Boston Police Department Policy Manual

The Boston Police Department (BPD) publishes its Rules and Procedures online, organized as numbered Rules that govern conduct, operations, internal investigations, use of force, field interactions, and administrative processes. These Rules function as the department’s policy manual and are frequently updated to reflect legal changes, oversight expectations, and community concerns in a historic, high-density East Coast city.

For BPD promotion prep, start by building a master index of the Rules and Procedures, grouping them into: (1) conduct and ethics, (2) use of force and firearms, (3) field interactions and stop documentation, (4) vehicle operations and pursuits, (5) internal investigations and discipline, and (6) community engagement and transparency. Within each group, identify the specific Rules that are most likely to appear on exams—particularly those involving use of force, deadly force, field interaction reporting, and complaints. For each Rule, write a short summary that explains what supervisors must enforce, correct, or review.

High-value BPD Rules for promotion-focused study typically include:

- Rules governing conduct, rights, and responsibilities of department personnel.
- Use of force and deadly force Rules, including reporting and review procedures.
- Field interaction and observation/encounter reporting Rules that govern stops and documentation.
- Vehicle operations and pursuit-related Rules.
- Internal investigations, complaint handling, and discipline procedures.
- Rules related to community interactions, recording, and transparency.

Because the Rules are discrete documents, organizing them by topic and exam relevance is critical.

When preparing for BPD promotional exams:

1. Create quick-reference summaries for each Rule you identify as high-liability or high-visibility.
2. Focus on the language that sets out mandatory duties for supervisors—what must be investigated, documented, or reported up the chain.
3. Practice scenario questions involving urban foot pursuits, field interactions with documentation, and uses of force in busy city neighborhoods.
4. Track Rule amendments and new Rules; these are often emphasized in testing and oral boards.