Long Beach Police Use of Force Rules - Guide

This guide explains how police use-of-force rules operate in Long Beach, California, who enforces them, and how members of the public can report or appeal incidents. It summarizes the Long Beach Police Department policies and local complaint pathways, notes where official penalties or remedies are specified, and gives practical steps for reporting, preserving evidence, and seeking review.

Overview

Use-of-force by Long Beach police officers is governed by the Long Beach Police Department policies, internal discipline systems, and applicable state and federal law. The Police Department publishes its policies on force definitions, de-escalation, and reporting; civilians may also use official complaint channels to request investigation and review. For the department's published policy language and reporting procedures, see the Long Beach Police Department policies page (policy list)^[1] and the Internal Affairs / complaints page (how to complain)^[2].

Key Legal Framework

• Department policy: LBPD policies set definitions, reporting, and internal review procedures.
• Civil/criminal law: Criminal prosecution or civil suits follow state and federal standards; specific remedies depend on prosecutorial or court action and are not specified on the cited municipal policy pages.
• Oversight: Long Beach uses internal affairs review and civilian oversight mechanisms where available.

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal policy documents and department pages govern internal discipline; monetary fines for use-of-force incidents are not typical municipal penalties and are not specified on the cited Long Beach policy pages. Criminal charges and civil liability are handled by the District Attorney or courts and may carry separate penalties.

• Fines: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: discipline normally ranges from counseling and training to suspension, termination, or criminal referral; specific escalation steps and ranges are not specified on the cited department policy page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: administrative suspension, mandatory retraining, policy violations recorded in personnel file, return-to-duty conditions, or termination may apply where misconduct is found.
• Enforcer & complaints: Internal Affairs investigates complaints; civilian oversight or police commission review may be available. To submit a complaint, use the department complaint page Internal Affairs^[2].
• Appeals/review: administrative appeal or review routes depend on department rules and any civilian oversight processes; time limits for filing appeals or complaints are not specified on the cited page.
• Defences/discretion: policies commonly allow for use of force when officers reasonably believe it is necessary to protect life or prevent serious harm; exact wording and standards are on the department policy pages policy list^[1].

Common violations and typical responses

• Excessive force complaints — may trigger internal investigation and possible discipline or criminal referral.
• Failure to report use of force — administrative sanctions may apply.
• Policy violations (procedure, training noncompliance) — retraining or corrective action.

Applications & Forms

The department provides a citizen complaint form and instructions on how to submit complaints via the Internal Affairs page; specific form names, numbers, fees, or deadlines are not specified on the cited page and are available on the department complaint page Internal Affairs^[2].

How to Report an Incident

1. Preserve evidence: write down names, badge numbers, times, and take photos or video if safe.
2. Contact LBPD or call 911 if urgent; for complaints, use the Internal Affairs page or visit a police station.
3. Submit a written complaint through the department complaint form or in person as directed on the Internal Affairs page.
4. Request copies of incident reports and maintain records of your submissions.
5. If you believe criminal conduct occurred, contact the District Attorney's office to inquire about criminal review.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about police use of force?

File a complaint through the Long Beach Police Department Internal Affairs channels listed on the department website, in person at a station, or by contacting Internal Affairs directly. See the Internal Affairs page for instructions and forms.^[2]

Will officers face fines for improper use of force?

Monetary fines for officers are not specified on the cited municipal policy pages; discipline typically involves administrative actions, and criminal or civil penalties depend on prosecutors and courts.

How long does an investigation take?

Investigation timeframes vary; specific timelines are not specified on the cited department policy pages and depend on case complexity.

How-To

1. Collect details immediately: note time, location, officer identifiers, and witness names.
2. Save any audio, video, or photos and back them up to secure storage.
3. Contact the Long Beach Police Department Internal Affairs to report the incident and request the citizen complaint form.^[2]
4. Follow up in writing and request timelines, report numbers, and copies of reports.
5. Consider contacting an attorney or community oversight entities for civil remedies or additional review.

Key Takeaways

• Long Beach use-of-force is governed by LBPD policy and internal review; specific fines are not listed on the cited pages.
• File complaints promptly, preserve evidence, and use the Internal Affairs process for investigations.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Long Beach - Police Department
• City of Long Beach - Internal Affairs / Complaints
• Long Beach Municipal Code (Municode)

1. [1] City of Long Beach Police Department - Policies
2. [2] City of Long Beach Police Department - Internal Affairs / Complaints