Law Enforcement Encounters

Person Encounters

• Communicate from a distance (21+ feet) to get the person's demeanor
• H.I.T.S. (Hands, Identify, Talk, Scan) is a protocol to ensure safety during encounters
• Scan for threats, cover, escape routes, SCCAN (Seek, Clues, Contraband, Arms, Narcotics)
• Doorway encounters: never stand directly in front of the door (fatal funnel) and "let it breathe" before scanning for threats
• Use your non-dominant hand when using your radio, holding a flashlight, etc.

Motor Vehicle Stop Quick Reference

• Three threats: vehicle stopped, traffic, and environment
• RBC6: Radio on, Belt off, Cover and Cameras on, Code 6 location
• Plate before you activate: know and record the registration plate and make and model before activating blue lights
• Proper cruiser distance: 1.5 - 2 cruiser lengths (21+ feet)
• Proper cruiser positioning: angled for ballistic protection
• Check mirrors before exiting, do not slam your door, and use a passenger-side approach
• Watch for hands, SCCAN, and advise the person of their rights and the reason for the stop

High-Risk Motor Vehicle Stop

• Command the driver to roll down all windows, place their hands outside the vehicle, and turn off the engine
• Driver must open the door and slowly step out, keeping hands up and facing away from the officer
• Driver must grab the collar of their shirt and lift it up, slowly turn around, and stop when commanded
• If the driver has been compliant, they can open the next door on that side
• Driver must slowly walk backwards to the officer's voice, then get down on their knees, cross their ankles, and put their hands behind them
• The officer must immobilize the suspect, then handcuff and search them for weapons

Motor Vehicle Notes

• Use your non-dominant hand to hold licenses, registrations, and a flashlight
• Revoked or suspended vehicle registration is not arrestable
• A motor vehicle inventory is not a search, but an administrative procedure to account for valuables and damage
• Inventory and searches are done systematically, in quadrants, and thoroughly
• When searching, look for a pill to find everything else

Violation of Rules

• Members shall not commit any act that violates Massachusetts State Police rules, regulations, policies, procedures, orders, or directives
• Members must familiarize themselves with rules, regulations, and policies
• Conduct unbecoming includes behavior that brings disrepute to the Massachusetts State Police or impairs its operation
• Members shall not associate with individuals engaged in criminal activities unless on duty or official police business
• Members shall not feign illness or injury, falsely report themselves ill or injured, or deceive others about their health or need for sick leave
• No member or trainee appointed or hired after January 1, 1988 shall smoke any tobacco product
• Members shall not smoke or possess lit tobacco products in Departmental buildings or vehicles, except when alone in their assigned vehicle

Insubordination

• Members must promptly obey lawful orders from senior members or proper authority, whether written or verbal.
• Assaulting, striking, threatening, or using insulting language towards Massachusetts State Police employees is prohibited.
• Insubordinate or disrespectful behavior towards Massachusetts State Police employees is not allowed.

Gifts, Gratuities, Bribes, or Rewards

• Members are prohibited from receiving rewards, gifts, or gratuities on account of their official services, which can lead to criminal sanctions and discharge from office.
• Awards with no significant monetary value, recognizing meritorious service or accomplishment, are exempt.
• Members cannot solicit or accept gifts that may influence official action or affect the performance of official duties.

Abuse of Position

• Members cannot use their official position, identification cards, or badges for personal gain or to obtain privileges not otherwise available.
• Members cannot lend or permit the reproduction of their uniform parts, equipment, identification cards, or badges without approval.
• Members cannot authorize the use of their name, photograph, or official title for testimonials or advertisements.

Desk Officers' Responsibilities

• Desk Officers must dispatch members to respond to crash scenes as needed.
• They must make entries into the Daily Administrative Journal (DAJ) for all calls for service.
• They must attempt to identify callers for investigative purposes.
• They must contact the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) to respond with necessary equipment.

Responding Members' Responsibilities

• Responding members must exercise sound judgment when proceeding to the scene and respond expeditiously.
• They must position their cruiser and/or flares to provide maximum protection for the crash scene.
• They must advise dispatch and/or the Troop Duty Office of any lane closures.
• They must render first aid to injured subjects, pending arrival of emergency medical personnel.
• They must direct traffic safely around the crash scene.
• They must retain charge of the scene pending the arrival of the assigned patrol, department of jurisdiction, or supervisory personnel.
• They must ensure damaged vehicles are towed consistently with TRF-09 Towing.
• They must ensure the roadway is clear of debris before departing the crash scene.