Los Angeles Police Department Use of Force-Tactics Directive No. 12.1 PDF

LL OO SS AA NN GG EE LL EE SS PP OO LL II CC EE DD EE PP AA RR TT M M EE NN TT USE OF FORCE-TACTICS DIRECTIVE Directive No. 12.1 September 2016 MULTI-ASSAULT COUNTER TERRORISM ACTION CAPABILITIES (MACTAC) PURPOSE It is anticipated that the City of Los Angeles will be the target of a terrorist ac...

LL OO SS AA NN GG EE LL EE SS PP OO LL II CC EE DD EE PP AA RR TT M M EE NN TT USE OF FORCE-TACTICS DIRECTIVE Directive No. 12.1 September 2016 MULTI-ASSAULT COUNTER TERRORISM ACTION CAPABILITIES (MACTAC) PURPOSE It is anticipated that the City of Los Angeles will be the target of a terrorist act that could cause a high number of casualties or involve the use of victims as tools to gain notoriety or media attention. The Los Angeles Police Department has adopted the MACTAC concept to mitigate the severity of terrorist actions. The MACTAC concept is a regional and national concept wherein law enforcement agencies may deploy swiftly and overwhelmingly to stop or interrupt the deadly actions of the suspects. Response to a MACTAC incident may require the response of other agencies, departments, and jurisdictions. The MACTAC concept provides common nomenclature and tactics for multiple agencies and jurisdictions to work effectively together to stop the attacks and save lives. PROTOCOL A terrorist act may occur, but may not be initially recognized as a MACTAC incident due to limited information or other circumstances. Once a terrorist act is identified as a MACTAC incident, the Department will immediately initiate a tactical alert and posture all available resources for rapid response to the incident(s). All Department personnel will discontinue police work that is not of major importance and await direction from their supervisors. Essential Functions 1. Stop or interrupt the deadly actions of the suspects 2. Establish on-scene command of the incident 3. Gather and disseminate accurate and timely intelligence about the incident for situational awareness 4. Establish perimeter control 5. Protect vital structures It is the Department’s mission to immediately respond to, stop, or interrupt the deadly actions of the suspects, establish on-scene command, gather and disseminate intelligence for situational awareness, establish perimeter control, and protect vital facilities. Use of Force - Tactics Directive MACTAC Page 2 Station Defense and Preparation Commands are responsible for the protection of Department facilities. Detailed instructions of how to accomplish this are incorporated into the Area Standing Plans. The Standing Plans should include primary and alternate Code ALPHA locations for personnel to respond. Code ALPHA locations should be conspicuously posted in work areas, but out of public view. The destruction of vital structures and infrastructure could severely hamper the response to a MACTAC event. Personnel will be deployed as needed to protect vital structures identified in Area Standing Plans. PROCEDURES Events have shown that the momentum of a MACTAC event can be significantly reduced within the first 15 minutes of the incident. First responding officers must quickly assess the situation, assemble into contact teams, announce via Communications Division what is occurring, and act based on that assessment. In instances such as the murdering of innocent victims or the beginning of a hostage siege, contact teams should disrupt the deadly actions of the suspects. The Department recognizes that the situation may be chaotic and information may be limited. However, officers must take action based on the best available information. Hesitation may result in a missed opportunity to change the momentum of the event. Minimum Operating Force/Mobile Field Force During a MACTAC event, the Department should avoid over-deploying its resources to a single incident as additional attacks will most likely take place at other locations throughout the City. Over-deploying resources may delay response and expose officers to unnecessary risks. Therefore, deployment of resources must be carefully controlled. When there is a City-wide tactical alert, Communications Division, with input from the watch commander of the affected Area and the Real-time Analysis and Critical Response Division (RACR), will determine which officers will be assigned to the Minimum Operating Force (MOF), typically 50% of available officers, and which officers will be assigned to respond as a MACTAC Mobile Field Force (MFF). Officers who are part of the MOF shall follow the instructions of their watch commander such as handling high priority calls, station security, and protecting vital facilities. Officers assigned to MACTAC MFFs will be directed to respond to a Code ALPHA location, make ready for response to an incident and await instructions. Use of Force - Tactics Directive MACTAC Page 3 At Scene Operations The “4 A’s” is a concept designed to help an officer recall the necessary actions that should be taken to facilitate a coordinated response toward a given threat at a MACTAC incident: Assess, Announce, Assemble, and Act. Assess. Upon arrival to a MACTAC incident, initial responders must rapidly assess the situation to determine the nature of the threat and what measures should be taken in an attempt to stop or control the life threatening actions related to the incident. Announce. After the initial assessment, initial responders should announce what they are seeing to Communications Division and responding personnel. The radio broadcast should include a “help call” and the nature of the incident, as well as what resources are needed, including the anticipated number of personnel and any other pertinent information. Assemble. Once the situation has been initially assessed and properly announced, personnel must rapidly assemble in a safe location, configure into contact teams and respond. Act. The teams must respond in a coordinated effort using tactical concepts, such as bounding overwatch, travelling, and Immediate Action/Rapid Deployment as directed by their team leader. All officers, supervisors, and incident commanders must act in a coordinated effort to make contact with the suspects, restrict their ability to maneuver, deny avenues of escape and stop their deadly behavior, while being mindful of the possibility of a counter-attack. MACTAC Numbering System It is understood the incident(s) may be chaotic and unpredictable. It is also understood that the MACTAC concept places priority on interdiction of the violent acts prior to establishing an on-scene command post. To identify contact teams and/or squads, a numbering system has been developed to readily identify resources that may be deployed during a MACTAC event where there may be multiple incidents. Due to the spontaneity of a MACTAC event, contact team designations cannot be pre-designated. Additionally, locations where MACTAC operations are taking place should be named. The name is at the discretion of the first supervisor on scene. For instance, if the Staples Center was attacked, the incident could be known as the “Staples” incident. Use of Force - Tactics Directive MACTAC Page 4 The first contact team at an incident will be designated as Team 1-1. If the name Staples Incident of the incident is known as the Staples incident, the team would be designated Platoon Leader→ Staples MACTAC Leader as Staples 1-1. The second contact team would be Staples 1-2, and the third Squad Leader→ Staples 1 Staples 2 Staples 3 team would be Staples 1-3. The first Contact Teams→ Staples 1-1 Staples 2-1 Staples 3-1 Staples 1-2 Staples 2-2 Staples 3-2 sergeant or squad leader on scene Staples 1-3 Staples 2-3 Staples 3-3 would be Staples 1 and assume command of Staples 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3. The next contact teams deployed would be Staples 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 led by Staples 2. When three squads are deployed, a platoon leader is expected to assume command over all squads at the location and will be designated on the radio as “Staples MACTAC Leader.” Once the Department mobilizes, Incident Command System protocol should be followed. Contact Team Missions Contact teams may be involved in assault, support, security, rescue, or force protection missions. Once sufficient contact teams are in place, the incident commander (IC) may begin assigning missions as needed. In all instances, the IC must quickly place contact teams into effective positions to stop the suspects and control the incident. Primary Missions • Assault Priority is to make contact with the suspect(s) to stop the deadly behavior. • Support Priority is to deny suspect(s) the ability to maneuver by providing cover fire, if necessary. • Security Priority is to secure the squad’s rear and flanks (this is the squad’s trailing element). Secondary Missions • Rescue Priority is to conduct rescues of victims and extract them to a casualty collection point or treatment area. o Rescue Contact Teams consist of law enforcement personnel who may enter to search for victim(s) in the warm or hot zone(s). Use of Force - Tactics Directive MACTAC Page 5 o Rescue Task Forces (RTF) consist of law enforcement (LE) and firefighter/EMS personnel and are used in a MACTAC incident where Unified Command has been established. In an RTF, firefighter/EMS personnel’s mission is to conduct the rescue and treatment of victim(s). Law enforcement’s only mission is to provide force protection to firefighter/EMS personnel and shall remain with firefighter/EMS personnel until relieved by the IC. Because an RTF combines police and fire personnel, they will not be deployed to hot zones. • Force Protection Priority is to establish a perimeter to protect the incident command post and potential secondary targets. • Inner Perimeter Security All additional resources that do not have a crucial assignment will be tasked with physically securing the warm zones and areas or rooms that have been cleared. Using markings or signs to designate areas as “warm” or “clear” is not advisable since an active shooter is mobile and is likely to disregard any such markings or signs. Cleared or warm areas should not be left unattended and a fixed post should be established to reliably secure these areas. City-Wide TAC Alert Decision Process When information indicates that a MACTAC response may be required in the City or surrounding area, the RACR watch commander shall notify Communications Division, the command staff, and other City management of a City-wide tactical alert. If any Department employee believes they have identified a MACTAC incident, they should immediately advise Communications Division. City-Wide TAC Alert, Notification, and Implementation Process Once a MACTAC event has been confirmed, Communications Division will initiate a Citywide TAC Alert. A Department-wide broadcast will indicate that there is a verified MACTAC event in the City and all sworn employees are to await direction from a supervisor to respond to a Code ALPHA location. Other regional law enforcement agencies may be notified to prepare support personnel and resources for the potential of additional attacks. When RACR has declared there is a verified MACTAC event in the City or region, all Department personnel MACTAC Event Incidents occur (or are about to occur) ↓ Assessment ↓ Notifications made ↓ City-Wide TAC Alert broadcast ↓ Personnel respond to Code ALPHA locations ↓ Personnel deployed Use of Force - Tactics Directive MACTAC Page 6 will be notified of the event using the unusual occurrence protocols. As information becomes available, personnel will deploy as contact teams, squads, and MFFs. As the situation develops, the Department will direct tactical resources towards the MACTAC incident through Communications Division. Disseminating timely intelligence about the incident is critical to the success of MACTAC mitigation. Contact team leaders must provide as much intelligence as possible via Communications Division to allow for analysis and continued response. All Department personnel who do not have pre-designated responsibilities (command post cadre, SWAT, Hazardous Materials Units, etc.) or who are not part of a MOF shall prepare to respond to their pre-designated Code ALPHA locations. If the Code ALPHA location is inaccessible or response would be delayed, personnel will be directed to respond to the next closest Code ALPHA location in the City. At the Code ALPHA location, personnel will immediately make ready to respond to a MACTAC incident. All personnel shall configure into four-officer contact teams. Supervisors will assume command of one squad consisting of three contact teams. The first contact team assembled is responsible for establishing perimeter security around the Code ALPHA location deploying rifles, shotguns, etc. More than one contact team may be needed for security depending upon the size of the Code ALPHA location. At the Code ALPHA Location • • • • • • Tactically park cars Don ballistic vests and helmets Make all firearms “patrol ready” Check communication equipment Configure into four officer contact teams Await instructions for deployment Because of the anticipated scope of a MACTAC event, personnel in administrative, investigative, and training assignments may be deployed with little notice. Therefore, Department personnel shall maintain a constant state of readiness to immediately respond to such an incident. Personnel are strongly encouraged to maintain additional ammunition, water, and other supplies, such as a “Go Bag,” to sustain a lengthy confrontation and/or deployment. CONCLUSION The rapidly changing nature of a MACTAC event may include multiple, simultaneous incidents which require a flexible tactical approach and immediate action once sufficient personnel are available. Appropriate decision making and proper application of tactics will likely increase public and officer safety, as well as the likelihood of a successful resolution to a MACTAC event. Although MACTAC tactics can be used in a variety of tactical situations and may provide superior maneuverability for any tactical encounter, officers are reminded that MACTAC tactics are not a substitute for conventional tactics for a barricaded suspect. Use of Force -Tactics Directive MACTAC Page 7 Important Reminder Deviation from these basic concepts sometimes occurs due to the fluid and rapidly evolving nature of law enforcement encounters and the environment in which they occur. Deviations may range from minor, typically procedural or technical, to substantial deviations from Department tactical training. Any deviations are to be explained by the involved officer(s), and ~. justification for substantial deviation from Department tactical training shall be articulated 'and must meet the objectvely,reasonable standard of the`Department's Use of Force policy. AMENDMENTS This version replaces Use of Force-Tactics Directive No. 12, Multi-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities(MACTAC), June 2011. 1 CHARLIE BECK Chief of Police DISTRIBUTION "D" Attachment: Terms and Definitions Multi-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) Terms and Definitions MACTAC Defined: Multiple deadly force incidents occurring simultaneously or consecutively; or a terrorist attack involving improvised explosive devices (IED), high powered weapons; or a hostage siege where the armed person(s) have used or are preparing to use deadly force on other persons; and IT IS ON-GOING AND DYNAMIC Note: MACTAC is an expansion of Immediate Action/Rapid Deployment tactics and provides officers with additional tactics to use as they approach an incident that involves multiple locations, multiple shooters, and/or open air areas. 4 A’s: A concept designed to help an officer recall the necessary actions that should be taken to facilitate a coordinated response toward a given threat at a MACTAC event. The 4 A’s are Assess, Announce, Assemble, and Act. Active Shooter: An armed person who has used deadly force or is inflicting serious bodily injury and aggressively continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims. Back-Brief: Repeating instructions back to the source so that the person giving the instructions can determine whether the message was received properly. Bounding Overwatch: The slowest technique for movement, but provides the best position of advantage to maneuver when contact with the suspect(s) is likely. Casualty Collection Point: A location in a safe area where casualties are collected for responding medical personnel. Code ALPHA Location: A safe location where personnel gather to prepare for a response to a MACTAC incident or other tactical event. Contact Team: Four to seven officers who work as a team to immediately confront and disrupt the deadly actions of the suspects. Additional contact teams may be involved in support, security, rescue, or force protection missions. Once the team reaches eight officers, the contact team should be split into two teams. Cover Fire: Controlled and deliberate fire directed at a life-endangering threat where an officer reasonably believes the threat to be located. The decision to use cover fire should be consistent with the threat and is always considered a use of deadly force. Down Range: The location where the tactical event is taking place. Field Jail: A location where suspects are gathered for control and identification by investigators and may be debriefed for intelligence and tactical information. Go Bag (“Bailout Bag,” “Response Bag” or “Active Shooter Bag.”): A bag, backpack or satchel containing equipment and sustenance items to support a responder to a MACTAC event. Such equipment items may include extra ammunition and magazines, water, lighting equipment (i.e., flashlight, glow stick), first aid supplies, etc. High Ground: A position higher than the target location. High ground is a tactically superior location and may be used as an intelligence observation post or a shooting platform. Hostage Siege: An attack where terrorists secure hostages to prolong the event using continuous fortification such as barricades and explosives, with the goal of killing as many people as possible to attain political goals or other aims. UOF-TAC DIR NO. 12.1, 2016 1 of 3 Multi-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) Terms and Definitions Hostage Situation: A situation in which the suspect is believed to be armed and holding hostages while refusing to submit to arrest Immediate Action/Rapid Deployment (IARD): The swift and immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to ongoing, life threatening situations where delayed deployment could result in death or serious bodily injury. • IARD tactics are used upon entering a structure or confined area to search for an active shooter. MACTAC Incident: A single terrorist attack involving explosives and/or high powered weapons or a hostage siege where the armed persons have used deadly force. MACTAC Event: A series of related and coordinated terrorist attacks, which together make up a MACTAC event. MACTAC Mobile Field Force: Personnel designated to respond to a MACTAC event or other critical incident. Minimum Operating Force (MOF): The minimum number of personnel needed by any Area or Division to continue essential police functions. Area and Division commanding officers determine the minimum operating force as follows: Area Patrol MOF: • One-half of the Area's Basic Car deployment (A-Cars only) on the primary watches and midwatches for that day, PLUS • Two supervisors (one in, acting as the watch commander, and one out as a field supervisor) and essential station personnel (fixed posts). Open Air Area: Generally, a large open area that provides no cover or concealment for approaching personnel. Platoon: A platoon consists of three to five squads. Once the platoon reaches six squads, the platoon should be split into two platoons. Rescue Task Force: A Rescue Task Force is a team consisting of a minimum of two firefighter/EMS personnel and two law enforcement (LE) officers to treat life threatening injuries and move shooting victims to the casualty collection point and/or treatment area. The RTF may be comprised of up to four LE officers and four firefighter/EMS personnel. Although exceptions can be made based on the situation, this is the largest reasonable combination of personnel for an RTF. Larger combinations of police and fire department personnel will make it more difficult to tactically re-deploy in the event that a suspect(s) engages the RTF. Because an RTF combines police and fire personnel, they will not be deployed to hot zones. • Hot Zone: An area of most danger. Contact with the suspect is likely. Firefighter/EMS will not respond into a hot zone. • Warm Zone: An area of decreased danger. Contact with the suspect is not likely. Firefighter/EMS will only respond into a warm zone with LE force protection. • Cold Zone: An area of least danger. The location is clear to be turned over to investigative personnel. Firefighter/EMS will operate freely in a cold zone. Squad: A squad consists of three contact teams. UOF-TAC DIR NO. 12.1, 2016 2 of 3 Multi-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) Terms and Definitions Staging Area: An area established for the temporary location of available resources. A staging area can be any location in which personnel, supplies, and equipment can be temporarily housed or parked while awaiting operational assignment. Tactical Alert: The preliminary stage of the Department Mobilization Plan for unusual occurrences. A tactical alert provides for the controlled redistribution of on-duty personnel to achieve the personnel level necessary to control a major police incident. A tactical alert may be declared for an Area, a number of Areas, a Bureau, multiple Bureaus, or City-wide. The tactical alert may expand or contract based upon the circumstances of the incident. Tactical Parking: Parking in a manner that facilitates the placement and unrestricted movement of all emergency response vehicles. Terrorist Attack: A surprise attack involving the deliberate use of violence against civilians in the hope of attaining political goals or other aims. Travelling: A technique that allows for fast movement when speed is essential. This technique is used when contact with the suspect(s), or receiving fire, is unlikely. Unified Command: An Incident Command System concept which allows involved agencies to manage an incident together by establishing a common set of objectives and strategies without affecting individual agency authority, responsibility, or accountability. UOF-TAC DIR NO. 12.1, 2016 3 of 3