Austin Police Department SOP Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of a Sergeant in the Austin Police Department?

Oversee daily patrol operations. (correct)

Manage officer training programs.

Conduct investigations independently.

Handle community outreach exclusively.

During which part of their duty should an Officer report for duty?

As soon as they arrive at the precinct.

Only after receiving a call.

At the scheduled starting time. (correct)

Whenever they feel prepared.

What should an Officer do at the end of their tour of duty?

Leave immediately if there are no incidents.

Submit a report on their activities and incidents. (correct)

Proceed to the next assigned location.

Engage in social discussions with colleagues.

What procedure is emphasized for transport during traffic stops?

Maintain a safe distance from the stopped vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a Corporal's duties?

Assume the role of patrol leader when necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a supervisor's daily activities?

To evaluate officer performance and ensure efficient operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common element of reporting for duty?

Completing a roll call and briefing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of back-ups during patrol operations?

They ensure officer safety and support in various situations. Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do before entering a building during a search?

Notify the dispatcher and contact emergency personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guideline for searching a building?

Proceed to search every room without a plan Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to ensure before conducting searches involving occupied vehicles?

Have proper ratios of officers to suspects on scene Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario should officers split up during the search of a building?

In unusual circumstances only Signup and view all the answers

What is an important practice when searching an individual?

Conduct the search with one hand while being tactically aware with the other Signup and view all the answers

When may an officer search a prisoner of the opposite gender?

In accordance with established protocols Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern during vehicle searches?

Ensuring proper ratios of officers to suspects Signup and view all the answers

What is required before a Canine Unit is deployed in a building search?

Notification to the dispatcher Signup and view all the answers

What is a situation that requires sergeant approval for an arrest?

Arresting for a Class C warrant inside a private residence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities does a supervisor NOT have?

Conduct arrest independently without oversight Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is it required to verify the classification of DMAV?

As part of the investigation of violations of law or policy Signup and view all the answers

What action should a supervisor take if improper radio procedures are observed?

Immediately correct the procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility assigned to the supervisor?

Conduct firearm training sessions Signup and view all the answers

What must a supervisor evaluate before contacting investigatory units?

On-call contact approval Signup and view all the answers

What type of cases require sergeant approval to NOT arrest based on self-defense claims?

Family violence cases Signup and view all the answers

For which of these incidents must the supervisor inform the Watch Lieutenant?

Significant calls or critical issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the primary reporting officer regarding the TCIC/NCIC?

To document the operational status of TCIC/NCIC at the time of vehicle recovery. Signup and view all the answers

Which officers are typically designated as Control Supervisors for LoJack activations?

Sergeants or higher-ranking officers. Signup and view all the answers

What is required before booking an individual for AWOL?

Positive confirmation from the military. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time allowed for the report to be corrected and returned to the investigative unit?

2 workdays Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system?

To scan vehicle license plates and cross-reference with hot lists. Signup and view all the answers

In the event that the sergeant cannot adhere to the correction timeline, what action must they take?

Notify their immediate supervisor and the investigative unit sergeant Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for determining the number of back-up officers needed on a call?

The primary officer on the scene Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do when assigned to a vehicle equipped with the ALPR system?

Ensure the equipment is operational throughout their duty. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of training must officers receive before operating the ALPR system?

Specialized APD training. Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if they need to break away from an assigned back-up?

Notify dispatch to reassign the back-up call Signup and view all the answers

What type of calls will always have back-ups dispatched?

Priority ‘0’ and Priority ‘1’ calls for service Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step an officer should take when handling animal carcass reports?

Notify Animal Control for custody Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately if an ALPR equipment malfunction occurs?

Report the malfunction to CTM. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may sergeants be authorized compensatory time for preparing for the show-up briefing?

If they are the only supervisor on duty for the entire shift Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an aircraft crash, which general order should officers follow?

G.O. 407 Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should officers make reasonable efforts to provide alternative places to camp?

If a health or safety threat is imminent Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer seek if they wish to decline a back-up assignment for non-emergency activities?

Approval from an on-duty supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of non-compliance for individuals camping in prohibited areas?

Misdemeanor citation Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes the protocol when there is a difference of opinion on deficiencies between sergeants?

The issue is referred to respective Lieutenants for resolution Signup and view all the answers

If a robbery occurs inside a building, what action should an officer take first?

Secure the perimeter of the building Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the services that officers can request from non-profit entities when dealing with camping issues?

Information on human trafficking Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if they suspect a robbery is a false alarm following a dispatch request?

Call the business to verify the alarm Signup and view all the answers

Which location is designated for transporting individuals arrested for camping violations?

Downtown Austin Community Court Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do with personal property of cited persons when they leave a public space?

Allow removal as long as it’s not contraband Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Austin Police Department Patrol Operations Standard Operating Procedures

Statement of Purpose: Police officers handle diverse community issues, from traffic enforcement to violent crimes. Procedures are adaptable to changing needs to maintain service quality.

Organization and Staffing

Department Organization: The department structure is evaluated and updated as needed to reflect community needs.
Personnel Responsibilities: Specific duties and responsibilities are outlined for sergeants, corporals, and officers.
Reporting for Duty: All personnel must adhere to reporting procedures.
Supervisor's Daily Activities: Activities of supervisors regarding personnel are outlined.

Utilization and Deployment

Shift Schedules: Patrol shifts are organized into days, evenings, or nights with supervisors ensuring appropriate staffing.
Shift Rotation: Shifts rotate across 28-day cycles, and lieutenants must ensure sufficient coverage before taking leave.

Goals, Objectives, and Performance Measures

Performance Measures: The City of Austin publishes performance measures for the Police Department in Budget and Business Planning documents.

Personnel Duties, Authority, and Responsibilities

Sergeant Responsibilities: Include exercising line command; supervising and managing training; ensuring patrol district staffing; obeying orders; reviewing subpoenas; controlling pursuits; conducting patrol briefings, etc.
Corporal Responsibilities: Including similar functions as sergeants.
Officer Responsibilities: Includes responding to calls, documenting activities, attending community engagement events, maintaining equipment, and completing reports.

Records Management and Special Reporting

Activity Logs: Officers may be required to track their on-duty activities using logs, compiled by unit supervisors and submitted to Lieutenants who report to Commanders.
Equipment Control: Personnel electronically sign out equipment from the Property Control Office (PCO).

Equipment/Vehicle Operation and Control

Property Control Office (PCO): Central location for equipment sign-out/in.
Equipment Sign-out/Sign-in: Employees electronically sign-out equipment, including patrol vehicles and keys.
Citation Accountability: Officers are accountable for citation books, properly documenting their use/completion.

Other Procedures

Traffic Stops: Officers must notify dispatch, activate lights, approach vehicles safely, and document the stop appropriately.
Warrants: Officers must follow procedure regarding warrants either by delivering the warrant or notifying appropriate party/authorities involved.
High-Risk Traffic Stops: Guidelines are provided for high-risk stops where officers might encounter armed suspects.
Parking Enforcement: Procedure for issuing parking citations is detailed.
Searches: The procedures for building searches, area searches, and subject searches are carefully described to ensure officer safety and adherence to legal requirements.
Hospital Calls: Procedure for handling calls requiring transport of suspects or victims to hospitals outside their assigned patrol sectors.
Alarm Calls: Officers should approach the scene quietly and carefully.
Back-ups: Procedures for when backup officers are needed for officer safety and appropriate staffing.
Breaks: Officers can only take breaks with supervisor approval.
Responding to Incidents: Policy specifies different priorities in active attack situations: 1) isolating/distracting attacker; 2) containing area/securing scene/treating injured; 3) evacuating the non-injured.
Incident Command System: Officers are required to use the Incident Command System (ICS) when responding to incidents that include active attacks.
Special Situations: Procedures are described for incidents like aircraft crashes, desertions, etc.
ATVs: All-Terrain Vehicles protocols: use only by personnel with certification. Restricted locations/circumstances.
Noise Complaints/Restrictions: Noise limits by time of day and for different locations (residential, businesses etc.) are explicitly stated and officers need to follow guidelines concerning decibel levels and use of sound gear.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Austin Police Department's Patrol Operations Standard Operating Procedures. This quiz covers the organization, staffing, and deployment strategies of the department to improve community service quality. Assess your understanding of department policies and shift management.