Arrival and Approach to the scene:

• Notify Dispatch of the location (by either going 10-97 to a dispatched call or give location for self-initiated activity) or any other information that responding officers may need (landmark, etc.).
• Position of Unit-things to consider
  1. Will your unit be used as cover?
  2. Is the vehicle lighting effective for your approach? Or is a stealth approach better? (In-Progress calls vs. calls for report purposes)
  3. Position your unit out of view of potential threats/view points (windows and/or doorways)

If is often better to not park in front of the residence where you are responding to as this may alert the suspect.  DO NOT stay seated in your vehicle while speaking with anyone in public (suspect/victim/witness).  This is a major safety hazard that should be avoided at all times.

Cover vs. Concealment:

Cover Defined:                       Physical shelter or protection sought by people in danger.  This has the ability to protect you from an incoming projectile by either stopping it or deflecting it.

Concealment Defined:            Anything that simply hides you from being seen or detected by someone.  This does not have the ability to stop or deflect incoming an incoming projectile.

These can be used when you are moving from cover to cover when approaching a high-risk call on foot (burglary in progress, suspect with a weapon, etc.).  Scan the area for potential threats, areas that weapons could be hidden, escape routes, and potential cover before moving.  Do not rush the situation.  Use concealment in combination wit cover when you can and minimize noise when approaching (car door, keys, radio, cell phone).

Avoid backlighting and being a silhouette:

• Do not stand in open areas with ambient light behind or above you.
• Do not stand in doorways (fatal funnel).
• Do not back light your partner casting a shadow.

Making Contact and Controlling Subjects/Suspects:

• Principle of contact officer and cover officer
  • Determine which officer will be the contact officer and which officer will be the cover officer
  • Communicate with each other because the roles of each officer can change during the incident
  • Stay focused on your task/role.  If you are a cover officer, avoid engaging in conversation or interviews but ensure that you are still paying attention

Stance:

• Weapon side is always away from the subject/suspect
• Feet shoulder width apart with strong side slightly back (fighting stance)
• Strong hand/weapon hand is kept free as much as possible (practice holding your flashlight or notepad in your off hand)
• Hands up around the chest. Avoid having your hands in your pockets, arms crossed, etc.
• Relaxed buy aware

Reactionary Gap:

• You should be able to see from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet of the subject/suspect.  This will allow you to scan for weapons and aggressive movements.
• Approximately six to eight feet

Controlling Subjects:

• Voice Commands
  • Loud enough to hear, short, concise, and simple
  • Be polite and professional, but firm and direct
  • Maintain reactionary gap while speaking.  Avoid “getting in their face”.  Only penetrate the gap to take physical control.  This is done quickly and efficiently.
• Physical Control
  • Control the hands.  Make sure loud verbal commands are given.
  • Place the suspect in a position of disadvantage.  If should be difficult for them to go for a weapon or start an aggressive movement toward you without you seeing them prepare for it.
• Handcuffing
  • Temporary restraints
  • Do not attempt to handcuff a subject until they are under as much physical control as possible.  You do not want to have on cuff on the suspect who gets away from you.  This can now be a potential weapon.  If they are actively resisting, deal with the resistance then then handcuff them.
  • Control during the application and cuff the wrist first.  Make sure your grip is firm to avoid fumbling the cuffs.
  • Once handcuffs are on, place a finger between the handcuff and the wrist of the suspect.  Double lock when it is safe.
  • Handcuffs will always be behind the back.

 

Pat Downs

• These will be covered in a later training topic.
• It is important to remember that when you are doing a “Pat Down” or “Terry Frisk” of a suspect, you are patting the outer clothing looking only for weapons.
• This is only done once you have control of the suspect, usually when they are already in handcuffs, or you have sufficient back up.

Searches

• This will be covered in a later training topic.
• A search is a complete check of all clothing and containers of a person for weapons, evidence, or contraband.  This can only be done with the person’s consent, a search warrant, or upon their arrest (also known as Search Incident to Arrest).
  • Searches and/or pat downs should be done the same way every time you conduct them (top to bottom or bottom to top).
  • Feel any objects through the clothing before putting your hands in any pockets.
  • Check the waistline, collar line, and seam lines of clothing.  Check the entire body (searches).
  • Be aware of searching the opposite sex.  If a male deputy is searching a female, the back of the hand should be used to avoid using finger and palms.
  • The groin area is a common hiding place for weapons and contraband.
  • Check headgear and jewelry.

Area Searches

• Avoid reaching in a container or area without first visually checking if for any potential risk.
• On any search of persons or property, make sure you have sufficient back up.

 

DOR