Core Values and Mission Statement
1.1 Core Values
The LAPD’s core values include reverence for human life, integrity, accountability, and community partnerships. These principles guide officers to uphold trust, respect, and fairness in all interactions, ensuring ethical and professional service to the public.
1.2 Mission Statement
The mission of the Los Angeles Police Department is to safeguard the lives and property of the people, reduce crime, and enhance the quality of life in Los Angeles. This is achieved through collaborative policing, innovation, and a commitment to justice.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is guided by a set of core values that shape its operations and interactions with the community. At the heart of these values is the reverence for human life, which underscores the department’s commitment to prioritizing safety and dignity in all encounters. Integrity is another cornerstone, ensuring that officers act with honesty, transparency, and ethical judgment in their duties. Accountability is emphasized, requiring both individual officers and the department as a whole to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. Community partnerships are also a key value, reflecting the LAPD’s dedication to building trust and collaboration with the public to foster a safer and more inclusive environment. These values are not just ideals but are embedded in the department’s policies, training, and daily practices, ensuring that officers uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service.
The mission of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is to protect and serve the community by safeguarding lives, reducing crime, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. This mission is rooted in the department’s commitment to justice, equality, and public safety; The LAPD strives to achieve its goals through collaborative policing, fostering trust and partnerships with the community to address crime and social issues proactively. By leveraging innovation, technology, and professional training, the department aims to provide effective and responsive law enforcement services. The LAPD is dedicated to upholding the law while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, ensuring that every interaction reflects the highest standards of fairness and integrity. This mission is a promise to the people of Los Angeles to create a safer, more inclusive, and vibrant city for future generations.
Use of Force Policy
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Use of Force Policy is designed to ensure that officers use the minimum amount of force necessary to safely resolve situations while protecting the community and themselves. The policy emphasizes the reverence for human life and the importance of de-escalation techniques to avoid the use of force whenever possible. Officers are trained to assess each situation carefully, considering the severity of the threat and the potential consequences of their actions. The policy strictly adheres to legal standards and departmental guidelines, ensuring that force is used proportionally and only when justified. Any use of force must be reported and reviewed to maintain accountability and transparency. The LAPD also prioritizes post-incident procedures, including medical aid for those affected and thorough investigations to determine the appropriateness of the force used. This policy reflects the department’s commitment to public safety and the ethical conduct of its officers.
Confidentiality and Information Security
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) places a high priority on maintaining confidentiality and ensuring the security of all sensitive information. Employees are required to safeguard confidential files, documents, records, and reports in their custody, as outlined in Section 3/405 of the LAPD Manual. Unauthorized disclosure or access to such information is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. The department implements robust measures to protect data integrity, including encryption, secure storage, and controlled access protocols.
Information security protocols are regularly updated to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Officers and staff undergo training to ensure compliance with these policies, emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or misuse. The LAPD also conducts periodic audits to verify adherence to confidentiality and security standards, ensuring the public’s trust and the integrity of department operations.
Incident Command and Senior Officer Responsibilities
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) establishes clear protocols for incident command and senior officer responsibilities to ensure effective management of critical situations. Senior officers are determined by rank and experience, with the highest-ranking officer assuming command unless otherwise designated. Their primary role is to assess the situation, allocate resources, and make strategic decisions to ensure public safety and operational efficiency.
Senior officers are responsible for coordinating responses, communicating with dispatch, and overseeing subordinate personnel. They must ensure compliance with department policies, legal standards, and ethical practices. Decision-making authority rests with the senior officer, who must balance immediate actions with long-term consequences. Effective communication and delegation are critical to maintaining order and achieving incident objectives.
Post-incident, senior officers are required to review actions taken, document decisions, and ensure accountability. They also oversee debriefings to identify lessons learned and improve future responses. The LAPD emphasizes the importance of leadership, accountability, and teamwork in incident command to protect both the public and officers involved.
Training and Professional Development
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) prioritizes comprehensive training and professional development to ensure officers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethical standards necessary for effective policing. The LAPD Academy provides rigorous initial training, covering legal procedures, tactical operations, and community engagement. Continuous education is mandated through annual retraining programs, focusing on de-escalation techniques, cultural diversity, and emerging technologies.
Professional development opportunities include advanced courses in specialized fields such as crisis negotiation, forensic science, and leadership. The LAPD encourages officers to pursue higher education and certifications, offering tuition reimbursement and partnerships with academic institutions. Mentorship programs pair experienced officers with new recruits to foster career growth and institutional knowledge.
Simulated scenario training and real-world case studies are integral to preparing officers for high-pressure situations. The department also emphasizes ongoing evaluation and feedback to refine training methods and address evolving community needs. By investing in officer development, the LAPD aims to enhance public safety, build trust, and maintain a highly skilled workforce.
Discipline and Accountability
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) upholds a strict framework of discipline and accountability to ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity within its ranks. Officers are expected to adhere to departmental policies, ethical standards, and legal requirements at all times. Any deviation from these expectations is addressed through a structured disciplinary process aimed at maintaining public trust and organizational integrity.
Misconduct is reported and investigated through the LAPD’s internal affairs division, with findings reviewed by senior officers and oversight bodies; Disciplinary actions range from verbal warnings to termination, depending on the severity of the offense. The department emphasizes accountability not only for misconduct but also for failure to report or address unethical behavior. This ensures a culture of responsibility and adherence to the highest professional standards.
Additionally, the LAPD conducts regular audits and performance reviews to monitor compliance with policies and procedures. Officers who consistently demonstrate exemplary conduct are recognized and rewarded, reinforcing the importance of ethical policing. The department’s commitment to accountability ensures that officers are held to the same standards they enforce within the community.
Community Relations and Public Trust
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) places a high priority on fostering positive community relations and maintaining public trust. Officers are trained to engage with the community in a respectful and professional manner, ensuring transparency in all interactions. The department emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding, recognizing the diversity of the communities it serves.
Community trust is built through outreach programs, neighborhood partnerships, and open communication. The LAPD encourages public involvement in crime prevention initiatives and collaborates with community organizations to address local concerns. Officers are expected to uphold ethical standards, ensuring that their actions reflect the department’s commitment to fairness and justice;
Public trust is further strengthened through accountability measures, such as citizen oversight boards and transparent reporting of incidents. The LAPD actively seeks feedback from the community to improve services and adapt to evolving needs. By fostering a culture of collaboration and respect, the department strives to create a safer and more united Los Angeles.
Legal and Compliance Standards
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is committed to adhering to all applicable legal and compliance standards. Officers are required to uphold local, state, and federal laws while performing their duties. The department ensures that all policies and procedures are regularly updated to reflect changes in legislation and legal precedents.
Compliance with legal standards is reinforced through mandatory training programs, which include updates on new laws, court rulings, and internal policies. The LAPD also conducts regular audits and reviews to ensure adherence to these standards. Officers are held accountable for any violations of legal protocols, with disciplinary actions taken when necessary.
The department maintains a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and legal responsibility, ensuring that all actions are carried out in a manner that respects the rights of individuals and upholds the rule of law. This commitment to legal and compliance standards is integral to maintaining public trust and ensuring justice in all interactions.