Phoenix Police Department Policy Manual

The Phoenix Police Department publishes many of its policies through a public PowerDMS portal, giving officers and the public access to core operational and administrative directives. The manual reflects a large, fast-growing Western city with emphasis on constitutional policing, use of force review, critical incident response, and community expectations. Policy language is structured, formal, and often cross-references state law, making it essential for promotional candidates to understand both the “letter” and the applied intent of each section.

For Phoenix PD promotional prep, start by mapping the policy topics that historically carry the highest liability: use of force, pursuits, arrests and searches, prisoner handling, bias-free policing, and supervisor responsibilities. Create a tiered study plan:

- **Tier 1 – Must know cold:** use of force, pursuits, officer-involved shootings, complaints, and critical incident command.
- **Tier 2 – High-impact support:** evidence handling, domestic violence, juvenile procedures, and crisis/mental health contacts.
- **Tier 3 – Administrative:** evaluations, discipline, training, and documentation requirements.

As you read each policy, write “If I am the sergeant/lieutenant…” at the top of your notes and describe what the policy requires YOU to do: respond, direct, approve, notify, or document. That mental shift from line-officer to supervisor is where promotion points are won.

Key Phoenix PD policy areas to emphasize:

- **Use of force & critical incident response** – force options, reporting, review boards, body-worn camera integration, and post-incident procedures.
- **Vehicle pursuits & emergency response driving** – criteria for initiation, continuous risk evaluation, supervisor control, and termination.
- **Arrests, searches, and detention** – legal thresholds, documentation, transport, and handling of vulnerable populations.
- **Bias-free policing & community contacts** – expectations on impartial policing, documentation, and complaint intake.
- **Evidence and property** – chain of custody, documentation, and supervisor responsibilities when discrepancies are found.
- **Internal investigations & discipline** – investigation steps, classifications, timelines, and employee rights during the process.

When preparing for Phoenix PD promotional testing:

1. **Expect scenario-driven questions.** Many test items are framed as calls for service or internal incidents (e.g., questionable force, pursuit violations, or complaints). Practice reading a short scenario and then identifying what Phoenix PD policy requires.
2. **Know escalation and notification thresholds.** Pay special attention to when policy requires notification of a higher-ranking commander, internal affairs, or specialized units.
3. **Use layered review.** First pass: read and highlight. Second pass: convert highlights into bullet notes. Third pass: turn bullets into flashcards or quiz questions.
4. **Practice “why” explanations.** For each major policy, write one or two sentences about why the department cares so much about it (liability, community trust, officer safety). That understanding makes it easier to recall the rules under exam pressure.