doc_1835942

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: October 3 , 2022  Rescinds Amends 6.9 (October 1, 201 9) Number: 6.9 SUBJECT: Mutual Aid Print Date: 10/03 /22 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: October This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose It is the purpose of this policy to establish guidelines for the proper use of mutual aid. 2. Policy It is the policy of this department to work constructi vely with other law enforcement agencies by providing or receiving appropriate assistance; in the form of services, personnel, and equipment; for emergencies and other identified needs. 3. Definitions A. Jurisdiction - The geographical area within which a law enforcement agency exercises authority and maintains responsibility. B. Mutual Aid - A cooperative agreement among government agencies allowing for quick and efficient augmentation of resources , as authorized by Chapter 23, F.S.S. C. Requesting Agency - An agency requesting assistance under a mutual aid agreement. 6.9, Page 2 D. Assisting Agency - An agency providing assistance under a mutual aid agreement. E. Mutual Aid Worksheet – A WPD form to be complet ed by of ficers documenting law enforcement action taken outside the limits of the Town of Windermere. 4. Procedures A. Jurisdictions Department personnel shall be familiar with the jurisdictional boundaries of this agency and services available from other agencies. B. Training All members shall be familiar with, and comply with, the terms of applicable mutual aid agreements and the proper procedures for requesting or providing mutual aid. All members shall receive training concerning mutual aid agreements and pertinent written directives. This may occur during an established field training program or during in service training. C. Mutual Aid Participants This agency has mutual aid agreements with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and all Orange County municipalities that have local law enforcement agencies. D. Command Staff Notification 1. No member is empowered under any mutual aid agreement to operate outside of their own jurisdiction without prior approval fr om the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in that area, and also having approval from the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of the Windermere Police Department. 2. In the event that an arrest is made under a mutual aid agreement, the arresting member shall, as soon as possible, notify the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief . The Chief of Police or Deputy Chief will ensure that all the requirements under the mutual aid agreement are completed. E. Exceptions to Prior Authorization Rule 1. Fresh pursuit in accordance with applicable law. 2. The member is cross -sworn. 6.9, Page 3 3. Providing backup to any law enforcement officer in an emergency situation requiring immediate law enforcement action (e.g., a suspect is battering a law enforcement member). 4. The sworn member witnesses a forcible felony or other crime of violence in a mutual aid jurisdiction. In an emergency situation requiring immediate law enforcement action, the sworn member may act before making proper notifications. If a misdemeanor o r felony occurs in the member's presence while addressing the forcible felony or other crime of violence (e.g., resisting with or without violence), the member may take appropriate law enforcement action. 5. The member observes a driver engaging in a pattern of conduct constituting imminent danger to the motoring public and/or there exists a reasonable suspicion of driving under the influence. Members shall not conduct traffic stops while off -duty, not in uni form, and/or not driving a marked vehicle unless there is grave and imminent danger to the public. F. Agreement Provisions 1. Operational Assistance Each agency may request and render law enforcement assistance to the other for law enforcement emergencies, in cluding but not limited to civil disturbances, aircraft disasters, fires, natural or man -made disasters, escapes from detention facilities, parades, hostage or barricaded suspect situations, incidents requiring utilization of specialized units, protest dem onstrations, sporting events, concerts, and conferences. 2. Voluntary Cooperation Each agency may request and render voluntary cooperation and assistance of a routine law enforcement nature across jurisdictional lines. This assistance may address violation s of any Florida Statute, e.g., investigating homicides, sex offenses, robberies, assaults, burglaries, larcenies, gambling, motor vehicle thefts, and/or drug offenses pursuant to Chapter 893, F.S. The agencies may conduct joint investigations or operatio ns and may participate in inter -agency task forces, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) operations, and bomb disposal operations. G. Mutual Aid Request Procedures 6.9, Page 4 1. An agency needing assistance contacts the other agency. The agency receiving the request has sole discretion to decide what, if any, aid will be given. 2. The resources and facilities committed by the assisting agency are under the immediate command of a supervising officer from the assisting agency. That supervising officer is under the direct command of a person designated by the requesting agency. 3. Assisting agencies are responsible for compensating their participating members, including any amounts due for personal injury. Assisting agencies are liable for the conduct of their members (subject to statutory limits) and are responsible for paying their equipment costs. 4. Members rendering