Apopka Police Department Patrol Operations PDF

APOPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT PROCEDURAL GENERAL ORDERS Effective Date 06-20-21 Subject Number 8604.00 ❑ New ❑ Rescinds PATROL OPERATIONS Reference CFA Standard(s) PGO 8675.00 “Domestic Violence and Related Crimes” Reevaluation As Necessary Application All Employees Amends 08-24-18 Reviewer/Approved by M...

APOPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT PROCEDURAL GENERAL ORDERS Effective Date 06-20-21 Subject Number 8604.00 ❑ New ❑ Rescinds PATROL OPERATIONS Reference CFA Standard(s) PGO 8675.00 “Domestic Violence and Related Crimes” Reevaluation As Necessary Application All Employees Amends 08-24-18 Reviewer/Approved by McKinley Miller Kennedy Related Forms / Bulletins PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to ensure quality service is provided to the citizens by providing guidelines to personnel for minimum staffing, conducting preliminary investigations and calling out detectives. DISCUSSION: Field service's uniformed personnel are the most visible representatives of the department and must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. Patrol operations is the backbone of the agency and is responsible for providing the first level of service to our community. DEFINITIONS: Credible Threat: a verbal or nonverbal threat, or a combination of the two, including threats delivered by electronic communication or implied by a pattern of conduct, which places the person who is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family members or individuals closely associated with the person, and which is made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat to cause such harm. Course of Conduct: a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, which evidences a continuity of purpose. Patrol Operations Page 1 of 24 Cyberstalk: to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. Harass: to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose. POLICY / PROCEDURE: I. General Direction: A. Zones and Call Signs: 1. Each member is assigned a unique call sign and shall use that number as identification on and off duty when communicating over the radio. 2. Members shall have constant communications capability at all times during field assignments and shall maintain contact with the communications center during their tour of duty. B. Minimum Staffing: 1. Except when exigent circumstances exist, and only until additional personnel can respond to cover when a shortage exists, the minimum staffing level for each patrol shift shall be six (6) officers and one (1) supervisor. C. Number of Personnel Dispatched to Calls: 1. Generally, only one unit is needed for a routine call for service. Response to some calls may require several members and a supervisor to deal effectively and safely with the problem. 2. The levels of response are programmed into the CAD software and are predetermined based upon the type of call and whether the call is in progress or over-with. 3. Members and/or supervisors may alter such determinations based on the actual circumstances, within the basic parameter of these General Orders, best law enforcement practices, the knowledge and experience of the members, and the history of the subject(s) and /or location. Patrol Operations Page 2 of 24 4. Subsequent or back-up units are expected to clear from a call, or place themselves available when no longer needed. D. Patrol Techniques and Considerations: 1. The following factors shall be considered when patrolling assigned zones: a. High citizen complaint and selective enforcement areas. b. Known criminal activities and those areas identified by crime analysis as experiencing specific crime trends or patterns. c. 2. Geographical location of zone (industrial, residential, business, etc.) Patrol routine should vary so as to be unpredictable to those engaged in criminal activity. A good working knowledge of an assigned area is essential to proper and effective routine patrol. E. Shift Concentrations: 1. An emphasis should be placed on those areas of the City or specific zones that crime analysis has identified as experiencing specific crime trends or patterns. a. Day Shift Patrol: Day shift patrol personnel shall concentrate on crime prevention using high visibility, community relations, and identifying selective enforcement areas. b. Afternoon/Evening Shift Patrol: Afternoon/Evening shift personnel shall concentrate on crime prevention and aggressive patrol of selective enforcement areas. c. Midnight Shift Patrol: Midnight shift personnel shall concentrate on crime prevention, the security of businesses and industrial areas, as well as residential sections of the community. II. Multiple Offense Rules: A. Multiple Vehicles 1. Thefts of, or burglaries to, multiple vehicles require separate case numbers. a. The only instance where one case number may be utilized is when the theft occurs in a private parking lot of a business, such as an auto dealership, where all vehicles involved are owned by the dealer. Patrol Operations Page 3 of 24 b. Any vehicles parked on the lot, not owned by the dealer, must be reported with separate case numbers. A case number must be assigned to each victim, as the vehicles or property are individually owned. B. Multiple burglaries to rented hotel or motel rooms 1. Burglaries to multiple rented hotel or motel rooms shall be reported under separate case numbers if the rooms were rented at the time of the burglary. 2. If the rooms were vacant, one case number will suffice for multiple room burglaries since the victim would be the hotel/motel owner. C. Mini Storage Warehouse Complexes 1. The one instance where one case number may be utilized in multiple burglaries to a mini storage warehouse complex is when separate warehouses burglarized belong to or are leased by one individual or company. 2. Individually leased warehouses must be reported under different case numbers. 3. The same principle applies to shopping centers where individual stores have been burglarized. D. It is important that a complete and thorough report is taken, including information obtained from a victim or representative who can establish that a crime has been committed. 1. While on calls for service in which the multiple offense rule(s) applies, members shall take an initial report from those victims and/or representatives present who can verify a crime has been committed. 2. When a victim or representative is not present and a crime scene is evident, the scene will be processed for evidence and documented in an offense report. 3. Prior to departing from a scene, inform the property representative to notify any victims coming forward in the future to call the department and report the incident. 4. The procedures outlined above apply to calls for service when one of the multiple offense rules is applicable. If there is any question as to whether Patrol Operations Page 4 of 24 one of the multiple offense rules applies to a series of offenses, the member should complete a separate report for each offense. An offense report should not be taken if a victim and or property representative is not present and there is no evidence to indicate that a crime has occurred. III. General Patrol Responsibilities and Conduct: A. Arson Investigations 1. State law places the responsibility for investigating fires with the State Fire Marshall's Office. Officers shall assist the State Fire Marshall when arson is suspected. If there is evidence of another crime in conjunction with arson, such as burglary or homicide, officers shall complete an initial report. The officer’s supervisor may approve calling out a detective in the appropriate circumstances. If needed, detectives from the investigations section shall be requested with the supervisor’s approval. 2. Auto fires are also investigated by the State Fire Marshall. If the vehicle involved is a stolen vehicle, an officer shall confirm towing and complete appropriate supplemental reports. If the vehicle is not stolen, disposition of the vehicle will be the responsibility of the Fire Department or the State Fire Marshall. If the Fire Department or State Fire Marshall desires the vehicle to be towed (even if it is not stolen), officers shall have vehicles towed in accordance with written directives. Holds shall be authorized by a supervisor or detective. 3. When the origin of a fire is suspicious in nature or the crime of arson is suspected and the fire causes only damage to property, the supervisor shall be notified by the senior officer on the fire scene. 4. If the assistance of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is requested by the State Fire Marshall, Fire Chief, or their designated representative, the supervisor shall advise the communications center to notify the on call CID personnel to respond. 5. Investigation of the fire scene will be the joint responsibility of the State Fire Marshall, Fire Chief, or their representative, and appropriate members Patrol Operations Page 5 of 24 of the agency. After the fire scene is secured, agency personnel assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division shall assume primary responsibility for all follow-up criminal investigations except arson B. Auto Theft Investigations 1. Officers shall establish through legal documentation or teletype if the person reporting the vehicle stolen is the registered owner or is otherwise authorized to report the vehicle stolen. 2. When civil ownership disputes are recognized, officers shall refer parties to private attorneys or Civil Court. Vehicles associated with civil ownership disputes are not entered into teletype. 3. When it is determined the vehicle was stolen, officers shall complete a Stolen Vehicle Affidavit including the following: a. The victim/owner gave no one permission to use the vehicle. b. If the victim/owner permitted another to use the vehicle, the time period and terms of the agreed temporary use will be recorded. c. The victim/owner does not know where the vehicle is or who has possession. d. Were the keys in the vehicle? Was the vehicle locked? Was personal property left in the vehicle? e. Insurance information. f. Permission to tow upon recovery. g. If there is an E-Pass or Sun Pass in the vehicle. If so, document the account number. 4. Once the Stolen Vehicle Affidavit is completed, officers shall give the vehicle identification and tag numbers to Teletype to determine if the vehicle has been towed, previously reported as stolen, or recovered by another agency. 5. If the sworn statement establishes grand theft, officers shall provide Teletype with the pertinent information for FCIC/NCIC entry. Patrol Operations Page 6 of 24 6. Officers recovering a confirmed stolen vehicle shall notify Communications. Communications personnel shall confirm the removal of appropriate NCIC/FCIC entries from the system. Officers shall note this notification in the report. a. At any time, after an FCIC/NCIC entry is made, the victim advises that the vehicle is not stolen, for whatever reason, and wishes to remove the vehicle from FCIC/NCIC, the officer will obtain a sworn statement from the victim, indicating that they no longer wish to report the vehicle stolen, complete a supplemental report and have the vehicle removed from NCIC/FCIC. It is not necessary for the officer to see the vehicle in order to remove it. 7. If the theft involves tractor/trailer theft or a cargo theft where either one or all the above are stolen, the responding officer shall contact Teletype with information for FCIC/NCIC entry of the tractor, trailer, or cargo information. The responding officer should obtain not only the tractor VIN but also the trailer numbers as they are also classified as a motor vehicle by statute. C. Bank Robbery Alarm Responses: 1. The first unit to arrive will take a position of cover/observation and request communications personnel to telephone the bank to determine the situation inside. 2. If a robbery has occurred and the suspect has left, the communications technician will ask for a bank official to step outside and meet with the member, utilizing a path different from that taken by the perpetrator if possible. 3. If no response is obtained from the bank, the first member on the scene will stand by for additional units maintaining a position of cover and observation. 4. If a bank employee or alarm company employee calls back indicating a false alarm, a patrol unit will continue to respond for verification. D. Business/Bar Disturbance: Patrol Operations Page 7 of 24 1. When investigating a business/bar disturbance, members shall direct efforts toward restoring order. 2. All victims/witnesses should be located, separated and interviewed and the following shall be determined: a. The extent of injuries, if any exist. b. Were violations of law committed? c. The necessity to complete witness statements, declination of intent forms or referral notices. d. If persons involved in the disturbance have active warrants or are otherwise flagged. 3. E. As nearly as possible, ensure the disturbance is resolved to prevent recall. Clandestine Drug Laboratories and Indoor Marijuana Grow Operations: 1. First Arriving Member Will: a. Remove themselves and other persons from the immediate area of the suspected lab site or grow operation and secure the scene. b. A supervisor will be summoned to determine the nature and scope of additional resources needed (i.e. special teams trained to remove clandestine labs, drug unit personnel, etc.). c. If it is a known drug lab, only trained haz-mat personnel will enter the area until is deemed safe. Minimize exposure by staying upwind, uphill, upstream, and up gradient of the suspected site. d. Establish a perimeter between 100-300 feet around the site for the safety and security of individuals and the site. Do not permit unauthorized persons to enter the scene. e. Not allow persons to eat or drink prior to decontamination or transport to a medical screening facility (if occupants are contaminated. f. Not make any adjustments to power or appliances at the site even if it appears the site is an “active cook.” Not smell, taste or attempt to identify chemicals by means other than ordinary observation on the Patrol Operations Page 8 of 24 initial encounter. Avoid areas with odors, discolored ground, clouds, puddles, or liquids. g. Not place subjects or persons from the site in agency vehicles unless advised to do so by a supervisor. h. In dealing with persons removed from lab sites or grow operations, maintain a greater than normal distance from exposed individuals, and position themselves upwind, uphill, and up gradient. i. Remain vigilant for signs of contamination (feeling ill, burns, respiratory difficulty, incoherent, loss of consciousness, etc.). j. 2. Gather information and initiate reporting procedures. The On Duty Supervisor Will: a. Maintain the area contained 100-300 feet. b. Confirm employees are following basic safety protocol (uphill, upwind, upstream and up gradient). c. Notify the staff duty officer. d. Notify the strategic investigations commander. e. Notify the fire department and advise them of the clandestine drug lab operation. a) Establish unified command with the fire department and any other entities that may respond. b) With the assistance of the fire commander, evaluate the need for and conduct evacuations, considering wind direction and environmental conditions (rain, lightning, wind direction, etc.). f. Restrict unauthorized persons from entering the scene. g. Confirm personnel who may have entered or who were in close proximity to the site do not leave until cleared by the haz-mat team. h. Remain vigilant for signs of contamination (feeling ill, burns, respiratory difficulty, incoherent, loss of consciousness, etc.). F. Counterfeit Currency Investigations Patrol Operations Page 9 of 24 1. The Secret Service shall be notified with supervisor approval when officers come in contact with suspected counterfeit currency. An agent may be contacted 24 hours daily at (407) 648-6333. After normal working hours, an answering machine will automatically contact an agent who shall return the call to the officer. 2. If the counterfeit currency was passed innocently and the person claims to have no knowledge that the currency was counterfeit, there is no need for the Secret Service Agent to respond. The officer and the receiver of the currency shall initial and date the currency. The currency will then be placed into Evidence. The officer shall write a report of the incident and obtain sworn statements from witnesses. 3. If the currency was passed with intent and knowledge that it was counterfeit and/or the persons try to elude, but are still present, the agent shall respond, assist the officer, and take custody of the currency. The officer shall write a report, obtain sworn statements, and complete a property receipt showing that the currency was turned over to the agent. G. Death Investigations 1. Homicides, suicides, suspicious and accidental deaths require extensive investigation and verification of the facts. A detective shall be called to all such deaths. Prior to the arrival of the detective, officers shall follow the procedures outlined below: a. Immediately notify dispatch and the on duty supervisor upon the discovery of a death. If not already on scene, request that the fire department respond, even if there are obvious injuries that are incompatible with life or obvious indications of death (post mortem lividity, rigor mortis, etc.). b. Secure the scene. Ensure that there are no witnesses, family members, or members of other agencies contaminating possible evidence. Patrol Operations Page 10 of 24 c. Separate all witnesses and ensure that they remain on scene for interview by a detective and provide a statement. 2. Deaths by natural causes will be handled by patrol officers in consultation with the investigations unit. In the event that the investigating officer is unable to contact next of kin, a detective will respond to assist. Officers shall obtain the following information for the report: a. The name, address and telephone number of the next of kin and who conducted the death notification. 1) A Chaplain or victim advocate may be contacted to respond if appropriate. b. The name and address of the decedent’s physician and any medical history. c. The name and address of person(s) the next of kin may designate to assume responsibility for the victim’s property if the next of kin is not available to respond. d. The name of the Medical Examiner’s Investigator who was contacted. e. The name of the funeral home to which the body was released, if authorized by the Medical Examiner’s Office. H. Disorderly Intoxication Investigations: 1. The crime of disorderly intoxication (F.S.S. 856.011) requires that the person must: a. Be intoxicated and endanger the safety of another person or property, or b. Be intoxicated or drink any alcoholic beverage in a public place or public conveyance and cause a disturbance. 2. When an arrest is made for disorderly intoxication, the following shall be included in the charging affidavit narrative: a. Time of day b. Type of neighborhood. Patrol Operations Page 11 of 24 c. The number of people in the area. d. Signs of intoxication in the defendant, blood shot eyes, slurred speech, staggering walk, odor of alcohol impurities, etc. e. If the defendant was fighting or attempting to fight with others. f. If the defendant was destroying property. g. If the defendant was shouting, what he was shouting and how people present reacted. h. If there was a crowd. 1) Was the crowd hostile to the police? 2) Did the defendant attempt to incite the crowd against the police? i. If people were disturbed or awakened from sleep. j. If the defendant impeded vehicular or pedestrian traffic. k. If disorderly activities of the defendant were observed prior to member’s arrival, statements shall be obtained. 3. If disorderly intoxication is not appropriate for the incident, there are several options available depending upon the actions of the intoxicated person(s). These options are: a. Transport to the Detox Facility. b. Contacting a friend or relative to remove the person. c. Calling a taxi, after ensuring the person has sufficient funds. d. Transporting the individual home if the distance is reasonable and supervisory approval is obtained. I. Disturbance Calls: 1. Personnel handling such calls shall exercise caution and adhere to the following: a. Be alert for sounds which would indicate the status of the dispute. b. Approach with caution and avoid standing directly in front of a door or window. c. Patrol Operations Separate the participants and identify the problems. Page 12 of 24 d. Advise communications of status as soon as possible (i.e., unit check). e. Do not take sides. Present the image of a concerned but impartial mediator. f. Be aware of the potential for violence. g. Domestic violence calls shall be handled in accordance with PGO 8675.00. 2. Disturbances with Weapons Involved: a. When responding to an armed disturbance, the following information shall be obtained from communications when available: 1) Brief description and location of house, if applicable, to include vehicles. 2) Location of person(s) alleged to be armed (i.e., bedroom, front yard, vehicle in driveway, etc.). b. 3) Number of persons involved. 4) Type of weapons involved. 5) Location of complainant. The first member on the scene should wait for a back-up prior to approaching. c. Members arriving at a disturbance scene should park a safe distance from the scene and approach the scene on foot. d. When approaching, members should be aware of potential hazards. All vehicles should be checked for occupants and places of possible concealment should be watched closely, such as storage sheds, thick shrubs, etc. e. The subject should be contacted by telephone and asked to come outside whenever possible. When not possible or practical, members should knock on the front door and identify themselves. The PA system in the vehicle may be used to call the subject(s) outside. If an Patrol Operations Page 13 of 24 armed subject refuses to answer and/or come out, the supervisor should be notified. f. Once contact is made with the subject involved, members will disarm, pat down, and conduct a search of the immediate area. Members should separate persons involved in the dispute. As applicable, weapons may be seized as evidence or for safekeeping. J. Forgery Investigations 1. Officers shall write reports when it has been determined a check or instrument has been forged. The original forged check and the original forgery affidavit will be obtained from the bank or merchant. The officer must determine where the instrument was uttered, as this determines jurisdiction. 2. A copy will be made of both sides of the check and attached to the report. The forged check will be placed into evidence using a property receipt which should be signed by the person who gave the check to the officer. 3. The original forgery affidavit will be attached to the report. If the bank or merchant does not have a forgery affidavit, the officer should obtain one from the account holder if possible. In order to pursue the case, the State Attorney's Office requires the forgery affidavit. 4. The officer shall determine if a photograph was taken of the person uttering the forged instrument. If a photograph was taken, the officer shall request a copy be ordered immediately. 5. A sworn statement will be taken from the teller or clerk who accepted the forged check. If the person can identify the suspect, this will be noted in the statement. 6. If the perpetrator was not observed writing the forged signature, the charge should be "Uttering a Forged Instrument" FS 831.02. Forgery can be proven by handwriting analysis at a later time. The victim in an uttering case is the bank/establishment which received the forged instrument and disbursed the cash goods or services. 7. If the perpetrator was observed writing a fictitious signature, a statement to Patrol Operations Page 14 of 24 that effect will be obtained from the witness(es). If the perpetrator is still present, he/she may be arrested for forgery. 8. Forgery and/or uttering cases should not be written as a supplemental to the original theft of the checks. Each time a document is uttered, a new offense occurs and a new case number will be obtained. K. Fraudulent Prescription Investigations 1. Due to the in-progress nature of fraudulent prescription violations, officers are frequently dispatched to investigate and attempt to apprehend the violators. The dispatcher shall attempt to provide the responding officers with a physical and clothing description of the suspect. Upon arrival, the officer shall: a. Check the parking lot and surrounding area, noting any suspicious vehicles or persons. b. When entering the store, be alert for suspicious persons in areas away from the drug counter who may be with the suspect. 2. If the pharmacist has definitely established the prescription to be fraudulent, the officer shall: a. Detain the suspect, paying special attention to the presence of drugs and/or other prescriptions. b. Contact the doctor whose name appears on the prescription for further verification of the prescription’s authenticity. c. If the prescription is determined to be fraudulent, the suspect shall be arrested. The suspect shall be searched and any evidence of the crime impounded. The prescription will be submitted as evidence. d. Record the names and addresses of pharmacy personnel who processed the prescription on the Incident Report and Charging Affidavit. e. Forward a copy of the report to the MBI Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit. f. Patrol Operations Obtain sworn statements from the pharmacist and doctor. If it is not Page 15 of 24 possible to obtain a statement from the doctor, the MBI Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit will obtain the statements at a later date. 3. The on-call MBI Pharmaceutical Crimes agent shall be notified: a. When subjects are being arrested for prescription fraud. b. When subjects are obtaining or attempting to obtain the same or similar prescriptions from different doctors (commonly referred to as doctor shopping). c. Of any type of complex pill diversion cases. d. Of any case in which a suspect holds a professional medical license, e.g. medical doctor, nurse, EMT. 4. If the pharmacist has not established the authenticity of the prescription, the officer shall: a. Detain the suspect. b. Contact the doctor and verify the prescription. If the prescription is fraudulent, the arrest procedures previously outlined will be followed. c. If the doctor cannot be contacted and probable cause cannot be established, an Incident Report will be completed and routed to the MBI Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit. d. Filling the prescription will be left to the discretion of the pharmacist. 5. Evidence and chain of custody procedures will be as follows: a. A copy will be made of both sides of the prescription and attached to the report. The prescription will be placed into Evidence using a property receipt which should be signed by the person who gave the prescription to the officer. b. If the prescription was filled prior to the arrest, the filled prescription and all receipts will be collected as evidence and a property receipt issued to the pharmacist. c. Patrol Operations The prescription and other evidence will be properly processed and Page 16 of 24 placed in the Evidence storage area to preserve the chain of custody. d. The names of the pharmacist, clerk, doctor, and other witnesses will be written in the appropriate reports. e. To preserve latent prints the prescription should be handled carefully and as little as possible. f. 6. Collect video surveillance from the pharmacy, if available. If the responding officer has any questions on the handling of these cases or requires direction, the on-call MBI Pharmaceutical Crimes agent should be contacted for assistance. L. Gas Drive Off: 1. Gas drive off will be broadcast as a “local look out” over the radio. Communications will provide the complainant with a case number if there is no other relevant information regarding the call. 2. If there is relevant information, a member may be dispatched to the call. If a member locates the “drive off” vehicle, the complainant shall be requested to respond for identification. The suspect may be issued an NTA when appropriate. The gasoline will be left with the vehicle. M. Harassment and Threats: 1. All calls received by communications which reflect a threat to do bodily injury and/or death to a complainant, which was received over the telephone, via text, email, internet site, or by any other means shall be dispatched to a patrol unit for an immediate response. 2. A victim stating that they have received threats or complaints of cyberstalking or sexting via digital media shall be instructed to not delete such messages, but to save them to whatever medium they were received through. 3. Officers presented with recorded messages containing threatening statements shall document such messages in an incident report. The recordings, whether on oral, written or digital media shall be collected and submitted into evidence. Patrol Operations Page 17 of 24 4. Certain types of digital media will require the assistance of a detective for the collection of the evidence. In such cases, CID may be contacted, after consulting with a supervisor, to assist with the investigation and recovery of evidence. 5. If there are any questions or concerns over the preservation of such evidence, CID should immediately be contacted, especially if the case involves an incident of domestic violence or violations of a domestic violence injunction. N. Identity Theft Investigations 1. Officers presented with an allegation of identity theft shall complete a standard Incident Report to include: a. All applicable personal information including effected bank/credit card account numbers. b. Location where purchases or attempted purchases were made (if known). c. Amount of financial loss (if any) suffered by either the reporter or the financial institution. 2. Officers presented with an allegation of identity theft associated with fraudulent income tax returns shall: a. Direct the reporter to the IRS.gov website where they will complete fraud affidavits and have the opportunity to report their case directly to the Internal Revenue Service. b. If internet access is not available, they can report their identity theft case to the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-908-4490. 3. Indications of Identity Theft and Tax Refund Fraud a. The Internal Revenue Service has identified examples of indications of identity theft and tax refund fraud associated with fraudulent income returns, including but not limited to the following: Patrol Operations 1) Multiple birth certificates or social security cards. 2) Unexplained and voluminous copies of federal tax returns, Page 18 of 24 Forms W-2, or Forms 1099. 3) Voluminous stored-value cards, credit cards, or debit cards. 4) U.S. Treasury checks in other people’s names. 5) Bank statements showing the electronic deposit of tax refunds in other people’s names. 6) Listings of social security numbers or other identifying information. b. If during an investigation unrelated to identity theft, such as a traffic stop, an officer comes across any indication of identity theft and tax refund fraud, they should complete an Incident Report and contact the Internal Revenue Service Identification Theft/Refund Fraud Response Team at (618) 410-6918. 4. In identity theft cases, it is important to determine the jurisdiction and then the victim. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, jurisdiction for the prosecution and trial of violations of identity theft, may be commenced and maintained in any county in which an element of offense occurred, including the county where the victim generally resides. The victim is determined by establishing who sustained the monetary loss. 5. Presentations at community meetings, joint presentations with other law enforcement agencies and partnerships with private financial institutions, and government websites, may be used to provide the public information on preventing identity theft. O. Loud Noise/Loud Party Complaint: 1. When investigating loud noise/loud party complaints, the member should first determine if the noise or party is loud enough to disturb the complainant/neighbors, taking into consideration the time of day, number of complaints, etc. if so, the member should contact the owner/person in charge of the property and explain the nature of the complaint and request the offending action be terminated or reduced. Patrol Operations Page 19 of 24 2. If this fails to resolve the problem, sworn statements must be obtained from the complaining parties and enforcement action taken to eliminate the problem. P. Missing Person(s) Investigations 1. For detailed information regarding missing person(s) cases, see PGO 8613.00, Missing Persons. Q. Property Investigations 1. Officers responding to initial reports of property related crimes shall conduct a thorough and complete investigation. a. Determine the nature of the crime to include secondary offenses e.g., (1) burglary with a (2) criminal mischief. b. Thoroughly examine the scene for physical evidence. Gather the evidence by processing for latent prints and photographs. In cases of extensive scenes requiring more comprehensive processing notify a crime scene technician via supervisor. c. Obtain victim and witness statements in all felony cases when there is a victim/perpetrator confrontation. d. Obtain victim and witness statements in all misdemeanor cases where prosecution is desired and there is a suspect fully or partially identified. e. Personnel shall follow up all investigative leads prior to forwarding the case to the general investigations section. This may include contacting neighbors in the immediate area. f. The narrative portion pertaining to burglary investigations will begin with the following format: 1) Point of entry. 2) Point of exit. 3) Scene processed; yes or no. If yes, list where latent prints were obtained from and the number of latent cards submitted. If no, indicate why the scene was not processed. Patrol Operations Page 20 of 24 2. 4) List physical evidence recovered. 5) Victim’s insurance company and policy number. 6) The result of the area canvas, including addresses canvassed. The on-call detective shall be notified: a. When a suspect wishes to talk about property related crimes. b. On cases when immediate and extensive follow-up is required and could result in an arrest. c. R. If guidance or assistance is needed on a property crime. Reckless Driving Complaint: 1. When investigating reckless driving complaints, an area check should be made for the offending driver and vehicle. 2. If located, the driver should be identified, the nature of the complaint explained, and appropriate enforcement action taken to avoid a repetition of the incident. 3. If the complainant does not wish to meet with the responding member, the dispatcher shall broadcast a “local look out” over the appropriate radio channel(s). S. Robbery Investigations: 1. When it is determined that a robbery has occurred to an establishment or to a person, members shall complete reports, interview witnesses, obtain statements and arrest suspects if possible. 2. The on-call detective should be notified of the following: a. When a bank robbery occurs. b. When a trap camera is activated. c. When a victim is seriously injured during a robbery. d. When a lead or suspect is developed that requires immediate followup. e. Any business robbery, during which the perpetrators displayed forceful, violent behavior toward the victim(s). f. Patrol Operations Home Invasion. Page 21 of 24 T. Sex Crimes Investigations 1. Sex offense investigations will be conducted with the utmost care and compassion. If the offense warrants a detective’s response, questioning of the victim should be limited. The interview will not be conducted in the presence of a suspect. 2. Witness/Victim statements will be obtained and a detailed report of the incident written. 3. Victim a. Assist sexual battery victims in obtaining any necessary medical treatment resulting from the alleged incident, a forensic examination, and crisis intervention services from a certified rape crisis center. Advise sexual battery victims that they can contact a certified rape crisis center about services as required by FS 794.052, and provide them with a copy of their legal rights and remedies outlined in the victim’s rights pamphlet. b. Establish penetration and determine type of assault (vaginal, anal, or oral). 1) If vaginal and/or anal penetration, the victim should be encouraged not to shower, douche, use the bathroom or change clothes. 2) If oral penetration, the victim should be encouraged not to eat, drink, or smoke. c. Determine the date and time of the assault. d. If the suspect has recently fled, obtain a description and/or identity, mode, and direction of flight. e. Ascertain if weapons were involved and/or if force was used. f. Determine if victim is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. g. Determine if the victim desires prosecution and if she/he will consent to medical examination: 1) Patrol Operations If the answer is yes, include in sworn statement. Page 22 of 24 2) If the answer is no, have victim complete Declination of Intent form, except in domestic violence cases. h. If the incident is reported within 72 hours of occurrence, or 120 hours if vaginal/penile intercourse was involved, the on-call Sex Crimes detective shall be notified and will determine if a forensic exam is needed and if a crime scene technician (CSI) should be notified. i. The crime scene should be located, if possible, and protected until the arrival of the on call detective and/or the CSI. j. The detective may request the officer to transport the victim to the Sexual Assault Treatment Center for examination where a Victim Service Center Advocate shall be available to assist and comfort the victim. k. The supervisor may request a Victim Advocate to respond to the scene, if deemed appropriate. l. If the offender is of familial or custodial authority and the victim is a minor, report the incident by phone to the DCF Abuse Registry at 1-866-532-2873. The name of the DCF employee contacted should be documented in the report. m. A cursory interview with the victim will be conducted to determine if an offense has occurred. Small children may have limited understanding of the language and special care must be taken to define certain terms. Leading questions will not be asked. U. Unsecured Buildings 1. Occasionally, business owners and professionals will accidentally leave a window or door unsecured; however, incidents of this type shall be handled with caution until it can be determined the premises are safe. 2. Members finding an unsecured building will conduct building searches in order to determine if the break is criminal in nature or accidental. Patrol Operations Page 23 of 24 3. The dispatcher shall attempt to notify the owner/business representative of the unsecured building at the direction of on-scene personnel. 4. If no one can be located, or if the owner elects not to respond, the premises shall be secured, if possible, and a business card left. An incident report should be completed, if applicable. If the member is unable to secure the premises and a responder cannot be located, a supervisor will determine if personnel will remain on scene. 5. Under no circumstances shall a member undertake a building search alone. 6. When available, canine should be utilized in accordance with General Orders. 7. Upon completion of the search and once it has been determined the building is safe and crime scene processing is completed or not required, the building can be returned to the authorized custodian. V. Worthless Checks 1. Reporters of insufficient fund checks and checks written on a closed account for an amount less than $350 should be directed to contact a collection agency or pursue remedies through mediation or civil court. 2. Worthless or insufficient funds checks under $350 will not be investigated by the agency or prosecuted by the Orange/Osceola State Attorney’s Office. 3. For such checks in any amount over $350, the complainant should be directed to complete a worthless check packet, which can be obtained from the records unit. 4. Once the complainant has completed the necessary steps to initiate an investigation by our agency, the packet will be forwarded to a detective for the furtherance of the investigation. By Order of: Michael McKinley, Police Chief Patrol Operations Page 24 of 24