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Policy Manual Maintenance and Support the Police Department <br />September 19, 2023 <br />Page 2 <br />3 <br />7 <br />2 <br />6 <br /> What is Lexipol? <br />Lexipol provides a cost-effective model that protects and maximizes taxpayer <br />resources. Lexipol provides law enforcement employees the knowledge, skills, and <br />abilities to protect their communities by crafting legally sound policies and procedures. <br />Lexipol does not act as a policy maker; SAPD has the responsibility to make policy <br />decisions and customize policies to align with the community’s needs and the <br />Department’s values. Lexipol’s policies are developed to align with state and federal <br />laws, court decisions, and provide officers with guidance to improve policing outcomes <br />and minimize risk. Compliance with sound policies, coupled with proper supervision and <br />disciplinary action, leads to risk reduction. <br />Lexipol’s policy management is accessible online and via mobile devices, and includes: <br />• Comprehensive guidance that complies with federal and state laws and regulations <br />and provides the ability to customize policy to fit Department and community needs <br />• Policy updates as laws and regulations change <br />• Policy implementation assistance from qualified professionals <br />• Scenario-based Daily Training Bulletins with tests to reinforce and demonstrate policy <br />comprehension <br />What About Community Input? <br />Lexipol’s model does not prevent community input in enacting policies. In fact, SAPD <br />has modified approximately 50% of the Lexipol policy content incorporating the <br />community’s input, needs, and values in many key policies including Body Worn <br />Cameras, Cite and Release, Vehicle Tow and Release, Criminal Organizations, and <br />Immigration Violations. These are examples of policies customized with community <br />input. Pursuant to state law, all of SAPD’s policies and procedures are available online <br />for members of the community to review and provide comment, if so desired. <br />Additionally, the newly formed Police Oversight Commission has the authority to <br />conduct public meetings to educate the community on the purpose of the Commission <br />and provide a forum for discussions about police policies, practices, and procedures. <br />(SAMC 2-665(j)). <br />What About the Use of Force Policy? <br />Lexipol’s use of force policy aligns with, and has been revised internally to, mirror state <br />law. The use of force policy requires officers to intervene to stop uses of excessive <br />force, it prohibits chokeholds and carotid restraints, and requires de-escalation tactics <br />when time and circumstances permit.