Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 2000079
Date Issued: Jun 24, 2020 - 8:02am

Washoe County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual published online

CONTACT: Sarah Johns
911 Parr Blvd
Reno, NV. 89512
Office: 775-785-6235
Cell: 775-391-0407

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam has republished the Office's Policy Manual on the homepage of washoesheriff.com.

"Now, more than ever, it is critical for our community members to see exactly how we operate," said Sheriff Balaam. "I believe in transparency, and I believe in the men and women who work for the Washoe County Sheriff's Office."

Included in the 517 page document are the Office's policies on Use of Force, Body Worn Cameras and Racial/Bias Based Profiling, among others.

"I'm pleased that the Washoe County Sheriff's Office already had policies and procedures in place that are in line with what has been brought forward by Campaign Zero's #8CAN'TWAIT campaign," the Sheriff said. "I invite members of the community to examine our policies and procedures like our Use of Force and defined De-Escalation techniques. I look forward to continuing the conversation about how the Sheriff's Office interacts with the community, as well as other topics."

While the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual mentions de-escalation multiple times (Sections 208.4.1, 309.10, 418.3) the document also contains an enhanced section defining de-escalation techniques. Specific to the policy (300.3.3): listen, acknowledge, agree, apologize, seek clarification, ask sequence questions, and suggest an action instead of demand it.


The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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