AJ 53 – Police Field Operations

1. AJ 53 –Police Field Operations Chapter 9 – Crimes In Progress

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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?

5. 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…

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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?

17. 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.