The LAPD Manual is a living document outlining policies, procedures, and rules governing the Los Angeles Police Department. It ensures accountability, transparency, and adherence to professional standards, guiding LAPD personnel in their duties while protecting the community.
1.1 Overview of the LAPD Manual Structure
The LAPD Manual is organized into volumes, each addressing specific aspects of department operations. Volume 1 covers policies, Volume 2 details organizational structure, Volume 3 outlines management rules, and Volume 4 focuses on line procedures. The manual is regularly updated to reflect current practices, ensuring clarity and compliance with legal and ethical standards. It serves as a comprehensive reference for all LAPD personnel.
1.2 Purpose and Scope of the Manual
The LAPD Manual serves as a foundational guide, establishing operational standards, ethical conduct, and procedural frameworks. Its purpose is to ensure uniformity in practices, adherence to core values, and legal compliance. The scope encompasses all departmental functions, from officer conduct to organizational structure, providing clear directives to maintain public trust and operational efficiency within the LAPD.
LAPD Policy and Objectives
LAPD policy provides guiding principles to achieve objectives, focusing on protecting rights, serving the community, and ensuring ethical practices. It adapts to situations while aligning with core values.
2.1 Core Values and Management Principles
The LAPD’s core values include integrity, respect, and accountability, guiding ethical decision-making. Management principles emphasize transparency, fairness, and open communication, fostering trust within the department and the community it serves.
2.2 Policy Structure and Objectives
The LAPD’s policy structure outlines guiding principles to achieve objectives, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Its primary objective is “To Protect and To Serve,” ensuring public safety and upholding the law. The manual serves as a living document, providing clear operational orders and standards to guide decision-making and ensure ethical policing practices across the department.
Organizational Structure and Functions
The LAPD’s organizational structure defines its hierarchy, functional units, and responsibilities, ensuring efficient operations and accountability across all departments and personnel.
3.1 Department Hierarchy and Roles
The LAPD’s hierarchy includes the Chief of Police, Deputy Chiefs, and Commanders, overseeing divisions like Patrol, Investigations, and Support Services. Each role has distinct responsibilities, ensuring effective leadership and operational efficiency. Officers and civilian staff collaborate to maintain public safety and service, adhering to the department’s core values and objectives.
3.2 Functional Units and Their Responsibilities
Functional units within the LAPD include specialized bureaus such as the Office of Constitutional Policing, Risk Management, and Internal Affairs. These units oversee compliance, audits, and ethical standards, ensuring accountability and adherence to policies. Their responsibilities encompass training, oversight, and support functions, contributing to the department’s operational integrity and community trust.
Management Rules and Procedures
The LAPD Manual establishes clear guidelines for professional conduct, accountability, and compliance. It outlines rules and procedures to ensure ethical behavior and operational efficiency within the department.
4.1 Code of Ethics and Conduct
The LAPD Manual emphasizes a strict Code of Ethics and Conduct, ensuring officers maintain integrity, fairness, and respect. It prohibits retaliation, discrimination, and misconduct, with clear guidelines for professional behavior. Adherence to these ethical standards is mandatory, fostering trust and accountability within the community. Violations result in disciplinary actions, as outlined in the manual, to uphold departmental integrity and public confidence.
4.2 Rules and Procedures for Employees
The LAPD Manual outlines clear rules and procedures for employees, ensuring uniformity in operations. Officers must adhere to specified protocols, including uniform specifications, equipment requirements, and transport procedures. Accountability is emphasized through strict adherence to these guidelines, with violations addressed through disciplinary actions. The manual also mandates continuous updates to reflect evolving standards and community expectations, ensuring transparency and professionalism within the department.
Use of Force Policy
The LAPD Manual outlines the Use of Force Policy, emphasizing de-escalation techniques and proportional response. Officers must adhere to strict guidelines, balancing public safety with accountability measures.
5.1 Categorical Use of Force Adjudication Findings
The LAPD Manual’s section on Categorical Use of Force Adjudication Findings provides clear guidelines for evaluating force incidents. It categorizes findings into justified, unjustified, or inconclusive, ensuring transparency and accountability. Each category is defined with specific criteria, aiding officers and review boards in determining the appropriateness of force used during incidents, promoting fairness and consistency in all adjudication processes conducted by the department.
5.2 Vehicle Pursuit Driving Tactics
The LAPD Manual outlines Vehicle Pursuit Driving Tactics to ensure officer and public safety. Officers must continuously assess road conditions and suspect actions during pursuits. Tactics emphasize balancing the need to apprehend suspects with minimizing risks to bystanders. Policies include specific protocols for joining, continuing, or terminating pursuits, ensuring adherence to departmental guidelines and legal standards at all times.
Uniforms and Equipment
The LAPD Manual specifies uniform standards, including the iconic blue single-breasted coat with sleeve patches, ensuring a professional appearance and clear identification of officers on duty.
6.1 Uniform Specifications
The LAPD Manual details strict uniform specifications to maintain professionalism and identification. Officers wear a blue single-breasted coat by Flying Cross, with sleeve patches, and an 8-point hat. Uniforms include trousers with a stripe, shirts, ties, and approved footwear. Badges and nameplates are mandatory. These standards ensure a polished appearance and clear officer identification, reflecting the department’s commitment to discipline and public trust.
6.2 Equipment and Gear Requirements
LAPD officers are required to carry specific equipment, including a department-issued firearm, baton, handcuffs, and body armor. Communication devices, such as radios, are mandatory for field operations. Officers must also carry identification and citation books. The manual specifies proper maintenance and use of gear to ensure officer safety and operational efficiency. Compliance with equipment standards is strictly enforced to maintain professionalism and accountability.
Procedures for Pursuits and Transport
This section details protocols for vehicle pursuits and transporting arrestees, emphasizing officer safety, suspect apprehension, and adherence to legal standards during operations.
7.1 Vehicle Pursuit Policy
The LAPD Vehicle Pursuit Policy outlines procedures for initiating, conducting, and terminating pursuits. Officers must assess road conditions, suspect behavior, and public safety risks. Continuous evaluation ensures pursuits balance apprehension needs with community protection. Deviations from policy require justification. The policy emphasizes minimizing risks to civilians, officers, and suspects, adhering to ethical and legal guidelines. Accountability measures are in place to review pursuit outcomes and ensure compliance with department standards;
7.2 Transporting Arrestees: Rules and Procedures
Transporting arrestees requires strict adherence to LAPD protocols. Officers must notify dispatch of departure details, including location and odometer reading. Upon arrival, updates are mandatory. Use of restraints is standardized, and officers must ensure the safety and dignity of arrestees. Procedures also mandate post-transport documentation, ensuring transparency and accountability. Training emphasizes respect for arrestees’ rights and adherence to ethical conduct throughout the process.
Internal Affairs and Accountability
The Internal Affairs division ensures accountability by investigating misconduct, promoting transparency, and upholding ethical standards, fostering trust and integrity through the LAPD.
8.1 Role of Internal Affairs
The Internal Affairs division investigates misconduct, ensuring ethical behavior and accountability within the LAPD. It handles complaints, conducts thorough inquiries, and collaborates with offices like Constitutional Policing and Policy to maintain trust and integrity. Personnel are assigned to diverse roles, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Audit, and Risk Management, to uphold professional standards and ensure transparency in all operations.
8.2 Accountability Mechanisms
The LAPD employs audits, performance reviews, and documentation to ensure accountability. Officers must notify radio operators of arrestee transport details, including location and odometer readings. Adherence to policies is monitored, with deviations addressed promptly. These mechanisms ensure transparency, maintain public trust, and uphold ethical standards within the department, fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity in all operations.
Training and Development
The LAPD Manual emphasizes continuous training and development to enhance officer skills and professionalism. It outlines recruitment processes, field training requirements, and ongoing education for personnel growth.
9.1 Recruitment and Selection Process
The LAPD Manual details a rigorous recruitment and selection process to ensure candidates meet high standards. It includes thorough background checks, physical fitness assessments, and psychological evaluations. The process aims to identify individuals who align with the department’s core values and are committed to serving the community with integrity and professionalism, ensuring a capable and ethical police force.
9.2 Field Training Officer Qualification
Field Training Officers (FTOs) must meet specific qualifications outlined in the LAPD Manual. They are selected based on exemplary service records, leadership skills, and the ability to mentor. FTOs undergo specialized training to effectively evaluate and guide new officers. Their role is critical in ensuring recruits adhere to department standards and develop the necessary skills for duty. LAPD Manual Section 3/763.85 details these requirements.