SOP 283 - Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests.pdf

SOP HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT...

SOP HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT #283 CIVIL DISTURBANCES & MASS ARRESTS ORIGINATION DATE: 11/01/2001 REVISED DATE: 01/22/2024 APPROVED: CHIEF OF POLICE, JEFF DEVLIN PURPOSE: To provide a plan for the Agency’s response to a civil disturbance and to outline processing procedures for mass arrests. Establish procedures for the possibility of a mass migration of Caribbean Basin migrants to southern Broward County. This plan may be activated in part or whole, as determined by the scope and nature of the incident. SCOPE: This SOP applies to all Members of the Department. POLICY: It is the policy of the Hollywood Police Department to plan for and deal effectively with unruly crowds and illegal gatherings. Law enforcement presence at lawful, non-violent demonstrations shall be restricted to those actions necessary to maintain the peaceful nature of such assembly. The use of force shall be limited to that force necessary to ensure that civil and legal rights of all persons are not abridged, including rights of ingress and egress to any premises, as provided by law. Officers confronting civil disturbances will follow the procedures of containment, evacuation, communication, use of force, and command and control, as enumerated in this policy. INDEX: PROCEDURE:.............................................................................................................................................. 2 I. CIVIL DISTURBANCE........................................................................................................................... 2 A. DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES:................................................................................................................... 2 B. SHOW OF FORCE/USE OF FORCE:......................................................................................................... 3 II. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................................. 3 A. FIRST OFFICER ON SCENE:................................................................................................................... 3 B. FIRST RESPONDING SUPERVISOR:......................................................................................................... 3 C. INCIDENT COMMANDER:........................................................................................................................ 4 D. COMMUNICATIONS:............................................................................................................................... 4 III. CROWD DISPERSAL............................................................................................................................ 5 A. UNRULY CROWD:.................................................................................................................................. 5 B. FAILURE OF THE CROWD TO DISPERSE:................................................................................................. 5 C. DE-ESCALATION:.................................................................................................................................. 5 IV. CROWD CONTROL ARREST PROCEDURES.................................................................................... 6 SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 1 of 9  A. ARREST GUIDELINES:........................................................................................................................... 6 B. CONFINEMENT:..................................................................................................................................... 6 C. TRANSPORTATION UNITS:..................................................................................................................... 6 D. PRISONER PROCESSING:...................................................................................................................... 6 V. TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT............................................................................................................... 6 A. MEMBER TRAINING:.............................................................................................................................. 6 B. COMMUNITY EDUCATION:...................................................................................................................... 6 C. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:.................................................................................................................. 6 VI. MUTUAL AID REQUESTS.................................................................................................................... 7 A. EMERGENCY RESPONSE:...................................................................................................................... 7 B. PERSONNEL DEPLOYMENT:................................................................................................................... 7 VII. MASS MIGRATION INCIDENTS........................................................................................................... 7 A. FIRST ARRIVING OFFICER:.................................................................................................................... 7 B. RESPONDING SERGEANT RESPONSIBILITIES:......................................................................................... 7 C. SHIFT LIEUTENANT RESPONSIBILITIES:................................................................................................... 7 D. PATROL SECTION MAJOR/ STAFF DUTY OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES:...................................................... 8 VIII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC).................................................................................. 8 IX. CELEBRATIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS....................................................................................... 8 X. DEFINITIONS:........................................................................................................................................ 8 A. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE:..................................................................................................................... 8 B. CIVIL DISORDER:.............................................................................................................................. 8 C. CIVIL DISTURBANCE:....................................................................................................................... 8 D. DEMONSTRATION:........................................................................................................................... 9 E. FIELD FORCE TEAM:........................................................................................................................ 9 F. FIELD FORCE TEAM COMMANDER:............................................................................................... 9 G. FIELD FORCE TEAM MEMBER:....................................................................................................... 9 H. MOBILIZATION:................................................................................................................................. 9 I. MUTUAL AID:..................................................................................................................................... 9 J. PROTEST:......................................................................................................................................... 9 K. RIOT:.................................................................................................................................................. 9 L. UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY:.................................................................................................................. 9 PROCEDURE: I. CIVIL DISTURBANCE A. Department Objectives: The main objectives of the Department during crowd control incidents are: 1. Establish and maintain control of the area, 2. Protect persons and property, SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 2 of 9  3. Arrest law violators, if conditions permit, 4. Arrest those intent on disrupting non-violent constitutionally protected demonstrations. B. Show of Force/Use of Force: Sometimes, a show or use of force will be required to accomplish departmental objectives. Command Officers should consider these factors when deciding the degree of force needed. The Hollywood Police Department’s Field Force Team will be utilized when a show or use of force is required. The Field Force Commander will provide operational plans for the Incident Commander to consider. These plans will take into consideration the following: 1. Initially, the best recourse is the rapid and impressive display of an organized Police presence. 2. The number of Officers on the scene must be large enough to demonstrate the ability to disperse the crowd. 3. Officers should be assembled out of sight of the crowd and then march into view equipped and well-organized. 4. If possible, an Order to Disperse will be read to the crowd before enforcement action is taken. II. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES A. First Officer on Scene: Upon arrival at the scene of a civil disturbance, the first responding Officer(s) will take action only to prevent death or substantial harm to themselves or others. 1. The first responding Officer will make the following assessments of the situation and take the following actions: a. Crowd assessment. b. Is the gathering Lawful or unlawful? c. Crowd’s mood: passive, hostile, or excitable? d. Size of crowd. e. Known weapons present. f. Potential weapons present. g. Influence of drugs or alcohol? h. Look for signs of organization. i. Identify agitators or leaders in the crowd. j. Advise the most expeditious routes to the scene, avoiding roadblocks and congested traffic areas. k. Protection of those persons lawfully engaged in non-violent demonstrations. 2. Communications Plan: Officers will communicate descriptive information concerning crowd assessment to the Communications as soon as possible and continue surveying the scene to obtain additional information concerning causes, area geography, and the desired resolutions of the crowd. B. First Responding Supervisor: Upon arrival at the scene of a demonstration, the first responding Supervisor will assess the situation and make the following determinations: 1. If the necessary permit(s) have been obtained. SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 3 of 9  2. Whether civil disorder or violence is anticipated. 3. The number of Police and support services required (i.e., equipment). 4. Establishment of a Field Command Post, if required 5. Establishment of an Outer Perimeter. 6. Ensure that avenues of approach to the scene are kept open for emergency and support vehicles. 7. If mass arrests for non-violent minor offenses appear necessary, the Supervisor will approach the demonstration leader(s) and explain the violations, seeking compliance and resolution. C. Incident Commander: Once the Command Post is established, the Incident Commander will: 1. Have supervisory authority over all Officers, assisting Agencies, or other components. 2. Establish an inner perimeter to funnel crowds towards escape routes, ensuring routes are safe with open access. 3. Provide security at the Command Post, public facilities, or other locations as needed. 4. Designate an area for medical treatment where Fire Rescue personnel will be on standby for medical emergencies, transportation, and fire suppression. 5. Exercise command and control over all Law Enforcement resources committed to the operation within Departmental jurisdiction. 6. Summon a Public Information Officer to liaison with the Media. The P.I.O. will be responsible for providing the following: a. Current information pertaining to the incident with instructions to the public. b. Casualty information, when appropriate. c. Community education in the form of media releases or press conferences pertaining to Civil Disturbances. d. Rumor control. 7. Assess the incident and request the following assistance, if necessary: a. Field Force Team. b. Canine Unit. c. SWAT Team. d. Quick Response Team e. Mutual Aid. 8. Assess supplies and equipment requirements and determine their availability for planned usage by SWAT, Field Force, or QRT Members. 9. Designate an area for the confinement and processing of those arrested. 10. Provide for prisoner transportation. D. Communications: Communications will provide the following assistance: 1. Provide an open tactical radio group monitored by Communications Members. 2. Relay all pertinent information to responding Units. SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 4 of 9  E. Act as a liaison between Field Commanders and Inter-Governmental Agencies. Crime Scene Unit Supervisor: The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor will be in charge of Crime Scene Technicians responsible for processing arrested persons. III. CROWD DISPERSAL This section applies only if the crowd incites riotous conduct or civil disorder. A. Unruly Crowd: If the Crowd is unruly and needs to be dispersed, the on-scene Commander will read the following dispersal orders to the crowd: 1. This is (name and rank) of the City of Hollywood Police Department. 2. In the name of the State of Florida and pursuant to 870.04 f.s. Florida Statutes, I hereby declare this assembly to be unlawful and command each and all of you to peaceably disperse. 3. The following routes of dispersal are available: (give most expeditious routes). 4. You have (reasonable amount of time) minutes to disperse. B. Failure of the Crowd to Disperse: If the crowd does not begin to disperse within a reasonable length of time (not less than five minutes is recommended; ten minutes is preferred), the following Dispersal Order will be read to the crowd: 1. This is (name and rank) of the City of Hollywood Police Department. 2. In the name of the State of Florida and pursuant to 870.04 f.s. Florida Statutes, I hereby command the assistance of each and all of you in seizing, arresting, and securing all persons unlawfully assembled here and, a. If you and each of you fail, refuse, or neglect to obey this command or, b. If you refuse to disperse and leave this area, you will be deemed unlawfully assembled and subject to immediate arrest. 3. All necessary force will be employed to disperse this assembly. 4. The following routes of dispersal are available (give most expeditious routes). 5. You have (reasonable amount of time) minutes to disperse. C. De-escalation: When the disturbance has been brought under control, the agency will restore full law enforcement services as quickly as possible. At the same time, the Incident Commander will ensure the following de-escalation and recovery operation measures are taken: 1. All Law Enforcement Officers engaged in the incident will be accounted for, and Members’ injuries will be assessed. 2. All Members will be debriefed as necessary. 3. Members of the Criminal Investigations Division will interview or interrogate witnesses, suspects, and others. 4. All written reports will be completed as soon as possible. 5. Prepare an After-Action Report and submit it to the Chief of Police via the chain of command. 6. Continue to monitor the location for an appropriate time period. SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 5 of 9 IV. CROWD CONTROL ARREST PROCEDURES A. Arrest Guidelines: The following guidelines govern arrest procedures at crowd control incidents: 1. Officers will only arrest or take action in teams of two or more. A lone Officer should not attempt to make an arrest. 2. FELONIES: Enforcement action involving felonies should, in most cases, result in an arrest. However, the circumstances may dictate a delay in making the arrest. 3. MISDEMEANORS: Misdemeanor arrests should be made if the time is appropriate or control is an essential concern. If an arrest will contribute to control, the action should be taken. B. Confinement: Persons arrested will be taken to a pre-determined location away from the disturbance for temporary confinement. This area will be used for processing prior to being transported to a permanent holding facility. C. Transportation Units: Preparations should be made to keep several Units mobile to transport prisoners away from the immediate area. D. Prisoner Processing: After a person has been arrested, the Crime Scene Unit Supervisor will ensure that the following processing procedures are adhered to: 1. Make arrangements for a sufficient supply of digital cameras at the Command Post. 2. Ensure that a photograph of all arrested persons is taken at the demonstration scene. 3. Ensure that all arresting Officers are furnished with a pre-numbered envelope on which they will record required information. 4. Ensure that a Member of the Crime Scene Unit photographs the Officer with their prisoner while the Officer holds the above-mentioned envelope bearing the identifying information. 5. Ensure that the prisoner’s fingerprint card is placed in the above-mentioned envelope. The arresting Officer will make pertinent notes on this envelope for later referral while completing the necessary reports. V. TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT A. Member Training: This SOP will serve as a training guide for Members on the topics of Civil Disturbances and Mass Arrests. Field Force, QRT, and SWAT team members will receive additional training on these topics twice annually. B. Community Education: The community will be provided information and education prior to or during a civil disturbance through media releases, press conferences, or briefings. C. Equipment and Supplies: All equipment and supplies utilized by Field Force, QRT, or SWAT team members will be inspected annually for operational readiness. SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 6 of 9 VI. MUTUAL AID REQUESTS A. Emergency Response: The City of Hollywood will only respond to Mutual Aid Requests from a neighboring City or County in an emergency situation. Another law enforcement agency must make the request for Mutual Aid assistance, and the Chief of Police or designee will authorize the level of personnel deployed. (see SOP #145 Mutual Aid). B. Personnel Deployment: Unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police or designee, Members responding to Mutual Aid requests for Civil Disturbances will be limited to: 1. Exterior perimeter security. 2. Traffic control. 3. Escapee search. VII. MASS MIGRATION INCIDENTS Due to the geographical proximity and political instability in Cuba and other Caribbean Basin nations, the potential for a mass migration via southeast Atlantic coastal waterways is a constant concern for law enforcement. Cuba’s political environment, combined with the large number of Cuban immigrants residing in South Florida, will likely result in Cuban migrants seeking asylum in the region. The outlined procedures are intended to provide operational guidelines to all affected Members in the event of an incident of mass migration. A. First Arriving Officer: The Primary responsibility of the first arriving Officer(s) will: 1. Render assistance and advise on the need for medical assistance. 2. Assess the situation and the need for additional Officers. 3. Advise the affected Sergeant of the incident circumstances. 4. Attempt to contain affected areas and detain migrants. 5. Attempt to identify a group leader to establish communication and gather intelligence. B. Responding Sergeant Responsibilities: 1. Respond to scene. 2. Determine the need for additional Officers and resources. 3. Establish an inner perimeter and cordon off the affected area. 4. Establish a temporary detention location on site. 5. Establish a temporary Command Post location. 6. Brief Shift Lieutenant Commander of incident circumstances. 7. Request an alternate radio channel for incident communications. 8. Attempt to secure the vessel or other mode of transportation used by the migrants. C. Shift Lieutenant Responsibilities: 1. Respond to the scene and assume command. 2. Re-assess the situation. 3. Determine the need for additional Officers and/or resources (e.g., Field Force, QRT, SWAT, Marine, Canine, and Crime Scene Unit). SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 7 of 9  4. Establish a permanent Command Post and staff accordingly. 5. Notify the affected Patrol Division Major and/ or Staff Duty Officer. 6. Initiate a Command page as directed. 7. Ensure appropriate Federal, State, and local notifications and/or support requests are completed via Communications. 8. Notify and brief the PIO and establish a temporary staging area for media. 9. Contact Memorial Regional Hospital and advise of possible impact. 10. Assess the need for assistance from the American Red Cross. D. Patrol Section Major/ Staff Duty Officer Responsibilities: 1. Respond to the scene and assume command. 2. Determine the need for Mutual Aid. 3. Brief the Patrol Services Bureau Assistant Chief and other affected Command Staff as directed. 4. Contact the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs for the availability of municipal buses with drivers for transport to the Temporary Collection Point (Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula State Park). 5. Determine the need for full or partial Department mobilization. 6. Liaison with affected responding Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to determine the level of assistance required. VIII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) The nature of the event may require activation of the City of Hollywood EOC. The authority to activate the EOC rests with the City Manager. IX. CELEBRATIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS A. Spontaneous celebrations, marches, vehicle caravans, and street assemblies could interfere with traffic flow and impact City operations. The PIO will have an integral part in disseminating information in an attempt to minimize the consequences of these incidents by directing citizens to locations of organized celebrations. B. Demonstrations and celebrations could result in violence due to tension between conflicting groups. Civil Disturbance procedures outlined within this policy will be followed when confronted with these situations. X. DEFINITIONS: A. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE: The refusal to obey civil laws in an effort to change governmental policy or legislation characterized by using passive resistance of other nonviolent means. B. CIVIL DISORDER: Any public disturbance involving numerous people who commit violent acts that cause immediate danger or injury to people or property. C. CIVIL DISTURBANCE: Group acts of violence and disorder prejudicial to public law and order SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 8 of 9  D. DEMONSTRATION: A demonstration is a legal assembly of persons who have organized primarily to express political or social doctrine or views. These types of events often allow for law enforcement preparation as they are generally planned activities that often involve the procurement of permits. ( see City Ordinance 104.02 ) They include but are not limited to, marches, protests, and other assemblies that are largely designed to attract the attention of the public and the media. However, without the control of organizers and the presence of law enforcement, or with the presence of agitators and/or counter-demonstrators, legal demonstrations can evolve into civil disturbances that necessitate law enforcement interaction. E. FIELD FORCE TEAM: A Field Force Team is a well-trained, disciplined, organized demonstration of police force that emphasizes unity of command and can be rapidly deployed in civil disorder situations. The most important aspect of a Field Force Team is discipline, with the emphasis on group action, rather than individual action. F. FIELD FORCE TEAM COMMANDER: A member of the rank of Lieutenant shall serve as the Field Force Team Commander or Assistant Commander and is responsible for effectively directing, controlling, and coordinating the operational capabilities, training, and related administrative tasks of the Field Force Team. G. FIELD FORCE TEAM MEMBER: A sworn Officer or Sergeant equipped and trained to provide a rapid and professional response to civil disturbances or other events that involve crowd control while assuring public safety and protecting the lives and property of all people. Filed Force Team members are specially trained to operate in response to civil unrest as an organized team under the command of a respective squad Sergeant, Leader, or Field Force Team Commander during planned or unplanned operations or events. H. MOBILIZATION: An organized emergency assembly of Police Members. I. MUTUAL AID: Mutual Aid is an exchange of services, personnel, and/or equipment between Law Enforcement Agencies during times of emergency, pursuant to a written agreement. J. PROTEST: An organized, public demonstration of disapproval about a situation, such as social injustice, a change in laws, a government policy, or an institutional action. K. RIOT: An unlawful disturbance of the peace by an assembly of numerous people acting with a common purpose in a violent or tumultuous manner that threatens or terrorizes the public. L. UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY: A meeting of numerous people who intend either to commit a violent crime or to carry out some act, lawful or unlawful, that will constitute a breach of the peace. SOP 283 Civil Disturbances & Mass Arrests Page 9 of 9