Skip to main content

Policies and Procedures

General Orders

The Sheriff's Office General Orders contain written directives issued by the Sheriff establishing permanent policy or procedures, or both, and generally affect the entire Sheriff's Office.  They are the most authoritative directives issued and remain in effect until amended, superseded or rescinded.  Sheriff's Office General Orders generally contains two sections: policy and procedures.

  • Policy section - the policy section states the Sheriff's Office principles and overall plan and embraces its goals, philosophy and acceptable procedures.

  • Procedure section - the procedure section establishes a uniform process to accomplish tasks, consistent with Sheriff's Office policy.

In addition to the General Orders, the Custody Bureau policies and procedures are specific to the operation of county jails for sentenced and unsentenced incarcerated individuals.

General Orders and Policies​​

Sheriff's Protective Service Officer Use of Force Policy

Updated General Order Policies

DOC Policies & Procedures

Updated Policies and Procedures

Surveillance Use Policies

Custody

Enforcement

Popular policies

Use of Force
Use of Restraints
De-Escalation
Use of Force Reporting, Investigation, and Review
Body Worn Camera
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program
Military Equipment Use

Surveillance Use Policies


Surveillance policies for law enforcement in Santa Clara County are guided by Ordinance NS-300.897, which emphasizes the balance between community safety and individual privacy rights. This ordinance mandates that any acquisition and use of surveillance technology by law enforcement agencies must receive prior approval from the Board of Supervisors. It also requires the development of comprehensive surveillance use policies that ensure transparency, accountability, and public oversight. By adhering to these guidelines, the ordinance aims to protect civil liberties while leveraging technology to enhance public safety.

Custody

Body Worn Camera System BOSBooking-Photograph Cameras Surveillance Use Policy
Facility Security CamerasHandheld Digital Cameras Surveillance Use Policies
Inmate Tablet MonitoringInmate Telephone Monitoring​
Safety and Security Surveillance Equipment Surveillance Use Policy​ 

Enforcement

Automated License Plate Reader Technology Surveillance Use PolicyBody Worn Camera System BOS​
Callyo Mobile Bug Surveillance Use Policy​Command Vehicle Camera Surveillance Use Policy
Court Security Safety Surveillance Equip Surveillance Use PolicyCrisis Negotiations Team ENT Call Box and Rescue Phone System Surveillance Use Policy
Digital Cameras and Video Surveillance Use PolicyDigital Voice Recorders Surveillance Use Policy
Flash Camera Surveillance Use Policy​In-Car Video Recording Dash Cam
Live Scan Machines and Mobile ID Fingerprint Machines Surveillance Use PolicyTrac PT-10 Plus Global Positioning System Tracking Devices Surveillance Use Policy
Tactical Ball Cameras Surveillance Use PolicyTrail Cameras Surveillance Use Policy
VideOversight Interview Recording and Case Management System Surveillance Use Policy 

SBISS Policies

The South Bay Information Sharing System (SBISS) is a partnership of law enforcement agencies in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties working together to leverage technology for the purpose of maximizing data sharing while maintaining the confidentiality of privileged or otherwise protected information shared throughout the system. 

South Bay Information Sharing System (SBISS) Memorandum of Understanding​

SBISS Automated License Plate Ready (ALPR) Policy