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Field Operations Directives (FODs)

97-012 Decoy Vehicles


97-016 Handling of Evidence "Chain of Custody"
97-006 Megan's Law - Sex Offender Notification

DECOY VEHICLES

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Field Operations Directive is to standardize the use of decoy vehicles in all Patrol Divisions.

POLICY

Decoy vehicles are black and white patrol sedans that have been removed from normal patrol service due to high mileage or mechanical defects. These decoy vehicles can be driven short distances and parked at specific locations to be used as "decoys" to suppress crime or traffic problems. They should not be used by field personnel for normal patrol service.

Decoy vehicles are fixed assets assigned to the Sheriff's Department. They are assigned to patrol stations and are considered additions to the station vehicle fleet.

Decoy vehicles are owned and insured by the County of Los Angeles. All regulations within the Manual of Policy and Procedure apply to their use.

PROCEDURE

All locations where a decoy vehicle is requested must be approved by the shift watch commander or service area lieutenant. Personnel shall notify the concerned watch sergeant of the use of a decoy vehicle and its intended location. Watch sergeants shall ensure the decoy vehicle number, location of use, and the operator's name are on the in-service sheet for the shift the decoy vehicle will be used. The station watch deputy and dispatcher shall also have this information on their in-service sheets. Watch sergeants shall ensure that field personnel are informed of all decoy vehicle locations. Field personnel should be encouraged to make frequent checks on all decoy vehicles in use.

Operator Responsibilities: When in use, decoy vehicles shall be legally parked and secured by the operator. Decoy vehicles shall not impede the normal flow of traffic nor be used as road blocks.

Decoy vehicles are most effective when used sporadically at one location. Personnel requesting a decoy vehicle to be used at a location for an extended period of time (longer than 8 hours) shall receive permission from the relieving watch commander on the next shift or the service area lieutenant. Upon receiving permission, deputy personnel shall advise the watch sergeant of the next shift who shall document the extended use of the decoy vehicle on the in-service sheet, inform the station dispatcher and watch deputy, and inform all field personnel.

When a decoy vehicle is not in use, it shall be the operator's responsibility to park it in the station parking lot or other secure parking area (e.g., city storage areas).