SOP 251.1 - Child Abductions-Kidnapping.pdf

SOP HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT...

SOP HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT #251.1 CHILD ABDUCTIONS / KIDNAPPING ORIGINATION DATE: 08/15/2002 REVISED DATE: 10/09/2014 APPROVED: CHIEF OF POLICE, JEFF DEVLIN PURPOSE: This SOP will establish procedures for the response, investigation and reporting of Child Abductions and Kidnappings. SCOPE: This SOP applies to all Members of the Department. POLICY: When dealing with Child Abduction or Kidnapping, the Department will use every resource available to locate the individual. The primary objective will always remain the safe return of the victim. Every child reported missing will be considered “at risk” until significant information to the contrary is confirmed. INDEX: PROCEDURE:.............................................................................................................................................. 2 1. INITIAL RESPONSE.............................................................................................................................. 2 A. FIRST RESPONDING OFFICER:............................................................................................................... 2 B. SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:........................................................................................................... 2 C. SHIFT LIEUTENANT RESPONSIBILITIES:................................................................................................... 3 D. LEAD DETECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:..................................................................................................... 3 II. THE FLORIDA AMBER PLAN.............................................................................................................. 3 A. CRITERIA FOR ACTIVATION:................................................................................................................... 3 B. STEPS FOR ACTIVATION:....................................................................................................................... 4 III. OUTSIDE AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................. 4 A. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION:................................................................................................... 4 B. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT:.................................................................................... 4 IV. DEFINITIONS:........................................................................................................................................ 4 A. PARENTAL ABDUCTION:................................................................................................................. 4 B. KIDNAPPING:.................................................................................................................................... 5 C. ENDANGERED PERSON:................................................................................................................. 5 SOP #251.1 Child Abductions – Kidnapping Page 1 of 5 PROCEDURE: 1. INITIAL RESPONSE A. First Responding Officer: The First Responding Officer will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the juvenile’s absence and acquire information that is accurate and detailed. It is imperative that information be gathered and distributed immediately. Officers will adhere to the following: 1. Conduct a search of the residence and nearby vehicles. 2. Advise Communications of all pertinent information (physical description and clothing) and request a Citywide B.O.L.O. 3. Immediately notify a Patrol Supervisor. 4. Determine when, where and by whom the child was last seen. 5. Advise the NCIC/FCIC Operator, who will alert other Broward County Agencies including the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The NCIC/FCIC Operator will also notify “A Child is Missing”, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Missing Children’s Clearinghouse. 6. Obtain a Missing Person’s Affidavit. 7. Obtain a recent photograph of the missing person. a. If the missing person is endangered, prepare a Missing Person’s Flier for distribution in the area (forward a copy to the Investigative Services section). b. Deliver the photograph to the teletype Operator for entry into the NCIC/FCIC. 8. Collect all information and prepare an Incident Report. The Incident Report will be dictated on a priority basis. 9. Based on the information gathered by the first Officer on scene, the following steps will be taken: a. Parental Abduction: (1) Determine if there is a custody order in the possession of the parent or guardian. (2) Determine if the child is in danger while in the custody of a parent or guardian. b. Kidnapping: (1). When conducting the initial search, Officers will be cognizant of: (a) Signs of possible foul play. (b) Signs that indicate possible child abuse. (c) Crime Scene preservation. (2) When conducting the preliminary interview, keep all individuals separated. B. Supervisor Responsibilities: The Supervisor is responsible for the following: 1. Notifying the Shift Lieutenant. 2. Ensure the first responding Officer has completed all initial tasks and made the proper notifications. 3. Coordinating a search of the residence and area for the missing juvenile. 4. Make a determination if a Crime Scene exists. Officers will preserve and hold the scene until an Investigator arrives on-scene. SOP #251.1 Child Abductions – Kidnapping Page 2 of 5  5. Ensure, as soon as possible, that all-pertinent information, to include photographs, have been entered into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) computer system which is located in the Patrol Sergeants office. C. Shift Lieutenant Responsibilities: The Shift Lieutenant will be responsible for the following: 1. Establishing a Command Post, if necessary. 2. Notify the Investigative Services Section Lieutenant. 3. Notify the Division Major; or the Staff Duty Officer after hours. D. Lead Detective Responsibilities: A Detective from the Investigative Services Section will respond to the scene and complete the following: 1. Verify the accuracy of the information developed by the first responding Officer. 2. Ensure whether a Crime Scene exists, it is processed and evidence gathered. 3. Obtain a brief, recent history of the family dynamics. 4. Ensure a search of the area has been completed. 5. Ensure the missing juvenile has been entered into NCIC/FCIC, to include a recent photograph of the child and suspect. 6. Ensure pertinent information, to include photographs, have been entered into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) computer system. 7. Ensure notification of their immediate supervisor. 8. Determine if the missing child falls within the guidelines to activate “The Florida Amber Plan”. Contact FDLE Missing Child Clearinghouse at 1-888-356-4774 to activate the plan. 9. Determine if a trap and trace on the victim’s phone line would enhance the investigation. 10. Based on the information developed on-scene, the below steps will be taken: a. Parental Abduction Secure a copy of the Child Custody Order and verify that it is on file with the Clerk of the Court. b. Kidnapping (1). Contact Probation and Parole to obtain a list of Sexual Predators / Offenders living in the area to begin residential searches. The search area will expand as the investigation dictates. (2) Ensure a neighborhood canvass is completed and documented. II. THE FLORIDA AMBER PLAN A. Criteria for Activation: The purpose of the FLORIDA AMBER PLAN is to broadcast critical information of a missing/abducted child believed to be endangered, in a timely manner, to the general public via radio and television. The following criteria must be met for activation: 1. The child must be under 18 years of age. 2. The child must be in immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death. 3. There must be enough descriptive information to believe a broadcast will help. 4. The activation must be recommended by the local Law Enforcement Agency of jurisdiction. SOP #251.1 Child Abductions – Kidnapping Page 3 of 5  B. Steps for Activation: The following steps will be completed when activating the Florida Amber Plan: 1. The Detective will call the FDLE Missing Children Information Clearinghouse (MCIC) at 1- 888-356-4774. The Tallahassee Duty Desk responds to all after hours MCIC requests. 2. FDLE will determine if the information is to be broadcast on a regional or statewide basis. 3. The Detective will prepare information (i.e., child, suspect and/or vehicle, contact information) for public distribution using FDLE’s approved format. (see Appendix A). 4. The FDLE will ensure that the information is broadcast through the Emergency Alert System. III. OUTSIDE AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES Due to the nature of Parental Abductions or Kidnappings, outside Agency assistance may be required. Agencies that may provide assistance to the Criminal Investigations Division are: A. Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI will act as an assisting Agency to the Hollywood Police Department when a formal request for assistance is made. The FBI may provide support in the following areas: 1. Provide additional manpower if needed. 2. Trap & Trace on victim’s phones. 3. Technical support if requested. 4. Provide an FBI Profiler. 5. The FBI assistance will depend upon the type of investigation: a. Parental Abduction: The FBI will assist the Criminal Investigations Division when information is developed indicating that the suspect has crossed the State line. An arrest warrant must be issued by the Broward State Attorney’s Office prior to the FBI becoming involved in the investigation. b. Kidnapping: A follow-up of all out of State leads and reports, and forward their findings to the Criminal Investigations Division B. Florida Department of Law Enforcement: FDLE will act as an assisting Agency to the Hollywood Police Department. FDLE may provide assistance in the following areas: 1. Additional manpower as needed. 2. Follow-up out of County leads. 3. Provide assistance with the dissemination of flyers through the FDLE Clearinghouse. 4. Liaison with Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Marine Patrol, Florida Missing Person Clearinghouse, and any other State Agencies. 5. Provide an analyst if needed. 6. Provide an FDLE Profiler. 7. Technological support as needed. IV. DEFINITIONS: A. PARENTAL ABDUCTION: A juvenile who is missing and in the company of a non-custodial parent. SOP #251.1 Child Abductions – Kidnapping Page 4 of 5  B. KIDNAPPING: The forcible, secretly or by threat, confining, abducting or imprisoning of another person against his/her will without lawful authority, with intent to hold for ransom or reward. C. ENDANGERED PERSON: A person who, due to physical or mental condition, would be considered at risk. ATTACHMENTS Appendix A: FDLE Missing Child reporting Form SOP #251.1 Child Abductions – Kidnapping Page 5 of 5  HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT Original Date: 08/15/2002 Page 1 of 2 Revised Date: Appendix A SOP# 251.1 File Name: Appendix A, Child Kidnapping/Abductions.doc Original Date: 08/15/2002 Page 1 of 2 Revised Date: Appendix A SOP# 251.1 File Name: Appendix A, Child Kidnapping/Abductions.doc