The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) wants to be open and honest about how we do our daily work and how we interact with the public. We have rules to follow, and sometimes, to keep everyone safe, we have to keep certain sensitive information private.

Our Policy Manual explains the values, rules, and expectations for everyone who works at SCPD. These policies help us stay professional and provide safe and fair 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

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. 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 06/02/2026

New Policy (1/1/26):

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