Oversight & Accountability

The Police Department is one of 8 departments governed by the City Council and City Manager.

Employee Misconduct

Note: In the rare event of employee misconduct, the PPD coordinate with the City’s Human Resources Department and the City Attorney’s to address disciplinary decisions. Both entities are completely independent of the PPD, non-political, and non-partisan. Officer-involved incidents resulting in great bodily injury or fatalities are escalated to State & County agencies for oversight and investigation.

De-escalation Training

Our officers learn critical de-escalation tactics through extensive crisis intervention training related to racial profiling, hate crimes, domestic violence, mental health, homelessness, immigration and biased-based policing. This training greatly reduces the need for use of force when responding to calls. Prior to use of force, our officers identify themselves and give verbal warnings to make every effort to peacefully resolve situations.

Oversight & Investigation

Officer-involved incidents resulting in great bodily injury or fatalities are escalated to the following State & County agencies for oversight and investigation.

1) Countywide Chief’s Protocol (SCLECA)

Establishes procedures and guidelines for criminal investigations of officer-involved fatal incidents. Pursuant with this protocol, an outside law enforcement agency separate from the involved agency handles the investigation.

2) Sonoma County District Attorney (SCDA)

Oversees and reviews criminal investigations of officer-involved fatal incidents.

3) Sonoma County Grand Jury

Reviews all reports and finding from the District Attorney’s Office related to officer-involved fatal incidents.

4) CA Attorney General

Investigates incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in deaths or unarmed civilians or other incidents at the request of local law enforcement pursuant with AB 1506.