45 Questions
What is the effective date of the Search Warrants Policy 43.5?
06/30/2006
Which accreditation standards are mentioned in the text?
41.3.6, 43.1.5
What type of operations require law enforcement deputies to wear protective body armor?
Preplanned high-risk operations
Which of the following is NOT listed as an item for administrative search warrants?
Live animals
Who must approve the application for a search warrant according to the text?
Chain of command up to Lieutenant
In what manner should search warrants be executed as per the text?
Lawful, timely, and effective
What should law enforcement deputies wear to identify themselves as agency personnel?
Outer garment that is an approved article of uniformed clothing
Which of the following is NOT an example of an administrative search warrant, according to the text?
Residential buildings
At what rank must the approval for a search warrant application go up to according to the text?
Lieutenant
Who is responsible for properly preparing the search warrant affidavit according to the text?
Case agent / affiant
What rank should approve the application for a search warrant?
Lieutenant
What form must be completed by the case agent / affiant for chain of command's review and approval?
SJSO-364
Who should be notified by the affected Division Director before the execution of a warrant?
Sheriff
What information is required to be included in the Search Warrant Operations Plan according to the text?
Photos and sketches of dwelling
When is authorization for a pre-planned search warrant required?
When tactical considerations apply
Who must approve the search warrant application before execution?
Case agent / affiant chain of command up to Lieutenant
What should the case agent / affiant include in the Search Warrant Operations Plan?
A thorough description of the dwelling to be searched
Who is responsible for briefing the affected Division Director before the execution of a warrant?
Designated Captain
What is the role of the SWAT OIC in the activation of SWAT?
Making the requests for SWAT activation
During the preoperation briefing, what is used to designate positions and personnel assignments?
Preliminary diagram of premises
Who should be present at the preoperation briefing for the service of a search warrant?
All personnel taking part in the service
What is an important consideration during the preoperation briefing for SWAT?
Assignment of approach routes
What should be done to ensure the accuracy of the location during the preoperation briefing?
Confirm with the on-duty Communications Supervisor
Which position plays a role in notifying the SWAT OIC of the activation of SWAT?
Case agent / affiant
What is a key aspect in deciding team and individual assignments at the preoperation briefing?
Positioning and responsibilities
What is utilized to identify special equipment and weapons needs during the preoperation briefing?
Available photographs
Why are total personnel and support requirements determined at the preoperation briefing?
To have sufficient human and material resources
What type of information should be provided about innocent parties potentially on the premises?
A description, such as infants or elderly persons
Why is it crucial to include a description of locking mechanisms in the search warrant?
To assess the security measures in place
What kind of information is essential regarding the location of physical obstacles in the yard?
Information on backyard structures like fences and swing sets
In what situation may the Lieutenant request the activation of SWAT for serving the search warrant?
When facts and circumstances indicate a special risk or presence of armed subjects
What must be included regarding the interior of the structure to be searched?
The exit points and escape routes
Why is it crucial to include information on neighboring residences or structures?
For potential sources of hostile action or concern for the welfare of occupants
What details about weapons believed to be on the premises should be included in the search warrant?
Any weapons believed to be located on the premises
How should the direction of doors and if there are any bars on windows be described in the search warrant?
As whether the doors open in or out and if any visible spider webs are present
When should the affected region's chain of command be informed of the issuance of a search warrant?
Upon completion of the search warrant
When can law enforcement effect immediate entry after knock and announce?
If an occupant knows the members' authority, purpose, and power but refuses entry
Under what circumstances can law enforcement believe their safety is in imminent peril?
If an occupant is confirmed to be armed and dangerous
Why might law enforcement believe destruction of evidence is being attempted before making entry?
Due to knowledge that an occupant has previously destroyed evidence to prevent a search
What should law enforcement consider before executing tactical search warrants?
Having a uniformed deputy and a marked patrol vehicle present
Why should uniformed deputies be released to return to their regular duties as soon as practical?
To minimize the number of personnel at the scene
In what situation can immediate entry be justified?
If occupants refuse entry after knowing the purpose of entry
When executing tactical search warrants, what does the presence of a uniformed deputy signify?
A display of authority
Why should attention be given to releasing uniformed deputies from the scene?
To ensure they return to regular duties
When can law enforcement believe the safety of occupants is in jeopardy?
When some occupants would endanger others if authority was announced
Study Notes
Search Warrants Policy
- The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has guidelines to meet statutory and constitutional standards relating to search warrants, ensuring lawful, timely, and effective execution.
- The agency follows FS 933 standards for search warrants.
Definitions
- "Agency" refers to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
General
- Law enforcement deputies must wear protective body armor during high-risk operations, except for certain undercover activities.
- Deputies must wear an outer garment that identifies them as agency personnel and is an approved uniform article.
Authorization for Investigative Search Warrants
- Administrative search warrants include: cellular devices, computers, DNA, photographs, unoccupied vehicles, and event data recorders.
- Application for a search warrant must be approved by the case agent/affiant chain of command to the rank of Lieutenant or designee.
Authorization for Tactical Search Warrants
- Tactical considerations require pre-planned search warrant authorization.
- Application for a search warrant must be approved by the case agent/affiant chain of command to the rank of Lieutenant.
- Approval must be received through the chain of command to the affected Division Captain or designee before execution.
Preparation/Affiant Responsibility
- The case agent/affiant prepares the search warrant affidavit and secures judicial approval.
- The case agent/affiant completes the Search Warrant Operations Plan form (SJSO-364) for chain of command review and approval.
- The Search Warrant Operations Plan includes: address and description of the dwelling, suspect descriptions, and photographs.
Pre-Operation Briefing
- The case agent/affiant, first-line supervisor, and Lieutenant conduct a pre-operation briefing to specify individual and team assignments, responsibilities, and procedures.
- The briefing includes: a preliminary diagram of the premises, location confirmation, personnel assignments, and identification of special equipment and weapons.
Request for SWAT
- The Lieutenant or designee may request SWAT activation when facts and circumstances indicate a special risk or the subjects are believed to be armed.
- The decision to effect immediate entry is made after considering factors such as occupant refusal, imminent peril, destruction of evidence, or occupant safety.
Support Units
- At least one uniformed deputy and a marked patrol vehicle must be present at the execution of all tactical search warrants, unless prior approval is obtained from SWAT chain of command.
Test your knowledge on the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Search Warrants Policy 43.5, including effective dates, accreditation standards, and execution guidelines according to FS 933.
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