Policy Text
Procedure
3008Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/08/19, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentLEGAL REVIEW OF SPECIAL
ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS - 1LEGAL REVIEW OF SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT
OPERATIONS
3008.1 PURPOSE
This procedure sets forth guidelines to ensure special enforcement operations are conducted in
accordance with legal requirements.
3008.2 SPECIAL OPERATIONS DEFINED
Special enforcement operation is defined as follows:
Any enforcement operation initiated to have an impact on specified community problems, either
criminal or disorderly in nature, which requires a reallocation or enhancement of existing resources
and/or a reassignment of personnel from their normal duties.
This procedure is not intended to regulate the planning of day-to-day routine operations.
3008.3 LEGAL REVIEW OF SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
A.The Commander of a Special Enforcement Operation should:
1.Consult the Police Legal Advisor during the planning phase of the operation.
2.Incorporate any legal issues identified by the Police Legal Advisor into the
operational plan to ensure the special enforcement operation is conducted
according to established legal requirements.
3.Obtain written approval from the appropriate Bureau Commander prior to the
implementation of the special enforcement operation.
4.Submit an After Action Report to the appropriate Bureau Commander within 30
calendar days of the operation. The deadline may be extended with the approval
of the affected Bureau Commander.
B.The Police Legal Advisor should:
1.Provide guidance on legal propriety on planned strategy and identify legal issues
which could arise during the course of the operation.
2.Ensure the planned operation meets legal requirements.
The Police Legal Advisor should not be involved in developing operational strategies or police
tactics.
3008.4 CONCLUSION
The effective use of tactical planning which includes a review of legal issues enhances operational
plans while minimizing organizational and individual civil liability. It also insures that responses
to community problems reflect Departmental values and are in accordance with legal standards.