SB 978 Policies, Practices, and Operating Procedures

After the passage of Senate Bill 978 (2018), the law requires that law enforcement agencies make their current standards, policies, practices, and education & training materials available on the Internet for public viewing. Note: the policies and training materials listed below do not include information that is not otherwise available through the California Public Records Act.

Arcata Police Department Policies

The Arcata Police Department has numerous policies that guide its employees in their duties enhancing safety in our community. Policies are based on policing best practices, current legal standards and community safety needs. The department strives to achieve the upmost transparency in providing public safety services to the community. Department policies ensure that the community has the opportunity to be well informed and that our police officers receive the most up to date guidance available in policing. We believe placing these policies in a location easily accessible to the community helps broaden communication and increase community trust.

Arcata Police Department Policy Manual

Arcata Police Department Policy Manual Updated 04/20/2022

Policy 710.4 Equipment Inventory

City of Arcata Personnel Rules and Regulations


Arcata Police Department Training

Before starting their career as a Police Officer for the City of Arcata, our officers must attend a Basic Training Academy that has been approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).  Although an officer may attend any POST approved Basic Training Academy before joining the Arcata Police Department, the Arcata Police Department sends many of its recruits to the College of the Redwoods Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

After graduating from the academy, our officers participate in a field training program that lasts 18 or more weeks—where they must demonstrate to Field Training Officer (FTO) who supervises them in the field that they have the ability to safely provide public safety service to our community.

Once an officer has completed their field training program, their training will continue through quarterly, annual or biennial Department trainings.  Most of the training our officers and dispatchers receive is provided through the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). In compliance with SB-978, POST has made available through their website all presenter course content, unless the material falls within an applicable exemption under the Public Records Act. . 

Arcata Police Department In-House Training

Officer Field Training Program
Arcata Police Department Field Training Program Vol 1
Arcata Police Department Field Training Program Vol 2

Communications (CTO) Training Program
CTO Manual Part 1
CTO Manual Part 2
CTO Manual Part 3
CTO Manual Part 4