Policy manuals used to change slowly. Today, most large departments update sections much more often. New case law, legislative changes, community expectations, and technology all drive revisions.
In practice, many agencies now:
- Issue policy updates or bulletins several times a year
- Revise use of force and de escalation guidance after major incidents
- Update body worn camera, digital evidence, and technology policies regularly
- Adjust discipline and complaint procedures based on oversight requirements
For officers who are studying, this means one thing: you cannot rely on an old printout. Before a promotion exam, confirm that you have the current version of the manual and any recent updates. Many boards expect candidates to know the latest language, not the version from several years ago.