Policy Text
Policy
344Fremont Police Department
Telephone and Electronic Communication
Crimes
344.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy is designed to outline the proper procedures necessary for the investigation
of annoying, obscene, threatening, or harassing contact by telephone or other electronic
communication device. Employees investigating these reports will determine if a violation is a Hate
Crime under Policy Manual § 338.
344.2 PROCEDURE
(a)Reports of annoying, obscene, threatening, or harassing contact by telephone or
electronic communication device, when the suspect is unknown, will be handled in the
following manner.
1.The employee should stress the fact that the most effective way of
preventing further contact is to have the telephone number or other electronic
communication device contact information changed. If the victim wishes to
have the number changed or wishes further action, the employee should direct
the victim to contact the business office of the telephone company or other
telecommunications provider. Employees should not advise the victim that the
provider will place a trap on the phone.
2.If the reporting party advises that they wish to file a police report, he/she will be
directed to file a phone report or an online report.
(b)If the victim advises that the caller is known, an appropriate field unit will be dispatched
to take a report. The investigation will proceed without provider involvement unless,
in the opinion of the investigating officer, such involvement is deemed necessary for
successful prosecution.
(c)If the call is determined to be a hate crime under the provisions of Policy Manual § 338,
an appropriate field unit will be dispatched to take a report. The investigating officer
shall conduct a complete investigation to the limit allowed by the leads available from
the information obtained. The investigating officer may notify the telecommunications
company security department of the call(s) and request their assistance with the
investigation.
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Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentTelephone and Electronic Communication
Crimes - 1