In creating its EIIS, the SDPD chose to focus on the "E" part ("early") for the design and application of its program. Management chose a strategy of identifying problematic behavior as early as possible, i.e., at a point in time prior to behavior requiring discipline. This guide summarizes important social and legal events that preceded adoption of EI systems as "best practice" procedure by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. It also summarizes important events that led to the creation of the SDPD's EIIS, what it does, and how it operates. A list is provided of key considerations used in the SDPD's EIIS's decisionmaking process. In addition, this guide provides a step-by-step approach of the major stages and tasks involved in the creation of an EI system. A detailed example is provided that addresses each of the steps and tasks addressed by the SDPD in creating its own EI system, as well as a summary of information on the program's vision, goals, objectives, and expected outcomes, along with the strategies used in the creation of the program. Appended introduction to EIIS