Field Interviews and Interrogations.pdf

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 42.255 FIELD INTERVIEWS AND INTERROGATIONS Revised: August 24, 2023 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this departmental standards directive is to establish guidelines for the use of field interviews by law enforcement officers. II....

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 42.255 FIELD INTERVIEWS AND INTERROGATIONS Revised: August 24, 2023 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this departmental standards directive is to establish guidelines for the use of field interviews by law enforcement officers. II. POLICY: It shall be the policy of the Department for law enforcement officers to conduct field interviews (FI's) on all suspicious persons or vehicles. This information will be used for intelligence purposes and investigative resources. III. DEFINITIONS: Field Interviews (FI): The stopping and questioning of a person by a law enforcement officer (LEO) because the LEO has reasonable suspicion that the subject may have committed, may be committing, may be about to commit a crime, believes that the subject may be a hazard, or believes that the interview may prevent a crime. 15.06 Field Contact: A computer entry in the records management system (RMS) made by the LEO, that identifies a subject(s) or vehicle that is suspicious or out of place. Interrogations: The express questioning by an LEO, of a subject/suspect, using words/actions that are reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response from the subject/suspect. Miranda warnings should be read to subject. 15.06 Reasonable Suspicion: A reasonable and objectively justifiable suspicion that is based on specific facts or circumstances and not a mere hunch that justifies stopping, detaining, and sometimes “frisking” a person thought to be involved in criminal activity at the time. 2.06 IV. PROCEDURE: A. CRITERIA FOR A FI: 15.06, 15.07 1. When LEOs encounter persons or vehicles under suspicious circumstances or circumstances that warrant documentation of the incident, an LEO will complete a Field Contact in the RMS. Effective: May 1, 1982 Revised: August 24, 2023 Field Interviews and Interrogations Directive No.42.255 Page 1 of 3 2. LEOs may use several criteria to determine what situations are appropriate for documentation on an FI, including: a. Knowledge of zone and/or area. b. Previous experience and/or other job experience. c. Loitering and Prowling statute. d. Florida Stop and Frisk Law. e. Knowledge of persons and/or vehicles involved. f. Activity that is not appropriate to time or place. g. Finding a subject in out of the ordinary circumstances such as the following: i. Standing in a darkened alley or doorway ii. In a place not usually frequented at that hour of day or night iii. Fitting a description on an informational or crime analysis bulletin iv. LEO has knowledge of subject's criminal record v. Subject sees LEO and attempts to hide or generally makes suspicious movements vi. LEO notices something odd about the subject's clothing or vehicle vii. B. Subject exhibits any strange behavior. FI USAGE: 15.07 1. Field Contacts are maintained in the RMS for intelligence purposes and available to crime analysts and LEOs for investigative purposes. 2. LEOs and crime analysts will check names, location the FI was made, and reason for FI. 3. LEOs and crime analysts will look for persons who have criminal histories or known suspect vehicles. 4. Information, if applicable, will be used to assist in an investigation. 5. LEOs will contact a person FI'd if applicable. Effective: May 1, 1982 Revised: August 24, 2023 Field Interviews and Interrogations Directive No.42.255 Page 2 of 3 C. RECORDS RETENTION: 1. GS2. Effective: May 1, 1982 Revised: August 24, 2023 Records are purged from the RMS in accordance with Florida Retention Schedule, Field Interviews and Interrogations Directive No.42.255 Page 3 of 3