LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
I. WHAT DO WE MEAN “PROFESSIONAL IMAGE”?
A. What is your particular Professional Image based on? ( class discussion)
B. Public Expectation’s of a Professional Detective?
C. Where does it come from? (TV, Movies, News Interviews)
D. “Jack Webb / Joe Friday / CSI” perception
E. How does the location of the interview effect the style of dress?
II. DRESS
A. The difference between interviewing Victims vs. Suspects
1. How would dressing differently effect the interview?
2. Would the location of the Interview affect the way you dress?
B. Public Perception
1. Going to court: Raid Jacket vs. Suit & Tie, Undercover Operations
2. Coming to Court dressed as bad guy, Pic’s of Detectives Operation day
3. Deputies will tend to dress to levels of expectation not what is necessary for the occasion
A. Setting Personal Grooming Standards High vs. Acceptable
1. What rank do we hold at a Station Level / Who Looks Up to Us?
2. How many chances do we get to make a first impression?
B. California Law Enforcement (LASD/ LAPD) vs. Rest of the Country
1. Do we have the responsibility to set the standard?
2. How does the standard get set? Personal or Departmental?
C. Professionalism
1. Professional Personality vs Off Duty Personality. Are they similar?
D. The Well Dressed Analytical Interviewing
1. Comfort Zones, Body Language, how can the attire affect it?
E. Bare Minimum Dress Standards
1. How do our supervisors / peers look at us ?
2. Good Interviews / Bad Interviews
3. Making the Vict, Witness, Suspect feel comfortable
F. What is our overall goal when conducting our interviews?
1. Solve Cases, Get the Confessions, Extract all Necessary Info
G. What kind of gear do detectives wear when going out to conduct the interview?
1. Are we prepared for a violent confrontation in the field
2. Daily Prep / Prep your gear the night before
3. Take a hard look in the mirror everyday
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
CASE MANAGEMENT
I. Transition to Detective Assignment
A. Handling a Caseload vs. Shift Work
1. Difference between day-to-day work and extended case investigations
B. Prioritizing Workload
1. Perishable Evidence
2. In-Custody Cases
3. Danger To Society
4. Bond Releases
5. “Specials” (As Designated by Supervisors)
6. Workable Felonies
7. Workable Misdemeanors
8. Pending Felonies
9. Pending Misdemeanors
II. Organizing Investigations
A. Case Tracking
1. Organization’s Tracking Systems
2. Personal Tracking Systems
B. Creating Investigative Systems
1. Visit Crime Scene
2. Obtain All Recorded Evidence
3. Obtain All Document Evidence
C. Organizing Files
1. File Contents
2. File Storage
D. Determining When to End an Investigation
1. Cost/Benefit Analysis
III. Documenting Investigations
A. Notes
1. Single Case = Single Notebook
2. Pen vs. Pencil
3. What to Write
4. Note Retention
B. Photographic/Video Evidence
1. Film vs. Digital
2. Retention Location
C. Audio Recordings
1. Tape vs. Digital
2. Retention Location
B. Reports
1. Timeliness
2. Sufficiently Thorough
3. Punctuation, Spelling, Grammar et al
4. Active Writing Style vs. Passive Writing Style
IV. Handling Extraordinary Cases
A. Recognize Your Role As Orchestra Conductor
B. Get Sufficient Assistance
C. Buffering Yourself From Meddlers
D. Handling Press Inquiries
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
I. Importance
ll. Governmental Collaborations
A. Inter-Agency Gang Task Force (IGTF)
B. Los Angeles Regional Gang Information Network (LARGIN)
C. LA IMPACT - Gang Wire-tap Taskforce
D. DISARM - Probation
E. Department of Children and Family Services
F. Nuisance Abatement Teams (LA County NAT)
1. Administrative warrants
G. Liaison mandates
lll. Civilian Collaborations
A. Community-Based-Organizations
1. Federally funded
2. State-funded
3. Local-funded
4. Department-funded
5. Volunteer
lV. Referrals and Networking
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
MIRANDA ISSUES AND CASE FILING
I. CASE FILING
A. Introduction
B. Branches and area offices of the District Attorney are provided for the purpose of filing all felony and misdemeanor complaints initiated by the Sheriff. The District Attorney has the responsibility for determining the type of complaint to be issued.
C. Department Policy
1. Section 5-07/020.00 Obtaining of Felony and Misdemeanor Complaints
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II. LEGAL UPDATE/MIRANDA
A. Introduction
1. In 1966 Miranda vs. Arizona made its way to the United States Supreme Court where the high court overturned a conviction on the grounds that Miranda’s Fifth Amendments rights against self-incrimination had been violated.
2. Miranda warnings are required before any “custodial interrogation.”
3. Direct or “express” questioning about the crime being investigated.
4. On-the-scene questioning (preliminary) not interrogation.
B. Spontaneous or Volunteered Statements
1. 1. Volunteered statements are not made in response to interrogation, they are admissible even though the suspect is in custody, and has not yet been read his Miranda Rights. ( Innis (1980) 446 U.S. 291, 300; Huggins (2006) 38 Cal.4th175, 197-198, 243-244; McDaniel (1976) 16 Cal.3d 156, 171-172
2. Waiver of Miranda must be made without force or coercion
3. Knowing, intelligent, and a voluntary waiver of rights
C. Case Law
1. “ Not every question directed by an officer to a person in custody amounts to an 'interrogation' requiring Miranda warnings." ( Wader (1993) 5 Cal.4th 610, 637.) "The police may speak to a suspect in custody as long as the speech would not reasonably be construed as calling for an incriminating response." ( Cunningham (2001) 25 Cal.4th 926, 993, quoting from Clark (1993) 5 Cal.4th 950, 985.) Courts apply an objective standard and consider all the case-specific circumstances. ( Wader (1993) 5 Cal.4th 610, 637.)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
BASIC SURVEILLANCE CONCEPTS
I. SURVEILLANCE
A. Definition
B. Types of Surveillance
1. Static
2. Mobile
3. Pedestrian
4. Transition to arrest and command post
C. Objective of a Surveillance
1. Determine if crime occurred
2. Crime prevention
3. Suspect apprehension
4. Develop probable cause for search/arrest warrants
5. Develop probable cause for court orders
6. Locate a wanted person
7. Locate hidden property or evidence
8. Provide protection for undercover officer and/or CRI
9. Monitor movement/activity of informants
10. Monitor movement/activity of terrorists (criminal intelligence)
11. Determine subject’s habits, hangouts, and associates (pattern)
D. Planning for Surveillance
1. Personal info regarding subject
2. Routine activities of subject
3. Criminal history of subject
4. Previous weapons possession
5. Previous narcotics use
6. Previous subject of surveillance
7. Length of time at current address
8. Gang and/or criminal entity affiliation
E. Staffing Concerns and Team Assignments
1. Minimum requirements
2. Optimal staffing level
F. Basic Team Equipment
1. Team equipment
2. Individual equipment
3. Emphasis on team member comfort
G. Conducting the Surveillance
1. Scouting the location
2. Setting up
3. Approaching the location
4. Termination of the surveillance and debriefing
H. Cops as Victims
I. Additional Resources
1. Air support
2. Technical support equipment
J. Multi-Agency and/or Joint Surveillance Operation
1. Operational planning
2. Communications
3. Contingencies
4. Tactical considerations
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
MEDIA RELATIONS
I. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE MEDIA
A. 409.5 PC Provides for an exception to the media to cross a police or fire line into an area that has been closed due to menace to public safety or calamity, i.e.
1. train wreck
2. earthquake
3. disaster area
4. brush fire
5. flood
6. explosion
B. Media Role in a Democracy
1. Gather information of interest to the public
2. Relay that information in reports
C. Elements of a Transparent Police Agency;
1. Develops good relationships with media outlets.
2. Is a good source of information to the media
3. Provides accurate, timely information, as ethically as possible
4. Keeps media informed about crimes, trends, police strengths and weaknesses, and special problems that are unique to neighborhoods
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
TACTICS TRAINING AND TESTIMONY
“MIND GAMES”
I. COURSE ADMINISTRATION
A. Course Administration is designed to provide the presenter with the opportunity to address necessary administrative issues such as,
1. Registration
2. Expectations
3. Attendance Requirements, and
4. Course Completion Requirements
II. INTRODUCTORY ISSUES
A. Introductory issues will provide an overview of the course, review of key concepts, and instructional blocks.
III. THE PROBLEM WITH BEING HUMAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING TACTICS AND TESTIMONY
A. Learning Objectives
1. Memory
2. Multiprocessing
3. Mind-body connection
4. Perceptual limitations/Distortions
5. Amnesia
6. Interviewing techniques for enhancing memory retrieval
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
VEHICLE/PEDESTRIAN STOPS IN UNMARKED VEHICLE
I. STATIONARY AND MOBILE UNDERCOVER VEHICLE ARREST TACTICS
A. Undercover Vehicle Arrest Tactics
1. Preplanning and target evaluation
2. High risk call back
B. Stationary Containment
1. T-Bone front
2. T-Bone rear
3. In-line variation
4. I-beam
C. Transition from Surveillance to Tactical Entry
1. Establish a static surveillance
2. Establish a staging area and command post
3. Organize team members for tactical entry
4. Maintain “eye” and identify “eye” security
5. Identify need for notifications
6. Establish and/or identify mutual aid frequency
7. Contingency plan for unexpected mobility of subject and/or “barricaded suspect”
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
VEHICLE THEFT INVESTIGATIONS
I. Basic Facts
A. Vehicle stolen:
1. every 2 minutes in California and
2. every 20 seconds nationally
II. High Theft Vehicles
A. Why
1. Interchangeable parts
2. Easy to steal
3. Easy to sell
III. Basic Reason for Theft of Vehicle
A. Transportation
1. Personal use
B. Commit other crimes
1. Robberies
2. Burglaries
3. Drive-by shootings
4. Drug smuggling
C. Theft for Profit
1. Ship vehicles overseas
2. Strip vehicles of parts and sell them
3. VIN switch the vehicle and sell it outright
IV. Current Trends in Vehicle Theft
A. Fraud applications
B. VIN switching
C. Sub plate
D. Cold plate
E. Wash title
1. Stolen info
2. Salvage records
F. Ship overseas
G. Rebuild salvages/put togethers
V. How Vehicles are Stolen
A. Suspect(s) work alone or as team, each with specific duty:
1. Look-out
2. Break into car
3. Steal the car/drive away
4. Follow in chase car
VEHICLE THEFT INVESTIGATION PAGE 2
B. Devices used to enter car
1. Owner’s keys
2. Master keys
3. Break window/pull back window
C. Devices used to steal car
1. Owner’s keys
2. Master key
3. Slide hammer
4. Screwdriver
5. Gizmo
6. Hot wire
D. Other ways vehicles stolen
1. Fraud
2. Car jacking
3. Embezzle
VI. Where Vehicles Commonly Stolen
A. Grocery stores
B. Residence
C. Mall
D. Valet parking
E. Sporting events, other large events
F. Dealerships
VII. Fundamental Laws
A. 487(d) PC/GTA
B. 10851(a) VC/Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
C. 496d(a) PC/RSP
D. 10801 VC/Operation of a Chop Shop
E. 532a(1) PC/Fraud app
F. 530 PC/Identity Theft
G. 215 PC/Car jacking
St LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
HARDCORE D.A. FILINGS
I. STEP ACT PROSECUTIONS
A. What it is
1. 186.22(a) Substantive charge – wobbler
2. 186.22(b) Allegation (enhancement), attached to felony
3. 186.22(d) Elevates gang misdemeanors to felonies
4. 186.22a Nuisance abatement
B. Why we need it
1. 186.20 PC Legislative intent
2. Gangs present clear and present danger to society
C. How to use it - present evidence
1. Gang membership
2. Gang monikers
3. Gang tattoos
4. History of gang
II. Filing The Gang Case
A. Overcoming Prosecutorial Resistance
1. Talk to your gang expert before filing
2. Be prepared to explain expert opinion to filing deputy
3. Get all necessary documents for filing: FIs, I Cards, Predicate priors
4. Be persuasive, not abrasive
5. Know procedures for appealing a filing decision
B. Pushing the envelope on the gang allegation
1. Case law indicates that the scope of the gang allegation is getting broader
C. Target crimes
1. Narcotics cases: Sales, Possession for sale, transportation
2. Firearms possession cases, felon with firearm
3. Vandalism
III. A Gang Allegation Requires a Gang Expert
A. What The Gang Expert Brings To The Case
1. Prove up the 186.22(b)(1) gang allegation
2. Educate the jury on how gangs operate
3. Interpret/explain witness behavior
B. Gang Expert Testimony
2. “The expert testimony need not be necessary, only helpful.” People v. Cramblitt, 84 Cal. App. 3d 347 (1978)
C. Qualifying as an expert witness
2. Memorize your qualifications
3. Come to court prepared
4. Tell a good story in layman’s terms
5. Only give an opinion you are comfortable giving (It’s your credibility at stake)
6. Don’t overstate your case
7. Jurors don’t like arrogance
D. Important Reminder
1. Never, Never compromise your integrity for a case
2. Integrity and credibility matter most
St LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
LADA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
I. HISTORY OF BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
A. Authority
1. Peace officer status (830.1 PC)
B. Number of Sworn Personnel
II. Duties of a District Attorney Investigator
A. Prosecution Support
1. Felony pre-trial investigations
2. Locating witnesses
3. Crime scene investigation
B. Original Jurisdiction Cases
1. Complex fraud cases
2. Insurance & Worker’s Compensation fraud
3. Welfare & consumer frauds
4. Political corruption
5. Child abductions by non-custodial parents
6. Stalking cases
7. High tech computer crimes
8. Organized crime
9. Major crimes
C. Assist Other Law Enforcement Agencies
1. 24-hr command center
2. Vehicle surveillance
3. Electronic surveillance (wire tap)
4. Photographic services
5. Questioned documents examination
III. Bureau of Investigation by Division
A. Administrative Division
1. Internal Affairs
2. Training Section
B. Criminal Division
1. Witness Assistance
2. Central Investigations
3. Branch Offices
4. Technical Services
C. Fraud Division
1. Recipient Welfare Fraud
2. Specialized Fraud Investigations
3. Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force
4. Code Enforcement Unit
5. Major Fraud
D. Special Operations Division
1. Integrity Section
2. Special Litigation Unit
3. Major Crimes Investigations
4. Operations
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
DETECTIVE INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER
I. UNIT MISSION
A. Assist Detectives
1. Find persons/locations
2. Provide property ownership records
3. Telephone number identification
4. Photograph identification & 6-pack production
5. Vehicle photo production
II. RESOURCES
A. Law Enforcement Databases
1. ChoicePoint
2. Parole Law Enforcement and Detection System
3. Dallas Computer Systems
4. Entersect
5. Family and Children’s Index
6. National Insurance Crime Bureau
7. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
8. Birth, Death and Marriage Records
9. Expanded Traffic Records System
10. Dataquick
11. Prosecutors Information Management System
B. Free Internet Sites
1. Zaba Search
2. Mugshots
3. AJIS
4. ZipCodeFinder
5. BOP
6. DMV
7. Inmate Locator
8. AncesterHunt
9. Reverse Phone Directory
10. Earth Google
11. Local Live
12. Pipl.com
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
INTERMEDIATE DETECTIVE CONCEPTS
INTRODUCTION TO DNA
I. ROLES OF A CRIMINALIST/CRIME LAB FUNCTIONS
A. What is a Criminalist?
1. A Criminalist searches for, collects, preserves, and examines physical evidence in the investigation of crime
1. Drug Analysis
2. Toxicology / Blood Alcohol
3. Questioned Documents
4. Polygraph
5. Photo Studio / Digital Imaging Services
1. Impression 2. Trace
3. Hairs/Fibers
4. GSR
5. Paint
6. Glass
1. Alternate Lighting
2. Fluorescence
3. Presumptive Tests
4. Blood (Kastle-Meyer)
1. Luminol
2. Leuco Crystal Violet (LCV)
3. Oblique Lighting
1. Documentation
3. Hairs, Fibers, and other trace evidence
5. Swabs and/or Cuttings
6. Biological stains
7. Impressions
1. NO plastic (except for volatile substances)
2. Collect the entire item when possible
3. Avoid marking the evidence itself
4. Avoid contamination – use gloves when handling evidence and change often
1. Almost all collection is in paper packaging
2. Coin envelopes for small items, paper bags for large ones
3. Double package whenever possible
4. Tape Seal the package with initials across the seal
1. Case #
2. Date
3. Initials of collector
4. Contents
5. Warnings, if necessary
1. Building block for an individual’s entire genetic makeup
2. A component of virtually every cell
3. A person’s DNA is the same in every cell
4. Each person’s DNA is different from every other individual except identical twins
5. DNA collected from a crime scene can either link a suspect to the evidence or eliminate the suspect
B. Where DNA Can Be Found
1. Blood and semen
2. Skin cells, hair, tissues
3. Saliva, mucous, sweat
4. Urine and feces
5. Bone and teeth
1. Clothing
2. Gloves
3. Saliva- Cigarette butts
4. Condoms
5. Hair brush/Comb
6. Toothbrush
7. Eyeglasses
1. Doesn’t tell you when it was deposited
2. Doesn’t tell you how it was deposited
3. If multiple contributions of DNA to one stain, may be difficult to attribute source
1. “Doe” Identifications
3. Identify who is the source of the body fluid