Build a Claude Project for Department Policy Q&A

1. Go to claude.ai
2. Click Sign up and create an account with your personal email
3. After signing up, click Upgrade to Pro to access the Projects feature
4. Complete payment ({{tool:Claude.price}}) — you can cancel anytime

What you should see: Your Claude dashboard, with a Projects option in the left sidebar

1. Click Projects in the left sidebar
2. Click Create project
3. Name it: "Department Policy & Reference" (or be specific: "Metro PD Policies")
4. Add a brief description: "My department policy manual and state statutes for quick reference"

What you should see: Your new project with a chat interface and a Project knowledge section on the right side

1. In the Project knowledge panel on the right, click Add content
2. Choose Upload files and select your policy manual PDF
3. Wait for Claude to process it (may take 1-3 minutes for large files)
4. Repeat for any additional documents: state statutes, use-of-force guidelines, pursuit policy

What you should see: Each uploaded document listed in the Project knowledge panel

Troubleshooting: If your PDF is scanned (image-based rather than text), Claude may not read it well. Try copy-pasting key sections as text instead, or ask your records unit for a text-based version.

1. In the Project, look for Project instructions or System prompt (click the pencil/edit icon in the project knowledge area)
2. Add instructions like:

You are a reference assistant for a police officer. You have access to the department's policy manual and relevant statutes. When answering questions:
1. Cite the specific policy section or statute number when you answer
2. Quote the exact relevant language from the document
3. If you're unsure or the document doesn't cover something, say so clearly
4. Keep answers brief and practical — what does the officer need to do right now?

Start a new conversation within the Project. Try:

1. "What does our policy say about vehicle pursuits and when must I terminate?"
2. "What are the thresholds for a mental health hold in [your state]?"
3. "What does policy require for body camera activation?"

What you should see: Answers that quote specific policy language and cite section numbers

Troubleshooting: If Claude gives a general answer instead of citing the document, try: "Answer this using only what's in my uploaded policy manual, cite the section."