The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) is dedicated to being as transparent as possible with respect to our day-to-day operations and interactions with the public, while adhering to current policies, rules and guidelines. When necessary for safety reasons, information that is tactical or sensitive in nature is redacted.

Our Policy Manual explains the standards, values and expectations for everyone in SCPD. The policies support our mission to be professional and provide safe, effective and constitutional law enforcement.

The Policy Manual is a guide for all SCPD employees and is intended to provide guidance and to serve as a reference to employees of SCPD. It is the responsibility of each member of the Department to comply with the Policy Manual’s rules and provisions.

Written policies are only one part of how employees receive instructions. Directions given by supervisors or managers carry the same weight as written rules.

Lexipol

SCPD switched to using Lexipol to help reduce risk and save time spent updating policies. Lexipol provides a policy manual that includes state and federal laws, court decisions, and industry best practices, while still allowing each law enforcement agency to keep its unique needs. Most police agencies in California use Lexipol, and its training system meets California Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements.

The Policy Manual is updated often when laws or rules change. When updates happen, the new version is posted on the department’s website each month. Older versions are not kept on the website. If you need to know what a policy said on a certain date, you must submit a Public Records Act request. For additional inquiries, contact the Police Records Unit at (408) 615-4700 or via email at records@santaclaraca.gov

Policy Manual - updated 04/09/25

New Policy (1/1/26):

• Policy 1037- Visible Display of Identification
• Policy 1038- Facial Coverings