Kansas City Police Department Procedural Instruction (PDF) 11-28-2018

KANSAS CITY MISSOURI POLICE DEPARTMENT DATE OF ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NO. PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTION 11-28-2018 11-28-2018 18-04 SUBJECT...

KANSAS CITY MISSOURI POLICE DEPARTMENT DATE OF ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NO. PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTION 11-28-2018 11-28-2018 18-04 SUBJECT AMENDS Clandestine Laboratory Operations REFERENCE RESCINDS PI: Explosive Device Calls; DRAGNET Reports; Ambulance Calls and Arrests Taken to Hospitals PI: 17-09 PPBM: On-Duty Exposure to Communicable Diseases and Physical Health Protection; Duty Related Injuries I. INTRODUCTION This procedural instruction establishes guidelines and procedures for when a department member encounters a Clandestine Laboratory (Lab). It is impossible to set forth exact procedures for every situation; therefore, members must use their best judgment based on training, experience, and knowledge of department policies and procedures. II. TERMINOLOGY A. Clandestine Laboratory (Lab) - An illicit operation consisting of a sufficient combination of apparatus and chemicals that has been, is, or could be used in the manufacturing (cooking/growing), cultivation, or synthesis of controlled substances, explosives, and even biological or chemical weapons. B. Exposure or Exposed - Ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, or other contact with a hazardous substance. C. Hazardous Chemical - Any chemical which is a physical hazard and/or health hazard. D. Hazardous Substance - Any biological agent or other disease-causing agent which, after release into the environment and upon exposure, directly or indirectly, will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological malfunction, or physical injuries and/or deformities in such persons or their offspring. E. Site Safety Officer - A trained individual, assigned to a hazardous material or substance site, responsible for implementing the site safety and health plan. Also, verifying compliance with applicable safety and health requirements. The Metro Meth Section Supervisor will be responsible for designating this person. III. GENERAL GUIDELINES A. The department is committed to members’ safety in the performance of their duties. Maximum effort will be made to provide members with information on Labs and precautions to take when a Lab is discovered. B. The Communications Unit Supervisor should be called anytime a Lab is suspected. The Communications Unit Supervisor will contact the Metro Meth Section. C. The Metro Meth Section should be called anytime (24 hours a day) a department member receives third party information on the location of a Lab. (Refer to Annex A, Section F, 3, for further instructions.) D. Metro Meth Section member(s) responding will be responsible for processing the Lab. Clandestine Laboratories will be considered high risk, hazardous waste material sites until declared sufficiently safe for investigative actions by Metro Meth Section personnel or a Regional Criminalistics Division Laboratory Chemist. *E. A Hazardous Chemical/Substance or Clandestine Laboratory Exposure Report, Form 9 P.D., will be completed for all members who are required to make entry or any other member who is at the scene and has been exposed to a lab. For further information refer to the directive entitled, “On- Duty Exposure to Communicable Diseases and Physical Health Protection.” *F. If a department member gets exposed to a hazardous chemical/substance, the member’s supervisor will ensure a Hazardous Chemical/Substance or Clandestine Laboratory Exposure Report, Form 9 P.D., is completed and emailed to [email protected], prior to the end of shift. The original Form 9 P.D., will be forwarded to the Employee Benefits Section (EBS). *G. If a department member gets contaminated, or injured due to exposure at a clandestine laboratory, the member’s supervisor will ensure an Injury Report, Form 314 P.D., is completed and emailed to [email protected], prior to the end of shift. For further information refer to the directive entitled, “Duty Related Injuries.” -2- IV. TABLE OF ANNEXES This directive has been arranged in annexes to provide an easy reference. ANNEX A - Operations Procedures ANNEX B - Contamination and Decontamination ANNEX C - Chemical Recovery ANNEX D - Concealed Traps Richard C. Smith Chief of Police Adopted by the Board of Police Commissioners this 13th day of November, 2018. Nathan Garrett Board President DISTRIBUTION: All Department Personnel Department Master Index - Internet Department Master Index - Intranet Policy Acknowledgement SyStem (PASS) -3-  ANNEX A OPERATIONS PROCEDURES A. Encountering a Lab - Initial Safety Actions Chemicals associated with Labs pose a major health and environmental risk to exposed persons. Initial actions at the scene may preserve individual safety and protect other persons and the environment. Critical safety actions include requesting help, warning others, isolating the area, and providing important response information. The following initial safety actions are separate from the steps taken to apprehend suspects or secure and preserve evidence: 1. Do not enter or re-enter the scene/site after initial discovery. Evacuate at the first sign of potential danger or exposure. 2. Follow the procedures outlined in the current written directive entitled, “Explosive Device Calls,” and discontinue use of, and turn off, all electronic equipment within 100 yards of the Lab site (this includes the police radio, cellular telephone(s), MDT, etc.). 3. Do not enter spill areas. 4. Do not rescue someone unless personal safety can be maintained. 5. Request a supervisor to respond. 6. Secure the area. a. Establish a controlled entry/exit location and begin a Crime Scene Log, Form 227 P.D. b. Prevent unauthorized scene entry. The scene should be limited to personnel from the Metro Meth Section, Crime Laboratory, or persons rendering emergency aid/services. c. Isolate/protect surrounding areas, as appropriate, using barrier tape. Members should be aware that some hazardous chemical vapors are heavier than air and may drift downwind from the Lab site. A larger taped-off area can be condensed if needed; too small of a taped-off area may be insufficient and unable to expand. 7. Observe from a distance. 8. Observe with your eyes, not your hands. Avoid contact with anything at the scene. A-1  9. Avoid areas with odors, discoloration, visibility impairment, etc. Stay upwind/upgrade and at a recommended safe distance of at least 100 yards (as outlined in the current written directive entitled, “Explosive Device Calls”). 10. Treat the area as you would any other crime scene. 11. Always request assistance. B. Suspected Lab - Call for Service/Residence Check 1. If a member handling a call-for-service or conducting a residence check suspects that the location is a Lab site upon arrival at the location, the member will: a. Be attentive to items in plain view. This may be the only information available about the scene until trained personnel can assess the situation. b. Check for the following exterior indicators of an internal Lab: (1) Moderate to strong chemical odor in and/or around the residence or vehicle. (2) Covered windows on the residence or outbuildings. (3) Unusual pipes or vents coming out of the residence. (4) Occupants smoking outside the residence. (5) Refusal of delivered services (e.g., hotel or motel housekeeping, postal service). c. Be attentive to the actions of individuals under the influence of methamphetamine. Certain individuals may show signs of: (1) Excitability, talkativeness. (2) Headache. (3) Dilated pupils. (4) Redness of skin. (5) Abdominal cramps. (6) Severe mood swings. (7) Fever, rapid heartbeat. (8) Hostility. A-2  (9) Extreme paranoia. (10) Tremors. (11) Erratic or irrational comments or ideas. (12) Runny or bloody nose. d. Ensure that no one enters the premises when a Lab or a hazardous scene has been discovered. Be aware that toxic chemicals are not easily detected. e. Provide medical attention, if necessary. 2. If a member believes or suspects that a location is a Lab after entering the residence/structure, the member should watch for concealed traps (for further information, see Annex D of this directive) and follow these general safety guidelines: a. Do not attempt to dismantle the Lab or stop the “cook.” b. Immediately remove self, any occupants, and other persons deemed to be in possible immediate danger, to a “safe area” away from the Lab (at least 100 yards). c. Do not turn electricity/light switches on or off. d. Do not touch anything. Be aware that walking in the residence may contaminate the soles of your shoes. e. Do not turn off any water supplies. f. Detain occupants and/or witnesses. Do not place persons who were in contact with the Lab into department vehicles due to the possibility of chemical cross contamination. g. Do not eat or drink in or near the Lab. h. Do not smoke or ignite any flammable materials. i. Do not put any objects into your mouth. Objects such as pens, pencils, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, gum, candy, etc., should be thrown away, not taken into the site, and/or sanitized. j. When exiting the location be sure to leave any doors and/or windows that were open, open to ventilate the area. k. Request a supervisor to respond. A-3 C. Suspected Lab - Traffic Stop/Car Check When a member conducts a traffic stop or car check and a Lab, Lab equipment, illicit chemicals, or hazardous materials are observed in the vehicle, the member will: 1. Remove self and occupants away from the vehicle and detain the occupants. 2. Not move the vehicle from its current location, tow, or touch anything inside the vehicle. 3. Divert traffic around the vehicle until an on-site assessment can be conducted by the Metro Meth Section. It is not necessary to block off intersections. 4. Be aware of sharp objects such as needles, razorblades, etc., and possible Lab items when searching occupants from the vehicle. 5 Be sure to leave the vehicle’s doors and trunk open to ventilate the vehicle. 6. Request a supervisor to respond. D. The responding supervisor will evaluate the situation. If a Lab is present, the supervisor will: 1. Notify the dispatcher of the situation. 2. Request that the dispatcher notify the Metro Meth Section to respond. 3. Request that additional officers be dispatched to assist in establishing a safe perimeter and securing the premises. 4. Establish a controlled entry/exit location at the scene and ensure that a Crime Scene Log, Form 227 P.D., is initiated and maintained. E. Upon arrival at the scene, a Metro Meth Section supervisor and/or detective will have overall authority and responsibility for the scene. Other responsibilities will include: 1. Requesting responses from the Regional Criminalistics Laboratory, Crime Scene Section or Drug Enforcement Administration. 2. Requesting the Kansas City Fire Department and if necessary, the Emergency Medical Services (KCFD EMS) and/or Hazardous Material Response Team (KCFD Haz-Mat) to standby if a hazardous/explosive atmosphere is discovered. A-4  3. Requesting the KCFD EMS and/or Haz-Mat, if necessary, to standby for the Street Crimes Unit (SCU) during the execution of search warrants on what they believe to be an active, operational Lab. 4. Notifying the Drug Abatement Response Team (DART) (816-881- 1400) of all Labs in every residence or building to possibly post the structure as uninhabitable. F. Completion of Appropriate Report(s) *1. When a department member is exposed to a hazardous chemical substance, a Hazardous Chemical/Substance or Clandestine Laboratory Exposure Report, Form 9 P.D., will be completed by the member or designee. The original copy will be forwarded to the Benefits Section where it will remain on file. *2. When a department member is exposed, injured or requires medical treatment as a result of an exposure, an Injury Report, Form 314 P.D., will be completed in addition to the Hazardous Chemical/Substance or Clandestine Laboratory Exposure Report, Form 9 P.D. If a member requires treatment at the scene, an ambulance will be requested immediately. Ambulance and hospital personnel will be notified of the type of exposure. 3. When a member receives third party information of a location that is involved in the production of controlled substances, the member will: a. Complete a Suspected Narcotics Activity Report, Form 115 P.D. It is not necessary to hold the Form 115 P.D. until all information has been obtained; however, it is imperative that all attempts be made to obtain the exact address. (See the written directive entitled, “DRAGNET Reports,” for completion of the Form 115 P.D.) b. Attempt to document the names of reporting person(s) and occupants of the residence. c. Obtain the description and condition of the residence or business. d. Attempt to ascertain what is being manufactured and if the Lab is operational. e. Contact the Communications Unit Supervisor. (1) The Communications Unit Supervisor will contact the Metro Meth Section. A-5  (2) The decision for response to the scene by the Metro Meth Section, Crime Scene Section, Regional Criminalistics Laboratory Chemist, or Drug Enforcement Administration will be made by the Metro Meth Section. 5. Copies of all related reports should be forwarded to the Metro Meth Section. A-6  ANNEX B CONTAMINATION AND DECONTAMINATION A. Contamination There are several ways that members may become contaminated by Lab chemicals or substances, e.g., touching an individual during an arrest or assist, could cause a member to become contaminated. 1. Disposable gloves should be worn before coming into physical contact with any persons or objects; however, members should be aware that latex disposable gloves are generally not rated for protection against corrosive substances. Gloves rated as a “chemical barrier” should be worn at Lab scenes/sites. Personal gloves should not be substituted for disposable gloves. If personal gloves become contaminated they should be treated as hazardous material and disposed of at the scene. 2. Issued gas mask filters are ineffective at protecting members from chemical vapors found at most Lab scenes/sites. Stay upwind/upgrade and at a recommended safe distance of at least 100 yards to mitigate inhalation of chemical vapors. 3. A member should not touch any part of their body to prevent possible cross contamination. 4. A member should not eat, drink, or put anything into their mouth, e.g., pen, gum, until they have been decontaminated. 5. A member should remember that clothing and shoe soles will absorb chemicals and can contaminate their home and family members. 6. Avoid contaminating other persons, objects, or equipment, e.g., patrol vehicle. 7. Receive medical attention, if necessary. B. Decontamination 1. The Site Safety Officer will determine the level of decontamination necessary at each scene. 2. No one will be released from the scene until the Site Safety Officer has authorized their release. If any person has been contaminated, the Site Safety Officer will determine the level of decontamination necessary. B-1 3. Persons who are known or believed to have been contaminated, or who feel they have been exposed as a result of being near the site, will be decontaminated and receive the appropriate medical attention. 4. The Site Safety Officer and the on-scene supervisor or commander will organize transportation to the closest hospital facility, if needed. B-2  ANNEX C CHEMICAL RECOVERY A. When hazardous chemicals are present that are not of evidentiary value, the department chemist will coordinate the disposal of the chemicals with the assistance of the Metro Meth Section. At no time should hazardous chemicals of any kind be recovered and placed in a division station property room. B. If a chemical is spilled on the street, the KCFD Haz-Mat Team will be responsible for the clean-up. C. Whenever a Lab is present, the situation will be treated as a criminal offense and will require the response of the Metro Meth Section for investigation and chemical recovery. C-1  ANNEX D CONCEALED TRAPS A. Law enforcement personnel have encountered various types of concealed traps at Lab scenes/sites. Extreme caution should be used when entering a Lab, and department members should refrain from touching anything at the site. If a trap is discovered, officers should follow the procedures outlined in the written directive entitled, “Explosive Device Calls.” B. The following is not a complete list, but a generic description of some types of concealed traps: 1. Small foil balls containing a strong oxidizer, reactive metal, and solvent. Extremely shock sensitive, unstable, and explosive, usually marble to golf ball size. 2. Light switches wired to a flammable liquid container, booby-trapped light bulbs, or other explosive devices. 3. Refrigerator doors and/or internal refrigerator light bulbs, wired to detonate an explosive liquid when opened. 4. Mock video tape cassettes altered to detonate an internal explosion when placed into a video player. 5. CO2 cartridges, gun barrels, steel pipes, and dummy pineapple grenades (WWII surplus) filled with explosive material and connected to a detonation device. 6. Hydrogen Cyanide Gas generator (a make-shift container with some type of acidic chemical designed to spill onto a toxic chemical). 7. Open, flammable liquid adjacent to an incendiary device. 8. Attack dogs and poisonous/dangerous snakes. 9. Monofilament trip lines connected to chemical or explosive booby- traps and/or firearms, i.e., an explosive device or shotgun rigged to a doorknob, doorway, or main entryway. 10. Compressed gas cylinders with discolored valves. 11. Camping coolers or thermoses. D-1