AJ 53 –Police Field Operations

Chapter 9 –Crimes In Progress

In-Progress Calls Require Immediate & Coordinated

Response Multiple officers, clear communications

Potential for injuries/death Victim as well as responding officers

Suspect identification/apprehension How far can they get away?

Evidence identification/preservation Crime-scene protection

Pre-Planning When is an in-progress crime

likely to occur? Any time of day/any day of week!

Beat knowledge is crucial Potential victims/target locations Avenues of ingress & egress

Dead ends, one-way streets, etc. Ability to navigate safely in darkness

In vehicle, on foot, etc. High-ground observation locations Potential informants/witnesses

Play the “What-If?” game with yourself!

Dispatcher Responsibilities Obtain as much information from RP as

possible as quickly as possible Relay information to responding officers as

quickly as possible Keep the victim/RP on the line Questions to ask…

What happened? Still happening now? Exact location? Injuries? How severe? Suspect(s) location?

Identification/Description? Weapons? Location now? Vehicle? Direction of travel?

Field Unit Response Beat knowledge is crucial!

Street directions, numbering system, etc. Code 3 vs. Silent Approach?

Each has advantages/disadvantages Know/follow department policy!

Be aware of surroundings en-route Suspects, victims, witnesses, etc. Suspect’s appearance may have changed! Note suspicious/out-of-place vehicles,

persons…

Arrival at the Scene Communications

Dispatch, other officers, supervisors

How should you arrive? Siren? Silent? Stealthy?

Where should you park? Safe, practical distance from scene

Approaching on foot Use of cover and concealment

What’s the difference?

Arrival Considerations (cont’d) Stop and Observe…

Don’t just barge in! John Wayne Syndrome

Look & listen to determine what’s occurring Maintain Communications

Consider requesting clear frequency Essential radio traffic only! Does Dispatch still have RP on telephone?

If not, have Dispatch re-contact before entry Have parties come out to you, if possible

Making Contact Safe approach/stance at doorway Knock and Notice, as required

Exigent circumstances exception Take control of people and scene

Identify persons involved Victim, suspect, RP, witnesses, etc. Security check of area

Check for injuries/medical needs Separate and interview

Crimes Against Persons and Violent Crimes Safe response, arrival, and approach

Public/Officer/Victim safety Display of weapons upon approach?

Wait for back-up as appropriate Observe and gather intelligence

Active-shooter situation? May have to make entry/stop threat as soon

as sufficient officers arrive Situational awareness

Eyes/ears/senses on high alert

Crimes Against Property Audible vs. Silent alarms

How does this affect your response? Safe approach to scene

Use of weapons? Communicate/Coordinate assistance Assess nearby persons/vehicles

Suspects, lookouts, etc. Remember to look up!

Building Entry and Searches Observe exterior

Open doors, windows, etc. Signs of forced entry/attempted entry Identify/preserve potential evidence

Officers enter/search together Avoids mis-identification, crossfire, etc. Silence/stealth vs. Making your

presence known Radios, cell phones, keys, etc. make a

lot of noise

Maintain communications updates

Building Searches (continued) Flashlights

Day shift? How to hold/use during search

Communication with fellow officers Radio, talking, hand signals

Room-by-room searches Don’t linger in doorways Locked doors? Potential hiding places

Expect the unexpected! Mentally/physically prepared to find suspects

Use of Weapon During Search What else will you need to do with your hands during

search? Open/close/secure doors, Manipulate light switches, Use

radio Which, if any, weapon do you choose?

Handgun? Shotgun? AR-15? Taser? Other? Department Policy and common sense should guide your

decision Advantages & Disadvantages to each…

Ease of carry, slings, one-hand/two-hand, etc. Firepower/penetration Transition between force options

Always follow basic safety rules Trigger finger indexed along slide/frame Muzzle pointed in safe direction Avoid crossfire situations Be aware of target and beyond

Prowler Calls 647(h) PC – Prowling (M)

Loiter, prowl, wander on private property, day or night, without lawful business

647(i) PC – Peeping (M) Peek in door or window of inhabited

building/structure while prowling Prowler characteristics vary greatly…

No crime – resident, friend, relative, etc. Curious teens Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Voyeur Rapist/Sexual Predator, Serial Killer

Responding to Prowler Calls Response and Approach

Silent/blacked-out response Park a few houses away Silent approach on foot Be aware of vehicles/pedestrians in area Use light to thoroughly search area when practicable

Weapon drawn during search? Not as likely for misdemeanor response

Contacting the victim Very traumatic situation, especially if UTL suspect Thoroughly check interior/exterior Assist with alternate overnight arrangements Remain in area to observe stealthily Extra-patrol follow-up

General Response Considerations Avoid caravanning to scene

Consider alternate routes to/from location Don’t jump-in on the call unless

assigned or requested Drift closer, but stay available

Acquire good location for BOL surveillance Suspect’s mode of travel? Time elapsed since crime reported? Distance able to be covered in that time?

General Search Considerations Each search has certain

advantages/disadvantages… Foot Search

Face-to-face interaction/question witnesses Limited mobility, response time, equipment

Spot Cover Fixed-location surveillance

Various search patterns Leapfrog, Quadrant, Spiral, Zigzag

Plainclothes Assistance Proper ID and clear communications!

Alternative Search Methods Bicycles, Air Units, Mounted Units, etc.