Report 2021-105 Recommendation 62 Responses

Report 2021-105: Law Enforcement Departments Have Not Adequately Guarded Against Biased Conduct (Release Date: April 2022)

Recommendation #62 To: Stockton Police Department

To ensure that it adequately investigates possible biased conduct and implements effective corrective actions, Stockton Police should ensure it has implemented policies or procedures by January 2023 that require that the individuals handling bias-related investigations follow detailed investigative guidelines for identifying biased conduct and be specifically trained in how to perform these assessments.

Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From March 2025

Policy 1009, "Personnel Complaints," contains Section 1009.4.6, "Hate Complaints Against Peace Officers," which addresses complaints alleging that an officer, within the past seven years and since turning 18, has engaged in membership in a hate group, participation in hate group activities, or public advocacy of hate (Penal Code section 13682). However, this section does not establish detailed investigative guidelines for identifying biased conduct beyond these specific allegations. There is nothing else in this policy that talks about bias.

Additionally, Policy 314, "Discriminatory Harassment," defines discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment while outlining employee and supervisor responsibilities. The policy states that complaints not resolved through the supervisory resolution process will be formally investigated and details the role of the EEOC Officer in handling such complaints. The policy provides general investigative guidelines. All investigators are provided with a California Peace Officer Standards and Training certified training.

California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Pending

Per the departments own response, its policy does not adopt all aspects of our recommendation. Specifically, it does not address all types of potential bias. Additionally, it does not require investigators to follow detailed investigative guidelines or that they be trained in how to identify biased conduct.

Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2023

The Stockton Police Department is updating its policies through Lexipol, a platform representing nationwide standards and best practices. Stockton Police personnel receive biennial training related to protected classes. Stockton Police Department follows POST guidelines related to bias.

California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Pending

All Recommendations in 2021-105

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.