6-6 Notifications To Other Agencies

NARCOTICS BUREAU

DETECTIVE DIVISION

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

 

 Bureau Order Number:                  6-6                                                     

                            Subject:      NOTIFICATIONS TO OTHER AGENCIES       

 

Effective Date:	03/15/2009	Last Date Revised:	09/02/2011
Last Date Reviewed:	04/01/2021	Next Review Date:	04/01/2022

 

 

1.        INTRODUCTION                                     

 

            A.        Purpose

                       

The purpose of this order is to establish policy and procedure for inter-agency notifications during tactical operations.

 

            B.        Background 

                       

The importance of an accepted protocol for inter-agency notifications has become more important due to the proliferation of Task Forces and Teams involved in cross-jurisdictional surveillance and the nature of undercover investigations.

 

Equally important is the need for recognized procedures in the event of field contact or confrontation between uniformed and plainclothes officers.

 

There are two issues:  the notification of planned events in another agency's jurisdiction; and suggested procedures to follow in situations involving a field contact or confrontation between undercover officers and uniformed personnel.

 

            C.        Scope of Policy

 

This policy applies to all personnel involved in tactical operations within the jurisdiction of another department.

 

            D.        Accountability

 

Each Crew Sergeant will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate notifications are made.

 

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            E.        Training

                                                           

The Narcotics Bureau Commander will ensure that all personnel are familiar with this policy.

 

            F.         Conclusion

 

It is the intent of this policy to preclude inter-agency confrontations, thus ensuring officer safety.

                                                           

2.        POLICY

                                                         

NOTIFICATIONS

Prior to a planned event (Planned events include but are not limited to: Search Warrants, Probation/Parole Searches, Consent Searches, Controlled Buys, Buy/Busts, Reverse Stings, Money Flashes, UC Meets, Fixed Surveillances, MET Operations, Arrest Warrant Service, etc) a timely notification is required to the agency having jurisdiction of the venue of the proposed event.  Notification will normally be to the agency's Watch Commander.  Such notification should include:

 

• The time and location of the planned event and the names of the involved persons, if applicable

 

• Description of the vehicles involved in the operation

 

• The nature of the planned event, i.e., search warrant, stationary surveillance, etc.

 

• An assessment of the potential for problems

 

• What assistance, if any, is or may be requested of the agency

 

Once received, the agency is responsible for:

 

• Maintaining the confidentiality of the information

 

• Any intra-departmental notifications which they deem appropriate

 

• Providing reasonable assistance, if requested

                                                                                                                       

At the conclusion of the event, an exit notification shall be made to advise of the termination of the event.  If possible, this notification should be to the same individuals or their relief.  Should the event result in a noteworthy incident (i.e., a large seizure, arrest of a notable person), this information shall likewise be conveyed to the agency.  Press notifications, if appropriate, should be handled by our agency or jointly.

 

 

FIELD CONTACT/CONFRONTATIONS

 

Because plainclothes/undercover officers are not always readily identifiable as law enforcement members, contacts between them and uniformed personnel include the potential for confrontation.  The primary responsibility for avoiding or defusing this risk lies with the non-uniformed officer(s).

 

Their actions, when contacted by a uniformed officer are critically important.  The following suggestions are intended to assist in avoiding or alleviating the tension possible in such contacts. The plainclothes officer should:

 

• Carry his firearm well concealed, rather than partially or completely exposed to view

 

• When stopped, make identification verbally and indicate where credentials and weapons are located

 

• Follow the instructions of the uniformed officer explicitly.

 

• Avoid any sudden movement which could be interpreted as suspicious or threatening.  Keep hands in sight and open.

 

• Be prepared to provide the phone number and name of a supervisor or other agency member who may be contacted for verification as requested by the uniformed officer.

 

Officer and public safety concerns are of primary importance.  Unusual requests or unreasonable tactics tend to generate resistance and should be avoided.  The uniformed officer should:

 

• Ensure that verbal instructions are clear and concise.

 

• Request credentials and examine them thoroughly.

 

• Contact the plainclothes officer's unit of assignment when there are doubts as to the authenticity of credentials.

 

• Request that a uniformed field supervisor respond, should circumstances dictate.

 

ORIGINAL SIGNED    

 

                                                              

LOY L. MCBRIDE, CAPTAIN

NARCOTICS BUREAU