Podcast
Questions and Answers
What score range corresponds to the performance level of 'Marksman'?
What score range corresponds to the performance level of 'Marksman'?
- 85 – 94.8
- 80 – 84.8 (correct)
- 95 – 98.8
- 75 – 79.8
What happens if an officer fails to qualify after three attempts in their birth month?
What happens if an officer fails to qualify after three attempts in their birth month?
- They will automatically retake the qualifications the following month.
- They will receive a temporary extension.
- They will receive a commendation.
- They will have an entry made in their personnel file. (correct)
Which action is prohibited for an officer who has not qualified?
Which action is prohibited for an officer who has not qualified?
- Using departmental resources for other tasks.
- Carrying a handgun. (correct)
- Participating in community events.
- Attending training seminars.
What is defined as an 'attempt to qualify'?
What is defined as an 'attempt to qualify'?
Under what condition might an officer be exempt from the qualification requirements during their birth month?
Under what condition might an officer be exempt from the qualification requirements during their birth month?
What is the performance level for a score of 99 - 100?
What is the performance level for a score of 99 - 100?
What disciplinary action may occur if an officer consistently fails to qualify?
What disciplinary action may occur if an officer consistently fails to qualify?
What is the performance level for a score of 85 – 94.8?
What is the performance level for a score of 85 – 94.8?
What is required in the narrative section of the State Arson Lab form?
What is required in the narrative section of the State Arson Lab form?
Who is responsible for submitting ignitable liquid samples to the State Arson Lab?
Who is responsible for submitting ignitable liquid samples to the State Arson Lab?
What should be done if an examination of evidence cannot be conducted by Arson Bureau personnel?
What should be done if an examination of evidence cannot be conducted by Arson Bureau personnel?
How are items transported to the State Arson Lab signed out?
How are items transported to the State Arson Lab signed out?
What is the primary goal of evidence preservation in the context of a trial?
What is the primary goal of evidence preservation in the context of a trial?
What action is taken regarding the report from the State Arson Lab after analysis?
What action is taken regarding the report from the State Arson Lab after analysis?
What software system is used for entering collected evidence?
What software system is used for entering collected evidence?
What should be included in the Investigator’s initial report if assistance is requested at a fire scene?
What should be included in the Investigator’s initial report if assistance is requested at a fire scene?
What consequence follows failure to attend the required four-hour remedial class?
What consequence follows failure to attend the required four-hour remedial class?
What is the maximum duration of the initial remedial training for an Investigator?
What is the maximum duration of the initial remedial training for an Investigator?
If an Investigator does not qualify after the 16-hour training course, what is their status regarding carrying weapons?
If an Investigator does not qualify after the 16-hour training course, what is their status regarding carrying weapons?
What responsibility does an Investigator have if they have a physical disability affecting their qualification?
What responsibility does an Investigator have if they have a physical disability affecting their qualification?
What is a potential outcome if an Investigator fails to qualify after attending the remedial class and the 16-hour training?
What is a potential outcome if an Investigator fails to qualify after attending the remedial class and the 16-hour training?
What must happen to the firearms with which an Investigator did not qualify?
What must happen to the firearms with which an Investigator did not qualify?
What is strictly prohibited for an Investigator declared physically unable to qualify?
What is strictly prohibited for an Investigator declared physically unable to qualify?
What is required of a disabled Investigator regarding qualification scheduling?
What is required of a disabled Investigator regarding qualification scheduling?
What is required regarding hair standards for members?
What is required regarding hair standards for members?
What type of clothing is mandated for male members during court appearances?
What type of clothing is mandated for male members during court appearances?
What must happen if a member is found in violation of appearance standards?
What must happen if a member is found in violation of appearance standards?
What is the minimum qualification score required for an officer to list a new weapon in the H.P.D. database?
What is the minimum qualification score required for an officer to list a new weapon in the H.P.D. database?
What happens if a firearm is not listed in the H.P.D. database?
What happens if a firearm is not listed in the H.P.D. database?
According to the guidelines, members are required to adhere to rules regarding what accessories?
According to the guidelines, members are required to adhere to rules regarding what accessories?
What is stated about footwear standards?
What is stated about footwear standards?
If a conflict exists between the firearm guideline and a previous guideline, which one prevails?
If a conflict exists between the firearm guideline and a previous guideline, which one prevails?
What is the primary purpose of maintaining an unbroken chain of custody?
What is the primary purpose of maintaining an unbroken chain of custody?
What must an Investigator do before removing evidence from storage for court purposes?
What must an Investigator do before removing evidence from storage for court purposes?
Who is allowed to enter the property and evidence room?
Who is allowed to enter the property and evidence room?
If an Investigator must leave evidence with the court, what document is required?
If an Investigator must leave evidence with the court, what document is required?
What should an Investigator record if they attempt to return evidence and crime lab personnel are unavailable?
What should an Investigator record if they attempt to return evidence and crime lab personnel are unavailable?
What is required for every piece of evidence when it is checked in or out of storage?
What is required for every piece of evidence when it is checked in or out of storage?
Why should the number of Investigators involved in the chain of custody be kept to a minimum?
Why should the number of Investigators involved in the chain of custody be kept to a minimum?
Which of the following must be done at the end of an Investigator’s shift regarding evidence?
Which of the following must be done at the end of an Investigator’s shift regarding evidence?
What is the time frame for disposing of confiscated unlawful items?
What is the time frame for disposing of confiscated unlawful items?
What must be done with suspected controlled substances before they are sent to a laboratory?
What must be done with suspected controlled substances before they are sent to a laboratory?
What must occur after a vehicle is deemed necessary to impound?
What must occur after a vehicle is deemed necessary to impound?
When inventorying a vehicle, what is the correct protocol for locked and sealed luggage?
When inventorying a vehicle, what is the correct protocol for locked and sealed luggage?
What must Investigators provide to the arrested subject regarding property removed from the vehicle?
What must Investigators provide to the arrested subject regarding property removed from the vehicle?
How should confiscated property items be treated in relation to evidence?
How should confiscated property items be treated in relation to evidence?
What should Investigators do if there is a belief of a public safety threat during a vehicle inventory?
What should Investigators do if there is a belief of a public safety threat during a vehicle inventory?
What procedures are specified for the general handling of confiscated property?
What procedures are specified for the general handling of confiscated property?
Flashcards
Fire Cause Determination Safety Gear
Fire Cause Determination Safety Gear
Investigators conducting fire cause determination must wear helmets and boots at all times.
Firefighter Hair Standards
Firefighter Hair Standards
Firefighters' hair must be neat, clean, and trimmed. Mustaches and sideburns should be kept clean and neatly trimmed.
Firefighter Footwear Standards
Firefighter Footwear Standards
All footwear worn by firefighters must be clean, polished, and in good repair.
Firefighter Court Appearance Dress Code
Firefighter Court Appearance Dress Code
Signup and view all the flashcards
Improper Appearance Correction
Improper Appearance Correction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Firefighter Jewelry and Accessories
Firefighter Jewelry and Accessories
Signup and view all the flashcards
Firearm Regulations Guideline
Firearm Regulations Guideline
Signup and view all the flashcards
Firearm Database Requirement
Firearm Database Requirement
Signup and view all the flashcards
What happens if an investigator fails the first remedial course?
What happens if an investigator fails the first remedial course?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What's the final consequence for failing the 16-hour course?
What's the final consequence for failing the 16-hour course?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What happens to an investigator's weapons if they fail to qualify?
What happens to an investigator's weapons if they fail to qualify?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How does an investigator handle physical limitations?
How does an investigator handle physical limitations?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What are the consequences of a physical limitation for an investigator?
What are the consequences of a physical limitation for an investigator?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What are the consequences of a physical limitation for an investigator?
What are the consequences of a physical limitation for an investigator?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What restrictions are placed on disabled investigators regarding extra employment?
What restrictions are placed on disabled investigators regarding extra employment?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the responsibility of an investigator who is declared physically unable to qualify?
What is the responsibility of an investigator who is declared physically unable to qualify?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What happens if an investigator fails to qualify after three attempts in their birth month?
What happens if an investigator fails to qualify after three attempts in their birth month?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What happens to an Investigator who fails to qualify?
What happens to an Investigator who fails to qualify?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the minimum score for 'Marksman' performance level?
What is the minimum score for 'Marksman' performance level?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How is a HPD officer's shooting performance recognized?
How is a HPD officer's shooting performance recognized?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the highest performance level for shooting proficiency?
What is the highest performance level for shooting proficiency?
Signup and view all the flashcards
When must an Investigator qualify?
When must an Investigator qualify?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the lowest performance level?
What is the lowest performance level?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is considered an 'attempt to qualify'?
What is considered an 'attempt to qualify'?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Collection Procedure
Evidence Collection Procedure
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ignitable Liquid Sample Submission
Ignitable Liquid Sample Submission
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Examination Protocol
Evidence Examination Protocol
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Transfer to State Arson Lab
Evidence Transfer to State Arson Lab
Signup and view all the flashcards
State Arson Lab Report Distribution
State Arson Lab Report Distribution
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Preservation Principle
Evidence Preservation Principle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Preservation for Fairness
Evidence Preservation for Fairness
Signup and view all the flashcards
Confiscated Property Disposal
Confiscated Property Disposal
Signup and view all the flashcards
Controlled Substance Handling
Controlled Substance Handling
Signup and view all the flashcards
Confiscated Property Handling
Confiscated Property Handling
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vehicle Impoundment Decision
Vehicle Impoundment Decision
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vehicle Inventory Procedure
Vehicle Inventory Procedure
Signup and view all the flashcards
Public Safety Considerations
Public Safety Considerations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vehicle Transportation
Vehicle Transportation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Property Receipt
Property Receipt
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chain of Custody
Chain of Custody
Signup and view all the flashcards
Minimizing the Chain of Custody
Minimizing the Chain of Custody
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Securement at Shift End
Evidence Securement at Shift End
Signup and view all the flashcards
Property and Evidence Room
Property and Evidence Room
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Log
Evidence Log
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Retrieval for Court/Investigations
Evidence Retrieval for Court/Investigations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Property Release Form (Court)
Property Release Form (Court)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Evidence Return Procedures (Unavailability of Lab Personnel)
Evidence Return Procedures (Unavailability of Lab Personnel)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Houston Fire Department Arson Bureau Guidelines
- Supplement Houston Fire Department rules with specific guidelines for the Arson Bureau (HAB).
- Provide guidelines for HAB members to ensure effective and orderly coordination of duties in both routine and emergency conditions.
- Define the responsibilities and duties of HAB members.
- Guidelines are not a solution for every problem, and other departmental or division policies and procedures still apply.
- Provide effective and constructive action guidance, without limiting members' initiative.
Definitions
- Houston Arson Bureau (HAB): A division of the Houston Fire Department.
- Division Chief: The head of the Houston Arson Bureau.
- Members: All personnel on the HAB payroll (including civilian personnel).
- Investigators: Members commissioned as peace officers and certified as Arson Investigators in Texas.
Scope
- These guidelines apply to all Houston Arson Bureau members.
Responsibilities
- Assistant Chief/Division Chief: Have the authority to submit new or revised guidelines, rule modifications, and recommendations for rescinding guidelines to the Fire Chief for approval.
- Assistant Chief/Division Chief (exigency): Have the authority to modify or temporarily rescind guidelines, policies, and procedures in urgent circumstances, providing justification to the Fire Chief.
- All members: Responsible for knowing, understanding, and complying with Department and Division guidelines, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Administrative Rules and Regulations
- Obedience: Members must abide by Houston Fire Department Administrative Rules and Regulations. Ignorance is not an excuse for violations.
- Division Rules: Members must abide by Division rules, regulations, guidelines, and policies. Ignorance is not an excuse for violations.
- Duty Performance: Members are responsible for fulfilling assigned duties, even if not explicitly stated.
- Violation Reporting: Members must report violations of Department or Division rules, guidelines, policies to their immediate supervisor without delay. They should also prevent violations where possible.
Maintaining Communications, Notes, and Information
- Availability: Members are available by communication means while on duty or on-call.
- Notes: Investigators maintain written notes on arson matters.
- Identification: Members carry identification cards.
- Firearms Qualification: Current firearm qualification cards are carried on duty.
- Equipment: Care, custody, and maintenance of Fire Department-issued equipment are the member's responsibility.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Vehicles must be kept clean and maintained.
- Office Equipment: Proper use and maintenance of provided office equipment is expected.
- Office Space: Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly office space.
Appearance and Clothing
- Business Attire: Male classified employees: business suit with tie or sports coat with slacks and tie, and Female classified employees: business dress, business suit, blouse and skirt, or blouse and slacks. All clothing must be clean, pressed, tailored, and in good repair.
- Protective Clothing ("Hot Zone"): Full Fire Department protective gear (bunker pants, coat, gloves, boots, helmet, SCBA) when entering "Hot Zones".
- Hair: Hair must be clean, neat, and trimmed.
- Footwear: Cleaned, polished, and in good repair.
- Court Appearances: Business suits or sports coats and ties required for males, business dresses or suits for females.
Firearms Regulations
- Firearm Listing: A complete description of all firearms carried while acting as a peace officer must be listed in the HPD database.
- Primary Duty Weapons: Revolvers chambered for .38 special or larger calibers, and semi-automatic pistols chambered for 9mm or larger, with minimum of six rounds capacity and barrel length of two inches or longer.
- Secondary Duty Weapons: Same specifications as primary weapons.
- Other Weapons: Shotguns (12 gauge only, slide action or semi-automatic) must meet certain barrel length, capacity, and ammunition requirements and be listed with HPD.
- Off-duty Weapons: Same specifications as secondary duty weapons, must be registered, and properly qualified.
- Ammunition: Specific types – like "armor piercing" or "tracer" – are prohibited on duty and for secondary weapons. Ammunition for handguns must be hollow point. Shotguns must use #4 or 00 buckshot.
Duty outside and inside of the City of Houston.
- Outside City limits: Officers are allowed to carry firearms within Texas.
- Psychiatric Wards: Firearms not allowed except in urgent emergencies and with approval.
- Courts: Submit firearms to bailiff when requested.
- Airports: Adhere to airport security policies regarding firearms and present ID.
- Aircraft: Firearms permitted only in situations requiring them for law enforcement missions; compliance with airline policies.
- Off-duty/Retired Concealed Carry: Officers may carry concealed firearms in all US states as per federal law.
Arrests, Prisoners, and Suspects
- Reasonable Force: Use only the force reasonably necessary for an arrest and safety of all involved.
- Handcuffs: All arrested individuals are handcuffed with hands behind their back.
- Miranda Warning: The suspect must be read their rights.
- Prisoner Weapons Search: Prisoners searched at the time of arrest and before handover to other investigators.
- Female Prisoner Search: Searches performed by female officers whenever possible.
- Transporting Passengers: Secure and efficient transportation of prisoners, suspects, and witnesses.
- Unconscious/Injured Prisoners: Transfer unconscious or injured prisoners to a medical facility immediately.
Computer System Procedure
- Authorization: Access to computer systems is restricted to tasks necessary for the Investigator's duties;
- Use of Information: Information used only for assigned responsibilities; prohibited personal use.
- Security: Maintain security and codes when using computer systems.
- Misuse: Any misuse is cause for disciplinary action
- Records Room: No original records leave the room
- Release of Information: The following agencies can receive information only with the relevant permission: Courts, City Attorney, District Attorney, and Law Enforcement Agencies if related to their official business.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz explores key aspects of qualification policies for law enforcement officers, including performance levels and requirements for qualification attempts. Additionally, it addresses actions to be taken regarding evidence submission and preservation for trials. Test your knowledge on the rules and regulations surrounding officer qualifications.
