DGO 5.23 Final Working Group Recommendation and Discussion Tracking Grid as of June 10, 2026

Command Staff has reviewed the proposed change and does not concur. The scope of this Department General Order will remain limited to interactions with individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This limitation is necessary because these contacts present unique risks of escalation if officers misinterpret a lack of response as non-compliance, when in fact the individual requires accommodations due to hearing impairment.

The request has, however, generated interest in evaluating whether a separate written directive is needed to address interactions with individuals who have other specific disabilities where escalation risks are heightened.

1. The current use of “should” meets the requirements of the California Evidence Code and aligns with the wording used throughout the policy.

2.  From an operational standpoint, changing “should” to “shall” would block officers from communicating with a victim during an unplanned call or emergency encounter unless a qualified interpreter was immediately available. If Language Line had no interpreter available, which does occur, officers would be barred from asking any questions even when the victim is willing to use an alternative communication method.