14-02 LETTERS OF CONSIDERATION

Unit Order:    14-02

Subject:         LETTERS OF CONSIDERATION

1. CONCEPT AND ISSUES

A.        Purpose

The primary purpose of this Unit Order is to establish policy and procedure for a “Letter of Consideration.”

B.        Background

Whenever a Taskforce member deems that a defendant involved in an investigation has assisted in the efforts of the investigation or provided information on another criminal investigation, that investigator, with the approval of the Project Director, may prepare a letter for signature by the Project Director to the local court requesting that the defendant’s action be taken into special penalty consideration.

C.        Scope of Policy

This policy is designed to assist TRAP Personnel by providing specific guidelines in the preparation of letters of consideration and establish procedures that will ensure uniformity. 

D.        Training

TRAP Sergeants will ensure all personnel under their direction have been trained and understand this policy.  Newly assigned personnel will be trained on this policy which is outlined in the taskforce orientation training program.

2. POLICY

In preparing a request for a “Letter of Consideration”, TRAP personnel are governed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Policy and Procedure Manual, 3-01/110.70 - Consideration for Defendants (Attached).

SEE ATTACHMENTS “A” AND “B” FOR SAMPLES OF MEMO AND LETTER.

                                                                                            _______________________________ 

                                                                                            MARTIN L. RODRIGUEZ, CAPTAIN

PROJECT DIRECTOR