The use of social media in law enforcement related investigations is a valuable tool to the San Francisco Police Department. Social media is used by investigators across the Department, particularly the Investigations Bureau. Information obtained from investigative social media accounts can provide critical evidence in cases involving homicide, human trafficking, missing persons, firearms and firearms-related offenses, narcotics, special investigations, internet crimes, crimes against children, etc.

PURPOSE: 
The purpose of this policy is to provide operational guidelines and tactical considerations for members assigned to the Special Field Operations Bureau working in a plainclothes or undercover capacity.

Purpose:

The purpose of this order is to establish the protocol for members to access, review, and retain data and footage from surveillance cameras and camera systems owned and/or operated by non-City entities.

This order applies to both live viewing of surveillance cameras and to historical footage gathered for use as evidence in criminal or administrative investigations.

Definitions 

The use of social media in law enforcement related investigations is a valuable tool to the San Francisco Police Department. Social media is used by investigators across the Department, particularly the Investigations Bureau. Information obtained from investigative social media accounts can provide critical evidence in cases involving homicide, human trafficking, missing persons, firearms and firearms-related offenses, narcotics, special investigations, internet crimes, crimes against children, etc.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to provide operational guidelines and tactical considerations for members assigned to the Field Operations Bureau working in a plainclothes or undercover capacity.

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is to provide guidelines for the proper use of Starchase technology during the Starchase Pilot Program (SPP). Proper use of Starchase technology can reduce the need for enforcement options that may result in dangerous actions by criminal suspects and place the public, the suspect(s), and department personnel in danger.

The purpose of this directive is to announce the revision of Department General Order 3.05 Department Weapon Return Panel, adopted by the Police Commission on October 4, 2023.

The updates in this policy include, but are not limited to the following:

The purpose of this notice is to provide members with guidance concerning enforcement of Health and Safety Code section 11532, “Loitering for Drug Activities.”

Background
Illegal open-air drug dealing and use, and associated criminal activity, significantly impacts this City and Department resources. To supplement numerous other statutes, H&S Code section 11532 provides members with an additional criminal statute that may be used to combat blatant and pervasive open-air drug dealing and use.

The purpose of this Department Notice is to announce the revision of Department General Order 5.07, Rights of Onlookers, adopted by the Police Commission on September 6, 2023. The Police Commission agreed to a 90-business day implementation period and therefore, members will be held accountable for this policy starting January 19, 2024. 

The updates in this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

All Department members/employees are reminded that there should be no political endorsements while on duty or in uniform. Department General Order 2.01 General Rules of Conduct states: