Fair & Impartial Policing Training

The Department implemented a comprehensive program focused on fair & impartial policing (FIP). The "fair & impartial policing perspective" reflects a new way of thinking about the issue of biased policing. It is based on the science of bias, which tells us that even well intentioned humans (including police officers) manifest biases that may impact their perceptions and behavior. The Department now provides its officers with training that makes them aware of their unconscious biases so they are able and motivated to activate controlled responses to counteract them.

Complete

FIP training has been provided to civilian and sworn staff.

Procedural Justice Training

Procedural Justice is based on 4 central principles:

1. Treating people with dignity and respect
2. Giving individuals a "voice" during encounters
3. Being neutral and transparent in decision making
4. Conveying trustworthy motives

To build trust and legitimacy within the Department and with the community, all officers have attended procedural justice training.

Complete

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training

All Department members are now required to attend a 40 hour CIT course to assist them in having safe and successful encounters with mentally ill clients.

On-going

De-Escalation Training

Officers are provided de-escalation training in an effort to reduce the use of physical force.

On-going

Officers have been trained in de-escalation and will continue to receive updated training during their Continuous Professional Training (CPT).

Body Worn Cameras

To increase transparency and accountability, the Department purchased Body Worn Cameras and provided training to officers. All patrol officers are required to wear the cameras.

Complete

UTEP Study

The Department partnered with the University of El Paso, Texas – Center for Law and Human Behavior (UTEP) to conduct an analysis of the Department's limited detention data on traffic and pedestrian stops. The goal was to identify and better understand any racial and/or ethnic disparities that may exist in the data, including any data that suggests racial bias, to ensure the Department is policing in a fair and impartial manner.

Complete

The study is complete and was announced in a Press Release on February 17, 2017.

Download the Study Here

Use of Force Committee

The Department formed a standing Use of Force Committee to review current SJPD practices regarding force. The committee provides policy recommendations to the Chief with the goal of ensuring the Department's use of force policies and procedures are in line with established "best practices."

On-going

Independent Police Auditor (IPA) Recommendations

The Department reviews recommendations made by the Office of the Independent Police Auditor and implements changes to Department policies and procedures based upon the agreed upon recommendations.

On-going

The Department is continuously working to implement the agreed upon IPA recommendations.

Examples of this work include the following updates to the Department's Duty Manual:

1. Officers may not use a "choke-hold" (which cuts off a person's airway) absent the need for deadly force (i.e. the force being responded to presents a danger of death or serious bodily injury).
2. The Department implemented a policy regarding Tactical Conduct (also known as "pre-force tactics"). This policy requires officers to consider several important tactical factors that may mitigate the need for force. The goal of this policy is to minimize the need for the use of physical force to the extent possible.

Coffee with a Cop

This is a program where officers and community members meet for coffee and conversation. There are no agendas or speeches, just a chance for community members to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers who serve them every day.

On-going

Community Advisory Board

The Chief's Community Advisory Board (CAB) is comprised of selected community members and officers, including division captains, patrol supervisors, and representatives from the Police Officers Association (POA). The CAB's primary function is to collaborate with the Department on solving issues that affect the community and helping define what community policing means in the City of San José.

On-going

LGBTQ Committee

At the Chief's direction, the Department formed an LGBTQ committee comprised of selected community members and Department members.The committee's primary function is to work collaboratively to address issues that affect the LGBTQ community, foster an inclusive workplace and ensure equality in policing practices.

On-going

The first LGBTQ committee meeting occurred in August of 2016.

T.E.A.M. Kids

T.E.A.M. Kids (Together Empowering And Mentoring Kids) is a program that allows patrol officers to visit elementary schools in blocks of six weekly visits to build positive relationships between the police, students, faculty and parents. The primary goal of the program is to support crime prevention and youth safety with an emphasis on gang prevention education.

On-going

Force Analysis Study

The Department partnered with Police Strategies LLC to conduct an analysis of the Department's use of force. The goal was to identify and better understand use of force incidents and identify any possible racial disparities that may exist in the data to ensure that the Department is using force in a fair and impartial manner.

Complete

View the study.