Policing Practices Frequently Asked Questions

To address questions and concerns voiced by our community regarding El Cerrito Police Department practices and procedures, City staff has provided answers to various questions below. This page will continue to be updated as additional frequently asked questions arise. 

  1. What is the role of the District Attorney? Why doesn’t the Police Department choose not to prosecute arrested defendants?
  2. What is “Broken Windows” policing theory? Is this the policing philosophy of the ECPD?
  3. What types of oversight and accountability mechanisms are in place in El Cerrito?
  4. What is the complaint process? How can I make a complaint?
  5. Does the ECPD use militarized equipment?
  6. Is the City evaluating other ways to respond to mental health and homeless incidents?
  7. Does the ECPD engage in De-Escalation, Racial Profiling, and Implicit Bias training?
  8. How does the ECPD policy match up to Use of Force change campaigns?
  9. How does Asset Forfeiture work?
  10. Do police labor unions have special protections in El Cerrito?
  11. How has the City reduced funding to the Police Department?
  12. Why isn’t El Cerrito listed on the California Police Scorecard?
  13. Does El Cerrito have a drone program?
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