DM 06.16 - Interview and Interrogation Rooms.pdf

AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES MANUAL EFFECTIVE: 6.16 SUBJECT: REVISED: December 11, 2009 October 27, 2011 _____________________________________________________ Daniel J. Oates, Chief of Police INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION ROOMS REFERENCES: PAGE: 1 of 2 6.16 INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION ROOMS Thi...

AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES MANUAL EFFECTIVE: 6.16 SUBJECT: REVISED: December 11, 2009 October 27, 2011 _____________________________________________________ Daniel J. Oates, Chief of Police INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION ROOMS REFERENCES: PAGE: 1 of 2 6.16 INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION ROOMS This Directive will guide members in the use of designated interview/interrogation rooms. 6.16.1 Designated Interview/Interrogation Rooms Interview rooms are available for use by both uniformed and investigative personnel in each district station as well as in the Major Investigations Section on the third floor of District 2. Additionally, secure areas designated for interview/interrogation of persons in custody are located in Districts 1 and 3 as well as the Municipal Detention Center. Consistent with operational needs and security considerations, officers should utilize designated interview rooms whenever practical. Areas designated as interview rooms should be of adequate size and equipped with furniture which will facilitate the interview process, such as table and chairs. Other items, such as recorders, telephones, office supply storage etc., may be added as needed, but care should be taken to avoid furnishings which have the potential for being converted into improvised weapons. Location and design of interview rooms should take into account the personal security of officers utilizing them, such as the use of observation windows, intercoms, video etc. Interview rooms may be equipped with audio and/or video recording equipment, either in plain view or concealed, and this equipment utilized in accordance with current SOP, case law, and applicable statute. Officers not familiar with the operation of installed recording equipment should seek assistance from someone trained in its operation to ensure a quality recording and avoid damaging the equipment. 6.16.2 Weapons No person being interviewed in a Department facility should be allowed to have any deadly weapons in his/her possession. Exceptions can be made for active duty peace officers as warranted by circumstances. However, an officer who is being interviewed as a viable suspect in a felony investigation or allegation of serious Directive Manual (Revised: 10-27-2011) 6.16 INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION ROOMS Daniel J. Oates Page 2 of 2 misconduct should generally not be armed during the interview. It is the responsibility of the interviewing officer to determine whether interviewees are armed, and to secure an interviewee’s weapons as appropriate. Individuals who are under arrest should always be searched for weapons before being brought into an interview room. 6.16.3 Interview/Interrogation Security Procedures Interviewing officers may retain their duty weapon during interviews, so long as this is consistent with good officer safety practices and with good interview technique under the circumstances. Members may secure their weapons in the lock boxes at their discretion whenever they feel it is necessary. It is critical that armed officers not allow themselves to become distracted during the interview process, and officers should bear in mind that what may at first seem to be a non-threatening contact with a cooperative witness could unexpectedly change to a confrontation with an angry suspect. Interviewing officers should make basic security arrangements appropriate to the circumstances at hand. Considerations should include but not be limited to:  Searching the suspect/witness  Have another officer monitor the interview in person or by video  Informing another officer that they are conducting an interview in a particular room  Arrange for occasional spot checks  Notify the Public Safety Communications Department  Establishing a duress signal 6.16.4 Officers Present Only the number of officers needed to conduct the interview should be present, but at no time will more than four individuals be allowed in an interview room, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Non involved officers should not be present in the area as interviews are conducted. 6.16.5 Breaks Officers should remember that it is important to provide comfort breaks and restroom breaks during the use of the interview/interrogation room. Hydration is a necessity for the health and wellbeing of the individual being interviewed as well as the officers. Officers should consider water or other nutrients for the occupants during the use of the interview rooms when needed.