Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
5.16 Organized Crime and Vice Control: Operations
5.16.12 Vice, Narcotics and Organized Crime – Surveillance, Undercover, Decoy and
Raid Operations (Revised: 8/1/14)
A. Surveillance, undercover, decoy and raid operations are extremely important
investigative techniques and useful methods of obtaining factual information during an
investigation. All surveillance, undercover, decoy and raid operations will be conducted
in such a manner that no infringemen t occurs upon the statutory or C onstitutional rights
of any individual.
B. The Investigations Unit will be responsible for coordinating and planning organized
crime and vice control surveillance, undercover, decoy and raid operations.
C. These operations should be well planned prior to implementation. Guidelines for
planning operations include:
1. Analyzing crimes, victims and suspects
2. Determining legal ramifications
3. Familiarizing officers with the objective and details of the operations and the
neighborhood or target area
4. Determining operational procedures for observation, arrests, surveillance and
high-risk entries
5. Supplying officers with expense funds
6. Establishing means of routine and emergency communication
7. Selecting equipment or vehicles
8. Providing relief, backup security and perimeter protection for officers
9. Supplying officers with false identity, disguises and necessary credentials
10. Maintaining overall confidentiality and cover
11. Obtaining authorization for raids and use of force
12. Designating a single person as supervisor and coordinator
13. Providing close supervision
14. Making contact with suspects
15. Searching for and seizing evidence and/or contraband
16. Requesting medical assistance
17. Obtaining coordination and assista nce from others, both inside and outside the
agency.
D. Surveillance, undercover and decoy operations may be effected, singularly or
simultaneously, during the investigation of vice, narcotics, organized crime or other
criminal offenses. The Investigation s Unit shall notify Dispatch and the Patrol Watch
Commander of the nature and location of the operation prior to implementation, as
circumstances dictate.