15-24 - Detaining Felony Suspects
Whenever dealing with a suspect(s), regardless of risk level or whether or not you are working with a partner, it is best to realize no one is “10-15” until they are safely secured in the back seat of your patrol car. For officer safety reasons, no one is securely in custody until the risk for fighting or escape has been drastically diminished.
In an incident where personnel are detaining a felony suspect(s), the incident is not over until the suspect(s) is no longer a threat or able to harm you. It is not wise to advise that the incident has concluded or is about to conclude, especially if the suspect can hear you, until the suspect(s) has been safely handcuffed and secured. Additionally, if you have asked for assistance, the likelihood is high that your first assessment of the situation was correct, and further actions should be delayed until assistance has arrived.
Suspected felony or high-risk suspects should not be allowed to remain standing during the course of an encounter prior to being safely secured in handcuffs.
In situations where Department personnel are detaining felony and/or high-risk suspects, the following are considerations to adhere to:
- Verbal command and control;
- Maintaining a visual on all potential threats;
- Advising your status on situation (Code-6);
- Requesting back-up or assistance to your location and advising of status (i.e., number of suspects);
- Moving to a position of advantage when possible.
This Newsletter was created with the assistance of the Tactics and Survival Unit.
Questions regarding the content of this newsletter may be directed to Field Operations Support Services.
References:
Manual of Policies and Procedures
MPP Section 3-10/150.00 Tactical Incidents
Field Operations Support Services Newsletter
Newsletter #01-18 Approaching and Handcuffing Suspects