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
429.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the capture, storage and use of digital data
obtained through the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology.
429.2 ADMINISTRATION
The ALPR technology, also known as License Plate Recognition (LPR), allows for the automated
detection of license plates. It is used by the Culver City Police Department to convert data
associated with vehicle license plates for official law enforcement purposes, including identifying
stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates and missing persons. It may also be used to
gather information related to active warrants, homeland security, electronic surveillance, suspect
interdiction and stolen property recovery.
All installation and maintenance of ALPR equipment, as well as ALPR data retention and
access, shall be managed by the Administration and Investigations Bureau Commander.
The Administration and Investigations Bureau Commander will assign members under his/her
command to administer the day-to-day operation of the ALPR equipment and data.
429.2.1 ALPR ADMINISTRATOR
The Traffic Bureau Commander shall be responsible for developing guidelines and procedures to
comply with the requirements of Civil Code § 1798.90.5 et seq. This includes, but is not limited to
(Civil Code § 1798.90.51; Civil Code § 1798.90.53):
(a)

A description of the job title or other designation of the members and independent
contractors who are authorized to use or access the ALPR system or to collect ALPR
information.

(b)

Training requirements for authorized users.

(c)

A description of how the ALPR system will be monitored to ensure the security of the
information and compliance with applicable privacy laws.

(d)

Procedures for system operators to maintain records of access in compliance with Civil
Code § 1798.90.52.

(e)

The title and name of the current designee in overseeing the ALPR operation.

(f)

Working with the Custodian of Records on the retention and destruction of ALPR data.

(g)

Ensuring this policy and related procedures are conspicuously posted on the department’s
website.

429.3 OPERATIONS
Use of an ALPR is restricted to the purposes outlined below. Department members shall not use,
or allow others to use the equipment or database records for any unauthorized purpose (Civil
Code § 1798.90.51; Civil Code § 1798.90.53).
(a)

An ALPR shall only be used for official law enforcement business.

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(b)

An ALPR may be used in conjunction with any routine patrol operation or criminal
investigation. Reasonable suspicion or probable cause is not required before using an
ALPR.

(c)

While an ALPR may be used to canvass license plates around any crime scene, particular
consideration should be given to using ALPR-equipped cars to canvass areas around
homicides, shootings and other major incidents. Partial license plates reported during major
crimes should be entered into the ALPR system in an attempt to identify suspect vehicles.

(d)

No member of this department shall operate ALPR equipment or access ALPR data without
first completing department-approved training.

(e)

No ALPR operator may access department, state or federal data unless otherwise
authorized to do so.

(f)

If practicable, the officer should verify an ALPR response through the California Law
Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) before taking enforcement action that
is based solely on an ALPR alert.

429.4 ALPR DATA COLLECTION AND RETENTION
All data and images gathered by an ALPR are for the official use of the Culver City Police
Department and because such data may contain confidential CLETS information, it is not open
to public review. ALPR information gathered and retained by this department may be used and
shared with prosecutors or others only as permitted by law.
The Computer Services Unit supervisor is responsible to ensure proper collection and retention
of ALPR data, and for transferring ALPR data stored in department vehicles to the department
server on a regular basis, not to exceed 30 days between transfers.
All ALPR data downloaded to the server should be stored for a minimum of one year (Government
Code § 34090.6), and thereafter may be purged unless it has become, or it is reasonable to believe
it will become, evidence in a criminal or civil action or is subject to a lawful action to produce
records. In those circumstances the applicable data should be downloaded from the server onto
portable media and booked into evidence.
429.5 ACCOUNTABILITY
All data will be closely safeguarded and protected by both procedural and technological means.
The Culver City Police Department will observe the following safeguards regarding access to and
use of stored data (Civil Code § 1798.90.51; Civil Code § 1798.90.53):
(a)

All ALPR data downloaded to the mobile workstation and in storage shall be accessible
only through a login/password-protected system capable of documenting all access of
information by name, date and time (Civil Code § 1798.90.52).

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(b)

Members approved to access ALPR data under these guidelines are permitted to access
the data for legitimate law enforcement purposes only, such as when the data relate to a
specific criminal investigation or department-related civil or administrative action.

(c)

ALPR system audits should be conducted on a regular basis.

For security or data breaches, see the Records Release and Maintenance Policy.
429.6 USE OF DATA
The policy of the Culver City Police Department is to utilize ALPR technology to capture and store
digital license plate data and images while recognizing the established privacy rights of the public.
All data and images gathered by the ALPR are for the official use of this department. Because
such data may contain confidential information, it is not open to public review.
429.7 RELEASING ALPR DATA
The ALPR data may be shared only with other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies
for official law enforcement purposes or as otherwise permitted by law, using the following
procedures:
(a)

The agency makes a written request for the ALPR data that includes:
1.

The name of the agency.

The name of the person requesting.

The intended purpose of obtaining the information.

(b)

The request is reviewed by the Administration and Investigations Bureau Commander or
the authorized designee and approved before the request is fulfilled.

(c)

The approved request is retained on file.

Requests for ALPR data by non-law enforcement or non-prosecutorial agencies will be processed
as provided in the Records Maintenance and Release Policy (Civil Code § 1798.90.55).
429.8 TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure that members receive departmentapproved training for those authorized to use or access the ALPR system (Civil Code §
1798.90.51; Civil Code § 1798.90.53).

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430

Policy Manual

Homeless Persons
430.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that personnel understand the needs and rights of the
homeless and to establish procedures to guide officers during all contacts with the homeless,
whether consensual or for enforcement purposes. The Culver City Police Department recognizes
that members of the homeless community are often in need of special protection and services. The
Culver City Police Department will address these needs in balance with the overall mission of this
department. Therefore, officers will consider the following when serving the homeless community.
430.1.1 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to provide law enforcement services
to all members of the community, while protecting the rights, dignity and private property of
the homeless. Homelessness is not a crime and members of this department will not use
homelessness solely as a basis for detention or law enforcement action.
430.2 HOMELESS COMMUNITY LIAISON
The Chief of Police will designate a member of this department to act as the Homeless Liaison
Officer. The responsibilities of the Homeless Liaison Officer include the following:
(a)

Maintain and make available to all department employees a list of assistance programs and
other resources that are available to the homeless.

(b)

Meet with social services and representatives of other organizations that render assistance
to the homeless.

(c)

Maintain a list of the areas within and near this jurisdiction that are used as frequent
homeless encampments.

(d)

Remain abreast of laws dealing with the removal and/or destruction of the personal property
of the homeless. This will include:
1.

Proper posting of notices of trespass and clean-up operations.

Proper retention of property after clean-up, to include procedures for owners to
reclaim their property in accordance with the Property and Evidence Policy and other
established procedures.

(e)

Be present during any clean-up operation conducted by this department involving the
removal of personal property of the homeless to ensure that the rights of the homeless are
not violated.

(f)

Develop training to assist officers in understanding current legal and social issues relating
to the homeless.

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430.3 FIELD CONTACTS
Officers are encouraged to contact the homeless for purposes of rendering aid, support and
for community-oriented policing purposes. Nothing in this policy is meant to dissuade an officer
from taking reasonable enforcement action when facts support a reasonable suspicion of criminal
activity. However, when encountering a homeless person who has committed a non-violent
misdemeanor and continued freedom is not likely to result in a continuation of the offense or a
breach of the peace, officers are encouraged to consider long-term solutions to problems that may
relate to the homeless, such as shelter referrals and counseling in lieu of physical arrest.
Officers should provide homeless persons with resource and assistance information whenever it
is reasonably apparent that such services may be appropriate.
430.3.1 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Homeless members of the community will receive the same level and quality of service provided
to other members of the community. The fact that a victim or witness is homeless can, however,
require special considerations for a successful investigation and prosecution. Officers should
consider the following when handling investigations involving homeless victims, witnesses or
suspects:
(a)

Document alternate contact information. This may include obtaining addresses and phone
numbers of relatives and friends.

(b)

Document places the homeless person may frequent.

(c)

Provide homeless victims with victim/witness resources when appropriate.

(d)

Obtain statements from all available witnesses in the event that a homeless victim is
unavailable for a court appearance.

(e)

Consider whether the person may be a dependent adult or elder, and if so, proceed in
accordance with the Adult Abuse Policy.

(f)

Arrange for transportation for investigation-related matters, such as medical exams and
court appearances.

(g)

Consider whether a crime should be reported and submitted for prosecution, even when a
homeless victim indicates that he/she does not desire prosecution.

430.4 PERSONAL PROPERTY
The personal property of homeless persons must not be treated differently than the property
of other members of the public. Officers should use reasonable care when handling, collecting
and retaining the personal property of homeless persons and should not destroy or discard the
personal property of a homeless person.
When a homeless person is arrested or otherwise removed from a public place, officers should
make reasonable accommodations to permit the person to lawfully secure his/her personal
property. Otherwise, the personal property should be collected for safekeeping. If the arrestee
has more personal property than can reasonably be collected and transported by the officer, a
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supervisor should be consulted. The property should be photographed and measures should be
taken to remove or secure the property. It will be the supervisor’s responsibility to coordinate the
removal and safekeeping of the property.
Officers should not conduct or assist in clean-up operations of belongings that reasonably appear
to be the property of homeless persons without the prior authorization of a supervisor or the
department Homeless Liaison Officer. When practicable, requests by the public for clean-up of a
homeless encampment should be referred to the Homeless Liaison Officer.
Officers who encounter unattended encampments, bedding or other personal property in public
areas that reasonably appears to belong to a homeless person should not remove or destroy such
property and should inform the department Homeless Liaison Officer if such property appears
to involve a trespass, blight to the community or is the subject of a complaint. It will be the
responsibility of the Homeless Liaison Officer to address the matter in a timely fashion.
430.5 MENTAL ILLNESS AND MENTAL IMPAIRMENT
Some homeless persons may suffer from a mental illness or a mental impairment. Officers shall
not detain a homeless person under a mental illness commitment unless facts and circumstances
warrant such a detention (see the Crisis Intervention Incidents Policy).
When a mental illness hold is not warranted, the contacting officer should provide the
homeless person with contact information for mental health assistance as appropriate. In these
circumstances, officers may provide transportation to a mental health specialist if requested by
the person and approved by a supervisor.
430.6 ECOLOGICAL ISSUES
Sometimes homeless encampments can impact the ecology and natural resources of the
community and may involve criminal offenses beyond mere littering. Officers are encouraged to
notify other appropriate agencies or departments when a significant impact to the environment
has or is likely to occur. Significant impacts to the environment may warrant a crime report,
investigation, supporting photographs and supervisor notification.

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431

Policy Manual

Public Recording of Law Enforcement Activity
431.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for handling situations in which members of the public photograph
or audio/video record law enforcement actions and other public activities that involve members
of this department. In addition, this policy provides guidelines for situations where the recordings
may be evidence.
431.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department recognizes the right of persons to lawfully record members
of this department who are performing their official duties. Members of this department will not
prohibit or intentionally interfere with such lawful recordings. Any recordings that are deemed to
be evidence of a crime or relevant to an investigation will only be collected or seized lawfully.
Officers should exercise restraint and should not resort to highly discretionary arrests for offenses
such as interference, failure to comply or disorderly conduct as a means of preventing someone
from exercising the right to record members performing their official duties.
431.3 RECORDING LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY
Members of the public who wish to record law enforcement activities are limited only in certain
aspects.
(a)

Recordings may be made from any public place or any private property where the individual
has the legal right to be present (Penal Code § 69; Penal Code § 148).

(b)

Beyond the act of photographing or recording, individuals may not interfere with the law
enforcement activity. Examples of interference include, but are not limited to:

(c)

Tampering with a witness or suspect.

Inciting others to violate the law.

Being so close to the activity as to present a clear safety hazard to the officers.

Being so close to the activity as to interfere with an officer’s effective communication
with a suspect or witness.

The individual may not present an undue safety risk to the officers, him/herself or others.

431.4 OFFICER RESPONSE
Officers should promptly request that a supervisor respond to the scene whenever it appears
that anyone recording activities may be interfering with an investigation or it is believed that the
recording may be evidence. If practicable, officers should wait for the supervisor to arrive before
taking enforcement action or seizing any cameras or recording media.
Whenever practicable, officers or supervisors should give clear and concise warnings to
individuals who are conducting themselves in a manner that would cause their recording or
behavior to be unlawful. Accompanying the warnings should be clear directions on what an
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Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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individual can do to be compliant; directions should be specific enough to allow compliance. For
example, rather than directing an individual to clear the area, an officer could advise the person
that he/she may continue observing and recording from the sidewalk across the street.
If an arrest or other significant enforcement activity is taken as the result of a recording that
interferes with law enforcement activity, officers shall document in a report the nature and extent
of the interference or other unlawful behavior and the warnings that were issued.
431.5 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
A supervisor should respond to the scene when requested or any time the circumstances indicate
a likelihood of interference or other unlawful behavior.
The supervisor should review the situation with the officer and:
(a)

Request any additional assistance as needed to ensure a safe environment.

(b)

Take a lead role in communicating with individuals who are observing or recording regarding
any appropriate limitations on their location or behavior. When practical, the encounter
should be recorded.

(c)

When practicable, allow adequate time for individuals to respond to requests for a change
of location or behavior.

(d)

Ensure that any enforcement, seizure or other actions are consistent with this policy and
constitutional and state law.

(e)

Explain alternatives for individuals who wish to express concern about the conduct of
Department members, such as how and where to file a complaint.

431.6 SEIZING RECORDINGS AS EVIDENCE
Officers should not seize recording devices or media unless (42 USC § 2000aa):
(a)

There is probable cause to believe the person recording has committed or is committing
a crime to which the recording relates, and the recording is reasonably necessary for
prosecution of the person.
1.

Absent exigency or consent, a warrant should be sought before seizing or viewing
such recordings. Reasonable steps may be taken to prevent erasure of the recording.

(b)

There is reason to believe that the immediate seizure of such recordings is necessary to
prevent serious bodily injury or death of any person.

(c)

The person consents.
1.

To ensure that the consent is voluntary, the request should not be made in a
threatening or coercive manner.

If the original recording is provided, a copy of the recording should be provided to the
recording party, if practicable. The recording party should be permitted to be present
while the copy is being made, if feasible. Another way to obtain the evidence is to
transmit a copy of the recording from a device to a department-owned device.

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Recording devices and media that are seized will be submitted within the guidelines of the Property
and Evidence Policy.

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432

Policy Manual

Crisis Intervention Incidents
432.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for interacting with those who may be experiencing a mental health
or emotional crisis. Interaction with such individuals has the potential for miscommunication and
violence. It often requires an officer to make difficult judgments about a person’s mental state and
intent in order to effectively and legally interact with the individual.
432.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Person in crisis - A person whose level of distress or mental health symptoms have exceeded
the person’s internal ability to manage his/her behavior or emotions. A crisis can be precipitated by
any number of things, including an increase in the symptoms of mental illness despite treatment
compliance; non-compliance with treatment, including a failure to take prescribed medications
appropriately; or any other circumstance or event that causes the person to engage in erratic,
disruptive or dangerous behavior that may be accompanied by impaired judgment.
432.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department is committed to providing a consistently high level of service to
all members of the community and recognizes that persons in crisis may benefit from intervention.
The Department will collaborate, where feasible, with mental health professionals to develop an
overall intervention strategy to guide its members’ interactions with those experiencing a mental
health crisis. This is to ensure equitable and safe treatment of all involved.
432.3 SIGNS
Members should be alert to any of the following possible signs of mental health issues or crises:
(a)

A known history of mental illness

(b)

Threats of or attempted suicide

(c)

Loss of memory

(d)

Incoherence, disorientation or slow response

(e)

Delusions, hallucinations, perceptions unrelated to reality or grandiose ideas

(f)

Depression, pronounced feelings of hopelessness or uselessness, extreme sadness or guilt

(g)

Social withdrawal

(h)

Manic or impulsive behavior, extreme agitation, lack of control

(i)

Lack of fear

(j)

Anxiety, aggression, rigidity, inflexibility or paranoia

Members should be aware that this list is not exhaustive. The presence or absence of any of these
should not be treated as proof of the presence or absence of a mental health issue or crisis.

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432.4 COORDINATION WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
The Chief of Police should designate an appropriate Bureau Commander to collaborate with
mental health professionals to develop an education and response protocol. It should include a
list of community resources, to guide department interaction with those who may be suffering from
mental illness or who appear to be in a mental health crisis.
432.5 FIRST RESPONDERS
Safety is a priority for first responders. It is important to recognize that individuals under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or both may exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of a person in a
mental health crisis. These individuals may still present a serious threat to officers; such a threat
should be addressed with reasonable tactics. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit an
officer’s authority to use reasonable force when interacting with a person in crisis.
Officers are reminded that mental health issues, mental health crises and unusual behavior alone
are not criminal offenses. Individuals may benefit from treatment as opposed to incarceration.
An officer responding to a call involving a person in crisis should:
(a)

Promptly assess the situation independent of reported information and make a preliminary
determination regarding whether a mental health crisis may be a factor.

(b)

Request available backup officers and specialized resources as deemed necessary and, if
it is reasonably believed that the person is in a crisis situation, use conflict resolution and
de-escalation techniques to stabilize the incident as appropriate.

(c)

If feasible, and without compromising safety, turn off flashing lights, bright lights or sirens.

(d)

Attempt to determine if weapons are present or available.
1.

Prior to making contact, and whenever possible and reasonable, conduct a search
of the Department of Justice Automated Firearms System via the California
Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) to determine whether the
person is the registered owner of a firearm (Penal Code § 11106.4).

(e)

Take into account the person’s mental and emotional state and potential inability to
understand commands or to appreciate the consequences of his/her action or inaction, as
perceived by the officer.

(f)

Secure the scene and clear the immediate area as necessary.

(g)

Employ tactics to preserve the safety of all participants.

(h)

Determine the nature of any crime.

(i)

Request a supervisor, as warranted.

(j)

Evaluate any available information that might assist in determining cause or motivation for
the person’s actions or stated intentions.

(k)

If circumstances reasonably permit, consider and employ alternatives to force.

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432.6 DE-ESCALATION
Officers should consider that taking no action or passively monitoring the situation may be the
most reasonable response to a mental health crisis.
Once it is determined that a situation is a mental health crisis and immediate safety concerns
have been addressed, responding members should be aware of the following considerations and
should generally:

•

Evaluate safety conditions.

•

Introduce themselves and attempt to obtain the person’s name.

•

Be patient, polite, calm, courteous and avoid overreacting.

•

Speak and move slowly and in a non-threatening manner.

•

Moderate the level of direct eye contact.

•

Remove distractions or disruptive people from the area.

•

Demonstrate active listening skills (e.g., summarize the person’s verbal communication).

•

Provide for sufficient avenues of retreat or escape should the situation become volatile.

Responding officers generally should not:

•

Use stances or tactics that can be interpreted as aggressive.

•

Allow others to interrupt or engage the person.

•

Corner a person who is not believed to be armed, violent or suicidal.

•

Argue, speak with a raised voice or use threats to obtain compliance.

432.7 INCIDENT ORIENTATION
When responding to an incident that may involve mental illness or a mental health crisis, the officer
should request that the [dispatcher provide critical information as it becomes available. This
includes:
(a)

Whether the person relies on drugs or medication, or may have failed to take his/her
medication.

(b)

Whether there have been prior incidents, suicide threats/attempts, and whether there has
been previous police response.

(c)

Contact information for a treating physician or mental health professional.

Additional resources and a supervisor should be requested as warranted.
432.8 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
A supervisor should respond to the scene of any interaction with a person in crisis. Responding
supervisors should:
(a)

Attempt to secure appropriate and sufficient resources.

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(b)

Closely monitor any use of force, including the use of restraints, and ensure that those
subjected to the use of force are provided with timely access to medical care (see the
Handcuffing and Restraints Policy).

(c)

Consider strategic disengagement. Absent an imminent threat to the public and, as
circumstances dictate, this may include removing or reducing law enforcement resources
or engaging in passive monitoring.

(d)

Ensure that all reports are completed and that incident documentation uses appropriate
terminology and language.

(e)

Conduct an after-action tactical and operational debriefing, and prepare an after-action
evaluation of the incident to be forwarded to the Bureau Commander.

Evaluate whether a critical incident stress management debriefing for involved members is
warranted.
432.9 INCIDENT REPORTING
Members engaging in any oral or written communication associated with a mental health crisis
should be mindful of the sensitive nature of such communications and should exercise appropriate
discretion when referring to or describing persons and circumstances.
Members having contact with a person in crisis should keep related information confidential,
except to the extent that revealing information is necessary to conform to department reporting
procedures or other official mental health or medical proceedings.
All contacts with persons in crisis are to be noted by officers in the call disposition as Mental
Health Related.
432.9.1 DIVERSION
Individuals who are not being arrested should be processed in accordance with the Mental Illness
Commitments Policy.
432.10 CIVILIAN INTERACTION WITH PEOPLE IN CRISIS
Civilian members may be required to interact with persons in crisis in an administrative capacity,
such as dispatching, records request, and animal control issues.
(a)

Members should treat all individuals equally and with dignity and respect.

(b)

If a member believes that he/she is interacting with a person in crisis, he/she should proceed
patiently and in a calm manner.

(c)

Members should be aware and understand that the person may make unusual or bizarre
claims or requests.

If a person’s behavior makes the member feel unsafe, if the person is or becomes disruptive or
violent, or if the person acts in such a manner as to cause the member to believe that the person
may be harmful to him/herself or others, an officer should be promptly summoned to provide
assistance.

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432.11 EVALUATION
The Bureau Commander designated to coordinate the crisis intervention strategy for this
department should ensure that a thorough review and analysis of the department response to
these incidents is conducted annually. The report will not include identifying information pertaining
to any involved individuals, officers or incidents and will be submitted to the Chief of Police through
the chain of command.
432.12 TRAINING
In coordination with the mental health community and appropriate stakeholders, the Department
will develop and provide comprehensive education and training to all department members to
enable them to effectively interact with persons in crisis.
This department will endeavor to provide Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-approved
advanced officer training on interaction with persons with mental disabilities, welfare checks and
crisis intervention (Penal Code § 11106.4; Penal Code § 13515.25; Penal Code § 13515.27; Penal
Code § 13515.30).

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433

Policy Manual

First Amendment Assemblies
433.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance for responding to public assemblies or demonstrations.
433.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department respects the rights of people to peaceably assemble. It is
the policy of this department not to unreasonably interfere with, harass, intimidate or discriminate
against persons engaged in the lawful exercise of their rights, while also preserving the peace,
protecting life and preventing the destruction of property.
433.3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Individuals or groups present on the public way, such as public facilities, streets or walkways,
generally have the right to assemble, rally, demonstrate, protest or otherwise express their views
and opinions through varying forms of communication, including the distribution of printed matter.
These rights may be limited by laws or ordinances regulating such matters as the obstruction
of individual or vehicle access or egress, trespass, noise, picketing, distribution of handbills and
leafleting, and loitering. However, officers shall not take action or fail to take action based on the
opinions being expressed.
Participant behavior during a demonstration or other public assembly can vary. This may include,
but is not limited to:

•

Lawful, constitutionally protected actions and speech.

•

Civil disobedience (typically involving minor criminal acts).

•

Rioting.

All of these behaviors may be present during the same event. Therefore, it is imperative that law
enforcement actions are measured and appropriate for the behaviors officers may encounter. This
is particularly critical if force is being used. Adaptable strategies and tactics are essential. The
purpose of a law enforcement presence at the scene of public assemblies and demonstrations
should be to preserve the peace, to protect life and prevent the destruction of property.
Officers should not:
(a)

Engage in assembly or demonstration-related discussion with participants.

(b)

Harass, confront or intimidate participants.

(c)

Seize the cameras, cell phones or materials of participants or observers unless an officer
is placing a person under lawful arrest.

Supervisors should continually observe department members under their commands to ensure
that members’ interaction with participants and their response to crowd dynamics is appropriate.

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433.3.1 PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO RECORDINGS
Photographs and video recording, when appropriate, can serve a number of purposes,
including support of criminal prosecutions by documenting criminal acts; assistance in evaluating
department performance; serving as training material; recording the use of dispersal orders; and
facilitating a response to allegations of improper law enforcement conduct.
Photographs and videos will not be used or retained for the sole purpose of collecting or
maintaining information about the political, religious or social views of associations, or the activities
of any individual, group, association, organization, corporation, business or partnership, unless
such information directly relates to an investigation of criminal activities and there is reasonable
suspicion that the subject of the information is involved in criminal conduct.
433.4 UNPLANNED EVENTS
When responding to an unplanned or spontaneous public gathering, the first responding officer
should conduct an assessment of conditions, including, but not limited to, the following:

•

Location

•

Number of participants

•

Apparent purpose of the event

•

Leadership (whether it is apparent and/or whether it is effective)

•

Any initial indicators of unlawful or disruptive activity

•

Indicators that lawful use of public facilities, streets or walkways will be impacted

•

Ability and/or need to continue monitoring the incident

Initial assessment information should be promptly communicated to Dispatch, and the assignment
of a supervisor should be requested. Additional resources should be requested as appropriate.
The responding supervisor shall assume command of the incident until command is expressly
assumed by another, and the assumption of command is communicated to the involved members.
A clearly defined command structure that is consistent with the Incident Command System (ICS)
should be established as resources are deployed.
433.5 PLANNED EVENT PREPARATION
For planned events, comprehensive, incident-specific operational plans should be developed. The
ICS should be considered for such events.
433.5.1 INFORMATION GATHERING AND ASSESSMENT
In order to properly assess the potential impact of a public assembly or demonstration on public
safety and order, relevant information should be collected and vetted. This may include:

•

Information obtained from outreach to group organizers or leaders.

•

Information about past and potential unlawful conduct associated with the event or similar
events.

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•

The potential time, duration, scope and type of planned activities.

•

Any other information related to the goal of providing a balanced response to criminal activity
and the protection of public safety interests.

Information should be obtained in a transparent manner, and the sources documented. Relevant
information should be communicated to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
Information will be obtained in a lawful manner and will not be based solely on the purpose or
content of the assembly or demonstration, or the race, ethnicity, national origin or religion of the
participants (or any other characteristic that is unrelated to criminal conduct or the identification
of a criminal subject).
433.5.2 OPERATIONAL PLANS
An operational planning team with responsibility for event planning and management should be
established. The planning team should develop an operational plan for the event.
The operational plan will minimally provide for:
(a)

Command assignments, chain of command structure, roles and responsibilities.

(b)

Staffing and resource allocation.

(c)

Management of criminal investigations.

(d)

Designation of uniform of the day and related safety equipment (e.g., helmets, shields).

(e)

Deployment of specialized resources.

(f)

Event communications and interoperability in a multijurisdictional event.

(g)

Liaison with demonstration leaders and external agencies.

(h)

Liaison with City government and legal staff.

(i)

Media relations.

(j)

Logistics: food, fuel, replacement equipment, duty hours, relief and transportation.

(k)

Traffic management plans.

(l)

First aid and emergency medical service provider availability.

(m)

Prisoner transport and detention.

(n)

Review of policies regarding public assemblies and use of force in crowd control.

(o)

Parameters for declaring an unlawful assembly.

(p)

Arrest protocol, including management of mass arrests.

(q)

Protocol for recording information flow and decisions.

(r)

Rules of engagement, including rules of conduct, protocols for field force extraction and
arrests, and any authorization required for the use of force.

(s)

Protocol for handling complaints during the event.

(t)

Parameters for the use of body-worn cameras and other portable recording devices.

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433.5.3 MUTUAL AID AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES
The magnitude and anticipated duration of an event may necessitate interagency cooperation and
coordination. The assigned Incident Commander should ensure that any required memorandums
of understanding or other agreements are properly executed, and that any anticipated mutual aid
is requested and facilitated (see the Mutual Aid and Outside Agency Assistance Policy).
433.6 UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY DISPERSAL ORDERS
If a public gathering or demonstration remains peaceful and nonviolent, and there is no reasonably
imminent threat to persons or property, the Incident Commander should generally authorize
continued monitoring of the event.
Should the Incident Commander make a determination that public safety is presently or is about
to be jeopardized, he/she or the authorized designee should attempt to verbally persuade event
organizers or participants to disperse of their own accord. Warnings and advisements may be
communicated through established communications links with leaders and/or participants or to
the group.
When initial attempts at verbal persuasion are unsuccessful, the Incident Commander or the
authorized designee should make a clear standardized announcement to the gathering that
the event is an unlawful assembly, and should order the dispersal of the participants. The
announcement should be communicated by whatever methods are reasonably available to ensure
that the content of the message is clear and that it has been heard by the participants. The
announcement should be amplified, made in different languages as appropriate, made from
multiple locations in the affected area and documented by audio and video. The announcement
should provide information about what law enforcement actions will take place if illegal behavior
continues and should identify routes for egress. A reasonable time to disperse should be allowed
following a dispersal order.
433.7 USE OF FORCE
Use of force is governed by current department policy and applicable law (see the Use of Force,
Handcuffing and Restraints, Control Devices and Techniques, and Conducted Energy Device
policies).
Individuals refusing to comply with lawful orders (e.g., nonviolent refusal to disperse) should be
given a clear verbal warning and a reasonable opportunity to comply. If an individual refuses to
comply with lawful orders, the Incident Commander shall evaluate the type of resistance and adopt
a reasonable response in order to accomplish the law enforcement mission (such as dispersal
or arrest of those acting in violation of the law). Control devices and TASER® devices should be
considered only when the participants’ conduct reasonably appears to present the potential to
harm officers, themselves or others, or will result in substantial property loss or damage (see the
Control Devices and Techniques and the Conducted Energy Device policies).

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Force or control devices, including oleoresin capsaicin (OC), should be directed toward individuals
and not toward groups or crowds, unless specific individuals cannot reasonably be targeted due
to extreme circumstances, such as a riotous crowd.
Any use of force by a member of this department shall be documented promptly, completely and
accurately in an appropriate report. The type of report required may depend on the nature of the
incident.
433.8 ARRESTS
The Culver City Police Department should respond to unlawful behavior in a manner that
is consistent with the operational plan. If practicable, warnings or advisements should be
communicated prior to arrest.
Mass arrests should be employed only when alternate tactics and strategies have been, or
reasonably appear likely to be, unsuccessful. Mass arrests shall only be undertaken upon the
order of the Incident Commander or the authorized designee. There must be probable cause for
each arrest.
If employed, mass arrest protocols should fully integrate:
(a)

Reasonable measures to address the safety of officers and arrestees.

(b)

Dedicated arrest, booking and report writing teams.

(c)

Timely access to medical care.

(d)

Timely access to legal resources.

(e)

Timely processing of arrestees.

(f)

Full accountability for arrestees and evidence.

(g)

Coordination and cooperation with the prosecuting authority, jail and courts (see the Cite
and Release Policy).

433.9 MEDIA RELATIONS
The Public Information Officer should use all available avenues of communication, including
press releases, briefings, press conferences and social media to maintain open channels of
communication with media representatives and the public about the status and progress of the
event, taking all opportunities to reassure the public about the professional management of the
event (see the News Media Relations Policy).
433.10 DEMOBILIZATION
When appropriate, the Incident Commander or the authorized designee should implement a
phased and orderly withdrawal of law enforcement resources. All relieved personnel should
promptly complete any required reports, including use of force reports, and account for all issued
equipment and vehicles to their supervisors prior to returning to normal operational duties.

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433.11 POST EVENT
The Incident Commander should designate a member to assemble full documentation of the event,
to include the following:
(a)

Operational plan

(b)

Any incident logs

(c)

Any assignment logs

(d)

Vehicle, fuel, equipment and supply records

(e)

Incident, arrest, use of force, injury and property damage reports

(f)

Photographs, audio/video recordings, Dispatch records/tapes

(g)

Media accounts (print and broadcast media)

433.11.1 AFTER-ACTION REPORTING
The Incident Commander should work with City legal counsel, as appropriate, to prepare a
comprehensive after-action report of the event, explaining all incidents where force was used
including the following:
(a)

Date, time and description of the event

(b)

Actions taken and outcomes (e.g., injuries, property damage, arrests)

(c)

Problems identified

(d)

Significant events

(e)

Recommendations for improvement; opportunities for training should be documented in a
generic manner, without identifying individuals or specific incidents, facts or circumstances.

433.12 TRAINING
Department members should receive periodic training regarding this policy, as well as the
dynamics of crowd control and incident management (Penal Code § 13514.5). The Department
should, when practicable, train with its external and mutual aid partners.

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434

Policy Manual

Civil Disputes
434.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides members of the Culver City Police Department with guidance for addressing
conflicts between persons when no criminal investigation or enforcement action is warranted (e.g.,
civil matters), with the goal of minimizing any potential for violence or criminal acts.
The Domestic Violence Policy will address specific legal mandates related to domestic violence
court orders. References in this policy to “court orders” apply to any order of a court that does not
require arrest or enforcement by the terms of the order or by California law.
434.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department recognizes that a law enforcement presence at a civil dispute
can play an important role in the peace and safety of the community. Subject to available
resources, members of this department will assist at the scene of civil disputes with the primary
goal of safeguarding persons and property, preventing criminal activity and maintaining the peace.
When handling civil disputes, members will remain impartial, maintain a calm presence, give
consideration to all sides and refrain from giving legal or inappropriate advice.
434.3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
When appropriate, members handling a civil dispute should encourage the involved parties to
seek the assistance of resolution services or take the matter to the civil courts. Members must not
become personally involved in disputes and shall at all times remain impartial.
While not intended to be an exhaustive list, members should give considerations to the following
when handling civil disputes:
(a)

Civil disputes tend to be confrontational and members should be alert that they can escalate
to violence very quickly. De-escalation techniques should be used when appropriate.

(b)

Members should not dismiss alleged or observed criminal violations as a civil matter and
should initiate the appropriate investigation and report when criminal activity is apparent.

(c)

Members shall not provide legal advice, however, when appropriate, members should inform
the parties when they are at risk of violating criminal laws.

(d)

Members are reminded that they shall not enter a residence or other non-public location
without legal authority including valid consent.

(e)

Members should not take an unreasonable amount of time assisting in these matters and
generally should contact a supervisor if it appears that peacekeeping efforts longer than 30
minutes are warranted.

434.4 COURT ORDERS
Disputes involving court orders can be complex. Where no mandate exists for an officer to make an
arrest for a violation of a court order, the matter should be addressed by documenting any apparent

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court order violation in a report. If there appears to be a more immediate need for enforcement
action, the investigating officer should consult a supervisor prior to making any arrest.
If a person appears to be violating the terms of a court order but is disputing the validity of the
order or its applicability, the investigating officer should document the following:
(a)

The person’s knowledge of the court order or whether proof of service exists.

(b)

Any specific reason or rationale the involved person offers for not complying with the terms
of the order.

A copy of the court order should be attached to the report when available. The report should be
forwarded to the appropriate prosecutor. The report should also be forwarded to the court issuing
the order with a notice that the report was also forwarded to the prosecutor for review.
434.4.1 STANDBY REQUESTS
Officer responding to a call for standby assistance to retrieve property should meet the person
requesting assistance at a neutral location to discuss the process. The person should be advised
that items that are disputed will not be allowed to be removed. The member may advise the person
to seek private legal advice as to the distribution of disputed property.
Members should accompany the person to the location of the property. Members should ask if the
other party will allow removal of the property or whether the other party would remove the property.
If the other party is uncooperative, the person requesting standby assistance should be instructed
to seek private legal advice and obtain a court order to obtain the items. Officers should not order
the other party to allow entry or the removal of any items. If there is a restraining or similar order
against the person requesting standby assistance, that person should be asked to leave the scene
or they may be subject to arrest for violation of the order.
If the other party is not present at the location, the member will not allow entry into the location
or the removal of property from the location.
434.5 VEHICLES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
Officers may be faced with disputes regarding possession or ownership of vehicles or other
personal property. Officers may review documents provided by parties or available databases
(e.g., vehicle registration), but should be aware that legal possession of vehicles or personal
property can be complex. Generally, officers should not take any enforcement action unless a
crime is apparent. The people and the vehicle or personal property involved should be identified
and the incident documented.
434.6 REAL PROPERTY
Disputes over possession or occupancy of real property (e.g., land, homes, apartments) should
generally be handled through a person seeking a court order.

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435

Policy Manual

Suspicious Activity Reporting
435.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for reporting and investigating suspicious and criminal activity.
435.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Involved party - An individual who has been observed engaging in suspicious activity, as defined
in this policy, when no definitive criminal activity can be identified, thus precluding the person’s
identification as a suspect.
Suspicious activity - Any reported or observed activity that a member reasonably believes may
have a nexus to any criminal act or attempted criminal act, or to foreign or domestic terrorism.
Race, ethnicity, national origin or religious affiliation should not be considered as factors that create
suspicion (although these factors may be used as specific suspect descriptions). Examples of
suspicious activity may include, but are not limited to:

•

Suspected pre-operational surveillance or intelligence gathering (e.g., photographing
security features, asking questions about sensitive security-related subjects).

•

Tests of security measures and response to incidents (e.g., “dry run,” creating false alarms,
attempts to enter secure areas without authorization).

•

Suspicious purchases (e.g., purchasing large quantities of otherwise legal items, such as
fertilizer, that could be used to create an explosive or other dangerous device).

•

An individual in possession of such things as a hoax explosive or dispersal device, sensitive
materials (e.g., passwords, access codes, classified government information), or coded or
ciphered literature or correspondence.

Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) - An incident report used to document suspicious activity.
435.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public from criminal conduct
and acts of terrorism and shall lawfully collect, maintain and disseminate information regarding
suspicious activities, while safeguarding civil liberties and privacy protections.
435.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
The Administration and Investigation Bureau Commander and authorized designees will manage
SAR activities. Authorized designees should include supervisors who are responsible for
department participation in criminal intelligence systems as outlined in the Criminal Organizations
Policy.
The responsibilities of the Administration and Investigation Bureau Commander include, but are
not limited to:
(a)

Remaining familiar with those databases available to the Department that would facilitate
the purpose of this policy.

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(b)

Maintaining adequate training in the area of intelligence gathering to ensure no information
is being maintained that would violate the law or civil rights of any individual.

(c)

Ensuring a process is available that would allow members to report relevant information.
The process should be designed to promote efficient and quick reporting, and should not
be cumbersome, duplicative or complicated.

(d)

Ensuring that members are made aware of the purpose and value of documenting
information regarding suspicious activity, as well as the databases and other information
resources that are available to the Department.

(e)

Ensuring that SAR information is appropriately disseminated to members in accordance with
their job responsibilities.

(f)

Coordinating investigative follow-up, if appropriate.

(g)

Coordinating with any appropriate agency or fusion center.

(h)

Ensuring that, as resources are available, the Department conducts outreach that is
designed to encourage members of the community to report suspicious activity and that
outlines what they should look for and how they should report it (e.g., website, public service
announcements).

435.4 REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION
Any department member receiving information regarding suspicious activity should take any
necessary immediate and appropriate action, including a request for tactical response or
immediate notification of specialized entities, when applicable. Any civilian member who receives
such information should ensure that it is passed on to an officer in a timely manner.
If the suspicious activity is not directly related to a reportable crime, the member should prepare
a SAR and include information about involved parties and the circumstances of the incident. If,
during any investigation, an officer becomes aware of suspicious activity that is unrelated to the
current investigation, the information should be documented separately in a SAR and not included
in the original incident report. The report number of the original incident should be included in the
SAR as a cross reference. A SAR should be processed as any other incident report.
435.5 HANDLING INFORMATION
The Records Section will forward copies of SARs, in a timely manner, to the following:

•

Investigation Bureau supervisor

•

Crime Analysis Unit

•

Other authorized designees

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Policy Manual

Medical Aid and Response
436.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy recognizes that members often encounter persons who appear to be in need of medical
aid and establishes a law enforcement response to such situations.
436.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department that all officers and other designated members
be trained to provide emergency medical aid and to facilitate an emergency medical response.
436.3 FIRST RESPONDING MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Whenever practicable, members should take appropriate steps to provide initial medical aid (e.g.,
first aid, CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)) in accordance with their training
and current certification levels. This should be done for those in need of immediate care and only
when the member can safely do so.
Prior to initiating medical aid, the member should contact Dispatch and request response by
emergency medical services (EMS) as the member deems appropriate.
Members should follow universal precautions when providing medical aid, such as wearing gloves
and avoiding contact with bodily fluids, consistent with the Communicable Diseases Policy.
Members should use a barrier or bag device to perform rescue breathing.
When requesting EMS, the member should provide Dispatch with information for relay to EMS
personnel in order to enable an appropriate response, including:
(a)

The location where EMS is needed.

(b)

The nature of the incident.

(c)

Any known scene hazards.

(d)

Information on the person in need of EMS, such as:
1.

Signs and symptoms as observed by the member.

Changes in apparent condition.

Number of patients, sex and age, if known.

Whether the person is conscious, breathing and alert, or is believed to have
consumed drugs or alcohol.

Whether the person is showing signs or symptoms of excited delirium or other
agitated chaotic behavior.

Members should stabilize the scene whenever practicable while awaiting the arrival of EMS.
Members should not direct EMS personnel whether to transport the person for treatment.

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436.4 TRANSPORTING ILL AND INJURED PERSONS
Except in extraordinary cases where alternatives are not reasonably available, members should
not transport persons who are unconscious, who have serious injuries or who may be seriously
ill. EMS personnel should be called to handle patient transportation.
Officers should search any person who is in custody before releasing that person to EMS for
transport.
An officer should accompany any person in custody during transport in an ambulance when
requested by EMS personnel, when it reasonably appears necessary to provide security, when it
is necessary for investigative purposes or when so directed by a supervisor.
Members should not provide emergency escort for medical transport or civilian vehicles.
436.5 PERSONS REFUSING EMS CARE
If a person who is not in custody refuses EMS care or refuses to be transported to a medical
facility, an officer shall not force that person to receive care or be transported. However, members
may assist EMS personnel when EMS personnel determine the person lacks mental capacity to
understand the consequences of refusing medical care or to make an informed decision and the
lack of immediate medical attention may result in serious bodily injury or the death of the person.
In cases where mental illness may be a factor, the officer should consider proceeding with a 72hour treatment and evaluation commitment (5150 commitment) process in accordance with the
Mental Illness Commitments Policy.
If an officer believes that a person who is in custody requires EMS care and the person refuses,
he/she should encourage the person to receive medical treatment. The officer may also consider
contacting a family member to help persuade the person to agree to treatment or who may be
able to authorize treatment for the person. If the person still refuses, the officer will require the
person to be transported to the nearest medical facility. In such cases, the officer should consult
with a supervisor prior to the transport.
Members shall not sign refusal-for-treatment forms or forms accepting financial responsibility for
treatment.
436.5.1 SICK OR INJURED ARRESTEE
If an arrestee appears ill or injured, or claims illness or injury, he/she should be medically cleared
prior to booking. If the officer has reason to believe the arrestee is feigning injury or illness,
the officer should contact a supervisor, who will determine whether medical clearance will be
obtained prior to booking.
If the jail or detention facility refuses to accept custody of an arrestee based on medical screening,
the officer should note the name of the facility person refusing to accept custody and the reason
for refusal, and should notify a supervisor to determine the appropriate action.
Arrestees who appear to have a serious medical issue should be transported by
ambulance. Officers shall not transport an arrestee to a hospital without a supervisor’s approval.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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436.6 MEDICAL ATTENTION RELATED TO USE OF FORCE
Specific guidelines for medical attention for injuries sustained from a use of force may be found in
the Use of Force, Handcuffing and Restraints, Control Devices and Techniques, and Conducted
Energy Device policies.
436.7 AIR AMBULANCE
Generally, when on-scene, EMS personnel will be responsible for determining whether an air
ambulance response should be requested. An air ambulance may be appropriate when there are
victims with life-threatening injuries or who require specialized treatment (e.g., gunshot wounds,
burns, obstetrical cases), and distance or other known delays will affect the EMS response.
436.8 AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) USE
A member may use an AED only after receiving appropriate training from an approved public
safety first aid and CPR course (22 CCR 100014; 22 CCR 100017; 22 CCR 100018).
436.8.1 AED USER RESPONSIBILITY
Members who are issued AEDs for use in department vehicles should check the AED at the
beginning of the shift to ensure it is properly charged and functioning. Any AED that is not
functioning properly will be taken out of service and given to the Personnel and Training Lieutenant
who is responsible for ensuring appropriate maintenance.
Following use of an AED, the device shall be cleaned and/or decontaminated as required. The
electrodes and/or pads will be replaced as recommended by the AED manufacturer.
Any member who uses an AED should contact Dispatch as soon as possible and request response
by EMS.
436.8.2 AED REPORTING
Any member using an AED will complete an incident report detailing its use.
436.8.3 AED TRAINING AND MAINTENANCE
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure appropriate training and refresher training is
provided to members authorized to use an AED. A list of authorized members and training records
shall be made available for inspection by the local EMS agency (LEMSA) or EMS authority upon
request (22 CCR 100021; 22 CCR 100022; 22 CCR 100029).
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant is responsible for ensuring AED devices are appropriately
maintained and will retain records of all maintenance in accordance with the established records
retention schedule (22 CCR 100021).
436.9 ADMINISTRATION OF OPIOID OVERDOSE MEDICATION
Members may administer opioid overdose medication in accordance with protocol specified by
the licensed health care provider who prescribed the overdose medication for use by the member
and (Civil Code § 1714.22; 22 CCR 100019):

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(a)

When trained and tested to demonstrate competence following initial instruction.

(b)

When authorized by the medical director of the LEMSA.

(c)

In accordance with California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) standards.

436.9.1
436.9.2 OPIOID OVERDOSE MEDICATION TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure initial and refresher training is provided to
members authorized to administer opioid overdose medication. Training should be coordinated
with the local health department and comply with the requirements in 22 CCR 100019 and any
applicable POST standards (Civil Code § 1714.22).
436.10 ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS
The Operations Bureau Commander may authorize the acquisition of epinephrine auto-injectors
for use by Department members as provided by Health and Safety Code § 1797.197a.
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant shall create and maintain an operations plan for the
storage, maintenance, use and disposal of epinephrine auto-injectors as required by Health and
Safety Code § 1797.197a(f).
Trained members who possess valid certification may administer an epinephrine auto-injector for
suspected anaphylaxis (Health and Safety Code § 1797.197a(b); 22 CCR 100019).
436.10.1 EPINEPHRINE USER RESPONSIBILITIES
Members should handle, store and administer epinephrine auto-injectors consistent with their
training and the Department operations plan. Members should check the auto-injectors at the
beginning of their shift to ensure the medication is not expired. Any expired medication should be
removed from service in accordance with the Department Operations Plan.
Any member who administers an epinephrine auto-injector medication should contact Dispatch
as soon as possible and request response by EMS (Health and Safety Code § 1797.197a(b)).
436.10.2 EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR REPORTING
Any member who administers an epinephrine auto-injector should detail its use in an appropriate
report.
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure that the Records Manager is provided
enough information for required reporting to the EMS Authority within 30 days after each use
(Health and Safety Code § 1797.197a(f)).
Records regarding the acquisition and disposition of epinephrine auto-injectors shall be
maintained pursuant to the Department established records retention schedule but no less than
three years (Business and Professions Code § 4119.4(d)).

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436.10.3 EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure that members authorized to administer
epinephrine auto-injectors are provided with initial and refresher training that meets the
requirements of Health and Safety Code § 1797.197a(c) and 22 CCR 100019.

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Policy

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437

Policy Manual

Mobile Audio/Video
437.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Culver City Police Department has equipped marked patrol cars with Mobile Audio/Video
(MAV) recording systems to provide records of events and assist officers in the performance of
their duties. This policy provides guidance on the use of these systems.
437.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Activate - Any process that causes the MAV system to transmit or store video or audio data in
an active mode.
In-car camera system and Mobile Audio/Video (MAV) system - Synonymous terms which refer
to any system that captures audio and video signals, that is capable of installation in a vehicle,
and that includes at minimum, a camera, microphone, recorder and monitor.
MAV technician -Personnel certified or trained in the operational use and repair of MAVs,
duplicating methods, storage and retrieval methods and procedures, and who have a working
knowledge of video forensics and evidentiary procedures.
Recorded media - Audio-video signals recorded or digitally stored on a storage device or portable
media.
437.2 INTENDED USE
It is the intent of the Culver City Police Department to use MAV technology to more effectively fulfill
the department's mission and to ensure these systems are used securely and efficiently. The use
of the MAV system is intended to accomplish the following:
(a)

Document events during contacts, arrests and critical incidents to clearly identify suspects
and their vehicles.

(b)

Record incidents for criminal and civil investigations, for mitigation of personnel
complaints, and for review purposes and officer training.

(c)

Vividly replay those incidents for prosecutors and courts, thereby increasing rates of
convictions for violations of the law.

437.3 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
Officers that work uniformed assignments in which the vehicle is a primary component of their
duties shall use vehicles equipped with MAV systems along with the belt mounted transmitter
and,or lapel microphone. All Officers using vehicles equipped with MAV systems shall ensure
they are accurately logged into the corresponding software.
At the start of each shift, officers shall test the MAV system’s operation in accordance with
department operating procedures and training and manufacturer specifications covering the
following matters:

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(a)

(b)

Remote Audio Transmitter
1.

Adequate power source

Connected to the recording equipment

Remote activation of system via transmitter

Synchronized with the vehicle's camera system

Camera Lens
1.

Windshield and camera lens free of debris

Camera facing intended direction

Recording mechanism capturing both audio and video information

System plays back both audio and video tracks

If the system is malfunctioning, the officer shall take the vehicle out of service unless a supervisor
requests the vehicle remain in service.
Officers are also responsible for ensuring that each MAV recording is classified properly at the
conclusion of an incident in which the MAV is utilized. This is addressed further below.
437.4 ACTIVATION OF THE MAV
The MAV system is designed to activate under the following conditions:
(a)

When turned on manually

(b)

Whenever the unit's emergency lights are activated

When the automatic door releae is activated (K-9 vehicles only)

(e)

If the vehicle travels in speeds in excess of 75 mph

(f)

If the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident

The system remains activated until it is turned off manually.
437.4.1 WHEN ACTIVATION IS NOT REQUIRED
Activation of the MAV system is not required when exchanging information with other officers or
during breaks, lunch periods, when not in service or actively on routine patrol.
Officers shall have the discretion to "mute" their wireless transmitter when speaking:
(a)

with other officers or supervisors about the tactics for handling an incident

(b)

with a confidential informant

(c)

with a citizen or officer about something not related to the incident being recorded

(d)

about things protected under Evidence Code sections 1040-1042

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Absent legal cause or lawful order, no member of this department shall surreptitiously record any
other member of this department without the expressed knowledge and consent of all parties.
Officers who mute their wireless transmitters during those incidents requiring recording without
meeting the above listed criteria for muting may be subject to discipline.
437.4.2 REQUIRED ACTIVATION OF MAV
This policy is not intended to describe every possible situation in which the MAV system may be
used. An officer may activate the system any time he or she believes it would be appropriate
to capture valuable evidence.
The MAV system should be activated in any of the following situations:
(a)

(b)

All field contacts involving actual or potential criminal conduct within video or audio range
including but not limited to:
1.

Traffic stops (to include, but not limited to, traffic violations, stranded motorist
assistance and all crime interdiction stops)

Priority responses to radio calls

Vehicle pursuits

Suspicious vehicles

Arrests

Prisoner transport (prisoner camera must be manually activated)

Vehicle searches

Physical or verbal confrontations or use of force incidents

Detentions

10.

DWI/DUI investigations including field sobriety tests

11.

Consensual encounters

12.

In-progress crimes/calls

Any call for service involving a crime where the recorder may aid in the apprehension and/
or prosecution of a suspect:
1.

Domestic violence calls

Disturbance of peace calls

Offenses involving violence or weapons

(c)

Any other contact or self-initiated activity that becomes adversarial after the initial contact
in a situation that would not otherwise require recording.

(d)

Any other circumstance where the officer believes that a recording of an incident would be
appropriate.

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437.4.3 CESSATION OF RECORDING
Once activated, the MAV system should remain on until the incident has concluded. For purposes
of this section, conclusion of an incident has occurred when all arrests have been made, arrestees
have been transported and all witnesses and victims have been interviewed. Recording may
cease if an officer is simply waiting for a tow truck or a family member to arrive, or in other similar
situations.
Members shall cease audio recording whenever necessary to ensure conversations are not
recorded between a person in custody and the person’s attorney, religious advisor or physician,
unless there is explicit consent from all parties to the conversation (Penal Code § 636).
437.4.4 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
At reasonable intervals, supervisors should validate that recording procedures are followed.
When an incident arises that requires the immediate retrieval of the recorded media (e.g.,
serious crime scenes, officer-involved shootings, department-involved collisions), a supervisor
shall respond to the scene and ensure that a MAV technician or crime scene investigator properly
retrieves the recorded media. The media may need to be treated as evidence and should be
handled in accordance with current evidence procedures for recorded media.
Minor infractions (not criminal in nature) committed by any member of the Culver City Police
Department and discovered during routine review of recorded material should be viewed as
training opportunities and not as routine disciplinary actions. Should the behavior or action
become habitual after being addressed, the appropriate disciplinary or corrective action shall be
taken.
Supervisors should determine if vehicles with non-functioning MAV systems should be placed into
service. If these vehicles are placed into service, the appropriate documentation (supervisor's/
watch commander's log) and notifications should be made.
Supervisors who are informed or otherwise become aware of malfunctioning equipment shall
ensure that authorized personnel make repairs in a timely manner.
437.4.5 SUPERVISOR USE OF LIVE FEED FEATURE
The MAV system has the capability of allowing for live, real time viewing of the in-car audio and
video feed, which can be accessed by certain computer terminals throughout the Culver City
Police Department.
The live feed feature should only be utilized by supervisors (sergeants or above) during
emergency field operations. No prior notice need be given to officers before accessing the live
feed feature in an emergency situation. Examples of acceptable emergency situations include
but are not limited to:
(a)

Vehicle pursuits

(b)

Officer involved shootings

(c)

Felony or high-risk traffic stops

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(d)

Officer involved traffic accidents

(e)

Officer unaccounted for and not answering the radio

In all instances where a supervisor intends to use the live feed feature of the vehicle's MAV system
in a non-emergency situation, the supervisor shall make every effort to notify the officers working
in that unit prior to accessing the live feed. The live feed feature of the MAV system shall not be
used for retaliation or for any other punitive purpose. Any supervisor that missuses the live feed
feature of the MAV system is subject ot discipline under this policy.
437.5 REVIEW OF MAV RECORDINGS
All recording media, recorded images and audio recordings are the property of the Department.
Dissemination outside of the agency is strictly prohibited, except to the extent permitted or required
by law.
To prevent damage to or alteration of the original recorded media, it shall not be copied, viewed
or otherwise inserted into any device not approved by the department MAV technician . When
reasonably possible, a copy of the original media shall be used for viewing (unless otherwise
directed by the courts) to preserve the original media.
Unless prohibited by applicable law, recordings may be reviewed in any of the following situations:
(a)

For use when preparing reports or statements

(b)

By a supervisor investigating a specific act of officer conduct

(c)

To assess proper functioning of MAV systems

(d)

To assess possible training value

(e)

Recordings may be reviewed and shown for training purposes. If an involved officer objects
to showing a recording, the recording will not be shown to other officers. The recording may
however be viewed by supervisors for training and performance assessment purposes.

(f)

By department investigators who are participating in an official investigation, such as a
personnel complaint, administrative inquiry, or a criminal investigation.

(g)

By an officer captured on or referenced in the video or audio data who reviews and uses
such data to help ensure accuracy and consistency of accounts.

(h)

By court personnel through proper process or with permission of the Chief of Police or the
authorized designee

(i)

By the City Attorney's office or Risk Management in connection with pending litigation.

(j)

Subject to the provisions of this policy, the Chief of Police has the discretion to prohibit the
review of any recordings by Department employees if it is determined to be in the best
interest of the Police Department or the City of Culver City.

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(k)

The Chief of Police has the discretion to allow viewing or release of recorded files if the
Chief determines it is in the best interest of the Police Department or the City of Culver City.
When appropriate, every effort will be made to notify involved employees prior to release.

(l)

Subject to the provisions of (j) above, in the event that an employee is to be interviewed
pursuant to an investigation related to an incident which results in injury, bodily harm, death
or involved the use of force, the employee and/or his/her attorney will be afforded an
opportunity to review his/her video of the incident prior to the interview, or after the employee
has been interviewed, by the appropriate investigative personnel. If the employee elects
to view the video after being interviewed, the employee shall be afforded the opportunity
to review the video immediately after providing his/her statement regarding the underlying
incident and be given an opportunity to offer a supplemental statement. Prior to the
employee offering an initial statement, the following admonishment should be provided to
the employee:

"In this case, there is video evidence that you have had (or will have) an opportunity to view
before (after) giving your initial statement. Video evidence has limitations and may depict the
events differently than you recall, and may not depict all of the events as seen or heard by you.
Video has a limited field of view and may not capture events normally seen by the human eye.
Lighting as seen on the video may be different than what is seen by the human eye. Videos are
a two dimensional medium and may not capture depth, distance or positional orientation as well
as the human eye. Remeber, the video evidence is intended to asist your memory and ensure
that your initial statement explains your state of mind at the time of the incident."
Employees desiring to view any previously uploaded or archived MAV recording that they would
not typically have access to should submit a request in writing to a supervisor. Approved requests
should be forwarded to the MAV technician for processing.
Recordings shall not be used or shown for the purpose of ridiculing or embarrassing any employee.
437.6 DOCUMENTING MAV USE
If any incident is recorded with the MAV system, the existence of that recording shall be
documented in the officer's report. If a citation is issued, the officer shall make a notation on
the back of the records copy of the citation, indicating that the incident was recorded. Officers
who reasonably believe that a MAV recording is likely to contain evidence relevant to a criminal
offense or potential claim against the officer or against the Culver City Police Department should
indicate this in an appropriate report. Officers should ensure relevant recordings are preserved
in accordance with the Department's retention schedule.
437.7 RECORDING MEDIA STORAGE, RETENTION AND INTEGRITY
In general, all recordings should be retained for two (2) years unless they are identified
as evidence. If a recording is identified as evidence the retention will follow the Evidence/
Property Files retention schedule. Recordings which become part of a citizen complaint or
administrative/internal investigation will follow the retention time identifed for the complaint/
investigation. Inadvertent/accidental recordings of personal events and conversations shall be
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/04/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Culver City Police Department

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purged as soon as practicable upon the approval of a Bureau Commander. Once submitted for
evidence storage, all recording media will be labeled and stored in a designated secure area
in accordance with proper evidence procedures. Anyone with the authorization to do so may
increase the retention time for recordings when it is believed that retaining said recordings for a
longer period of time would be in the best interest of the Department or City.
437.7.1 COPIES OF ORIGINAL RECORDING MEDIA
Original recording media shall not be used for any purpose other than for initial review by a
supervisor. Upon proper request, a copy of the original recording media will be made for use as
authorized in this policy.
Original recording media may only be released in response to a court order or upon approval by
the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. In the event that an original recording is released
to a court, a copy shall be made and placed in storage until the original is returned.
437.8 CLASSIFICATION OF RECORDINGS
As stated above in this policy, officers shall classify each recording at the conclusion of an incident
in which the MAV is utilized. Officers should use the classification that best fits the incident in
which the MAV was utilized. Below is a list of available classifications:
(a)

"Contact" - Pedestiran/traffic stop or radio call

(b)

"Arrest" - Any arrest

(c)

"Transport" - Prisoner transport

(d)

"Force" - Any use of force

(e)

"Special Circs" - Any other circumstance that might contain evidence related to a criminal
offense or claim against the city or where the officer believes that the recording could contain
evidence related to a possible future personnel complaint.

(f)

"Test" - Only used after testing the working condition of the system.

437.9 COPIES OF ORIGINAL RECORDING MEDIA
Audio or video from the MAV system shall not be copied, exported, or recorded in any way for
any purpose other than for circumstances authorized in this General Order.
Audio or video from the MAV system may only be released in response to a court order or upon
approval by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
437.10 SYSTEM OPERATIONAL STANDARDS
(a)

MAV system vehicle installations should be based on officer safety requirements and the
vehicle and device manufacturer’s recommendations.

(b)

The MAV system shall be configured to record (video only) 30 seconds prior to an event.

(c)

The MAV system shall not be configured to record audio data occurring prior to activation.

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(d)

The MAV system shall be configured to record audio and video upon manual activation by
the officer. The system will also record audio and video when an officer manually acitvates
the system using his/her body microphone.

(e)

The MAV system shall be configured to record audio and video, in cases when the MAV
system has been activated and the vehicle is placed in the "park" position. .

(f)

Officers shall not erase, alter, reuse, modify or tamper with MAV recordings.

(g)

Only a supervisor, MAV technician or other authorized designee may erase and reissue
previous recordings and may only do so pursuant to the provisions of this policy.

(h)

To prevent damage, original recordings shall not be viewed on any equipment other than
the equipment issued or authorized by the MAV technician.

437.11 MAV TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
The MAV technician is responsible for:
(a)

Ordering, issuing, retrieving, storing, erasing and duplicating of all recorded media.

(b)

Collecting all completed media for oversight and verification of wireless downloaded media.
Once collected, the MAV technician ensure it is stored in a secure location with authorized
controlled access.

(c)

Erasing of media:
1.

Pursuant to a court order.

In accordance with established records retention policies, including reissuing all
other media deemed to be of no evidentiary value.

(d)

Ensuring that an adequate supply of recording media is available.

(e)

Managing the long-term storage of media that has been deemed to be of evidentiary value
in accordance with the department evidence storage protocols and the records retention
schedule.

437.12 TRAINING
All members of this Department who are authorized to use the MAV system shall receive training
on the system's operation and related policy prior to its use.

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438

Policy Manual

Aircraft Accidents
438.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide [department/office] members with guidelines for handling
aircraft accidents.
This policy does not supersede, and is supplementary to, applicable portions of the Crime
and Disaster Scene Integrity, Emergency Management Plan and Hazardous Material Response
policies.
438.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Aircraft - Any fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, balloon, blimp/dirigible or glider that is capable of
carrying a person or any unmanned aerial vehicle other than those intended for non-commercial
recreational use.
438.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to provide an appropriate emergency response
to aircraft accidents. This includes emergency medical care and scene management.
438.3 ARRIVAL AT SCENE
Officers or other authorized members tasked with initial scene management should establish an
inner and outer perimeter to:
(a)

Protect persons and property.

(b)

Prevent any disturbance or further damage to the wreckage or debris, except to preserve
life or rescue the injured.

(c)

Preserve ground scars and marks made by the aircraft.

(d)

Manage the admission and access of public safety and medical personnel to the extent
necessary to preserve life or to stabilize hazardous materials.

(e)

Maintain a record of persons who enter the accident site.

(f)

Consider implementation of an Incident Command System (ICS).

438.4 INJURIES AND CASUALTIES
Members should address emergency medical issues and provide care as a first priority.
Those tasked with the supervision of the scene should coordinate with the National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) before the removal of bodies. If that is not possible, the scene supervisor
should ensure documentation of what was disturbed, including switch/control positions and
instrument/gauge readings.

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438.5 NOTIFICATIONS
When an aircraft accident is reported to this [department/office], the responding supervisor shall
ensure notification is or has been made to NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and
when applicable, the appropriate branch of the military.
Supervisors shall ensure other notifications are made once an aircraft accident has been reported.
The notifications will vary depending on the type of accident, extent of injuries or damage, and
the type of aircraft involved. When an aircraft accident has occurred, it is generally necessary to
notify the following:
(a)

Fire department

(b)

Appropriate airport tower

(c)

Emergency medical services (EMS)

438.6 CONTROLLING ACCESS AND SCENE AUTHORITY
Prior to NTSB arrival, scene access should be limited to authorized personnel from the:
(a)

FAA.

(b)

Fire department, EMS or other assisting law enforcement agencies.

(c)

[Medical Examiner/JOP].

(d)

Air Carrier/Operators investigative teams with NTSB approval.

(e)

Appropriate branch of the military, when applicable.

(f)

Other emergency services agencies (e.g., hazardous materials teams, biohazard
decontamination teams, fuel recovery specialists, explosive ordnance disposal specialists).

The NTSB has primary responsibility for investigating accidents involving civil aircraft. In the case
of a military aircraft accident, the appropriate branch of the military will have primary investigation
responsibility.
After the NTSB or military representative arrives on-scene, the efforts of this [department/office]
will shift to a support role for those agencies.
If NTSB or a military representative determines that an aircraft or accident does not qualify under
its jurisdiction, the on-scene [department/office] supervisor should ensure the accident is still
appropriately investigated and documented.
438.7 DANGEROUS MATERIALS
Members should be aware of potentially dangerous materials that might be present. These may
include, but are not limited to:
(a)

Fuel, chemicals, explosives, biological or radioactive materials and bombs or other
ordnance.

(b)

Pressure vessels, compressed gas bottles, accumulators and tires.

(c)

Fluids, batteries, flares and igniters.

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(d)

Evacuation chutes, ballistic parachute systems and composite materials.

438.8 DOCUMENTATION
All aircraft accidents occurring within the City of Culver City shall be documented. At a minimum the
documentation should include the date, time and location of the incident; any witness statements,
if taken; the names of CCPD members deployed to assist; other City resources that were utilized;
and cross reference information to other investigating agencies. Suspected criminal activity should
be documented on the appropriate crime report.
438.8.1 WRECKAGE
When reasonably safe, members should:
(a)

Obtain the aircraft registration number (N number) and note the type of aircraft.

(b)

Attempt to ascertain the number of casualties.

(c)

Obtain photographs or video of the overall wreckage, including the cockpit and damage,
starting at the initial point of impact, if possible, and any ground scars or marks made by
the aircraft.
1.

Military aircraft may contain classified equipment and therefore shall not be
photographed unless authorized by a military commanding officer (18 USC § 795).

(d)

Secure, if requested by the lead authority, any electronic data or video recorders from the
aircraft that became dislodged or cell phones or other recording devices that are part of the
wreckage.

(e)

Acquire copies of any recordings from security cameras that may have captured the incident.

438.8.2 WITNESSES
Members tasked with contacting witnesses should obtain:
(a)

The location of the witness at the time of his/her observation relative to the accident site.

(b)

A detailed description of what was observed or heard.

(c)

Any photographs or recordings of the accident witnesses may be willing to voluntarily
surrender.

(d)

The names of all persons reporting the accident, even if not yet interviewed.

(e)

Any audio recordings of reports to 9-1-1 regarding the accident and dispatch records.

438.9 MEDIA RELATIONS
The Public Information Officer ([PIO]) should coordinate a response to the media, including
access issues, road closures, detours and any safety information that is pertinent to the
surrounding community. Any release of information regarding details of the accident itself should
be coordinated with the NTSB or other authority who may have assumed responsibility for the
investigation.

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Depending on the type of aircraft, the airline or the military may be responsible for family
notifications and the release of victims’ names. The [PIO] should coordinate with other involved
entities before the release of information.

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Chapter 5 - Traffic Operations

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Policy

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500

Policy Manual

Traffic Function and Responsibility
500.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The ultimate goal of traffic law enforcement is to reduce traffic collisions. This may be achieved
through the application of such techniques as geographic/temporal assignment of personnel and
equipment and the establishment of preventive patrols to deal with specific categories of unlawful
driving behavior. Traffic enforcement techniques are based on accident data, enforcement activity
records, traffic volume, and traffic conditions. This department provides enforcement efforts
toward violations, not only in proportion to the frequency of their occurrence in accident situations,
but also in terms of traffic-related needs.
500.2 TRAFFIC OFFICER DEPLOYMENT
Several factors are considered in the development of deployment schedules for officers of the
Culver City Police Department. Information provided by the California Statewide Integrated Traffic
Reporting System (SWITRS) is a valuable resource for traffic accident occurrences and therefore
officer deployment. Some of the factors for analysis include:

•

Location

•

Time

•

Day

•

Violation factors

All officers assigned to patrol or traffic enforcement functions will emphasize enforcement of
accident causing violations during high accident hours and at locations of occurrence. All
officers will take directed enforcement action on request, and random enforcement action when
appropriate against violators as a matter of routine. All officers shall maintain high visibility while
working general enforcement, especially at high accident locations.
Other factors to be considered for deployment are requests from the public, construction zones
or special events.
500.3 ENFORCEMENT
Enforcement actions are commensurate with applicable laws and take into account the degree
and severity of the violation committed. This department does not establish ticket quotas and
the number of arrests or citations issued by any officer shall not be used as the sole criterion
for evaluating officer overall performance (Vehicle Code § 41603). The visibility and quality of an
officer’s work effort will be commensurate with the philosophy of this policy. Several methods are
effective in the reduction of collisions:

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500.3.1 WARNINGS
Warnings or other non-punitive enforcement actions should be considered in each situation
and substituted for arrests or citations when circumstances warrant, especially in the case of
inadvertent violations.
500.3.2 CITATIONS
Citations may be issued when an officer believes it is appropriate. It is essential that officers fully
explain the rights and requirements imposed on motorists upon issuance of a citation for a traffic
violation. Officers should provide the following information at a minimum:
(a)

Explanation of the violation or charge

(b)

Court appearance procedure including the optional or mandatory appearance by the
motorist

(c)

Notice of whether the motorist can enter a plea and pay the fine by mail or at the court

500.3.3 PHYSICAL ARREST
Physical arrest can be made on a number of criminal traffic offenses outlined in the Vehicle Code
or Penal Code. These physical arrest cases usually deal with, but are not limited to:
(a)

Vehicular manslaughter

(b)

Felony and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs

(c)

Felony or misdemeanor hit-and-run

(d)

Refusal to sign notice to appear

(e)

Any other misdemeanor at the discretion of the officer, such as reckless driving with
extenuating circumstances

500.4 SUSPENDED OR REVOKED DRIVERS LICENSES
If an officer contacts a traffic violator for driving on a suspended or revoked license, the officer
may issue a traffic citation pursuant to Vehicle Code § 14601.
If a computer check of a traffic violator's license status reveals a suspended or revoked driver
license and the traffic violator still has his or her license in possession, the license shall be seized
by the officer. The officer shall verbally advise the traffic violator of the suspension or revocation
and issue the citation. The officer will be responsible for filling out the Verbal Notice form (DMV
form DL-310) and causing that form and license to be forwarded to the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
500.5 HIGH-VISIBILITY VESTS
The Department has provided American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Class II high-visibility
vests to increase the visibility of department members who may be exposed to hazards presented
by passing traffic, maneuvering or operating vehicles, machinery and equipment (23 CFR 655.601;
8 CCR 1598).
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Although intended primarily for use while performing traffic related assignments, high-visibility
vests should be worn at any time increased visibility would improve the safety or efficiency of the
member.
500.5.1 REQUIRED USE
Except when working in a potentially adversarial or confrontational role, such as during vehicle
stops, high-visibility vests should be worn at any time it is anticipated that an employee will be
exposed to the hazards of approaching traffic or construction and recovery equipment. Examples
of when high-visibility vests should be worn include traffic control duties, accident investigations,
lane closures and while at disaster scenes, or anytime high visibility is desirable. When emergency
conditions preclude the immediate donning of the vest, officers should retrieve and wear the vest
as soon as conditions reasonably permit. Use of the vests shall also be mandatory when directed
by a supervisor.
Vests maintained in the investigation units may be used any time a plainclothes officer might
benefit from being readily identified as a member of law enforcement.

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Policy

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501

Policy Manual

Traffic Collision Reporting
501.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Culver City Police Department prepares traffic collision reports in compliance with the
California Highway Patrol Collision Investigation Manual (CIM) and as a public service makes
traffic collision reports available to the community with some exceptions.
501.2 RESPONSIBILITY
The Traffic Bureau Lieutenant will be responsible for distribution of the Collision Investigation
Manual. The Traffic Bureau Commander will receive all changes in the state manual and ensure
conformity with this policy.
501.3 TRAFFIC COLLISION REPORTING
All traffic collision reports taken by members of this department shall be forwarded to the Traffic
Bureau. The Traffic Bureau Commander will be responsible for monthly and quarterly reports on
traffic collision statistics to be forwarded to the Operations Bureau Commander, or other persons
as required.
501.4 DEFINITIONS
Traffic Accident or Collision - An unintended event that produces damage or injury involving a
vehicle in-transport.
Traffic Collision Report - Contains the following
headings: Notification, Statements, Summary, Area of Impact, Cause. These headings can be
used with a CHP555-03 Property Damage Only (PDO) form.
Traffic Collision Investigation (CHP555) - Contains the following
headings: FACTS, Notification, Scene, Parties, Physical Evidence, Hit and
Run, Hazardous Material, Other factual Information, STATEMENTS, OPINION AND
CONCLUSIONS, Summary, Area of Impact, Intoxication, Cause, RECOMMENDATIONS.
Officer's Report - An internal report completed using a Traffic Collision Report format.
501.5 REPORTING SITUATIONS
A motor vehicle collision is any incident that results in unintended injury or property damage
attributed directly or indirectly to a motor vehicle or its load, either on a public roadway or on
private property.
501.5.1 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS INVOLVING CITY VEHICLES
Any city owned vehicle involved in a collision within Culver City involving an unoccupied vehicle
or a fixed object may, at the discretion of the Traffic Bureau Commander or Watch Commander
or designee, be documented on an Officer's Report using a Traffic Collision Report format or a

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CHP555-03 Property Damage Only (PDO) form. All other traffic collisions shall be documented
as a Traffic Collision Investigation (CHP555).
If an employee is involved in a motor vehicle collision in Culver City resulting in injury, the following
procedures will apply:

(a)

A collision involving a City vehicle and another occupied vehicle, on or off the roadway,
should be documented on a report.

(b)

A collision involving a City vehicle and an unoccupied vehicle on the roadway should be
documented on a report.

An uninvolved officer should complete the required report. The on-scene Police Department
supervisor will make the determination as to who will complete the report. The report shall contain
all of the information typically found in a Traffic Collision Report. This includes involved parties,
witnesses, statements, names of property owners, etc. The report may require a diagram if the
damage to either city property or private property is significant. Whenever there is damage to
a City vehicle, a Vehicle Damage Report shall be completed and forwarded to the appropriate
Bureau Commander. Photographs of the collision scene and vehicle damage shall be taken at
the discretion of the traffic investigator or any supervisor.
501.5.1 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS WITH OTHER CITY EMPLOYEES OR OFFICIALS
The Traffic Bureau Commander or on-duty Watch Commander may request assistance from the
California Highway Patrol for the investigation of any traffic collision involving any City official or
employee where a serious injury or fatality has occurred.
501.5.2 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS INVOLVING POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES
When an employee of this department, off-duty, is involved in a traffic collision within the
jurisdiction of the Culver City Police Department resulting in a serious injury or fatality, or a crime
is involved, the Traffic Bureau Commander or the Watch Commander, may notify the California
Highway Patrol for assistance. The term serious injury is defined as any injury that may result
in a fatality.
When an employee of this department, on-duty, is involved in a traffic collision within the
jurisdiction of the Culver City Police Department resulting in any injury, or a crime is involved, the
Traffic Bureau Commander or the Watch Commander, shall notify the California Highway Patrol
(CHP) who may handle the traffic collision investigation. The CHP should also handle any criminal
investigation related to the traffic collision (e.g. driving while under the influence)
When an employee of this department, off-duty, is involved in a traffic collision outside the
jurisdiction of the Culver City Police Department, the agency having jurisdiction over the area in
which the accident occurred will handle the incident.

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When an employee of this department, on-duty, is involved in a traffic collision outside the
jurisdiction of the Culver City Police Department resulting in any injury, or a crime is involved, the
agency having jurisdiction over the area in which the accident occurred will handle the incident.
If the agency having jurisdiction over the area in which the accident occurred refuses to handle
the incident, the Traffic Bureau Commander or the Watch Commander may notify the California
Highway Patrol (CHP) to handle the traffic collision investigation. The CHP or agency having
jurisdiction over the area in which the accident occurred may also handle any criminal investigation
related to the traffic collision (e.g. driving while under the influence).
On-duty personnel involved in a traffic collision shall notify a Culver City Police Department
communications operator and request a supervisor be dispatched to the scene. If a Culver City
police supervisor cannot respond to a traffic collision involving a police department employee,
then said employee shall give a verbal statement to the investigating jurisdictional agency. When
an on-duty employee is involved in a traffic collision outside of the Culver City boundaries, the
law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the area where the accident occurred shall be
notified and requested to respond to the scene. If the jurisdictional agency refuses to take a report
on a minor damage, non-injury accident the Culver City Police Department shall take an accident
report with a copy submitted to the involved employees Bureau Commander.
Normally, the California Highway Patrol will not investigate a traffic collision involving nonemergency vehicles (ie; parking enforcement, busses, public works truck), nor will they investigate
emergency vehicles in which there is property damage only. However, the handling supervisor
must evaluate the totality of the circumstances and determine if it is in the city's best interest
to request the California Highway Patrol to respond and investigate the incident. It will be the
determination of the California Highway Patrol whether or not this request will be honored.
501.5.4 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Non-injury and property damage only collisions occurring on private property may be taken at the
discretion of the handling officer(s), and in compliance with the Collision Investigation Manual. An
Officer's Report may be used to document the collision.
A Collision occurring on private property resulting in injury or as the result of a crime (e.g., hit and
run or driving under the influence) shall be documented in a Traffic Collision Report.
501.5.5 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS ON ROADWAYS OR HIGHWAYS
Traffic collision reports shall be taken when they occur on a roadway or highway within the
jurisdiction of this departmentwhen there is a death or injury to any persons involved in the collision.
501.5.6 ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
Department personnel involved in traffic collisions while driving City vehicles:

(a)

With due consideration for safety and traffic, the vehicle(s) should not be moved until after
a supervisor arrives on scene.

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(b)

If the vehicle is moved prior to the arrival of a supervisor then, when practical, the point of
impact and point of rest shall be marked.

(c)

Photographs should generally be taken. The on scene supervisor shall coordinate the taking
of photographs. Photographs are required, and shall be taken, when the accident involves
injury, fatality, or extensive damage.

(d)

Involved personnel must give a verbal statement of the accident's details to the investigating
officer for inclusion in the Traffic Collision Report.

(e)

The supervisor should make a log entry summarizing the facts of the accident, noting the
appropriate report numbers.

(f)

The on scene supervisor should read a completed copy of the report to ensure it is complete
and consistent with the facts and observations made at the scene of the collision.

501.6 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Non-injury and property damage only collisions occurring on private property may have a report
taken at the discretion of the handling officer(s), and in compliance with the Collision Investigation
Manual. An Officer's Report using a Traffic Collision Report format or a CHP555-03 Property
Damage Only form may be used to document the collision.
A collision occurring on private property resulting in injury or as the result of a crime (e.g., hit and
run or driving under the influence) shall be documented in a Traffic Collision Report.
501.7 NOTIFICATION OF TRAFFIC BUREAU SUPERVISION
In the event of a serious injury or death related traffic collision, the Watch Commander shall
notify the Traffic Bureau Commander to relate the circumstances of the traffic collision and
seek assistance from the Traffic Bureau. In the absence of a Traffic Bureau Commander, the
Watch Commander or any supervisor may assign an accident investigator or motor officer to
investigate the traffic collision. During hours in which traffic personnel are not on-duty, the Watch
Commander shall notify the on-call traffic investigator, who will respond to the station and handle
the investigation.
In the event of a serious injury or death related traffic collision involving an on-duty employee, the
Watch Commander shall make the following notifications as soon as practical:
(a)

Chief of Police

(b)

Assistant Chief of Police

(c)

Traffic and Operations Bureau Commanders

(d)

Professional Standards Unit Lieutenant

(e)

Officer(s) representative(s) (if requested and if applicable)

All outside inquiries about the incident shall be directed to the Watch Commander.

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501.7.1 RELEASE OF TRAFFIC COLLISION REPORTS INVOLVING CITY VEHICLES
Traffic collision reports or investigations involving city vehicles will not be released or disseminated
without the approval of the Chief of Police or a Bureau Commander.

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Policy

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502

Policy Manual

Vehicle Towing and Release
502.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides the procedures for towing a vehicle by or at the direction of the Culver City
Police Department. Nothing in this policy shall require the Department to tow a vehicle.
502.2 STORAGE AND IMPOUNDS
When circumstances permit, for example when towing a vehicle for parking or registration
violations, the handling employee may, prior to having the vehicle towed, make a good faith effort
to notify the owner of the vehicle that it is subject to removal. This may be accomplished by
personal contact, telephone or by leaving a notice attached to the vehicle at least 24 hours prior
to removal. If a vehicle presents a hazard, such as being abandoned on the roadway, it may be
towed immediately.
The responsibilities of those employees towing, storing or impounding a vehicle are listed below.
502.2.1 VEHICLE STORAGE REPORT
Department members requesting towing, storage or impound of a vehicle shall complete CHP
Form 180 and accurately record the mileage and a description of property within the vehicle
(Vehicle Code § 22850). A copy of the storage report should be given to the tow truck operator
and the original shall be submitted to the Records Section as soon as practicable after the vehicle
is stored.
502.2.2 REMOVAL FROM TRAFFIC COLLISION SCENES
When a vehicle has been involved in a traffic collision and must be removed from the scene, the
officer shall have the driver select a towing company, if possible, and shall relay the request for
the specified towing company to the dispatcher. When there is no preferred company requested,
the officer shall request the dispatcher to call an official towing garage for the City of Culver City.
If the owner is incapacitated, or for any reason it is necessary for the Department to assume
responsibility for a vehicle involved in a collision, the officer shall request the dispatcher to call
an official towing garage for the City of Culver City. The officer will then store the vehicle using
a CHP Form 180.
502.2.3 STORAGE AT ARREST SCENES
Whenever a person in charge or in control of a vehicle is arrested, it is the policy of this department
to provide reasonable safekeeping by storing the arrestee's vehicle subject to the exceptions
described below. The vehicle, however, shall be stored whenever it is needed for the furtherance
of the investigation or prosecution of the case, or when the community caretaker doctrine would
reasonably suggest that the vehicle should be stored (e.g., traffic hazard, high crime area).
The following are examples of situations where consideration should be given to leaving a vehicle
at the scene in lieu of storing, provided the vehicle can be lawfully parked and left in a reasonably
secured and safe condition:
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•

Traffic related warrant arrest.

•

Situations where the vehicle was not used to further the offense for which the driver was
arrested.

•

Whenever the licensed owner of the vehicle is present, willing, and able to take control of
any vehicle not involved in criminal activity.

•

Whenever the vehicle otherwise does not need to be stored and the owner requests that it
be left at the scene. In such cases the owner shall be informed that the Department will not
be responsible for theft or damages.

502.2.4 IMPOUNDMENT AT SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS
Whenever a driver is stopped at a sobriety checkpoint and the only violation is that the operator
is driving without a valid driver's license, the officer shall make a reasonable attempt to identify
the registered owner of the vehicle (Vehicle Code § 2814.2). The officer shall release the vehicle
to the registered owner if the person is a licensed driver, or to another licensed driver authorized
by the registered owner, provided the vehicle is claimed prior to the conclusion of the checkpoint
operation.
If the vehicle is released at the checkpoint, the officer shall list on his/her copy of the notice to
appear the name and driver's license number of the person to whom the vehicle is released.
When a vehicle cannot be released at the checkpoint, it shall be towed (Vehicle Code § 22651(p)).
When a vehicle is removed at the checkpoint, it shall be released during the normal business
hours of the storage facility to the registered owner or his/her agent upon presentation of a valid
driver's license and current vehicle registration.
502.2.5 DRIVING A NON-CITY VEHICLE
Vehicles which have been towed by or at the direction of the Department should not be driven by
police personnel unless it is necessary to move a vehicle a short distance to eliminate a hazard,
prevent the obstruction of a fire hydrant or to comply with posted signs.
502.2.6 DISPATCHER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon receiving a request for towing, the dispatcher shall promptly telephone the specified
authorized towing service. The officer shall be advised when the request has been made and the
towing service has been dispatched.
502.2.7 RECORDS SECTION RESPONSIBILITY
Records personnel shall promptly enter pertinent data from the completed storage form (CHP
Form 180) into the Stolen Vehicle System and return the form to the Watch Commander for
approval (Vehicle Code § 22651.5(b); Vehicle Code § 22851.3(b); Vehicle Code § 22854.5).
Approved storage forms shall be promptly placed into the auto-file located at the front desk so
that they are immediately available for release or review should inquiries be made.

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Within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, of the storage of any such vehicle it shall be
the responsibility of the Records Section to determine the names and addresses of any individuals
having an interest in the vehicle through DMV or CLETS computers. Notice shall be sent to all such
individuals by first-class mail (Vehicle Code § 22851.3(d); Vehicle Code § 22852(a); or certified
mail, return receipt requested Vehicle Code § 14602.6(a)(2)). The notice shall include the following
(Vehicle Code § 22852(b)):
(a)

The name, address, and telephone number of this Department.

(b)

The location of the place of storage and description of the vehicle, which shall include, if
available, the name or make, the manufacturer, the license plate number, and the mileage.

(c)

The authority and purpose for the removal of the vehicle.

(d)

A statement that, in order to receive their post-storage hearing, the owners, or their agents,
shall request the hearing in person, writing, or by telephone within 10 days of the date
appearing on the notice.

502.3 TOWING SERVICES
The City of Culver City periodically selects a firm to act as an official tow service and awards a
contract to that firm. This firm will be used in the following situations:
(a)

When it is necessary to safeguard a vehicle due to the inability of the owner or operator to
take the required action.

(b)

When a vehicle is being held as evidence in connection with an investigation.

(c)

When it is otherwise necessary to store a motor vehicle. This would include situations
involving the recovery of stolen or abandoned vehicles, and the removal from the streets of
vehicles obstructing traffic in violation of state or local regulations.

502.4 VEHICLE INVENTORY
All property in a stored or impounded vehicle shall be inventoried and listed on the vehicle storage
form. This includes the trunk and any compartments or containers, even if closed and/or locked.
Members conducting inventory searches should be as thorough and accurate as practical in
preparing an itemized inventory. These inventory procedures are for the purpose of protecting an
owner's property while in police custody, to provide for the safety of officers, and to protect the
Department against fraudulent claims of lost, stolen, or damaged property.
502.5 SECURITY OF VEHICLES AND PROPERTY
Unless it would cause an unreasonable delay in the completion of a vehicle impound/storage or
create an issue of officer safety, officers should make reasonable accommodations to permit a
driver/owner to retrieve small items of value or personal need (e.g., cash, jewelry, cell phone,
prescriptions) which are not considered evidence or contraband.

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If a search of a vehicle leaves the vehicle or any property contained therein vulnerable to
unauthorized entry, theft or damage, personnel conducting the search shall take such steps as
are reasonably necessary to secure and/or preserve the vehicle or property from such hazards.
502.6 RELEASE OF VEHICLE
The Department will maintain a listed, 24-hour telephone number to provide information regarding
impoundment of vehicles and the right of the registered owner to request a storage hearing.
Releases for towed vehicles will be made available during regular, non-emergency business hours
(Vehicle Code § 14602.6).
(a)

Vehicles removed pursuant to Vehicle Code § 22850 shall be released after proof of current
registration is provided by the owner or the person in control of the vehicle and after all
applicable fees are paid (Vehicle Code § 22850.3 and Vehicle Code § 22850.5).

(b)

Vehicles removed that require payment of parking fines or proof of valid driver's license shall
only be released upon presentation of proof of compliance, proof of payment, completion of
affidavit and payment of applicable fees related to the removal (Vehicle Code § 22651 et
seq., Vehicle Code § 22652 et seq., Vehicle Code § 22850.3 and Vehicle Code § 22850.5).

(c)

A vehicle removed pursuant to Vehicle Code § 14602.6(a) shall be released to the registered
owner or his/her agent with proof of current registration, proof of a valid driver's license and
applicable fees paid prior to the end of the 30-day impoundment period if the vehicle was
stolen, if the driver reinstates his/her driver's license, if the driver acquires a license and
proper insurance, or under other circumstances as set forth in Vehicle Code § 14602.6.

Personnel whose duties include releasing towed vehicles should consult the Vehicle Code under
which the vehicle was towed or impounded for any specific requirements prior to release.
Employees who suspect that a vehicle was impounded in error should promptly advise a
supervisor. Supervisors should approve, when appropriate, the release of the vehicle without
requiring the registered owner or his/her agent to request a hearing, as described in the Vehicle
Impound Hearings Policy.

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503

Policy Manual

Vehicle Impound Hearings
503.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes a procedure for the requirement to provide vehicle storage or impound
hearings pursuant to Vehicle Code § 22852.
503.2 STORED OR IMPOUND HEARING
When a vehicle is stored or impounded by any member of the Culver City Police Department, a
hearing will be conducted upon the request of the registered or legal owner of the vehicle or his/
her agent (Vehicle Code § 22650(a); Vehicle Code § 22852(a)).
The hearing shall be conducted within 48 hours of the request, excluding weekends and holidays.
The hearing officer must be a person other than the person who directed the storage or impound
of the vehicle (Vehicle Code § 22852(c)).
503.2.1 HEARING PROCEDURES
The vehicle storage hearing is an informal process to evaluate the validity of an order to store
or impound a vehicle. The employee who caused the storage or removal of the vehicle does not
need to be present for this hearing.
All requests for a hearing on a stored or impounded vehicle shall be submitted in person, in writing
or by telephone within 10 days of the date appearing on the notice (Vehicle Code § 22852(d)).
The Traffic Bureau Commander or his/her designee will serve as the hearing officer. The person
requesting the hearing may record the hearing at his/her own expense.
The failure of either the registered or legal owner or interested person or his/her agent to request
a hearing in a timely manner or to attend a scheduled hearing shall be considered a waiver of
and satisfaction of the post-storage hearing requirement (Vehicle Code §§ 22851.3(e)(2) and
22852(d)).
Any relevant evidence may be submitted and reviewed by the hearing officer to determine if
reasonable grounds have been established for the storage or impound of the vehicle. The initial
burden of proof established by a preponderance of the evidence that the storage/impound was
based on probable cause rests with the Department.
After consideration of all information, the hearing officer shall determine the validity of the storage
or impound of the vehicle in question and then render a decision. The hearing officer shall also
consider any mitigating circumstances attendant to the storage that reasonably would warrant the
release of the vehicle or a modification or reduction of the period the vehicle is impounded (Vehicle
Code §§14602.6(b) and 14602.8(b)).
Aside from those mitigating circumstances enumerated in the Vehicle Code, the registered
owner's lack of actual knowledge that the driver to whom the vehicle was loaned was not validly
licensed may constitute a mitigating circumstance under Vehicle Code §§ 14602.6(b) or 14608(b),
warranting release of the vehicle. This mitigating circumstance exception is not limited to situations
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where the owner made a reasonable inquiry as to the licensed status of the driver before lending
the vehicle.
The legislative intent and this department's policy is to prevent unlicensed driving pursuant to
Vehicle Code §14602.6. If this purpose is not furthered by the continued impoundment of a vehicle,
release is most often appropriate.

(a)

If a decision is made that reasonable grounds for storage or impound have been established,
the hearing officer shall advise the inquiring party of the decision and that the inquiring party
may pursue further civil remedies if desired.
1.

If mitigating circumstances are found to be relevant, the hearing officer shall make
reasonable adjustments to the impound period, storage or assessment of fees as
warranted.

(b)

If a decision is made that reasonable grounds for storage or impound have not been
established or sufficient mitigating circumstances exist, the vehicle in storage shall be
released immediately. Towing and storage fees will be paid at the Department's expense
(Vehicle Code § 22852(e)).

(c)

If a decision is made that reasonable grounds for storage have not been established or
sufficient mitigating circumstances exist, and the vehicle has been released with fees having
been paid, the receipt for such fees will be forwarded with a letter to the appropriate Bureau
Commander. The hearing officer will recommend to the appropriate Bureau Commander
that the fees paid by the registered or legal owner of the vehicle in question or their agent
be reimbursed by the Department.

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504

Policy Manual

Impaired Driving
504.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance to those department members who play a role in the detection and
investigation of driving under the influence (DUI).
504.2 POLICY
The Culver City Police Department is committed to the safety of the roadways and the community
and will pursue fair but aggressive enforcement of California’s impaired driving laws.
504.3 INVESTIGATIONS
Officers should not enforce DUI laws to the exclusion of their other duties unless specifically
assigned to DUI enforcement. All officers are expected to enforce these laws with due diligence.
The Traffic Bureau Commander will develop and maintain, in consultation with the prosecuting
attorney, report forms with appropriate checklists to assist investigating officers in documenting
relevant information and maximizing efficiency. Any DUI investigation will be documented using
these forms. Information documented elsewhere on the form does not need to be duplicated in
the report narrative. Information that should be documented includes, at a minimum:
(a)

The field sobriety tests (FSTs) administered and the results.

(b)

The officer’s observations that indicate impairment on the part of the individual, and
the officer’s health-related inquiries that may help to identify any serious health concerns
(e.g., diabetic shock).

(c)

Sources of additional information (e.g., reporting party, witnesses) and their observations.

(d)

Information about any audio and/or video recording of the individual’s driving or subsequent
actions.

(e)

The location and time frame of the individual’s vehicle operation and how this was
determined.

(f)

Any prior related convictions in California or another jurisdiction.

504.4 FIELD TESTS
The Traffic Bureau Commander should identify the primary field sobriety tests (FSTs) and any
approved alternate tests for officers to use when investigating violations of DUI laws.
504.5 CHEMICAL TESTS
A person implies consent to a chemical test or tests, and to providing the associated chemical
sample, under any of the following (Vehicle Code § 23612):
(a)

The person is arrested for driving a vehicle while under the influence, pursuant to Vehicle
Code § 23152.

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(b)

The person is under 21 years of age and is arrested by an officer having reasonable cause
to believe that the person’s blood alcohol content is 0.05 or more (Vehicle Code § 23140).

(c)

The person is under 21 years of age and detained by an officer having reasonable cause to
believe that the person was driving a vehicle while having a blood alcohol content of 0.01
or more (Vehicle Code § 23136).

(d)

The person was operating a vehicle while under the influence and proximately caused bodily
injury to another person (Vehicle Code § 23153).

If a person withdraws this implied consent, or is unable to withdraw consent (e.g., the person is
unconscious), the officer should consider implied consent revoked and proceed as though the
person has refused to provide a chemical sample.
504.5.1 CHOICE OF TESTS
Officers shall respect a viable choice of chemical test made by an arrestee, as provided for by
law (e.g., breath will not be acceptable for suspected narcotics influence).
A person arrested for DUI has the choice of whether the test is of his/her blood or breath, and
the officer shall advise the person that he/she has that choice. If the person arrested either is
incapable, or states that he/she is incapable, of completing the chosen test, the person shall submit
to the remaining test.
If the person chooses to submit to a breath test and there is reasonable cause to believe that
the person is under the influence of a drug or the combined influence of alcohol and any drug,
the officer may also request that the person submit to a blood test. If the person is incapable of
completing a blood test, the person shall submit to and complete a urine test (Vehicle Code §
23612(a)(2)(C)).
504.5.2 BREATH SAMPLES
The Traffic Bureau Commander should ensure that all devices used for the collection and analysis
of breath samples are properly serviced and tested, and that a record of such service and testing
is properly maintained.
Officers obtaining a breath sample should monitor the device for any sign of malfunction. Any
anomalies or equipment failures should be noted in the appropriate report and promptly reported
to the Traffic Bureau Commander.
When the arrested person chooses a breath test, the handling officer shall advise the person that
the breath-testing equipment does not retain a sample, and the person may, if desired, provide a
blood or urine specimen, which will be retained to facilitate subsequent verification testing (Vehicle
Code § 23614).
The officer should also require the person to submit to a blood test if the officer has a clear
indication that a blood test will reveal evidence of any drug or the combined influence of an
alcoholic beverage and any drug. Evidence of the officer’s belief shall be included in the officer’s
report (Vehicle Code § 23612(a)(2)(C)).
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504.5.3 BLOOD SAMPLES
Only persons authorized by law to draw blood shall collect blood samples (Vehicle Code § 23158).
The blood draw should be witnessed by the assigned officer. No officer, even if properly certified,
should perform this task.
Officers should inform an arrestee that if he/she chooses to provide a blood sample, a separate
sample can be collected for alternate testing. Unless medical personnel object, two samples
should be collected and retained as evidence, so long as only one puncture is required.
The blood sample shall be packaged, marked, handled, stored and transported as required by
the testing facility.
If an arrestee cannot submit to a blood draw because he/she has a bleeding disorder or has taken
medication that inhibits coagulation, he/she shall not be required to take a blood test. Such inability
to take a blood test should not be considered a refusal. However, that arrestee may be required
to complete another available and viable test.
504.5.4 URINE SAMPLES
If a urine test will be performed, the arrestee should be promptly transported to the appropriate
testing site. The officer shall follow any directions accompanying the urine evidence collection kit.
Urine samples shall be collected and witnessed by an officer or jail staff member of the same sex
as the individual giving the sample. The arrestee should be allowed sufficient privacy to maintain
his/her dignity, to the extent possible, while still ensuring the accuracy of the sample (Vehicle
Code § 23158(i)).
The sample shall be packaged, marked, handled, stored and transported as required by the testing
facility.
504.5.5 STATUTORY NOTIFICATIONS
Officers requesting that a person submit to chemical testing shall provide the person with the
mandatory warning pursuant to Vehicle Code § 23612(a)(1)(D) and Vehicle Code § 23612(a)(4).
504.5.6 PRELIMINARY ALCOHOL SCREENING
Officers may use a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test to assist in establishing reasonable
cause to believe a person is DUI. The officer shall advise the person that the PAS test is being
requested to assist in determining whether the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
or a combination of the two. Unless the person is under the age of 21, he/she shall be advised
that the PAS test is voluntary. The officer shall also advise the person that submitting to a PAS
test does not satisfy his/her obligation to submit to a chemical test as otherwise required by law
(Vehicle Code § 23612).
504.5.7 PRELIMINARY ALCOHOL SCREENING FOR A PERSON UNDER AGE 21
If an officer lawfully detains a person under 21 years of age who is driving a motor vehicle and
the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the person has a blood alcohol content of 0.01
or more, the officer shall request that the person take a PAS test to determine the presence of
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alcohol in the person, if a PAS test device is immediately available. If a PAS test device is not
immediately available, the officer may request the person to submit to chemical testing of his/her
blood, breath or urine, conducted pursuant to Vehicle Code § 23612 (Vehicle Code § 13388).
If the person refuses to take or fails to complete the PAS test or other chemical test, or if the result
of either test reveals a blood alcohol content of 0.01 or more, the officer shall proceed to serve
the person with a notice of order of suspension pursuant to this policy (Vehicle Code § 13388).
504.6 REFUSALS
When an arrestee refuses to provide a viable chemical sample, officers should:
(a)

Advise the person of the requirement to provide a sample (Vehicle Code § 23612).

(b)

Audio- and/or video-record the admonishment when it is practicable.

(c)

Document the refusal in the appropriate report.

Upon refusal to submit to a chemical test as required by law, officers shall personally serve the
notice of order of suspension upon the person and take possession of any state-issued license
to operate a motor vehicle that is held by that person (Vehicle Code § 23612(e); Vehicle Code
§ 23612(f)).
504.6.1 BLOOD SAMPLE WITHOUT CONSENT
A blood sample may be obtained from a person who refuses a chemical test when any of the
following conditions exist:
(a)

A search warrant has been obtained (Penal Code § 1524).

(b)

The officer can articulate that exigent circumstances exist. Exigency does not exist
solely because of the short time period associated with the natural dissipation of alcohol
or controlled or prohibited substances in the person’s bloodstream. Exigency can be
established by the existence of special facts such as a lengthy time delay in obtaining a
blood sample due to an accident investigation or medical treatment of the person.

504.6.2 FORCED BLOOD SAMPLE
If an arrestee indicates by word or action that he/she will physically resist a blood draw, the officer
should request a supervisor to respond.
The responding supervisor should:
(a)

Evaluate whether using force to obtain a blood sample is appropriate under the
circumstances.

(b)

Ensure that all attempts to obtain a blood sample through force cease if the person agrees
to, and completes a viable form of testing in a timely manner.

(c)

Advise the person of his/her duty to provide a sample (even if this advisement was previously
done by another officer) and attempt to persuade the individual to submit to such a sample
without physical resistance.

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This dialogue should be recorded on audio and/or video if practicable.

(d)

Ensure that the blood sample is taken in a medically approved manner.

(e)

Ensure the forced blood draw is recorded on audio and/or video when practicable.

(f)

Monitor and ensure that the type and level of force applied appears reasonable under the
circumstances:

(g)

Unless otherwise provided in a warrant, force should generally be limited to
handcuffing or similar restraint methods.

In misdemeanor cases, if the arrestee becomes violent or more resistant, no
additional force will be used and a refusal should be noted in the report.

In felony cases, force which reasonably appears necessary to overcome the
resistance to the blood draw may be permitted.

Ensure the use of force and methods used to accomplish the collection of the blood sample
are documented in the related report.

If a supervisor is unavailable, officers are expected to use sound judgment and perform as a
responding supervisor, as set forth above.
504.6.3 STATUTORY NOTIFICATIONS UPON REFUSAL
Upon refusal to submit to a chemical test as required by law, officers shall personally serve the
notice of order of suspension upon the arrestee and take possession of any state-issued license
to operate a motor vehicle that is held by that individual (Vehicle Code § 23612(e); Vehicle Code
§ 23612(f)).
504.7 RECORDS SECTION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Records Manager will ensure that all case-related records are transmitted according to current
records procedures and as required by the prosecuting attorney’s office.
504.8 ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
The Records Manager will ensure that all appropriate reports and documents related to
administrative license suspensions are reviewed and forwarded to DMV.
Any officer who receives notice of required attendance to an administrative license suspension
hearing should promptly notify the prosecuting attorney.
An officer called to testify at an administrative hearing should document the hearing date and
DMV file number in a supplemental report. Specific details of the hearing generally should not be
included in the report unless errors, additional evidence or witnesses are identified.
504.9 TRAINING
The Personnel and Training Lieutenant should ensure that officers participating in the enforcement
of DUI laws receive regular training. Training should include, at minimum, current laws on impaired
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driving, investigative techniques and rules of evidence pertaining to DUI investigations. The
Personnel and Training Lieutenant should confer with the prosecuting attorney’s office and update
training topics as needed.
504.10 ARREST AND INVESTIGATION
504.10.1 WARRANTLESS ARREST
In addition to the arrest authority granted to officers pursuant to Penal Code § 836, an officer may
make a warrantless arrest of a person that the officer has reasonable cause to believe has been
driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence
of the same when (Vehicle Code § 40300.5):
(a)

The person is involved in a traffic accident.

(b)

The person is observed in or about a vehicle that is obstructing the roadway.

(c)

The person will not be apprehended unless immediately arrested.

(d)

The person may cause injury to him/herself or damage property unless immediately
arrested.

(e)

The person may destroy or conceal evidence of a crime unless immediately arrested.

504.10.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
The officer serving the arrested person with a notice of an order of suspension shall immediately
(Vehicle Code § 23612):
(a)

Forward a copy of the completed notice of suspension or revocation form and any
confiscated driver’s license to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

(b)

Forward a sworn report to DMV that contains the required information in Vehicle Code §
13380.

(c)

Forward the results to the appropriate forensic laboratory if the person submitted to a blood
or urine test.

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505

Policy Manual

Traffic Citations
505.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy outlines the responsibility for traffic citations, the procedure for dismissal, correction,
and voiding of traffic citations.
505.1.1 CITATION COMPLETION
All employees are required to list their last name and employee serial number on all citations.
505.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
The Traffic Bureau Lieutenant shall be responsible for the development and design of all
Department traffic citations in compliance with state law and the Judicial Council. He/she shall
be responsible for the supply and accounting of all traffic citations issued to (for official use)
employees of this department.
505.3 DISMISSAL OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS
Employees of this department do not have the authority to dismiss a citation once it has been
issued. Only the court has the authority to dismiss a citation that has been issued (Vehicle Code §
40500(d)). Any request from a recipient to dismiss a citation shall be referred to the Traffic Bureau
Manager. Upon a review of the circumstances involving the issuance of the traffic citation, the
Traffic Bureau Manager may request the Operations Bureau Commander to recommend dismissal
of the traffic citation. If approved, the citation will be forwarded to the appropriate court with a
request for dismissal. All recipients of traffic citations whose request for the dismissal of a traffic
citation has been denied shall be referred to the appropriate court.
Should an officer determine during a court proceeding that a traffic citation should be dismissed
in the interest of justice or where prosecution is deemed inappropriate the officer may request the
court to dismiss the citation.
505.4 VOIDING TRAFFIC CITATIONS
Voiding a traffic citation may occur when a traffic citation has not been completed or where it is
completed, but not issued. All copies of the citation shall be presented to a supervisor to approve
the voiding of the citation. The citation and copies shall then be forwarded to the Traffic Bureau.
505.5 CORRECTION OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS
When a traffic citation is issued and in need of correction, the officer issuing the citation shall submit
the citation and a letter requesting a specific correction to the Records Section. The Records
Section shall prepare a letter of correction to the court having jurisdiction.
505.6 DISPOSITION OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS
The court and file copies of all traffic citations issued by members of this department shall be
forwarded to the Records Section for filing.
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Upon separation from employment with the this department, all employees issued traffic citations
books shall return any unused citations to the Traffic Bureau.
505.7 NOTICE OF PARKING VIOLATION APPEAL PROCEDURE
Disposition of notice of parking violation appeals is conducted pursuant to Vehicle Code § 40215.
505.7.1 APPEAL STAGES
Appeals may be pursued sequentially at three different levels:

(a)

Administrative reviews are conducted by the Traffic Bureau who will review written/
documentary data. Requests for administrative reviews are available at the front desk or
Traffic Bureau of the Culver City Police Department. Citations may also be contested online
at the internet address as specified on the citation. These requests are informal written
statements outlining why the notice of parking violation should be dismissed. Copies of
documentation relating to the notice of parking violation and the request for dismissal must
be mailed to the current mailing address of the processing agency.

(b)

If the appellant wishes to pursue the matter beyond administrative review, an administrative
hearing may be conducted in person or by written application, at the election of the
appellant. Independent referees review the existent administrative file, amendments, and/
or testimonial material provided by the appellant and may conduct further investigation or
follow-up on their own.

(c)

If the appellant wishes to pursue the matter beyond an administrative hearing, a Superior
Court review may be presented in person by the appellant after an application for review
and designated filing fees have been paid to The Superior Court of California.

505.7.2 TIME REQUIREMENTS
Administrative review or appearance before a hearing examiner will not be provided if the
mandated time limits are not adhered to by the violator.
(a)

Requests for an administrative review must be postmarked within 21 calendar days of
issuance of the notice of parking violation, or within 14 calendar days of the mailing of the
Notice of Delinquent Parking (Violation Vehicle Code § 40215(a)).

(b)

Requests for administrative hearings must be made no later than 21 calendar days following
the notification mailing of the results of the administrative review (Vehicle Code § 40215(b)).

(c)

An administrative hearing shall be held within 90 calendar days following the receipt of
a request for an administrative hearing, excluding time tolled pursuant to Vehicle Code §
40200 - 40225. The person requesting the hearing may request one continuance, not to
exceed 21 calendar days (Vehicle Code § 40215).

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(d)

Registered owners of vehicles may transfer responsibility for the violation via timely affidavit
of non-liability when the vehicle has been transferred, rented or under certain other
circumstances (Vehicle Code § 40209 and Vehicle Code § 40210).

505.7.3 COSTS
(a)

There is no cost for an administrative review.

(b)

Appellants must pay the full amount due for the citation, or provide satisfactory proof of their
inability to pay, before receiving an administrative hearing.

(c)

An appeal through Superior Court requires prior payment of filing costs including applicable
court charges and fees. These costs will be reimbursed to the appellant in addition to any
previously paid fines if appellant's liability is overruled by the Superior Court.

505.8 JUVENILE CITATIONS
Completion of traffic citation forms for juveniles may vary slightly from the procedure for adults.
The juvenile's age, place of residency, and the type of offense should be considered before issuing
the juvenile a citation.

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506

Policy Manual

Disabled Vehicles
506.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Vehicle Code § 20018 provides that all law enforcement agencies having responsibility for traffic
enforcement may develop and adopt a written policy to provide assistance to motorists in disabled
vehicles within their primary jurisdiction.
506.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY
When an on-duty officer observes a disabled vehicle on the roadway, the officer should make a
reasonable effort to provide assistance. If that officer is assigned to a call of higher priority, the
dispatcher should be advised of the location of the disabled vehicle and the need for assistance.
The dispatcher should then assign another available officer to respond for assistance as soon
as practical.
506.3 EXTENT OF ASSISTANCE
In most cases, a disabled motorist will require assistance. After arrangements for assistance are
made, continued involvement by Department personnel will be contingent on the time of day, the
location, the availability of departmental resources, and the vulnerability of the disabled motorist.
506.3.1 MECHANICAL REPAIRS
Department personnel shall not make mechanical repairs to a disabled vehicle. The use of push
bumpers to relocate vehicles to a position of safety is not considered a mechanical repair.
506.4 PUBLIC ACCESS TO THIS POLICY
This written policy is available upon request.

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507

Policy Manual

72-Hour Parking Violations
507.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides procedures for the marking, recording, and storage of vehicles parked in
violation of the Culver City City Ordinance regulating 72-hour parking violations and abandoned
vehicles under the authority of Vehicle Code § 22669.
507.2 MARKING VEHICLES
Vehicles suspected of being in violation of the City of Culver City 72-Hour Parking Ordinance shall
be electronically marked and noted on the Culver City Police Department A.V. Follow-Up Card.
No case number is required.
Vehicles suspected of being inviolation of the 72-Hour Parking Ordinance should be visibly marked
by chalk and shall be electronically entered into the handheld ticketing device to show both
the chalk mark and the position of the tire stem and to start the electronic timer. The street
side front or rear tire may be chalk marked on the tire tread and so noted electronically. All
markings, location, license plate, follow up date, and officer name shall be noted on the A.V. Follow
Up. The investigating employee should make a good faith effort to notify the owner of any vehicle
subject to towing prior to having the vehicle removed. This may be accomplished by personal
contact, telephone or by leaving notice or parking citation attached to the vehicle at least 24 hours
prior to removal.
All A.V. Follow Up Cards shall be submitted to the Traffic Bureau for maintenance until the followup is complete.
After 72-hours if the tire stem has not moved, the vehicle may be cited. Noted on the citation shall
be a notice of a 24-hour period in which the vehicle will be towed if not moved from the location.
If a marked vehicle has been moved from the space during the 72-hour investigation period, the
vehicle may be marked again with new electronic markings and the timing will begin anew.
507.2.1 MARKED VEHICLE FILE
The Traffic Bureau shall be responsible for maintaining a file for all active A.V. Follow-Up Cards.
Parking control officers assigned to the Traffic Bureau shall be responsible for the follow up
investigation of all 72-hour parking violations noted on the A.V. Follow-Up Cards.
507.2.2 VEHICLE STORAGE
Any vehicle in violation shall be stored by the authorized towing service and a vehicle storage
report shall be completed by the officer authorizing the storage of the vehicle.
The storage report form shall be submitted to the Records Section immediately following the
storage of the vehicle. It shall be the responsibility of the Records Section to immediately notify
the Stolen Vehicle System (SVS) of the Department of Justice in Sacramento ( Vehicle Code §

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22851.3(b)). Notification may also be made to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications
System (NLETS)(Vehicle Code § 22854.5).
Within 48 hours of the storage of any such vehicle, excluding weekends and holidays, it shall be
the responsibility of the Records Section to determine the names and addresses of any individuals
having an interest in the vehicle through DMV or CLETS computers. Notice to all such individuals
shall be sent first-class or certified mail pursuant to Vehicle Code § 22851.3(d).

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Policy

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508

Policy Manual

Disabled Vehicles
508.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Vehicle Code § 20018 provides that all law enforcement agencies having responsibility for traffic
enforcement may develop and adopt a written policy to provide assistance to motorists in disabled
vehicles within their primary jurisdiction.
508.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY
When an on-duty officer observes a disabled vehicle on the roadway, the officer should make a
reasonable effort to provide assistance. If that officer is assigned to a call of higher priority, the
dispatcher should be advised of the location of the disabled vehicle and the need for assistance.
The dispatcher should then assign another available officer to respond for assistance as soon
as practical.
508.3 EXTENT OF ASSISTANCE
In most cases, a disabled motorist will require assistance. After arrangements for assistance are
made, continued involvement by department personnel will be contingent on the time of day, the
location, the availability of departmental resources, and the vulnerability of the disabled motorist.
508.3.1 MECHANICAL REPAIRS
Department personnel shall not make mechanical repairs to a disabled vehicle. The use of push
bumpers to relocate vehicles to a position of safety is not considered a mechanical repair.
508.3.2 RELOCATION OF DISABLED VEHICLES
The relocation of disabled vehicles by members of this department by pushing or pulling a vehicle
should only occur when the conditions reasonably indicate that immediate movement is necessary
to reduce a hazard presented by the disabled vehicle.
508.3.3 RELOCATION OF DISABLED MOTORIST
The relocation of a disabled motorist should only occur with the person’s consent and should be
suggested when conditions reasonably indicate that immediate movement is necessary to mitigate
a potential hazard. The department member may stay with the disabled motorist or transport him/
her to a safe area to await pickup.
508.4 PUBLIC ACCESS TO THIS POLICY
This written policy is available upon request.

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Chapter 6 - Investigation Operations

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Policy

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600

Policy Manual

Investigation and Prosecution
600.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to set guidelines and requirements pertaining to the handling and
disposition of criminal investigations.
600.2 CASE CLEARANCE
The Investigations Bureau has the primary responsibility for managing and recording the clearance
rate for crime incidents. Once a criminal case is assigned to a detective and a determination is
made that the crime can be "Cleared," that information is entered into RMS. The data accumulated
in RMS is later extracted by the Department's Records Unit and then reported to the Department
of Justice for inclusion in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) System. The Investigations Bureau
Lieutenant is ultimately responsible for ensuring the proper reporting of data to the Department
of Justice.
600.2.1 CLEARANCE RATE CRITERIA
The criteria the Criminal Investigations Division uses to clear a crime are based on guidelines
established by the U.S. Department of Justice ("Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook"). Crimes
are essentially cleared in one of three ways:
(a)

Unfounded complaints

(b)

Clearance by arrest

(c)

Exceptional clearance

600.2.2 UNFOUNDED COMPLAINTS
If an incident is investigated and it is determined that the facts do not substantiate a crime, the
offense can be classified as "Unfounded." For instance, if a citizen reports a burglary, but the
investigation determines that the victim lied or a cohabitant had made entry to retrieve his/her own
property, then there is no basis for a crime and the case is cleared as "Unfounded."
600.2.3 CLEARANCE BY ARREST
An offense is "Solved" or "Cleared by Arrest" when at least one person is: arrested, charged with
the commission of the crime, and turned over to the court system for prosecution.
In the event one person is responsible for multiple crimes, a clearance is logged for each crime
that the same person committed. Conversely, only one clearance is logged if a crime involves
multiple offenders.
Although no physical arrest is made, a "Clearance by Arrest" can be claimed when:
(a)

An offender (adult or juvenile) is issued a citation to appear before the Court or

(b)

A prosecuting agency issues an arrest warrant for the offender and the offender turns
himself/herself over to a prosecuting authority.

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It should be noted that "Clearance by Arrest" is applicable only in cases where the suspect is
arrested AND charged with a crime. If the prosecuting agency "rejects" the case for filing, then
the crime cannot be classified as a "Clearance by Arrest." It may, however, meet the criteria for
an "Exceptional Clearance."
600.2.4 EXCEPTIONAL CLEARANCE
In certain situations, detectives are not able to follow the three steps described above under
"Clearance by Arrest." However, a crime may still be cleared as "Exceptional," provided the
following applies:
(a)

The identity of the offender is known

(b)

There is enough evidence to support an arrest, criminal filing and prosecution

(c)

The location of the offender is known

(d)

For reasons outside of law enforcement's control, there are extenuating circumstances
precluding detectives from arresting, charging, and prosecuting the offender

Although there can be a myriad of circumstances that fall under this category, some of the more
common examples include the following:
•

Offender is deceased

•

Offender is prosecuted by another agency (such as in another State or by a Federal agency)

•

Extradition is denied

•

Deathbed confession (offender dies after confessing to a crime)

•

A juvenile offender's case is handled through "counseling" or other administrative means

•

Victim(s) and/or witness(es) refuse to cooperate in the prosecution

•

Case matches Modus Operandi (MO) of other cases for which there was an arrest made

600.2.5 CASE LOAD MANAGEMENT
Each detective is responsible for the management of his/her respective assigned cases. There
are many factors that can determine the number of active (open) cases a detective may have
at any given time. Generally, detectives should manage their caseload so that investigations are
conducted in a timely and effective manner. Detectives should routinely evaluate the status of
their active cases, utilizing creative and efficient methods to conduct and complete investigations.
Detectives should consider suspending cases that lack any investigative leads, as this will enable
detectives to direct their time, attention, and resources to cases with more solvability factors.
Investigations Bureau Supervisors are responsible for actively monitoring and overseeing the
effectiveness of detectives under their supervision. On a regular basis (which is determined by
the needs of the specific investigative assignment), supervisors shall review appropriate reports
available through RMS to determine if their respective detectives are effectively conducting
investigations, solving crimes, and are adequately managing their caseload. When necessary,
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supervisors will provide guidance and implement appropriate corrective measures to assist
detectives in meeting their caseload obligations.
600.2.6 MODIFICATION OF CHARGES
Employees are not authorized to recommend to the District Attorney, City Attorney, or to any other
official of the court that charges on a pending case be altered or the case dismissed. In all cases
resulting in court prosecution, any request to modify the charges filed or to recommend dismissal
of charges in a pending case shall be made to the District Attorney's Office or City Attorney's Office
only as authorized by a Bureau Commander or the Chief of Police.
600.3 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department to investigate crimes thoroughly and with due
diligence, and to evaluate and prepare criminal cases for appropriate clearance or submission to
a prosecutor.
600.4 CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION REQUIREMENTS
Suspects who are in custody and subjected to an interrogation shall be given the Miranda warning,
unless an exception applies. Interview or interrogation of a juvenile shall be in accordance with
the Temporary Custody of Juveniles Policy.
600.4.1 AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDINGS
Any custodial interrogation of an individual who is suspected of having committed any violent
felony offense should be recorded (audio or video with audio as available) in its entirety. Every
reasonable effort should be made to secure functional recording equipment to accomplish such
recordings.
Consideration should also be given to recording a custodial interrogation, or any investigative
interview, for any other offense when it is reasonable to believe it would be appropriate and
beneficial to the investigation and is otherwise allowed by law.
No recording of a custodial interrogation should be destroyed or altered without written
authorization from the prosecuting attorney and the Investigation Bureau supervisor. Copies of
recorded interrogations or interviews may be made in the same or a different format as the original
recording, provided the copies are true, accurate and complete and are made only for authorized
and legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Recordings should not take the place of a thorough report and investigative interviews. Written
statements from suspects should continue to be obtained when applicable.
600.4.2 MANDATORY RECORDING OF ADULTS
Any custodial interrogation of an adult who is suspected of having committed any murder shall
be recorded in its entirety. The recording should be video with audio if reasonably feasible (Penal
Code § 859.5).
This recording is not mandatory when (Penal Code § 859.5):
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(a)

Recording is not feasible because of exigent circumstances that are later documented in
a report.

(b)

The suspect refuses to have the interrogation recorded, including a refusal any time during
the interrogation, and the refusal is documented in a report. If feasible, the refusal shall be
electronically recorded.

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

A recording device fails despite reasonable maintenance and the timely repair or
replacement is not feasible.

(g)

The questions are part of a routine processing or booking, and are not an interrogation.

(h)

The Department shall maintain an original or an exact copy of the recording until a conviction
relating to the interrogation is final and all appeals are exhausted or prosecution is barred by law
(Penal Code § 859.5).
600.5 INITIAL INVESTIGATION
600.5.1 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
An officer responsible for an initial investigation shall complete no less than the following:
(a)

(b)

Make a preliminary determination of whether a crime has been committed by completing,
at a minimum:
1.

An initial statement from any witnesses or complainants.

A cursory examination for evidence.

If information indicates a crime has occurred, the officer should:
1.

Preserve the scene and any evidence as required to complete the initial and followup investigation.

Determine if additional investigative resources (e.g., investigators or scene
processing) are necessary and request assistance as required.

If assistance is warranted, or if the incident is not routine, notify a supervisor or
the Watch Commander.

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(c)

Make reasonable attempts to locate, identify and interview all available victims,
complainants, witnesses and suspects.

Collect any evidence.

Take any appropriate law enforcement action.

Complete and submit the appropriate reports and documentation.

If the preliminary determination is that no crime occurred, determine what other action
may be necessary, what other resources may be available, and advise the informant or
complainant of this information.

600.6 DISCONTINUATION OF INVESTIGATIONS
The investigation of a criminal case or efforts to seek prosecution should only be discontinued if
one of the following applies:
(a)

All reasonable investigative efforts have been exhausted, no reasonable belief that the
person who committed the crime can be identified, and the incident has been documented
appropriately.

(b)

The perpetrator of a misdemeanor has been identified and a warning is the most appropriate
disposition.
1.

In these cases, the investigator shall document that the person was warned and why
prosecution was not sought.

Warnings shall not be given for felony offenses or other offenses identified in this
policy or by law that require an arrest or submission of a case to a prosecutor.

(c)

The case has been submitted to the appropriate prosecutor but no charges have been
filed. Further investigation is not reasonable nor has the prosecutor requested further
investigation.

(d)

The case has been submitted to the appropriate prosecutor, charges have been filed, and
further investigation is not reasonable, warranted or requested, and there is no need to take
the suspect into custody.

(e)

Suspects have been arrested, there are no other suspects, and further investigation is either
not warranted or requested.

(f)

Investigation has proven that a crime was not committed (see the Sexual Assault
Investigations Policy for special considerations in these cases).

The Domestic Violence, Child Abuse Sexual Assault Investigations and Adult Abuse policies may
also require an arrest or submittal of a case to a prosecutor.
600.7 COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL EVIDENCE
The collection, preservation, transportation and storage of computers, cell phones and other
digital devices may require specialized handling to preserve the value of the related evidence. If
it is anticipated that computers or similar equipment will be seized, officers should request that
computer forensic examiners assist with seizing computers and related evidence. If a forensic

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examiner is unavailable, officers should take reasonable steps to prepare for such seizure and
use the resources that are available.
600.8 INVESTIGATIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND INTERNET SOURCES
Use of social media and any other Internet source to access information for the purpose of criminal
investigation shall comply with applicable laws and policies regarding privacy, civil rights and
civil liberties. Information gathered via the Internet should only be accessed by members while
on-duty and for purposes related to the mission of this department. If a member encounters
information relevant to a criminal investigation while off-duty or while using his/her own equipment,
the member should note the dates, times and locations of the information and report the discovery
to his/her supervisor as soon as practicable. The member, or others who have been assigned to
do so, should attempt to replicate the finding when on-duty and using department equipment.
Information obtained via the Internet should not be archived or stored in any manner other than
department-established record keeping systems (see the Records Maintenance and Release and
the Criminal Organizations policies).
600.8.1 INTERCEPTING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Intercepting social media communications in real time may be subject to federal and state wiretap
laws. Officers should seek legal counsel before any such interception.
600.9 CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS INTERCEPTION TECHNOLOGY
The Administration and Investigation Bureau Commander is responsible for ensuring the following
for cellular communications interception technology operations (Government Code § 53166):
(a)

Security procedures are developed to protect information gathered through the use of the
technology.

(b)

A usage and privacy policy is developed that includes:
1.

The purposes for which using cellular communications interception technology and
collecting information is authorized.

Identification by job title or other designation of employees who are authorized to
use or access information collected through the use of cellular communications
interception technology.

Training requirements necessary for those authorized employees.

A description of how the Department will monitor the use of its cellular
communications interception technology to ensure the accuracy of the information
collected and compliance with all applicable laws.

Process and time period system audits.

Identification of the existence of any memorandum of understanding or other
agreement with any other local agency or other party for the shared use of cellular
communications interception technology or the sharing of information collected
through its use, including the identity of signatory parties.

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The purpose of, process for and restrictions on the sharing of information gathered
through the use of cellular communications interception technology with other local
agencies and persons.

The length of time information gathered through the use of cellular communications
interception technology will be retained, and the process the local agency will utilize
to determine if and when to destroy retained information.

Members shall only use approved devices and usage shall be in compliance with department
security procedures, the department’s usage and privacy procedures and all applicable laws.

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601

Policy Manual

LEAD DETECTIVE
601.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Chief of Police or designee may appoint investigators to the position of Lead Detective. The
purpose of this policy is to establish the duties, responsibilities, and role of those assigned to the
position of Lead Detective.
601.2 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief of Police or designee may appoint one detective from the Adult Section to Adult Lead
Detective and one detective from the Juvenile Section to Juvenile Lead Detective. Although
training new detectives will be the collective responsibility of all investigators and supervisors, Lead
Detectives will be expected to play a significant role in the training and serve as a resource for
all detectives.
601.3 TERM DURATION
At the sole discretion of the Chief of Police or designee, the term of the Lead Detective may be
extended. The extended term will enable the Lead Detectives to enhance their expertise and
foster professional relationships with others that might serve as an investigative resource. The
Lead Detective position is of a temporary duration, not a separate job classification, does not have
civil service status, and is not subject to civil service selection procedure, appeal, or seniority. It
is not a property right and may be revoked by the Chief of Police or designee at any time for job
related reasons or operational necessity.

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602

Policy Manual

Sexual Assault Investigations
602.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the investigation of sexual assaults. These
guidelines will address some of the unique aspects of such cases and the effects that these crimes
have on the victims.
Mandatory notifications requirements are addressed in the Child Abuse and Adult Abuse policies.
602.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Sexual assault - Any crime or attempted crime of a sexual nature, to include, but not limited to,
offenses defined in Penal Code § 243.4, Penal Code § 261 et seq., and Penal Code § 285 et seq.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) - A multidisciplinary team generally comprised of
advocates, law enforcement officers; forensic medical examiners, including sexual assault
forensic examiners (SAFEs) or sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) if possible; forensic
laboratory personnel; and prosecutors. The team is designed to coordinate a broad response to
sexual assault victims.
602.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Culver City Police Department that its members, when responding to reports of
sexual assaults, will strive to minimize the trauma experienced by the victims, and will aggressively
investigate sexual assaults, pursue expeditious apprehension and conviction of perpetrators, and
protect the safety of the victims and the community.
602.3 QUALIFIED INVESTIGATORS
Qualified investigators should be available for assignment of sexual assault investigations. These
investigators should:
(a)

Have specialized training in, and be familiar with, interview techniques and the medical and
legal issues that are specific to sexual assault investigations.

(b)

Conduct follow-up interviews and investigation.

(c)

Present appropriate cases of alleged sexual assault to the prosecutor for review.

(d)

Coordinate with other enforcement agencies, social service agencies and medical personnel
as needed.

(e)

Provide referrals to therapy services, victim advocates and support for the victim.

(f)

Participate in or coordinate with SART.

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602.4 REPORTING
In all reported or suspected cases of sexual assault, a report should be written and assigned
for follow-up investigation. This includes incidents in which the allegations appear unfounded or
unsubstantiated.
602.5 RELEASING INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC
In cases where the perpetrator is not known to the victim, and especially if there are multiple
crimes where more than one appear to be related, consideration should be given to releasing
information to the public whenever there is a reasonable likelihood that doing so may result in
developing helpful investigative leads. The Investigation Bureau supervisor should weigh the risk
of alerting the suspect to the investigation with the need to protect the victim and the public, and
to prevent more crimes.
602.6 TRAINING
Subject to available resources, periodic training will be provided to:
(a)

(b)

Members who are first responders. Training should include:
1.

Initial response to sexual assaults.

Legal issues.

Victim advocacy.

Victim’s response to trauma.

Qualified investigators who should receive advanced training on additional topics. Advanced
training should include:
1.

Interviewing sexual assault victims.

SART.

Medical and legal aspects of sexual assault investigations.

Serial crimes investigations.

Use of community and other federal and state investigative resources, such as the
Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP).

Techniques for communicating with victims to minimize trauma.

602.7 VICTIM INTERVIEWS
The primary considerations in sexual assault investigations, which begin with the initial call
to Dispatch, should be the health and safety of the victim, the preservation of evidence, and
preliminary interviews to determine if a crime has been committed and to attempt to identify the
suspect.
Whenever possible, a member of SART should be included in the initial victim interviews.
An in-depth follow-up interview should not be conducted until after the medical and forensic
examinations are completed and the personal needs of the victim have been met (e.g., change
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of clothes, bathing). The follow-up interview may be delayed to the following day based upon the
circumstances. Whenever practicable, the follow-up interview should be conducted by a qualified
investigator.
No opinions of whether the case is unfounded shall be included in the report.
Victims shall not be asked or required to take a polygraph examination (42 USC § 3796gg-8;
Penal Code § 637.4).
Victims should be apprised of applicable victim’s rights provisions, as outlined in the Victim and
Witness Assistance Policy.
602.7.1 VICTIM RIGHTS
Whenever there is an alleged sexual assault the assigned officer shall accomplish the following:
(a)

Advise the victim of the right to have a victim advocate and a support person present at any
interview by law enforcement as provided in Penal Code § 679.04.

(b)

If the victim is transported to a hospital for any medical evidentiary or physical examination,
the officer shall immediately cause the local rape victim counseling center to be notified
(Penal Code § 264.2(b)(1)).
1.

Prior to any such examination the assigned officer shall ensure that the victim has
been properly informed of his/her right to have a sexual assault victim counselor and
at least one other support person present (Penal Code § 264.2(b)(2)).

A support person may be excluded from the examination by the officer or the medical
provider if his/her presence would be detrimental to the purpose of the examination
(Penal Code § 264.2(b)(4)).

602.7.2 VICTIM CONFIDENTIALITY
Officers investigating or receiving a report of an alleged sex offense shall inform the victim, or the
victim’s parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, that his/her name will become a matter of public
record unless the victim requests that his/her name not be made public. The reporting officer shall
document in his/her report that the victim was properly informed and shall include any related
response made by the victim, or if a minor, any response made by the victim’s parent or guardian
(Penal Code § 293).
Except as authorized by law, members of this [department/office] shall not publicly disclose the
name of any victim of a sex crime who has exercised his/her right to confidentiality (Penal Code
§ 293).
602.8 COLLECTION AND TESTING OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
Whenever possible, a SART member should be involved in the collection of forensic evidence
from the victim.
When the facts of the case indicate that collection of biological evidence is warranted, it should
be collected regardless of how much time has elapsed since the reported assault.

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If a drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected, urine and blood samples should be collected from
the victim as soon as practicable.
Subject to requirements set forth in this policy, biological evidence from all sexual assault cases,
including cases where the suspect is known by the victim, should be submitted for testing.
Victims who choose not to assist with an investigation, do not desire that the matter be investigated
or wish to remain anonymous may still consent to the collection of evidence under their control.
In these circumstances, the evidence should be collected and stored appropriately.
602.8.1 COLLECTION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Members investigating a sexual assault offense should take every reasonable step to ensure
that DNA testing of such evidence is performed in a timely manner and within the time periods
prescribed by Penal Code § 803(g). Generally, rape kits should be submitted to the crime lab
within 20 days after being booked into evidence (Penal Code § 680).
In order to maximize the effectiveness of such testing and identify the perpetrator of any sexual
assault, the assigned officer should further ensure that the results of any such test have been
timely entered into and checked against both the Department of Justice Cal-DNA database and
the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
If, for any reason, DNA evidence in a sexual assault case in which the identity of the perpetrator
is in issue and is not going to be analyzed within 18 months of the crime, the assigned officer
shall notify the victim of such fact in writing no less than 60 days prior to the expiration of the 18
month period (Penal Code § 680(d)).
602.8.2 DNA TEST RESULTS
A SART member should be consulted regarding the best way to deliver biological testing results
to a victim so as to minimize victim trauma, especially in cases where there has been a significant
delay in getting biological testing results (e.g., delays in testing the evidence or delayed DNA
databank hits). Members should make reasonable efforts to assist the victim by providing available
information on local assistance programs and organizations as provided in the Victim and Witness
Assistance policy.
(a)

(b)

Upon receipt of a written request from a sexual assault victim or the victim’s authorized
designee, members investigating sexual assault cases may inform the victim of the status
of the DNA testing of any evidence from the victim’s case (Penal Code § 680).
1.

Although such information may be communicated orally, the assigned officer should
thereafter follow-up with and retain a copy of confirmation by either written or
electronic mail.

Absent a written request, no member of this [department/office] is required to, but
may, communicate with the victim or the victim’s authorized designee regarding the
status of any DNA testing.

Subject to the commitment of sufficient resources to respond to requests for information,
sexual assault victims shall further have the following rights (Penal Code § 680):

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(c)

To be informed if a DNA profile of the assailant was obtained from the testing of the
rape kit or other crime scene evidence from their case.

To be informed if there is a match between the DNA profile of the assailant developed
from the evidence and a DNA profile contained in the Department of Justice
Convicted Offender DNA Database, providing that disclosure would not impede or
compromise an ongoing investigation.

To be informed if the DNA profile of the assailant developed from the evidence has
been entered into the Department of Justice Databank of case evidence.

Provided that the sexual assault victim or the victim’s authorized designee has kept the
assigned officer informed with regard to current address, telephone number and email
address (if available), any victim or the victim’s authorized designee shall, upon request, be
advised of any known significant changes regarding the victim’s case (Penal Code § 680).
1.

Although such information may be communicated orally, the assigned officer should
thereafter follow-up with and retain a copy of confirmation by either written or
electronic mail.

No officer shall be required or expected to release any information which might
impede or compromise any ongoing investigation.

602.8.3 DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE
Any destruction of evidence related to a sexual assault shall occur only after victim notification is
made as required pursuant to Penal Code § 680 and only in compliance with the Property and
Evidence Policy.
602.9 DISPOSITION OF CASES
If the assigned investigator has reason to believe the case is without merit, the case may be
classified as unfounded only upon review and approval of the Investigation Bureau supervisor.
Classification of a sexual assault case as unfounded requires the Investigation Bureau supervisor
to determine that the facts have significant irregularities with reported information and that the
incident could not have happened as it was reported. When a victim has recanted his/her original
statement, there must be corroborating evidence that the allegations were false or baseless (i.e.,
no crime occurred) before the case should be determined as unfounded.
602.10 CASE REVIEW
The Investigation Bureau supervisor should ensure case dispositions are reviewed on a periodic
basis, at least annually, using an identified group that is independent of the investigation process.
The reviews should include an analysis of:

•

Case dispositions.

•

Decisions to collect biological evidence.

•

Submissions of biological evidence for lab testing.

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The SART and/or victim advocates should be considered for involvement in this audit. Summary
reports on these reviews should be forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Police.

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603

Policy Manual

Asset Forfeiture
603.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy describes the authority and procedure for the seizure, forfeiture and liquidation of
property associated with designated offenses.
603.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Fiscal agent - The person designated by the Chief of Police to be responsible for securing and
maintaining seized assets and distributing any proceeds realized from any forfeiture proceedings.
This includes any time the Culver City Police Department seizes property for forfeiture or when the
Culver City Police Department is acting as the fiscal agent pursuant to a multi-agency agreement.
Forfeiture - The process by which legal ownership of an asset is transferred to a government
or other authority.
Forfeiture reviewer - The department member assigned by the Chief of Police who is responsible
for reviewing all forfeiture cases and for acting as the liaison between the Department and the
assigned attorney.
Property subject to forfeiture - The following may be subject to forfeiture:
(a)

Property related to a narcotics offense, which includes (Heath and Safety Code § 11470;
Health and Safety Code § 11470.1):
1.

Property (not including real property or vehicles) used, or intended for use, as a
container for controlled substances, materials to manufacture controlled substances,
etc.

Interest in a vehicle (car, boat, airplane, other vehicle) used to facilitate the
manufacture, possession for sale or sale of specified quantities of controlled
substances.

Money, negotiable instruments, securities or other things of value furnished or
intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for a controlled substance,
proceeds traceable to an exchange, etc.

Real property when the owner is convicted of violating Health and Safety Code §
11366, Health and Safety Code § 11366.5 or Health and Safety Code § 11366.6
(drug houses) when the property was not used as a family residence or for other
lawful purposes, or property owned by two or more persons, one of whom had no
knowledge of its unlawful use.

The expenses of seizing, eradicating, destroying or taking remedial action with
respect to any controlled substance or its precursors upon conviction for the unlawful
manufacture or cultivation of any controlled substance or its precursors.

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(b)

Property related to criminal profiteering (may include gang crimes), to include (Penal Code
§ 186.2; Penal Code § 186.3):
1.

Any property interest, whether tangible or intangible, acquired through a pattern of
criminal profiteering activity.

All proceeds acquired through a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, including
all things of value that may have been received in exchange for the proceeds
immediately derived from the pattern of criminal profiteering activity.

Seizure - The act of law enforcement officials taking property, c