Chapter5 - Threat Management Unit

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 5 THREAT MANAGEMENT UNIT I. Introduction The Threat Management Unit (TMU) reports to the operational support lieutenant who oversees the Real Time Crime Center. TMU is comprised of a Unit Supervisor (Sergeant) and detectives. II. Purpose TMU’s mission is to deter, detect, and investigate threats relating to the City of Coral Springs made by persons and/or groups intending to cause serious harm to themselves, people or places by conducting threat assessments and managing the Risk Protection Order process for the Department (petitions and follow up investigations). This includes any threats made in person to another individual, in writing via a social media platform, or received by phone call or letter.. III. Threat Management Unit Supervisor-Sergeant A. The TMU Sergeant is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the unit. The TMU Sergeant also acts as the CIT Coordinator. The Sergeant may also be assigned a task outside of their normal duties at the discretion of the Operational Support Lieutenant, Component Captain, Operations Deputy Chief, Chief of Police or their designee. B. The Sergeant shall also: 1. Ensure the proper performance of all duties by all personnel assigned to the unit by directing and assisting all members in the proper handling of their assignments. 2. Prepare unit schedule, schedule annual in-service training, schedule quarterly firearms training, and approve vacation requests for the unit. 3. Complete performance evaluations and conduct performance evaluation conferences for members of their unit. 4. Complete all monthly, quarterly and annual statistical reports and required by policy, the Chief of Police, Operations Deputy Chief, Component Supervisor, Lieutenant, or designee. 5. Conduct quarterly line inspections on Department equipment, vehicles, uniforms, and members to ensure compliance with Department policies and procedures. 6. Maintain and monitor unit budget and expenses. 7. Prepare yearly Budget recommendations to Patrol Captain. 8. Apprise chain of command of any unusual occurrences and any other pertinent information or incidents. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 5 9. Attempt to settle grievances in accordance with personnel rules and regulations and render a decision on the grievance. 10. Advise their chain of command of any conditions or work that have an adverse effect on morale and attempt to alleviate the condition. C. The Sergeant must be ready to assume and perform the duties of subordinates to supplement staff shortages. IV. Threat Management Detectives A. Assignment to the Threat Management Unit The selection into TMU will be based on eligibility requirements and selection procedures will be in accordance with General Order 17. Candidates should be a certified member of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) or be able to obtain the certification within the first six months after selection. B. Basic functions of Detectives assigned to the Threat Management Unit: 1. Investigate threats as listed in GO 66B or as assigned. 2. Responsible for the preparation and follow-up of all Risk Protection Orders (RPOs) following the procedures outlined in General Order 66B. 3. Review all Baker Acts conducted by the department daily and determine which, if any need follow up by TMU. 4. Develop a strong understanding of available resources which can be used to investigate threats. 5. Communicate threat findings within the department to units that can best use that information for enforcement and investigative efforts. 6. Support threat related calls for service and events that are significant by conducting real time assessments using available resources. 7. May be subject to on-call status to respond to threat related calls that occur during off duty hours. 8. Maintain and update the Threat Management Database which is located here: T:\Division Share\Police\Threat Management Unit 9. TMU Detectives will complete any other tasks deemed necessary by the TMU Sergeant. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 5 V. Procedures The Threat Management Unit (TMU) procedures shall mirror the Criminal Investigations Component’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when conducting an investigation. A. Upon notice of a TMU call, a TMU Detective will act as primary investigator or in concert with CIC investigator. B. The TMU detective shall: 1. Confirm that witnesses are separated. 2. Interview each witness and take statements if needed. 3. If suspect is not in custody, ensure that a BOLO with pertinent information is disseminated quickly and updated as needed. 4. If a suspect is in custody, a statement shall be taken. 5. Detectives will notify CSI for evidence collection if necessary. 6. Prepare subpoenas and warrants as needed for evidence collection 7. Establish the identity of the suspect(s). 8. When probable cause is established, locate, and apprehend the suspect(s) 9. Determine if an arrest warrant is more appropriate for the arrest of the suspect(s). C. Threat Management Unit Follow-up and Identification Initiative 1. All arrestees and subjects who have been the focus of a Threat Assessment Report will be labeled a Low, Medium or High Threat Level. 2. The subject of a Risk Protection Order will automatically be classified as a medium threat unless designated higher by the TMU detective. 3. All detectives and the TMU sergeant will assist in the threat level rating. a. Low Threat Level - will require minimal follow-up at least once a year. b. Medium Threat Level - will require a follow-up at least once every six months. c. High Threat Level - will require follow-up at least once a quarter. 4. Follow-up investigations may be conducted in person or via phone and will be conducted in accordance with the procedures in 66B. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 5 5. Every time a Threat Level follow-up is performed, a supplement to the original report will be required. 6. Throughout the year, the TMU shall reevaluate the threat levels of all assessed individuals to determine an increase or decrease in threat level. This may result in the removal of an individual from the rankings. D. Student Based Threat Assessments 1. If specific threat is directed at a school (i.e., school shooting) TMU will work with Crimes Against Persons detectives and the School Resource Officer to identify the suspect and complete the investigation. 2. TMU will receive all general school-based threat assessments completed by Coral Springs School Resource Officers. 3. TMU will evaluate the threat with input from the SRO and determine if action is necessary by TMU. E. Firearm Denials 1. FDLE prepares and distributes a weekly database list of all the persons within the state of Florida who attempted to legally purchase a firearm and were denied. 2. The attempt to purchase a firearm by someone not legally allowed to do so may be considered a warning that they may have intentions to do something that may put lives in danger.