DGO5.08 "Non-Uniformed Officers"

This order establishes policies regarding the use of non-uniformed officers in traffic and crowd control situations, and the requirements for identification.

I. POLICY

A. DEFINITION. A non-uniformed officer is any officer who is not wearing the prescribed S.F.P.D. uniform.

B. ARRESTS/IDENTIFICATION. Before making an arrest, detaining a suspect, conducting a search, serving or executing a warrant, or issuing a citation, non-uniformed officers shall display their police star or other official identification. When requested, non-uniformed officers shall promptly and politely provide their name, star number and assignment.

C. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT (also see DGO 9.01, Traffic. Enforcement).

1. TRAFFIC STOPS/CITATIONS. Non-uniformed officers shall not initiate traffic stops, issue traffic citations or make minor traffic arrests except:
   1. When the activity is related to an ongoing criminal investigation or regulated vehicle enforcement, e.g., taxi cabs, shuttle buses, limousines.
   2. When witnessing an aggravated situation requiring immediate action to protect life or property, e.g., drunk driving.
2. BACKUP UNIT. When making a traffic stop under the circumstances described above (except for regulated vehicle enforcement) non-uniformed officers shall immediately request a marked backup unit.

D. CROWD CONTROL Non-uniformed officers shall not be used to make arrests in crowd control situations unless there is reasonable cause to believe there is a danger to life or the possibility of great bodily injury (see DGO 8.10, Guidelines for First Amendment Activities and SFPD Crowd Control Manual).