Citizen Comment Process
The Police Department is very concerned about proper service delivery to the public and the behavior of its employees. All comments about police department employees are reviewed by the Police Department's administration.

Concerns, comments, and complaints about police personnel, policy, or procedures may be made online, by phone, or in-person at the Police Department. Police employees include everyone employed by the police department, i.e., officers, records staff, front desk staff, etc.

For compliments related to Santa Cruz Police Department employees, use this form. 

Any concerns about a Police Department employee's conduct, action, or service are investigated. Completed investigations are reviewed by the Independent Police Auditor to provide an independent review of the citizen complaint process.

Persons involved in the complaint will be contacted and statements taken. Other information or evidence will be gathered and documented. The completed investigation is forwarded to the Chief of Police and the Independent Police Auditor.

The Chief of Police makes a final decision as to the disposition of the complaint. A letter from the Chief of Police is sent to the party(s) outlining the investigation, the disposition of the complaint, and/or the actions taken to correct this problem. If the complaint involves discipline of the employee, the exact nature of that disciplinary action, by law, is confidential.

 The following are some answers to questions most often asked:

• Does the Police Department want to hear from the public?
  Yes, a Police Department cannot function effectively without the support of the community. That support is based on a foundation of mutual respect and trust. Without your input into the kind of police service we provide, we cannot function effectively or maintain the high standard you expect from your Police Department.
• Will you listen and respond to my concern?
  Yes. We will want to talk with you so we can fully understand the nature of your concern. Anyone at any time has the right to submit a comment form about police conduct or actions.
• How closely will you really investigate?
  We do a complete and thorough investigation. We want to know what we did right or wrong. By the same token, we want to know if the person making the complaint understands what occurred or if the employee is being falsely accused of wrongdoing.
• What will happen to the officer or employee?
  That depends on what he/she did. If it was a training issue, they will receive proper training. If their actions were improper, he/she will be disciplined accordingly by the Chief of Police. If their actions are criminal in nature, the information will be forwarded to the District Attorney for his review.
• Will I be told how the complaint was concluded?
  Yes. You will receive a letter from the Chief of Police outlining the investigation and the disposition of your complaint.

In summary, we want to hear from you if you have a comment, compliment or concern about police service in this community. To submit a Citizen Comment form, click here. Once submitted, it will be reviewed by the Santa Cruz Police Department Administration.

Thank a SCPD Employee:

Were you involved in a police related situation where you were satisfied with how the SCPD employee did his/her job? You are able to submit a form that gives the employee involved an opportunity to see that you appreciated them. You can complete and submit the form online. Once submitted, it will be sent to the Santa Cruz Police Department Administration and routed to the employee you have shown appreciation for. 

If you would like to look through the Santa Cruz Police Department Policy Manual, you can view it here. 

As part of the Santa Cruz Police Department’s mission and commitment to enhancing accountability, openness, and transparency, SCPD has implemented and established a department wide Body-Worn Camera program. This informational web page provides community awareness about the program.

The Department has purchased and equipped every police officer, community service officer, and park ranger with a body camera. Personnel are required to record their contacts as outlined in the departments Body-Worn Camera policy.  See Policy Number 425. Body camera footage is frequently used as evidence, investigation, training, and review.  Video footage of use of force incidents are part of a review process conducted by a Supervisor, Manager, or the Professional Standards Unit. 

The entire department policy including the Body-Worn Camera policy can be viewed in the Policy Manual tab in the transparency portal.

The department takes great pride in maintaining clear communication, transparency, and a well-working relationship with the community we serve. Our Body-Worn Camera program is part of this commitment. 

•Body Worn Camera Policy                                                               

•Frequently Asked Questions/(ESP)

• Body-Worn Camera SCPD Updates To Council and Public Safety Committee
-21st Century Policing Presentation, Dec 2016
-SCPD Activity Report Mar 2017
-FY 2018 Proposed Budget
-SCPD Activity Report May 2017

The panel provides a forum for discussion and presents the Chief with a diverse spectrum of viewpoints represented by our community members. The Chief’s Advisory Committee further creates an avenue for greater understanding between police and the community and promotes public input into the Department’s policies, strategies, and priorities.

The Santa Cruz Police Chief’s Advisory Committee consists of local leaders in the field of homelessness, mental health, education, faith, social justice, as well as neighborhood, business and community leaders. The Committee will address the most pressing issues facing the Santa Cruz Police Department, specifically around Department policies and accountability, and provide critical feedback to the Department on these issues. The discussions allow the Department to engage and collaborate with the community in a comprehensive manner with goals of increasing public safety, confidence and trust.

• David Doolin
• Betsy Clark
• Brenda Griffin
• Steve Pleich
• JD Sotelo
• Robert Orrizzi
• Fe Silva Robles