16-01 GUIDLINES FOR DEPLOYMENT OF ELECTRONIC LOCATION DEVICE ON STOLEN VEHICLES

Unit Order:  16-01

Subject:       GUIDELINES FOR DEPLOYMENT OF ELECTRONIC LOCATION DEVICE ON STOLEN VEHICLES

OVERVIEW

Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (TRAP) detectives encounter stolen vehicles on a daily basis.  On occasion, these stolen vehicles are believed to be part of a larger auto theft ring or large scale investigation.  In view of this, investigators may opt to place Electronic Location Device (ELD) on stolen vehicles to assist them with their investigations.

Investigative needs must be balanced with a duty to return property to its rightful owner.  The victim of a vehicle theft is often times put in a precarious position both economically and transportation wise as a result of surveilling a vehicle.  In view of this, TRAP detectives must constantly balance investigative needs with the duty to return a vehicle to its owner.

PURPOSE

This unit order establishes a uniform guideline for all personnel assigned to TRAP regarding the installation of ELD’s on stolen vehicles.

GUIDELINES

The following guidelines shall be followed when a TRAP detective encounters a stolen vehicle and believes that the installation of an ELD would assist in their investigation:

• Notify their team sergeant and explain the reasons for the ELD installation.  With the team sergeant’s concurrence, the device may be installed for a period not to exceed 48 hours.

• Once the 48 hour threshold has expired, the ELD shall be removed at the earliest available time.  The stolen vehicle shall be recovered contemporaneously with this removal.

• If the detective would like to keep the GPS tracking device installed for a period longer than 48 hours, concurrence must be obtained by the team sergeant and area lieutenant.

• The area lieutenant may approve ELD installation for periods longer than 48 hours in exceptional cases, where the investigative benefit is continually balanced with the vehicle owner’s rights.

Note: When considering the necessity of the installation of an ELD on a stolen vehicle, or authorizing an installation in excess of 48 hours, all personnel (detective, sergeant and lieutenant) are encouraged to consider the following:

• Information contained in original stolen report regarding circumstances of the theft and victim information.
• Likelihood that the vehicle will be used in another crime if not immediately recovered.
• Likelihood that the vehicle will lead to a large scale criminal, criminal organization or chop shop.

INSTALLATION

It is recommended that a team sergeant be present during the installation of any ELD.  In urgent circumstances, when the investigative needs preclude the presence of a team sergeant, investigators shall make telephonic notification to a team sergeant prior to the installation of the ELD.  After consultation with and approval from the team sergeant, the installation may proceed.

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MARTIN L. RODRIGUEZ, CAPTAIN

PROJECT DIRECTOR