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5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 1: Assisting Your Community Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to determine the appropriate resources to safely resolve non-criminal calls for service. Think About This You are first on the...

5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 1: Assisting Your Community Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to determine the appropriate resources to safely resolve non-criminal calls for service. Think About This You are first on the scene at a vehicle crash with a fire. You are attempting to help the trapped driver out of the vehicle and backup has not arrived yet. You see several bystanders on the scene. Should you ask them for assistance? Responding to a Non-criminal Call for Service While patrolling, you will respond to a variety of calls for service that are non-criminal in nature. A non- criminal call for service may range from a request to obtain specific information, to a request to perform a security check on a building. Every call for service requires you to respond in a professional manner and to adjust your command pres- ence to fit the situation. The public’s trust in you depends on whether your authority is seen as appropriate, proper, and just. If your authority is not seen as legitimate, the public may not cooperate. Remember that a seemingly simple incident can rapidly escalate into a criminal situation. Maintain your composure, your ability to think, and your safety at all times. When you arrive at the scene, find the complainant, and introduce yourself in a courteous manner. Listen to the person, and then determine what services the caller needs and whether you can assist or provide re- ferrals. You can serve a member of the public, for example, by providing information, pamphlets, or agency contacts (websites and telephone numbers) for: the Department of Veterans Affairs the Department of Children and Families local mental health services county clerks of court In Chapter 2 you learned that despite all of your efforts, sometimes you may not be able to provide the expected level of service. In these situations, use your interpersonal skills to express your understanding of the situation and your empathy for the people involved, and explain why you cannot resolve the issue. For example, power outages or locked-out motorists do not require law enforcement intervention. ; LE531.1. Describe how to provide assistance during a non-criminal incident Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 191 Directing People to Assist Most of the time, you will engage with a compliant person. However, there may be times when you need to call on bystanders to help. Typically, these are emergency situations such as rescuing a victim, providing first aid, or overcoming resistance from a suspect. Evaluate the scene to determine how much and what kind of help you need. Florida law authorizes officers to command assistance from the public in certain situations, such as apprehending or securing a person for breach of the peace or in the case of a rescue or escape of a person arrested upon civil process. Determine the skill sets, physical limitations, and willingness of the public before commanding assistance. Give clear and specific instructions to people who are providing assistance. Under no circumstance should you instruct a member of the public to assist in a way that violates the law, exceeds their ability, or com- promises safety. ; LE531.2. Describe how to lawfully instruct the public to assist 192 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 2: Well-Being and Security Checks Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to safely check on the well-being of a person, and the security of a residence, a building, or grounds. Think About This While on patrol you drive by Mr. West’s house. Typically, Mr. West is on his porch and waves at you. On this day, you notice he is not outside. You decide to park your car, knock on the door, and check on him. As you approach, you hear cries for help. What do you do in this situation? Well-Being Checks You may notice a situation that requires a well-being check, such as a bad odor coming from a residence or an abnormal presence of flies, which shows lack of activity. A person with medical issues may request law enforcement to routinely conduct well-being checks at their home, or dispatch may receive a request from a resident’s neighbor or relative to conduct a well-being check. Dispatch should be able to research and confirm whether the subject of the well-being check has a call history at the location. When you arrive at the location, notify dispatch if any vehicles are present, and conduct a brief search of the area for signs of unlawful entry or inactivity, such as an overflowing mailbox. Try to contact the person by knocking on the door or calling them on the phone. Look into the windows to determine the status of the person or identify indicators of distress. If appropriate, contact the property owner or management to obtain information about the person and about access to the location. Determine if the subject has been taken to a medical facility or has been arrested. Interview any neighbors to find out if they have informa- tion on the whereabouts of the person or if a neighbor has a key. If you cannot make contact with the person and there are no immediate signs of distress, contact dispatch or record the actions on your in-vehicle computer and follow your agency policies and procedures when notifying your chain of command. ; LE532.1. Describe how to conduct a well-being check In an emergency situation follow your agency policies and procedures when you have reasonable belief that a person is in immediate danger. In this situation, you may enter the property by force and search the premises. If you determine that you need immediate access to the person, you may need to call for backup or addi- tional resources to assist with a forced entry. Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 193 If necessary, provide first aid to the subject, contact dispatch to relay the person’s status, or request ad- ditional emergency resources. When appropriate, contact the person who requested the well-being check to update them on the out- come and make any recommendations for future action. If you initiated the check, interview the person to determine who to contact for follow-up. ; LE532.2. Describe when you need to provide immediate assistance in a well-being check Security Checks While patrolling an assigned area, you may conduct security checks of residences, buildings, or grounds. Residents may request security checks, or you or dispatch may initiate one. Notify dispatch when you ar- rive at the location, and park your vehicle at a distance from the building while observing the area. Use equipment, such as vehicle spotlights, flashlights, and radios, to help when you are conducting secu- rity checks. Look for suspicious indicators as you approach the scene. For example, be aware of open or unlocked doors, broken windows, damaged security equipment, or barking dogs. Other indicators of sus- picious activity may be damaged plants or shrubs or items such as outdoor furniture or planters that are knocked over. Run a vehicle check on any suspicious vehicles in the area. While walking the perimeter, check all entry points for signs of tampering. If you observe anything suspicious, get the property owner’s contact in- formation by locating any posted contact information, interviewing witnesses and neighbors, or asking dispatch to check for a property representative. Once you have contacted the owner or representative, ask them about circumstances at the property in relation to your observations. If there are indications of criminal activity, property damage, or loss, begin the appropriate investigative action. After you complete a security check, communicate the necessary information to dispatch. ; LE532.3. Describe how to conduct a security check 194 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 3: Death Notifications Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to deliver a death notification to the next of kin in a professional manner. Think About This You are responsible for notifying the next of kin after a fatal car crash and the family cannot be reached in person. What do you do? Notifying the Next of Kin You may be assigned to make a death notification when your agency conducts a death investigation, or when it gets a request from another jurisdiction. You can obtain the name, address, and telephone number of the deceased person’s next of kin using crimi- nal justice databases. If you use the DAVID Emergency Contact Information (ECI), follow your agency poli- cies and procedures and remember that ECI is for emergency purposes only and cannot be used as an in- vestigative tool. After you have located the relatives, make a personal visit to the family, if possible. Be sensitive to cultural and religious issues when handling this emotional situation. Before attempting to deliver a death notification, try to identify any language or cultural barriers. A victim advocate, an agency chaplain, or an interpreter may be very helpful when you notify a family member or significant other of the death of a loved one. When responding in person, you may request a backup officer. Normally, this is a non-confrontational situation, but always practice officer safety. If the next of kin lives in another state or town and you are not able to go to their home, contact the local law enforcement agency in that area, and request that one of their officers make the notification. Obtain that agency’s telephone number by contacting dispatch, searching the internet, or performing queries within the FCIC/NCIC systems. Although it is acceptable to notify the next of kin by telephone, this is the least preferred method. Do not make a telephone notification unless there is no other option. If you must notify the next of kin by tele- phone, call as soon as possible. When you make contact with the next of kin, answer their questions concerning the deceased person’s location and the circumstances surrounding the death. This will assist the family in dealing with the loss. If the investigation does not permit you to provide answers about the circumstances surrounding the death, explain this to the family. Follow your agency policies regarding death notifications. There are basic things you can do to display empathy when delivering a death notification. Be careful to avoid statements such as, “I know how you feel,” or, “God never gives us more than we can handle.” Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 195 The following are some recommendations when making a death notification: Be absolutely certain of the identity of the deceased. Make a clear statement that the death has occurred. Allow time for the venting of feelings. Obtain medical help, if needed. Assist in notifying significant others. Make referrals for follow-up support services. Describe the procedure for identifying the deceased. ; LE533.1. Describe how to deliver a death notification in a professional manner 196 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 4: Animal Complaints Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to safely respond to situations involving animal complaints. Think About This You get a call about a 3-foot alligator in a residential pool. What are some ways to handle this situation? Nuisance Animal Calls You may respond to calls involving domestic, wild, and exotic animals. Domestic animals may include live- stock or family pets, such as dogs and cats. Common calls involving wildlife include alligators, snakes, bears, raccoons, and birds. Exotic animal calls may include pythons, parrots, and monitor lizards. They are called exotic, because they are not native to Florida. When arriving on scene, identify any immediate threat and injury to anyone requiring first aid; call EMS, as needed. Determine if the animal is running free, contained, injured, or aggressive. Once you establish the present state of the animal, you may attempt to capture the animal or contact animal control services or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Consider your level of experience and training before you attempt to capture or handle any animal yourself. You may need to request additional resources, such as wildlife rehabilitators or nuisance animal trappers. If an animal threatens personal or public safety, or suffers a debilitating injury, use appropriate equipment and force. ; LE534.1. Describe how to assist a person with an animal complaint Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 197 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 5: Fire-Related Incidents Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify the appropriate course of action when respond- ing to a fire-related incident. Think About This While on patrol on the highway, you observe what appears to be smoke coming from a ditch on the side of the road. You stop to check it out and find a small grass fire from a discarded cigarette. What would your response be? Role of Law Enforcement If you arrive at the scene of an incident and see a fire, notify dispatch immediately and request assistance. Occupants in the surrounding area may need to evacuate. Contact a supervisor and follow agency proce- dures when considering evacuations. The primary responsibility of an officer after the arrival of fire depart- ment personnel is to assist the firefighters and the fire marshal in their investigation and to maintain crowd and traffic control. ; LE535.1. Describe your role during a fire-related incident Responding to a Vehicle Fire When responding to a vehicle fire, ask dispatch for all relevant information regarding the incident. Dispatch may be able to provide the specific information on the fire, where it is, what is on fire, if anyone is trapped, and if fire rescue has been notified. You should notify dispatch when you arrive at the scene. When parking, consider the wind direction and speed, traffic conditions, and safe access for other responders. Use your vehicle to block traffic and to protect the area in which you and other officers will work. Consider fire intensity, and if you determine that you cannot put out the fire yourself, request fire and res- cue aid. Dispatch can assist in making contact with available emergency resources. Survey the scene for victims, hazards, and other threats to public safety. These may include hazardous ma- terials, downed power lines, and any other materials that may present an immediate threat. You may need to use other emergency equipment, such as cones or flares, to create a perimeter around the work area. Consider the proximity of the fire to oncoming traffic, property, victims, and witnesses when deciding on the size of the perimeter. You will learn more about setting up a perimeter in a later lesson. Move people, including the injured, away from the scene, if possible. 198 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Determine if the vehicle is occupied. If victims are present, begin rescue efforts to extract the victims. Move victims to a safe location, and provide first aid, as needed. If victims are trapped beyond your rescue ability, make every reasonable effort to immediately extinguish the fire. Be aware of the capabilities and limitations of fire extinguishers. Foam fire extinguishers are best for paper or wood fires, while CO2 fire extinguishers are more suited for flammable liquids. Fire extinguishers may help gain access to trapped victims. Once the victims have been removed and if there is no immediate threat to life or property, secure the scene for the arrival of fire personnel. Highly flammable or combustible items in the vicinity must be evaluated and moved, if practical. Depending on the scope of the incident, you may be required to assist other responding resources. You may be asked to provide details of the incident, control traffic, maintain a perimeter, or possibly administer first aid. The fire may be the result of a traffic accident, and the scene will need to be preserved as much as possible for evidence. ; LE535.2. Describe how to respond to a motor vehicle fire False Alarms A false alarm of a fire occurs when an alarm system is activated but there is no evidence of reasonable threat. The false alarm could be caused intentionally or due to a malfunction. If you are dispatched to a building for an alarm and the alarm is a malfunction, this is not an offense. However, it becomes a criminal offense if someone intentionally caused the alarm. When charging a suspect with false alarm of a fire, document that the suspect, without reasonable cause, circulated a false alarm of fire. ; LE535.3. Determine when an incident is a false alarm of a fire Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 199 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 6: Lost, Stolen, or Recovered Property Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to respond to an incident involving lost, stolen, or re- covered property. Think About This A person turns in a found backpack to the local police department where you work. As you are going through the contents of the backpack, you discover a laptop, a camera, and a phone. What do you do next? While on patrol, you may need to handle lost, stolen, or recovered property. A person may call about a lost cell phone, a victim of a burglary may find their stolen property at a pawn shop, or a person may turn in prescription drugs or a valuable object to law enforcement. This lesson discusses general guidelines for re- sponding to these types of incidents. However, follow your agency policies and procedures when handling these types of situations. Lost Property Items that people commonly report as lost property include cell phones, driver’s licenses, license plates, credit cards, Social Security cards, any insurance-related claims, or any losses due to a natural disaster. Use a general information report to document these incidents. Get a description of the property and an esti- mate of its value. Precise descriptions of lost property are important for later identification and recovery. Note the unique distinguishing identifiers, such as scratches or unique parts to help identify the property. On items with serial numbers or other unique identifying numbers, record the numbers in your report and refer to FCIC/NCIC for entry. Conduct an FCIC/NCIC database query and a local system search that will search for recovered property in local pawn shops. Keep in mind that lost property may turn into stolen property. Stolen Property You may come across stolen property on routine patrol, during traffic stops or arrests, or from a concerned resident. Upon receiving stolen property, handle the property according to agency policies, which may include: conducting an FCIC/NCIC and local database search to verify you have stolen property requesting the entering agency to remove the item from the database after verifying it is stolen property attempting to identify the owner or the original case report to add a supplemental report 200 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1  photographing the item processing the item for physical evidence, including latent prints and touch DNA (discussed in Chapter 9) returning the item to the owner if there is no forensic value and documenting this action submitting the item as evidence if you cannot locate the owner or if there is forensic value forwarding any suspect or item identification to the appropriate department in your agency for a follow-up investigation Stolen Property in the Custody of Pawnbroker Stolen property is often sold to pawnbrokers. The Florida Statutes state: When an appropriate law enforcement official has probable cause to believe that prop- erty in the possession of a pawnbroker is misappropriated, the official may place a written hold order on the property. The written hold order shall impose a holding period not to exceed 90 days unless extended by court order. The appropriate law enforcement official may rescind, in writing, any hold order. An appropriate law enforcement official may place only one hold order on property. Recovered Property Recovered property may be abandoned, seized, or found. Inventory the items, complete a property/re- ceipt form, and give the items to your agency’s property clerk for storage or destruction. Take all of the necessary steps to identify the owner or determine if the items are evidence of a crime. If you can identify the owner and the property is not evidence, attempt to return the property according to agency policies and procedures. If you determine the property is stolen, refer to the information under stolen property above. Property that is recovered is entered into FCIC/NCIC as recovered property. Florida law allows an owner or operator of a theme park, entertainment complex, zoo, museum, aquarium, public food service establishment, or public lodging establishment to dispose of or donate any lost or aban- doned property found on its site. The owner or operator must maintain a record of the property and hold the property for at least 30 days. If the property remains unclaimed after 30 days, the owner or operator may not sell the property, but must dispose of or donate the property to a charitable institution. ; LE536.1. Identify the procedure for handling lost, stolen, or recovered property Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 201 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 7: Property Disputes Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to respond to disputes involving property boundaries, landlords and tenants, motor vehicle repairs, and repossessions. Think About This You respond to a residence where the homeowner complains about his neighbor’s tree branches hanging over his side of the fence. The neighbor refuses to cut down the trees because she says it’s not her problem. What action can you take in this situation? Property Boundary Disputes Property disputes between neighbors are usually civil in nature. For example, a property owner plants trees in his backyard, but his neighbor says the trees are on his side of the property line. The property owners would need a recent survey to identify who owns the property where the trees were planted. This is considered a civil dispute and would need to be done outside of the criminal justice process. Advise the parties to seek the appropriate remedies in civil court. ; LE537.1. Describe how to respond to property boundary disputes Landlord and Tenant Disputes You will sometimes be called to disturbances arising from landlord and tenant disputes. You need a general knowledge of what action, if any, you can take in these situations. The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs most of the traditionally recognized rental arrangements for dwellings, such as apart- ments, town homes, duplexes, single-family housing units, and mobile home parks. In tenancy situations covered by the law, the only way a landlord can legally recover possession of the leased residence without the consent of the tenant is to file an eviction proceeding in the county court where the residence is located. If the landlord is successful, a writ of possession will be issued by the court to the sheriff, who is then au- thorized to evict the tenant and put the landlord in possession of the residence after a prescribed notice period. Be aware that until legally evicted, a tenant has a right to enter the residence, and a landlord may not prevent entry by changing the locks. You may physically evict a tenant only following a writ of possession. Any action without a writ that causes the removal of a tenant, whether physically removing the tenant’s belongings from the residence or sug- gesting to the tenant that failure to leave may result in arrest, is likely to be considered a wrongful eviction. 202 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 The Residential Landlord Tenant Act does not apply in these three types of residential rental facilities: pub- lic lodging establishments, such as hotels and motels; medical, geriatric, educational, counseling, religious, or similar residency facilities; and recreational vehicle parks. ; LE537.2. Describe how to respond to a landlord-tenant dispute Repossession of Property When a person or company that is owed money (called a creditor), sells or leases property to a person who takes out a loan (called a borrower), the creditor may get a security interest or lien against the property in the form of a contract or security agreement. The contract allows the creditor to take the property as col- lateral if the borrower defaults or does not repay the loan. If the borrower defaults, the creditor may get a court order that allows them to take possession of the collateral. This order is called a writ of replevin. Florida law permits a creditor to take possession of the collateral after default without a court order if it can be done without breach of the peace. This is called self-help repossession. In this situation, your role is to keep the peace. You may not give legal advice to either the borrower or the creditor. Creditors usually hire a recovery agent to repossess property. Types of property likely to be repossessed in- clude motor vehicles, mobile homes, motorboats, aircrafts, personal watercrafts, all-terrain vehicles, farm equipment, and industrial equipment. Motor vehicles are the most common type of repossessed property. When responding to a dispute or confrontation about repossession of a vehicle, you may have to determine: if the vehicle has already been attached to the tow truck and is ready for transport or the recov- ery agent is behind the steering wheel of the vehicle ready to drive away. In this case, the repos- session is complete and the recovery agent should be permitted to leave. if there is a breach of the peace. In this situation, the recovery agent cannot lawfully take the vehicle. You will learn more about breach of the peace in Chapter 8. ; LE537.3. Describe how to safely respond to repossession of property during a dispute Motor Vehicle Repair Disputes You may sometimes be dispatched to disturbances at automobile repair shops regarding disputes over repair costs. The Florida Statutes permit the vehicle owner who refuses to pay the repair bill to take posses- sion of the vehicle after posting a bond with the clerk of court. After a bond is posted in the amount of the repair invoice, including storage fees, the clerk will issue a certificate directing the repair shop to release the vehicle to the owner. If the vehicle owner refuses to pay the repair cost and removes the vehicle from the repair shop without posting a bond, then the vehicle owner should be investigated for theft. ; LE537.4. Describe the process for motor vehicle repair disputes Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 203 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 8: Civil Disturbance Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to safely mediate a civil disturbance and maintain the peace during a civil standby. Think About This You respond to a call where an individual asks to meet you for a child-custody exchange. What is your role in this situation? When responding to a call that is civil in nature, such as a landlord-tenant dispute or child custody issue, be aware that these incidents can become highly confrontational. Evaluate the threat level with information relayed by dispatch, the location’s call history, personal knowledge of the people involved, and your ob- servations. Be vigilant, avoid complacency, and request backup based on the threat level of the situation. Separate, identify, and interview all the people involved to obtain information related to the incident. Through your assessment, interviews, and observations, verify whether a crime has been committed. You can also perform queries within the FCIC/NCIC systems to determine if any injunctions or warrants exist. An injunction is a court order that requires a person to do or refrain from doing specific acts, such as having no contact with a former spouse or a specific victim of domestic violence. Once you have determined the disturbance is civil in nature, provide information and resources that will help resolve the conflict. For example, you may assist people involved in a landlord-tenant dispute by refer- ring them to civil court or mediation. ; LE538.1. Describe how to mediate a civil disturbance Civil Standby You may be called to maintain the peace through officer presence while serving a court order or responding to a call for service. This action is known as a civil standby. Civil standbys may be conducted in situations such as the execution of a writ of replevin, a child custody exchange, or a pretrial release order. Typically, a civil standby requires little action by the officer; your presence is enough to keep the incident calm. If your presence is not enough and the situation begins to escalate, you may separate both parties, recommend that one or both parties leave, or have them contact the clerk of the court or their attorneys. When necessary, separate and interview the parties to determine whether you need to take any enforce- ment action. 204 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Remain impartial and use conflict management skills to prevent escalation of the situation. Recall that Chapter 2 discusses conflict management skills more fully. Policies and procedures differ between agencies on whether a court order needs to be in place for an of- ficer to conduct a civil standby. ; LE538.2. Describe how to maintain order during a civil standby Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 205 5 Unit 3: Non-criminal Calls for Service Lesson 9: Crowd Control Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to safely control a crowd, demonstration, or riot using effective communication and observation skills. Think About This After a high school football game, a group of students gather outside the local gas station. Management reports that 15 to 20 students are cursing loudly and congregating outside in the parking lot. When you arrive, you estimate the crowd to be about 100 people. How do you handle this situation? You may be assigned to a special event detail, such as providing security for a sporting event, concert, fair, or political rally. You may also be asked to provide security for event facilities, attendees, and employees. Your agency will provide information regarding a command post for the event, level of enforcement, safety concerns, prohibited items, and other areas of concern. Always be aware of other officers’ locations and maintain a high level of awareness for potential incidents that may require a response. Assessing the Crowd The First Amendment protects the right of peaceful assembly for the community. When the assembly of people is no longer peaceful, law enforcement is called upon to resolve the public disturbance. The Florida Statutes that apply to assemblies or groups or to crowd control situations include: disorderly intoxication affrays and riots unlawful assemblies routs, melees, mobs breach of the peace and disorderly conduct People may gather as long as they cause no disturbance and act within the scope of the law. Your duty is to determine if the demonstration or gathering is lawful based on state statutes and county and municipal ordinances. In Florida, permits may be required for planned events that anticipate a large crowd. You may have to respond to complaints about sudden crowds, such as late-night bars closing or crowds leaving a venue. ; LE539.1. Describe the role of law enforcement when responding to crowds 206 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Identifying the Problem Try to determine the threat level of the crowd, demonstration, or riot by observing the mood, location, direction of travel, and size of the crowd. Several things may affect the crowd’s mood, such as the result of a sporting event or a controversial court ruling. Identify if the crowd is organized and if anyone is leading or agitating the crowd. Some crowds may involve gang members, possibly displaying colors, symbols, and weapons. Monitor the situation from the best vantage point for collecting information, such as from a patrol car, a rooftop, or a video monitoring system. Relay information frequently to dispatch or any assisting agencies. Include critical information on crowd size and movement, observed weapons such as broken bottles, and any property damage. Report any level of escalation or de-escalation. Determine if the situation requires specialized assistance, such as a supervi- sor’s deployment of the riot squad, SWAT, canine, or mounted patrol; the fire department; or the public information office. ; LE539.2. Determine the threat level of a crowd, demonstration, or riot Any large gathering could be dangerous, so you must approach it carefully. If you decide to engage the par- ticipants of a crowd or demonstration, officer safety is your first consideration. Sheer numbers can be over- whelming for responding officers. Calling for assistance and waiting for backup are critical when engaging a crowd or demonstration. Although non-hostile crowds are more passive, never become complacent when dealing with large groups, as things can quickly change. Safety is your main concern. It is sometimes difficult to remove or arrest members of a large group. The anonymity of a crowd may pro- voke the violent behavior of aggressive individuals. In large crowds, attacks can come from any direction, so always have an exit strategy and prevent crowds from cornering you or stopping you from leaving. A show of force or presence in numbers can be persuasive in calming a crowd. Identifying why a group has assembled will help you better understand group goals and possible solutions for a peaceful dispersal. Look for signs and symbols on clothing or listen to what people say or chant to help you understand the gathering. An important part of dispersing crowds and resolving group incidents is determining the leader or instiga- tor. Identify this person by observing how the crowd interacts. Is there someone that the crowd rallies be- hind? Who does all the talking? Who seems to stand out most, talking the loudest and prompting activity? Answers to these questions may point to the group leader. After backup has arrived, you may approach the leader or responsible person, separate them from the crowd, and interview them. Isolation allows you to speak to the leader without the influence of the group. Effective communication skills are essential in resolving conflicts involving many people. Speak in a profes- sional manner, treating all parties with dignity and respect, to encourage cooperation. Tell the leader why officers are at the scene. The leader’s willingness to cooperate is a major factor in subduing a threatening situation. Issuing a threat to arrest someone during initial contact may turn an otherwise peaceful event into a violent one. Request that the leader comply with laws and ordinances if the group has violated any. Independent criminal violations may occur in a crowd, such as underage drinking or illegal narcotics usage. These violations must be addressed. For officer safety reasons, if intervention is feasible, use discretion when deciding on enforcement action. If you expect to make a physical arrest, observe the crowd’s actions and determine if sufficient backup is present to ensure officer and public safety. ; LE539.3. Describe how to control a crowd, demonstration, or riot Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 207 5 Unit 4: Structure and Area Searches Lesson 1: Alarms and Searches Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to conduct a legal and tactically sound building search in response to an alarm or call for service. Think About This Officer Bentley responds to an alarm call for a vacant building and notices a front door open. She enters the building to search for any suspects or criminal activity. Is this the right action? What else should she be tak- ing into consideration? Responding to Security Alarms During patrol, you will respond to various alarms. Alarms can come from homes, retail stores, schools, government offices, or medical facilities, and may involve incidents of: burglary robbery panic fire medical alert There may also be cases when you respond to a false alarm. Your response and tactics will be determined by the type and location of the alarm. Factors to consider are life-threatening situations, danger to the public, or a significant loss of property. The alarm company may tell dispatch the cause of the alarm. Some alarms are audible while others are silent. Adjust your response (lights and siren versus a stealth approach) to the type of alarm. Whatever the alarm type, remain aware of your surroundings and anticipate unknown risks. Some agency policies require at least two officers to respond to alarm calls. Other agencies make a second officer avail- able under certain circumstances or at the request of the initial responding officer. Upon arrival, park your patrol vehicle a safe distance from the building or residence. The location you choose depends on the situation (for example, parking up the road versus several doors down). Observe any vehicles present at the scene and notify dispatch to run the license plate numbers. Do an overall as- sessment of the location and notify dispatch of any evidence of forced entry, such as broken glass or open doors. 208 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Try to identify the cause of the alarm. You can do this by observing the location and environment, inter- viewing people present, and getting information from dispatch. This information may include a suspect de- scription, false alarm notification, and the response from the property owner or a representative with key holder status. Several factors cause false alarms, including weather conditions, animals, power outages, unintentional activation, or an open door. If a crime has occurred and there are no suspects present, secure the scene. If a significant amount of time has elapsed and you have not located the suspects, begin an investigation. If you determine that suspects are present, develop a tactical plan to apprehend them. Factors to consider are whether you need to establish a perimeter, whether the suspects know of police presence, whether you need to conduct a building search, and whether you need to call for additional resources like a canine or tactical team. You may also respond to non-criminal or unknown alarms, such as fire or medical alarms. Your responsibil- ity in these situations is to identify the issue and notify the proper agency to resolve the incident. Assist the other agencies as needed. Usually you will help with controlling the crowd, gathering witness statements, and providing additional community safety functions. You may need to provide first aid until EMS arrives. ; LE541.1. Explain how to respond to an alarm call Building Search Principles At times, you will be required to conduct building searches, including calls for alarms, open doors, burglar- ies, and trespassing. Some of these incidents may turn into high-risk situations. You must determine if a building search is legally allowed before conducting one. Recall from Chapter 3 the exigent circumstances that justify a warrantless entry. If necessary, secure the exterior of the building with a perimeter. Direct people who are not involved to a safe location. If possible, obtain access to the property through the owner or a property agent. Do not search buildings alone. Use additional resources, including other officers and a canine unit, if avail- able. When you are working with a partner, establish a plan to search and secure the building. Noise from jangling keys, loose change, cell phones, or radio volume can reveal your location during a search. Secure loose items and turn down the volume on phones and radios before you begin a search. When using a flashlight to search a building, remain aware of the presence of other officers and their locations. Do not shine your flashlight on other officers. Hand signals can be used to communicate. Work together and avoid becoming separated. Using these methods allows you to cover each other and reduces the risk of crossfire. The greatest threat in a building search is the possibility of a suspect in hiding. Always remember that a suspect inside of the building can be armed and dangerous. Conduct a thorough and careful search. Failure to do so can lead to fatal results. After the initial search, consider swapping search areas with your partner and conduct a secondary search of the premises to ensure all areas were thoroughly searched. ; LE541.2. Explain the basic principles for conducting a building search for a suspect Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 209 Before Entering a Building Determine how to enter a building based on how the doors and windows open. For example, before enter- ing, note which direction the door opens by locating the hinges. Whatever the entry point, use the appro- priate strategy to enter the building. Generally, you will enter buildings through a doorway. Before entering a building, request an emergency radio channel through dispatch, and draw your firearm. In certain situations, you may knock and announce your presence to allow the people inside to exit or any suspects to surrender. For example, if you are doing a security check at a residence at 2 p.m. with an open door, you may want to announce your presence and purpose for entering. The situation may dictate your response, but be sure you have a plan before entering. Never enter too quickly. Stop, look, and listen. Be cautious of anyone who may be hiding behind doors. When working in pairs, maintain visual contact, communicate, and be aware of each other’s actions. Do not assume that your partner sees and hears ev- erything you do. If either of you face a threat, give loud verbal commands. This will also alert your partner to the situation and the threat. Entering and Clearing a Building Systematically search the structure, keeping track of cleared rooms or areas. As you move through a building, remain aware of narrow spaces that restrict movement; these are com- monly referred to as fatal funnels. Fatal funnels are typically doorways, hallways, and windows. Corners that cannot be visually cleared from the doorway (also known as deep corners) must be checked first upon entry. Be mindful of people hiding in shadows and dark areas. When you encounter these areas, make sure that the area is clear of threats and dangers before moving through them. During the search, you will encounter a number of factors that will affect your tac- tics. These include stairways, locked doors, closets, attics, and various other barriers. Follow agency policies when dealing with special considerations during a search. Before entering a room, visually clear as much of the room as possible. A technique for visually clearing a room is “cutting the pie” or “edging.” Stand to one side of the door and scan as many parts of the room as possible. When you enter a room, move deliberately. Figure 5-4: Cutting the pie Two common methods for entering a room are the crisscross and buttonhook. Whichever method you choose, be sure to coordinate with other officers. 210 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 In the crisscross technique, officers start on opposite sides of the doorway. They enter rapidly, one after the other, crossing to the opposite sides. Figure 5-5: Crisscross technique In the buttonhook (wraparound) technique, an officer and a partner enter the room by hooking around the corner at the point of entry. They stand on opposite sides or on the same side of the door. They should wrap around the wall and into the room. Figure 5-6: Buttonhook technique While searching, clear rooms of immediate threats, starting with the deep corners. It is important to stay together and search each room thoroughly before moving to the next. Communicate with your fellow of- ficer your area of responsibility for each room while maintaining firearm safety. Keep in mind the scope of your search is limited to locating persons. After searching each room, consider closing the door or keeping the room under observation. Once you clear the building, return the building to the responsible person. ; LE541.3. Describe how to conduct a systematic building search for a suspect Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 211 5 Unit 4: Structure and Area Searches Lesson 2: Area Searches Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to maintain a perimeter when conducting a grounds search for a suspect and how to safely pursue a suspect on foot. Think About This During a consensual encounter, the person decides to flee. Do you have grounds to pursue them? Perimeters A perimeter is an area of containment surrounding the site of an incident. The size and scope of the perim- eter depends upon the nature of the incident. It may include natural or artificial barriers. Situations will occur where it will be necessary to create a perimeter. You can use a perimeter when se- curing a crime scene or during a search for suspects, a high-risk situation, a special event, or any incident where access to an area needs to be restricted to authorized individuals. The situations calling for a perimeter can change constantly. It is best to start with a large perimeter. As the situation changes, the perimeter can be adjusted to keep officers and the public safe. The primary officer or a supervisor will determine the need for a perimeter and necessary resources based on the knowledge of the surrounding geographical area. You may need to coordinate with many officers and resources to maintain an effective perimeter; however, a basic one can be set with minimal resources, usually by two officers. For example, you can create a perimeter using vehicle headlights, spotlights, bar- ricades, and natural boundaries. You may use other resources depending on the type of incident, the amount of time that passed after the incident occurred, and the geographic configuration of the area. Resources may also include additional staff, a helicopter, or canines. Use your resources in a way that best protects the safety of the public while limiting the movements of contained suspects. ; LE542.1. Describe how to establish a perimeter If assigned to a post, ensure the integrity of the perimeter through constant observation and activities, and maintain contact with other officers to prevent people from entering or leaving a secured area. Report any notable information over the radio, such as if you observe any person matching the suspect’s description. Take immediate action if someone attempts to enter or leave the perimeter. 212 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Stay at your post until you are relieved or relocated, or the situation has been resolved. Perimeters can be effective even with limited resources by good planning and positioning. ; LE542.2. Describe how to monitor a perimeter Grounds Searches for a Suspect Often, suspects escape into an open area, the grounds surrounding a building, a neighborhood, or a busi- ness area. Officer safety is always the primary concern. Ask for backup and additional resources such as avi- ation or canine units, as necessary. The techniques for searching grounds are similar to building searches: Work with a partner, because it is safer than working alone. Do not expose yourself as a target. Use available cover and concealment. Be aware of the noise you are making; move only as fast as you can to remain safe. Coordinate with other officers to avoid crossfire situations. Be aware of other noises, such as barking dogs or alarms, which may indicate a suspect’s location or direction of travel. Be aware of areas that present a higher threat, such as low light or potential hiding areas. Additional concerns that may complicate outdoor searches can include: uneven and varying terrain ambient lighting access to elevated hiding areas, such as trees or rooftops members of the public walking into the area weather Exterior grounds searches are more difficult to contain than a building search. A number of factors that may affect your search tactics include fences, pools, vehicles, dead ends, and various barriers. ; LE542.3. Describe how to search an open area for a suspect Encountering People During a Search During a search, you may find people who have a legitimate reason to be in the search area. This includes employees, residents, or cleaning personnel. Consider any person in the search area a potential threat until you or another officer determine their status. Remember, this is a search for a suspect, not an evidence search, so you cannot search unreasonable places such as dresser drawers. Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 213 An encountered person may provide information regarding the incident. If you encounter an unverified subject, contact and detain them until you confirm their identity and status. Even if you locate a suspect, continue to search and clear the rest of the area, and consider conducting a secondary search. If you find a suspect hiding, proceed with caution. This could determine your next course of action. ; LE542.4. Recognize what to do if you encounter a person during a search Fleeing Suspect on Foot During a consensual encounter, if the person you are speaking to decides to flee, you do not have grounds to pursue. A person’s flight is not enough to provide probable cause for an arrest but it does contribute to reasonable suspicion to detain the person for investigation. When you have reasonable suspicion to detain a suspect and the suspect flees, you have the legal authority to pursue. During a foot pursuit, clearly communicate via the radio your location, your direction of travel, a descrip- tion of the suspect, and possible charges. Continuously update dispatch with this information. This will allow responding officers to provide support and establish a perimeter if needed. Safety considerations during a foot pursuit include: the probability that the suspect is armed the seriousness of the offense committed the threat to officers and the public the location and potential for ambush the time of day and weather conditions the knowledge that the person is a known suspect who can be apprehended at a later time the number of officers versus the number of suspects at the scene the physical limitations and capabilities of the officer and suspects the availability of additional resources, such as canine, air support, or SWAT the ability to secure the patrol vehicle the suspect’s and officer’s familiarity with the area Attempt to keep your eyes on the suspect. If you lose sight of the suspect, be aware of the possibility of an ambush. It is common for fleeing suspects to get rid of evidence or contraband while running. Immediately alert assisting officers via the radio to the location of discarded items. A foot pursuit is an ever-changing, stressful event; you must constantly reassess officer and public safety during the pursuit. Be aware of the physiological effects of stress and fatigue during a foot pursuit. These effects include selective hearing, tunnel vision, and rapid breathing. Deciding whether to pursue with a drawn firearm depends on the circumstances. Pursuing with a firearm in hand presents a number of significant safety hazards, such as an accidental shooting. Certain conditions 214 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 will present increased risks, such as corners, fences, wooded areas, swimming pools, and animals. When going around blind corners, slow down and tactically clear the corner. If you lose radio contact with dis- patch, reevaluate the decision to pursue. You or your supervisor may decide to end a pursuit at any time or when: the suspect’s location is unknown you are unable to continue because of injury, fatigue, or unfamiliarity with the area you establish the suspect’s identity and they are no longer a threat ; LE542.5. Describe how to safely pursue a suspect that flees on foot Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 215 5 Unit 5: Arrest Procedures Lesson 1: Taking Custody of the Suspect Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to make a safe and lawful arrest and transport the ar- restee to a secure facility. Think About This You are sent to the scene of a narcotics arrest to transport an arrestee for a narcotics detective. As you take custody of the arrestee, you begin to search the arrestee. The senior narcotics detective intervenes and tells you he has already searched them. What are the potential consequences if you do not search the arrestee? Making a Physical Custody Arrest You will take certain steps when making a physical custody arrest. Inform suspects that they are under arrest and the reason for the arrest. Properly handcuff suspects, including double lock, before searching for weapons or contraband. Perform a custodial search using the proper techniques explained in Defen- sive Tactics. As you learned in Chapter 4, Miranda requirements are necessary whenever you conduct an interrogation. ; LE551.1. Describe how to make a safe and lawful arrest Separate the arrestee’s personal property from evidence and contraband. Agency or detention facility policy will dictate what to do with personal property and contraband. You must seize any evidence and process it according to agency policies. You will learn more about processing evidence in Chapter 9. If you find any other evidence on or near the person, additional charges may apply. ; LE551.2. Describe when and how to seize and secure personal property, evidence, and contraband At times, it may be necessary in an arrest situation to provide information to victims, witnesses, and pos- sibly the arrestee’s family members, all of whom may have a direct interest in the incident. Whenever rea- sonably possible, provide general information. Remember, this could be the only time this person interacts with a law enforcement officer. You want the interaction to be positive. This may include being empathetic while explaining the charges, the location to which the arrested person will be taken, the bail procedures, and first appearance information. ; LE551.3. Describe how to explain the arrest process to family or involved people State law and agency policies regulate what information can be released to the public. The investigative process does not necessarily stop once an arrest has been made. You may not release information about evidence, potential witnesses, or any other aspect of the crime, because it may hinder the investigation or make you the subject of criminal prosecution. 216 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 People near the scene may be using personal mobile devices to record all aspects of the incident, includ- ing your behavior. This is not a criminal offense, and you cannot interfere unless the person recording the incident is actively obstructing the investigation. There may be reporters present asking detailed questions at any scene. Most agencies have a designated public information officer (PIO) who is responsible for releasing information to the media. The PIO will be informed of the situation and prepare a response to media requests. ; LE551.4. Identify who is authorized to release information to the public about an arrest or ongoing investigation Escorting the Arrestee to the Patrol Vehicle You must maintain physical control of the arrestee during the entire escort. Use the escort techniques discussed in Defensive Tactics. This will ensure officer and arrestee safety and prevent the arrestee from falling or fleeing. Never assume the arrestee has already been searched before placing them in the transport vehicle. Every time custody of the arrestee is transferred from one officer to another, conduct another search and secure all personal property, evidence, or contraband. Remember to treat the arrestee with dignity and respect at each point in their transport. ; LE551.5. Describe how to escort an arrestee to a patrol vehicle Preparation for Transport When placing an arrestee in your vehicle: Make sure the window controls and door handles are disabled from the rear compartment to prevent opening from the inside. This may prevent an escape, injury to the arrestee or others, damage to property, or the destruction of evidence. Make sure the rear passenger compartment of your vehicle is clear of any drugs, weapons, or equipment. Thoroughly search the handcuffed arrestee and take immediate possession of all personal prop- erty, evidence, and contraband. Assist the arrestee into the transport vehicle. The arrestee will typically occupy the right rear passenger compartment of your vehicle. Secure the arrestee’s seat belt. If required by your agency, notify dispatch of your destination with beginning and ending mileage. Some agency policies require special procedures, such as audiotaping or videotaping the transport. Follow- ing these guidelines will protect you and your agency from unfounded misconduct charges. ; LE551.6. Explain how to safely restrain and secure a person and property for custodial transport Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 217 Specific Transport Situations During transport there may be specific situations you will have to address. You cannot transport a juvenile in the same vehicle with an adult arrestee unless they are codefendants. Notify dispatch when you transport an arrestee needing medical attention to a medical facility or if you have requested EMS. When you need an ambulance to transport the arrestee, follow agency policies regarding your responsibility to accompany the arrestee. When transporting an arrestee with a disability or specific need, adjust transport procedures in a manner that doesn’t compromise officer safety, for example, when transporting an arrestee with a service animal or a person with a motorized wheelchair. When transporting a pregnant arrestee, you may want to place restraints in the front of the arrestee. Consider weather conditions and temperature if you cannot transport the arrestee immediately after loading. Do not leave an arrestee in a hot car for an extended period. Make every effort to transport them in a timely manner. You may encounter additional obstacles, such as the arrestee’s size, health, or medical condition. In these situations, you may need to request a larger transport vehicle or an ambulance, or adjust the arrestee’s position. When arresting a person who appears to be under the influence or not in control of their physical functions, examine the person to determine if their actions may be caused by a medical condi- tion. If you determine that their actions may be related to a medical condition, seek immediate medical attention. ; LE551.7. Explain how to safely transport an arrestee While en Route En route, you may encounter situations that cause interruptions. Find a safe place to pull over, notify dispatch of your location and mileage, notify your supervisor, and request backup. These situations may include: The arrestee becomes combative or removes their restraints. The arrestee has a medical issue, such as a seizure. The transport vehicle is involved in a crash or a malfunction. You encounter a life-threatening event. The arrestee escapes or attempts to escape. 218 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Transporting an Incarcerated Pregnant Person According to the Healthy Pregnancy for Incarcerated Women Act, you must not use restraints for an in- carcerated pregnant person who is in labor, delivery, or postpartum recovery, unless you determine that they present a substantial flight risk or there is some other extraordinary medical or security circumstance that makes restraints necessary. Since there are legal restrictions on the types and placements of restraint devices on pregnant prisoners, be sure to follow agency policies. Arrival at the Destination When you arrive at your destination, notify dispatch and report the ending vehicle mileage. Approach the appropriate drop-off point and obtain clearance to enter. After arriving at the detention facility, secure your weapons in a locked location, such as the patrol vehicle’s trunk, a weapons locker, or a lockbox at the drop-off point. Your agency and the detention facility will specify acceptable locked locations. ; LE551.8. Describe how to store your weapons safely before entering a secured facility Gather all personal property taken from the arrestee, and safely remove the arrestee from the patrol vehicle. Maintain physical control of the arrestee during escort into the facility. Use verbal commands and physical direction. You are responsible for the arrestee until the facility staff receives them. Secured facilities can present certain hazards and dangers regarding officer safety, such as codefendants or other arrestees; remain aware of your surroundings. Provide appropriate documentation to the facility. After transporting an arrestee, thoroughly search the passenger compartment of the vehicle as soon as practically possible. ; LE551.9. Explain how to safely transfer the arrestee to a secured facility Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 219 5 Unit 5: Arrest Procedures Lesson 2: Processing the Arrestee Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to safely transfer a juvenile or adult arrestee to a secure facility for processing. Think About This You respond to a burglary call involving a juvenile. What are the considerations when taking the juvenile into custody? Juvenile Considerations You can take a juvenile to a secure booking area of a jail or an adult jail for temporary custody for no more than six hours, or for the purpose of fingerprinting and photographing them as long as the juvenile is out of the sight and hearing of adult arrestees. Most juveniles in adult jails or police lockups are waiting to be transported to an appropriate facility or are in pre- or post-court holding. Exceptions apply to a juvenile charged as an adult, or when the court has emancipated or adjudicated the juvenile as an adult. Verify a juvenile’s legal adult status through the Department of Juvenile Justice, court records, or criminal histories. You are responsible for a juvenile who has a medical condition, a mental illness, or the effects of substance misuse. You are also responsible until a parent, a guardian, or a representative of the Department of Chil- dren and Families assumes responsibility. Make thorough efforts to notify a juvenile’s parents within a reasonable time after the arrest. You cannot release a juvenile on their own recognizance when custody is terminated. An adult relative, a qualified adult, or an organization must take custody of the child and ac- knowledge this by signing booking forms or charging documents. Your agency may have additional policies and procedures for processing a juvenile. ; LE552.1. Describe your responsibilities when processing a juvenile in an adult detention facility Entering the Detention Facility Many agencies use booking or intake officers (law enforcement or correctional officers) at the county jail. These facilities have their own policies and procedures, and you must know and follow them. Tell the booking officer: the charges against the arrestee any injuries the arrestee has 220 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1  if the arrestee is a juvenile if the arrestee was contaminated with pepper spray if a conducted electric weapon (such as a dart-firing stun gun) was used any threats made by the arrestee to self or others any known medical conditions The transporting officer must give the booking officer any personal property previously removed from the arrestee. Do not give the booking officer any contraband or evidence collected from the arrestee. After this, transfer custody of the arrestee to the booking officer. The arresting officer must complete an arrest affidavit. The arrest affidavit must accompany the arrestee to the booking officer. ; LE552.2. List arrestee information to tell the booking officer Booking After the transfer, the booking officer processes the arrestee. This process includes fingerprinting, photo- graphing, and inventorying personal property for safe keeping until the arrestee is released. Record the following personal information about the arrestee: name, race, sex, date of birth, Social Secu- rity number, criminal charges, and case number. Remember that FCIC/NCIC receives criminal history data from fingerprint cards, arrest, and correctional reports. Therefore, it is important to complete this information accurately. Booking photos provide a visual record of each arrestee. Many facilities can access existing photos from past arrests rather than taking new photographs. If necessary, learn your agency’s procedures for taking fingerprints and for photographing arrestees. All crime evidence and seized contraband must be properly processed and packaged for safe- keeping according to agency policies. Submit evidence using established procedures to maintain the chain of custody and reduce any legal challenges. (Chapter 9 discusses chain of custody in greater detail.) ; LE552.3. Describe the role of the booking officer Completing the Arrest Process After you turn over the arrestee and the arrest affidavit to the booking officer, inform dispatch of the call’s completion and its final disposition. Document your arrests completely and accurately. Your documents should clearly convey investigative facts to assist in prosecution. ; LE552.4. Assemble complete documents for arrestee processing Chapter 5 Fundamentals of Patrol / 221