Special Investigations

Tarpon Springs Police Department Special Investigations General Order # 402 Effective Date: March 15, 2021 Amends: #402 2/2015 Chief Jeffrey P. Young 402.01 POLICY The Tarpon Springs Police Department is committed to the investigation and arrest of persons involved in criminal activity. This order provides guidelines primarily to address vice, drugs, and organized crime investigations conducted by the Detective Division . This order also applies to other investigative components when conducting formal, preplanned surveillance activities , raids and decoy operations . These guidelines are necessary to ensure officer safety and to meet operational objectives. 402.02 PURPOSE The purpose of this General Ord er is to establish guidelines for special investigations conducted by members of the Tarpon Springs Police Department . 402.03 PROCEDURE It is the direct responsibility of the Detective Division to commit their time and efforts to the investigation an d apprehension of persons involved in orga nized crime and vice activities. 402.031 The Detective Division will address those illegal activities of concern to the community. These responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: A. Prostitution. B. The illegal use and sale of controlled substances. C. Illegal gambling. D. The distribution and/or sale of obscene or pornographic materials. E. Drug traffic interdiction. 402.032 The goals of the Detective Division with concerns towards special investigat ions will include, but are not limited to: A. Address the illegal activities of members of organized groups or associations of concern to the community. B. Decrease the illegal activities of members of organized groups or associations of concern to the commu nity. C. Gather intelligence for future investigations. D. Be aggressive in the arrest of violators. General Order #402 2 402.04 Detective Division Special Investigations : Each complaint received by the Detective Division will be investigated to the fullest extent possible. The unit supervisors will evaluate the accuracy and credibility of initial information determining the scope and relative importance of the problem. A. When first receiving information, steps will be take n to establish the validity of such intelligence. B. The supervisor will establish that the information concerns a criminal problem and if so, which laws are being violated. C. The supervisor will assign a detective to investigate the lead. D. The supervisor of the investigation will have overall approval for the operation. E. The supervisor will determine if the unit has the sufficient resources to investigate the complaint. F. The supervisor will determine what operational problems may exist and take any steps necessary to counter all such problems. 402.041 The Detective Division will ensure that the exchange of information and personnel is performed as necessary so that a harmonious investigative relationship exists between all involved agenci es. 402.042 Periodically, or as needed, the Detective Division supervisor will keep the Chief of Police informed , via the chain of command, of all major vice, drug, and organized crime activities or problems. 402.043 All intelligence records relating to active vice and organized crime investigations will be maintained by the Detective Division Supervisor , separate from the central records system. 402.044 The Detective Division supervisor or his designee will notify the patrol supervisor responsible f or the target area of any special investigation, including but not limited to surveillance operations, undercover operations, decoy operations or raids. The only exception to this notification will be if the notification will jeopardized the operation and then the Chief of Police or his designee must authorize the Detective Supervisor or his designee not to make the notification. 402.05 Surveillance Operations: It will be the responsibility of the Detective supervisor to approve the operation; to maintain an analysis of various crimes and their victims; and to identify probable offenders, habits, associates, vehicles, methods of operation, and any other pertinent information. Background information, such as personal/criminal history and locations frequented, will be gathered on identified probable offender(s). 402.051 Surveillance may involve a simple periodic check on a stationary subject or location conducted by one detective , or a continuous long term, multi -person, multi -vehicle operation. The following apply when conducting surveillance: A. One supervisor will be designated as the coordinator. B. Procedures for observation, arrests, and surveillance should be established in advance. C. All operatives will familiarize themselves with the suspect, vehicles used by the suspect, and the neighborhood or target area. General Order #402 3 D. Appropriate surveillance vehicles and equipment will be utilized. (Electronic surveillance of a telephone or within a residen ce will be in conformance with Florida law.) E. All legal problems and/or ramifications will be reviewed by the Detective supervisor in consultation with the State Attorney’s Office when needed. F. A method of routine and emergency communication will be esta blished between participants via hand -held radios, mobile telephones, or other means. G. The Major of Operations should be notified when: 1. Additional personnel may be needed to transport arrestees, suspects, or prisoners. 2. Additional personnel may be needed to establish a perimeter, etc. 3. Citizen complaints may be anticipated from the operation’s actions or activity. H. The Detective supervisor should be kept advised of all ongoing surveill ance operations. As needed, they will arrange for relief personnel in long term operations. I. If the surveillance extends beyond the agency’s jurisdiction, outside agencies will be notified as needed. J. Specific plans will be made for suspect contact. Any such plans will address back -up manpower and other resources to ensure officer safety in the event the suspect is armed or becomes physically violent