Transparency
System Wide Policies
The California State University (CSU) police department policies are developed using Lexipol, a comprehensive policy management system based on constitutional law and nationally recognized best practices. As the industry standard used by most law enforcement agencies in California, Lexipol ensures our policies remain current, legally sound, and operationally effective.
All publicly accessible law enforcement policies are posted here to promote transparency and accountability. These policies are routinely reviewed and updated to reflect changes in state and federal law, as well as emerging standards in professional policing.
To view the latest policies, please visit the CSU Law Enforcement Policy page.
Regulated Tools and Equipment
In July 2022, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the system-wide Regulated Tools and Equipment policy, as recommended by the chiefs of police representing all 23 CSU Police Departments. The policy was adopted and published as outlined by Assembly Bill 481 and requires every law enforcement agency in California to publish certain information annually regarding specified equipment.
LINK FOR REGULATED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT DOCUMENT
Campus Ordinances
San Francisco State University is committed to protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. In support of this mission, the University has enacted a series of campus-specific ordinances designed to foster a secure and health-conscious environment.
Under the authority of California Government Code Sections 7596–7598, local governments and public institutions of higher education—including those within the California State University system—are permitted to adopt smoking-related ordinances, regulations and policies that are more restrictive than those outlined in state law. These provisions empower campuses to address public health concerns and environmental impacts that uniquely affect their communities.
The following ordinances have been implemented by San Francisco State University and are actively enforced by the University Police Department and the Department of Parking and Transportation. These regulations are campus-specific and are considered decriminalized infractions, similar in nature to parking violations. They are not adjudicated in a court of law but are subject to administrative enforcement and citation.
Authority Sections Include
(Misdemeanor) Provides for penalties of up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to one year of incarceration for violations of campus regulations deemed criminal in nature.
Establishes the legal framework for regulating smoking and tobacco use on California State University campuses, supporting SF State’s authority to enforce stricter health and safety standards.
Enforceable Campus Ordinances Include:
It is a violation of campus ordinance #2010-1 to secure a bicycle or scooter to any object, building or tree on University property. Only campus-provided bike racks specifically designed for securing bicycles and scooters may be used. This ordinance helps preserve campus aesthetics, protect landscaping and ensure safe pedestrian access.
Riding a skateboard of any kind on the grounds of San Francisco State University is strictly prohibited under ordinance #2010-2. This regulation is intended to prevent injuries, protect pedestrian pathways and preserve campus infrastructure.
Riding a bicycle or scooter—whether motorized or non-motorized—is prohibited on all SF State campus grounds at any time. This ordinance is designed to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce congestion in high-traffic areas.
Penalty: $58.00 per violation
It is a violation of campus ordinance #2010-4 to inhale, exhale, burn or carry any lighted or heated substance or device on University grounds. This includes, but is not limited to:
Cigars, cigarettes, cigarillos, or pipes
Electronic cigarettes (e.g., vapes)
Hookahs
Tobacco products (e.g., chewing tobacco, snuff)
Plant products (e.g., marijuana)
Synthetic products (e.g., synthetic marijuana)
Any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco or inhalant product
This ordinance is designed to protect public health, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and maintain a clean and safe campus environment.
These ordinances are actively enforced to uphold the integrity of campus operations and community standards.
Citation Payment & Appeal Procedures
San Francisco State University provides multiple options for resolving campus citations issued under University ordinances. The following information outlines accepted payment methods, appeal procedures, and contact details for citation-related inquiries.
Payment by Mail
To pay a citation by mail, please follow these steps:
Make a check or money order payable to San Francisco State Citation Processing for the amount listed on the front of the citation.
Do not send cash through the mail.
Write the citation number clearly on the check or money order.
Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.
Enclose both the payment and the citation in the provided return envelope, or mail to the address printed on the front of the citation notice.
Payment in Person
You may pay your citation in person at one of the following campus locations:
SF State Parking and Transportation Department – Located on North State Drive
Cashier’s Office – Administration Building, Room 155
Cashier’s Office – Student Services Building, First Floor
Please note: The Parking Department does not accept cash. Only checks or money orders are accepted at this location.
Citation Appeal Process
If you believe a citation was issued in error or wish to contest it, SF State offers a two-step appeal process:
Step One: Request for Citation Cancellation
Must be submitted in writing within 21 calendar days from the date of issuance.
Forms are available at the Parking Department on North State Drive or online via the SF State Parking website at Request for Citation Cancellation | PARKING & TRANSPORTATION.
Step Two: Administrative Review
If your initial cancellation request is denied, you may request an administrative review.
This request must be submitted in writing within 10 calendar days of receiving the denial notice.
The administrative review will be conducted after the citation fee has been paid.
Forms are available at the Parking Department on North State Drive.
Citation Inquiries
For questions or assistance regarding a citation, please contact:
SF State Parking and Transportation Department
Phone: (415) 338-7827
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.