MPD General Order 309.05: Kidnapping & Extortion

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) General Order 309.05

• The order addresses the handling of kidnapping and extortion cases by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

• Kidnapping and extortion cases are unique investigations, requiring a coordinated and effective response, including communication with external Agencies.

• Field Commander: The Chief of Police, or their designated representative, is responsible for overseeing the investigation.

• Departmental Responsibilities in Kidnapping/Extortion Cases:

  • If the FBI has jurisdiction, MPD will conduct joint investigations with the FBI.
  • MPD can access technical services provided by the FBI.
  • The Office of Security Services (OSS), Special Operations Division (SOD) and the Corporate Support Group, Office of Police Communications (OPC) must be notified if the FBI does not have jurisdiction.

• Media Release:

  • The Office of Corporate Communications, Public Information Unit (PIU) releases information to the media regarding kidnapping/extortion cases in accordance with GO-SPT-204.01 (Media).

• Documentation:

  • The Official in Charge of the Special Operations and Communications Center (SOCC) must document all notification contact information.

• Cross-References:

  • GO-SPT-204.01 (Media)
  • GO-SPT-302.02 (Radio Broadcasts and Look-Outs)
  • General Order 308.13 (Casual Clothes Units)
  • GO-HSC-800.02 (Incident Command System)

• Attachment A:

  • Includes Kidnapping/Extortion Tactical and Security Requirements

Kidnapping/Extortion Tactical and Security Requirements

• Tactical Operations Procedures:

  • Avoid using radio communications, as they can be monitored by individuals without law enforcement access.
  • Use unmarked police vehicles for tactical operations.
  • Prevent marked MPD vehicles from entering locations where tactical operations are taking place.
  • Incident Commander: This individual is responsible for managing all operations at the incident site, developing and implementing strategic plans, and approving the deployment of resources.
  • Tactical Operations Plan (TOP): A set of procedures and a list of required equipment during a kidnapping/extortion investigation.
  • Utilize citizens for law enforcement activities in accordance with General Order 308.13 (Casual Clothes Units).

• Security Measures:

  • Provide security for threatened victims, their families, employees, and associates.
  • Secure the victim's home and/or business.
  • Utilize plainclothes members for security, surveillance, and record-keeping at drop-sites or meeting locations.

• Kidnapping/Extortion Kit:

  • Kit Contents:
    • Cassette recorder
    • Replacement batteries for cassette recorder
    • Six (6) blank sixty (60) minute cassette tapes
    • Cloth sack for drop-money or drugs
    • Binoculars with night vision capability
    • Jack for connecting at least two (2) telephones.
    • Digital or video camera

Regulations

• Confirmatory Action: Confirmed kidnappings must be treated as emergency assignments until mitigating circumstances make a downgraded response suitable.
• Timeliness: Members must respond to reports of kidnapping/extortion promptly, and all relevant departments must cooperate.
• Resource Allocation: The Commander, Superintendent of Detectives Division (SDD), or their designee determines the necessary resources for the safety and welfare of victims and others connected to the investigation.
• Civilian Involvement: Use of civilians in tactical operations must adhere to General Order 308.13 (Casual Clothes Units).

Procedural Guidelines

• Patrol Operations Procedures for Kidnappings/Extortions:

  • First Responding Officers:
    • Observe, document all conditions, events, and remarks related to the incident
    • Locate and identify the complainant, any suspects, witnesses, or individuals with information about the event
    • Interview the complainant and/or witnesses to understand the situation
    • Broadcast a flash look-out according to GO-SPT-302.02 (Radio Broadcasts and Look-Outs)
    • In plainclothes operations around drop-sites, dress to blend in with the local community
    • Secure the crime scene
    • Request an official to respond to the scene
    • Notify the Superintendent of Detectives Division (SDD)
    • Obtain Central Complaint Numbers (CCN), prepare a PD Form 251 (Incident-Based Event Report) and PD Form 252 (Supplement Report)
  • District Officials:
    • Respond to the scene of all reported kidnappings/extortions
    • Assume command of the scene, until relieved by an SDD official
    • Follow the SDD's instructions
    • Request the Watch Commander to respond to the scene
  • District Watch Commanders:
    • Assume Incident Commander responsibilities according to GO-HSC-800.02 (Incident Command System). If the situation is critical, determine if the TOP should be implemented. Execute all or part of the actions in the Kidnapping/Extortion Tactical and Security Requirements (See Attachment A).
    • Upon arrival of the SDD Watch Commander, inform them about the incident's circumstances, actions taken, and actions already in place. The SDD Watch Commander may modify the TOP.
    • Control patrol personnel
    • Advise the SDD Watch Commander on District personnel and resource deployments

• Tactical Operations Procedures:

  • SDD Officials:
    • Assume responsibility for investigating all kidnapping/extortion cases
    • Coordinate with the FBI
    • Determine if the FBI has jurisdiction
    • Notify the Office of Security Services (OSS), Special Operations Division (SOD) and the Corporate Support Group, Office of Police Communications (OPC) if the FBI doesn't have jurisdiction