Law Enforcement Policies
This Policies section highlights how law enforcement policy plays out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
ALPR remains one of policing’s most powerful investigative tools, but agencies that cannot demonstrate disciplined oversight risk legal challenges, public backlash and the loss of a critical technology
Strategies for keeping agency policies current with laws, court rulings and best practices to reduce liability and strengthen compliance
A campaign dispute in Alabama raises hard questions about dissent, accountability and democracy in elected policing
After a Galveston officer’s near drowning, the police union criticized EMS. The case shows how protocol and police urgency can clash — and why trust matters
“Let’s do some due diligence and see if we can’t tighten things to presumably prevent loss of life and harm down the road,” Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said
Just as officers have go-bags with essential gear, a family go bag contains the essential skills to create a successful home life
The difference between a lawful seizure and unconstitutional conduct often hinges on how courts view an officer’s intent in high-risk vehicle encounters
Drawing on baseball’s 17-inch rule, Chief Sam DiGiovanna delivers a powerful message about consistency and standards in public safety organizations
From immigration crackdowns to federal control of city police, President Trump’s first six months have reshaped law enforcement — are they helping officers do their jobs?
The Dallas Police Department announced the change on social media, sharing photos of its Love Field Airport Unit wearing the newly approved headgear
“It’s not a mask, it is just simply a face covering, which is for our ... tactical teams because they do some dangerous stuff sometimes,” Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said
The 9th Circuit upheld a warrantless search of a man on supervised release, emphasizing probable cause based on residence
A surge in court-related pay for traffic officers helped drive the 26% increase in overtime spending over the 2025 fiscal year
Juvenile Offenders
Parents of minors who commit crimes or public disturbances could face up to 90 days in jail under the newly enacted Gloucester Township ordinance
Meet Deputy Chief James Beyer of the Irving (Texas) Police Department, who brings a humanistic, solutions-driven approach to policy, personnel and long-term planning
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension report shows a statewide drop from 89 requests in 2023 to just 19 in 2024
AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping law enforcement, but without clear policies, departments risk ethical, legal and operational missteps
“At this time, I believe this is the right step to avoid contributing further to public fear or uncertainty,” Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen said
The Immigration Enforcement Identification Safety Act would mandate that any officer conducting immigration enforcement display their names and agency affiliations
Trump administration officials say this practice is needed to safeguard ICE officers and their families from being harassed or threatened in public and online
ICE officials have defended the practice of officers wearing masks, saying immigration agents have faced harassment as they have gone about their enforcement
Agencies must provide their officers with the training they need to be just as competent with their firearm off duty as they are on duty
After multiple reports of “kidnappings” that turned out to be ICE operations, LAPD officers are now required to request a supervisor, verify credentials and record BWC video during responses
A recent AI misstep by a police department shows why public safety agencies need clear, enforceable AI policies
The Santa Cruz County grand jury report finds Watsonville officers are more likely to handcuff and transport misdemeanor suspects than counterparts in neighboring agencies
The real problem with beards, the myth of the fit test and how to prep for the moment your mask seal breaks
“The events of the last three years have challenged our department to thoroughly review our actions,” Col. Geoffrey Noble stated, pledging more investigative training and renewed oversight
Peter Moskos shares lessons from a policing revolution that cut murders by more than 1,500 in a decade
Officers say mental health calls are the top safety risk — here’s how patrol and leadership can work toward change
Lt. Eric Burgett shares how he stayed on the job after a life-changing diagnosis — offering officers guidance on treatment, ADA protections and workplace accommodations
A Florida PD now requires supervisors to visit cops who call out sick — a policy aimed at preventing abuse and protecting officer safety, but one that could erode morale and trust
Scottsdale Police didn’t follow a template; it built a Drone as First Responder program designed around its terrain, staffing and commitment to transparency
Citing past sick leave abuse, Miramar Chief Delrish Moss defended the new oversight policy despite union leaders calling it harassment and a “direct hit to morale”
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