Policy Text
1 (08/28 /2017 ) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
INSTRUCTIONAL ORDER
Subject: DISPOSITION OF FELONY ARRESTS
Index as: Bond Adjustment Setting Bonds
Bonds Release on Own Recognizance (ROR)
Felony Arrests ROR
Accreditation Standards: 1.2.5, 1.2.6
Cross Reference: Circuit Court Administrative Order, 2010 -041 PI -CIR
Replaces : Instructional Order V.5:4, Setting Bonds and Re lease on Own Recognizance (ROR)
(November 27, 1995)
This Order explains the process by which officers may seek release on own recognizance (ROR) status or bond adjustments
for persons arrested on felony charges. The Order consists of the following sections:
I. Authority
II. Request to Release on Own Recognizance (ROR)
III. Bond Adjustments
IV. Adjustment Considerations
V. Responsibility of Arresting Officer
VI. Exceptional Circumstances
I. AUTHORITY
This Order is based upon the most recently issued Circuit Court Administrative Orders, which regulate release procedures
for felony arrests. Any revision, addition or deletion to those administrative orders will be considered part of this Order.
II. REQUEST TO RELEASE ON OWN RECOGNIZANCE (ROR)
A. ROR of a person in custody for a felony charge requires approval from the court.
B. An Officer wishing to ROR a felony prisoner must first obtain supervisory permission.
C. If the person was arrested on probable cause without a warrant, the Officer will contact a Criminal Division Circuit
Court Judge, by telephone, for permission to ROR the prisoner. Current telephone numbers are maintained at the Pinellas
County Sher iff’s Office ( PCSO ) booking office.
D. If ROR is granted, the O fficer will place the judge's name on the advisory form as approving the release.
E. ROR for persons arrested on a warrant, must be authorized by:
1. The Chief Judge, or;
2. The Pinellas County Criminal Court Administrator or;
DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
August 2017 Immediately V.5:04
Distribution: All Employees
Instructional Order V.5: 04
2 (08/28 /2017 ) 3. The I ssuing Judge, or;
4. The J udge presiding over the division where the case has been assigned for trial.
III. BOND ADJUSTMENTS
A. Bonds for felony arrests based on probable cause are set by the use of a bond schedule issued by administrative
order of the Court or, as determined by a judge if the arrest is pursuant to a warrant.
B. An Officer may request a review of the bond amount in the interests of justice, depending on either aggravating or
mitigating circumstances.
C. Circumstance which may affect the setting of bond should be brough t to the attention of the PCSO Booking O fficer.
IV. ADJUSTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
A. The arresting Officer and Supervisor should consider the following criteria used by the court when seeking ROR or
a bond adjustment :
1. The number of offenses the subject is charged with at the time of booking.
2. The subject’s ability to provide a local address, or verifiable permanent place of residence in the Tampa Bay
Area.
3. The subject’s employment status.
4. Previous criminal convictions or the subject is on probation or parole;
5. The subject has outstanding holds or warrants from any jurisdiction.
6. There has been serious injury to th e alleged victim and there is reason to believe further harm might come to
an alleged victim if the subject is released.
7. The subject makes any statement indicating they would not return to court when summoned.
8. Information that the subject has previously failed to appear for court when summoned.
9. The subject makes threats against police officers, victims, witnesses, judges, etc.
V. RESPONSIBILITY OF ARRESTING OFFICER
A. The arresting Officer shall properly complete the booking advisory, noting the name of the judge setting bond or
granting ROR in the narrative.
B. The arresting Officer will specifically ask the defendant for their current address and confirm its existence.
Residence should not be determined solely on presented identification documents.
VI. EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Circumstances may arise when the situation i s not within the scope of this O rder. In such cases, the arresting O fficer, in
consultation with their S upervisor, will seek guidance from the State Attorney's office.
______________ ____________
Anthony Holloway
Chief of Police