GGPDE_613_-_Use_of_Interview_Rooms_2733644

Policy 613Garden Grove Police Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/18, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Garden Grove Police DepartmentUse of Interview Rooms - 1Use of Interview Rooms 613.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for use of the Department's interview rooms. 613.1.1 DEFINITION The Department currently has a total of eight interview rooms. There are two interview rooms in the Gang Suppression office, and one in the Special Investigation office. There are three more interview rooms near the Property Crimes Investigation office. Additionally, there are two interview rooms in the jail. The interview rooms are to be utilized by investigators/officers to complete processing, testing, interviewing, interrogation and required documentation for an arrest. 613.2 POLICY It shall be the policy of the Garden Grove Police Department to utilize the interview rooms to provide a safe and secure facility for the interviewing of victims, witnesses and the processing of suspects while preliminary investigations are conducted. The following procedures shall be observed at all times unless the circumstances demand a variation. In all cases where a deviation from the guidelines occurs, the on-duty patrol sergeant, lieutenant or their representative shall approve the action. On duty lieutenants and the supervisors where the various interview rooms are located, shall be responsible for securing adherence to the policy and for the direct supervision, control, upkeep, repair and cleanliness of the interview rooms. 613.3 WEAPONS CONTROL Investigators and uniformed officers will ordinarily have their duty weapons in their possession when interviewing or interrogating a person in the Interview Room. Officers must be cognizant at all times of the proximity of the subject being interviewed to their service weapon. The exception to this rule pertains to the two interview rooms in the jail. Prior to entering the jail, all weapons must be secured in a gun locker. 613.4 SECURITY CONCERNS All arrestees that are to be interviewed in the jail interview rooms shall be searched prior to entering the interview rooms. Prior to the person being interviewed entering the interview room, all items that could easily be utilized as a weapon will be removed or secured. Officers must remain cognizant that some items will be present that could potentially be utilized as a weapon. 613.5 HANDCUFFING DETAINEES The following factors shall be taken into consideration when determining whether a detainee needs to be handcuffed while inside the interview room: (a)Has the detainee exhibited behavior that indicates that they represent a threat to the officers or themselves? Garden Grove Police Department Policy Manual Use of Interview Rooms Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/18, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Garden Grove Police DepartmentUse of Interview Rooms - 2(b)What is the demeanor (mental/emotional state) of the detainee? (c)Are there sufficient officers available to control the detainee(s)? (d)Will the interview process be hindered if the detainee is handcuffed? 613.6 PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS (a)There may be one or two investigators present when a person is being interviewed/ interrogated. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, only one person to be interviewed will be present in the room at a time. Depending on circumstances, an attorney, parent, or other approved person may be present for the person being interviewed. Generally, there will be no more than two officers interviewing a person. (b)Due to security concerns officers should be mindful of what items they bring into the interview room with them (pens, paper, paperclips, and pencils) and ensure that all items are removed at the time that they leave. (c)Video and audio monitors allow for constant observation of detainees and officers while in the interview rooms. There is no audio monitoring in the jail interview rooms and will require the officer to bring a portable audio recorder to the interview if the interview is to be recorded. (d)There will be at least one department issued radio or department issued communication device available to be used as a means of summoning assistance in the interview room during an interview. (e)Permanently installed video and audio equipment allows for the recording of all interviews conducted in the interview rooms. Again, the exception is the jail interview rooms, which will require the officer to bring a portable audio recorder if needed. (f)There are three (3) interview rooms located in the detective bureau, two (2) in the jail area, and three (3) in the Special Services Building. All interview rooms are equipped with a table and three (3) chairs. (g)The person being interviewed will be allowed to take bathroom, comfort and water breaks when requested. An officer of the same sex will escort the individual to the bathroom and stay with them at all times. The bathroom should be searched prior to and after it is used. When using the Interview rooms located in Investigations, the bathrooms directly adjacent to the interview rooms will be used. Otherwise the closest restroom will be used. The employee locker rooms should not be used.