Trust Through Transparency

At the Torrance Police Department, we believe that public trust is built through transparency, accountability, and ongoing communication with the community we serve. This page provides direct access to our policies, data, and oversight practices, reflecting our commitment to integrity and lawful policing. 

In accordance with California law, we make available a wide range of information including: 

  • Department policies and training materials as required under SB 978 (Gov. Code §13650)
  • Stop data reports submitted under the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA)
  • Use of force incidents and officer-involved shootings, including video releases per AB 748
  • Military equipment inventory and usage policies as mandated by AB 481
  • Personnel records relating to sustained misconduct, made public through SB 1421 and SB 16 

Our goal is to ensure community members have access to clear, timely information about how we operate and how we are held accountable. We invite you to explore the sections below to learn more about how transparency shapes our service and strengthens our relationship with the public. 

 

CA DOJ Enforceable Agreement and Reform Efforts

The Torrance Police Department is operating under an enforceable agreement with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to address identified areas for improvement and strengthen policies, practices, and accountability. This agreement reflects a commitment to lawful, professional policing and continuous improvement in service to the Torrance community.

The Department is working in coordination with the California DOJ and an independent monitor to implement required reforms, track progress, and ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. Information on this page is intended to provide transparency into the reform process and the steps being taken moving forward.

Reform efforts may include policy updates, training enhancements, data collection improvements, and oversight mechanisms designed to support accountability and public trust. Progress will occur over time as required actions are implemented and reviewed.

Official DOJ Information

The California Department of Justice has published official statements and documents related to the Torrance Police Department’s enforceable agreement.

These materials are maintained by the California Department of Justice and are provided here for reference and transparency.

Additional documents and updates may be published by the California Department of Justice as the reform process continues.

Department Policies and Procedures

The Torrance Police Department Policy Manual outlines the Department’s policies, procedures, and standards that guide police services and operations. These policies are intended to promote lawful, professional, and consistent policing in service to the Torrance community.

The policy manual is accessible via the following link: TPD Policy Manual(PDF, 40MB)  

Policies may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, best practices, or Department operations.

AB 449 Hate Crimes Policy

Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents (AB 449)

The Torrance Police Department is committed to responding appropriately to hate crimes and hate incidents and to supporting individuals and communities impacted by bias-motivated conduct. California law distinguishes between hate crimes, which are criminal acts motivated by bias, and hate incidents, which involve hateful conduct that may not rise to the level of a crime but should still be reported. Understanding this distinction helps ensure incidents are documented, investigated when appropriate, and connected to available resources 

The Department investigates hate crimes thoroughly and works with victims to ensure they are informed of their rights, available services, and investigative processes. Information on how to recognize, report, and seek help for hate crimes and hate incidents is provided in the brochure linked below.

The Torrance Police Department’s policies governing the reporting and investigation of hate crimes and hate incidents are set forth in TPD Policy 318, which is available through the TPD Policy Manual.

Helpful Resources

SB 978 Records and Disclosures

This section is under development. Until AB 978 records are available online, requests for records subject to disclosure may be submitted through the Department’s Public Records Act Request Portal.

Records are reviewed and released in accordance with applicable law.

AB 481 Military Equipment Policy

In September 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 481, which requires California law enforcement agencies to establish policies governing the funding, acquisition, and use of certain equipment defined by state law as “military equipment,” regardless of how it was obtained. These requirements are intended to promote transparency and community oversight regarding the use of this equipment.

The Torrance Police Department’s inventory of equipment designated as military equipment under AB 481, along with the Department’s policy governing its use, is accessible below.

Annual Reports

2025 - 2026 Assembly Bill 481 Annual Report(PDF, 3MB) (Published 5/8/2026)

2024 - 2025 Assembly Bill 481 Annual Report(PDF, 2MB)  (Published 5/15/2025)

2023 - 2024 Assembly Bill 481 Annual Report(PDF, 2MB)  (Published 10/21/2024)

2022 - 2023 Assembly Bill 481 Annual Report(PDF, 3MB)  (Published 5/23/2023)

Public Questions or Concerns

Members of the public may submit questions or concerns regarding the Department’s military equipment policy by email at TPDequipmentpolicy@TorranceCA.Gov

 

 

SB 1421 Records and Disclosures

The Torrance Police Department is in the process of developing this section to provide access to records subject to disclosure under Senate Bill 1421. Until this section is complete, requests for SB 1421 records may be submitted through the Department’s Public Records Act Request Portal.

The Department is reviewing and processing records in accordance with applicable law and available resources.

Stop Data / RIPA Compliance

The Torrance Police Department complies with the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (AB 953 / RIPA), a California law that prohibits racial and identity profiling and requires law enforcement agencies to collect and submit detailed stop and complaint data to the California Department of Justice (DOJ). RIPA data helps inform transparency, accountability, and best practices around policing across the state.

To access RIPA data or request information directly, please visit the California DOJ’s RIPA portal. This portal is maintained by the California Department of Justice and includes interactive data and reports submitted by agencies statewide.

The RIPA portal also includes statewide reports and tools for exploring demographic stop data collected under AB 953, helping the public understand trends and outcomes across California law enforcement agencies.

Critical Incident Community Briefings

This page provides community briefings following critical incidents involving Torrance Police Department officers, including officer-involved shootings. These briefings are intended to share verified information as it becomes available, explain the investigative process, and provide transparency to the community during incidents of significant public concern.

December 2, 2024

The following information pertains to the Officer Involved Shooting that took place on December 2, 2024

January 16, 2021

The following information pertains to the Officer Involved Shooting that took place on January 16, 2021

  • January 16, 2021 Critical Incident Community Briefing Video
March 8, 2020

The following information pertains to the Officer Involved Shooting that took place on March 8, 2020.

August 27, 2018

The following information pertains to the Officer Involved Shooting that took place on August 27, 2018. 

December 9, 2018

The following information pertains to the Officer Involved Shooting that took place on December 9, 2018. 

 

Back to top