LANCASTER STATION
UNIT ORDER # 18
FIELD RESPONSE TO SERIOUS FELONIES IN PROGRESS
Lancaster Station field units dispatched to serious felonies in progress, especially spousal assaults (273.5N), shall respond Code 3 to the scene.
When receiving a call of a possible serious felony in progress, desk personnel shall evaluate all available information in an effort to determine whether or not a Code 3 response is warranted. If the situation justifies dispatching a unit or units to a location Code 3, the closest unit (a two-person unit) to the call shall be given authorization to respond Code 3. Under no circumstance shall a one-person unit be the only unit sent Code 3 to a serious felony in progress.
Any doubt as to whether or not a Code 3 response is warranted shall be resolved in favor of the Code 3 response. If another unit in the field is closer to the involved location, that unit shall notify SCC of this fact and advise they are responding Code 3. The unit responding Code 3 with the longest ETA shall discontinue their Code 3 response unless approval is given by the Watch Commander, Watch Sergeant, Field Sergeant, or desk personnel. Based upon the totality of the circumstances, any appropriate number of field units may be authorized to respond Code 3.
Whether or not the handling unit is the first on scene, they are not relieved of the responsibility of handling the call upon their arrival. This order is intended to make it easier for field personnel to respond to serious felonies in progress, especially domestic violence situations, as quickly as it is safely possible to do so. A quick response to these calls can prevent or limit injury to the victims and increase the chance of apprehending the suspect(s).
As with any situation involving Code 3 responses, Department personnel shall adhere to the Manual of Policy and Procedures sections relating to emergency driving. All personnel involved in the decision making chain shall be responsible for their actions.
For further information refer to MPP sections 5-09/200.15, 5-09/200.20,5-09/200.25, 5-09/200.30, and 5-09/210.15.