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2021-34RESOLUTION NO. 2021-34 COUNCIL MEMBER SHEPARD INTRODUCED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION: WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council were previously presented with the Blair Police Policies and Procedures; WHEREAS, the Blair Police Department Policies and Procedures should be updated to conform with existing case law, legislation, and changes within the department, and shall be approved by the Mayor and City Council. WHEREAS, said Amended Blair Policies and Procedures are on file with the City Clerk and are acceptable to the City of Blair. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Blair Police Department Policies and Procedures, are hereby adopted and approved by the municipality and the Mayor and City Clerk of the City of Blair are hereby authorized and directed to execute the same on behalf of the municipality. COUNCIL MEMBER SHEPARD MOVED THAT THE RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ, WHICH SAID MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RUMP. UPON ROLL CALL, COUNCIL MEMBERS SHEPARD, STEWART, RUMP, JENSEN, HALL, WOLFF AND SCHANK VOTING "AYE" AND COUNCIL MEMBERS NONE VOTING `NAY", THE MAYOR DECLARED THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021. CITY OF BLAIR, NEBRASKA BY: (:�24j— RICHARD HANSEN, MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK 1 STATE OF NEBRASKA ) ss: WASHINGTON COUNTY ) BRENDA WHEELER, hereby certifies that she is the duly appointed, qualified and acting City Clerk of the City of Blair, Nebraska, and that the above and foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of said City, held on the 9th day of November, 2021. BRENDA WHEELER, CITY CLERK 2 fBLAIR POLICEDEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ° " -� s Number,. 112 Response Subject: to Resistance Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: March 1, 2007 Revised Date: November 9, 2021No Poli,. Officers are frequently confronted with situations where control must be exercised to protect public safety. Control may be achieved through advice, warnings, and persuasions, or by the use of physical force. Officers will use reasonable force when force is used to accomplish lawful objectives. Definitions: Deadly Force: That force used by an officer that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or the loss of life. Non -lethal Force: Shall mean force that does not create a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury. Active resistance: a subject actively resists when they take affirmative action to defeat an officer's ability to take them into custody. Imminent: Impending or about to occur. Objectively Reasonable: The amount of force that would be used by other reasonable and well-trained officers when faced with the circumstances that the officer using the force is presented with. Serious Bodily Injury: Shall mean bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, or which involves substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body. NE § 28-109 (20) Reasonable Belief: Reasonable belief means that the person concerned, acting as a reasonable person believes that the prescribed facts exist. Response to Resistance 112 Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEW): Conducted Electrical Weapons, TASER, or stun -guns (electronic control weapons) that disrupt the central nervous system of the body. Procedure; 1. Police officers are empowered by law to use physical force under certain circumstances. Blair Police Officers shall only use that force which is objectively reasonable and necessary under the circumstances, as they know them to be. The application of force shall cease when the purpose justifying its use has been accomplished. a. The Department has adopted a Resistance Control Continuum as a conceptual model for the response to resistance. A depiction of this model is contained in this policy to be used as a reference.' L The resistance control continuum is a guide on when to use force, and what type and degree of force to use. The continuum is founded in the principle that officers should: 1. Respond to the resistance with a level of control that is sufficient to overcome the resistance, but is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances; 2. Select a type and degree of force in consideration of the particular circumstances at hand, such as: a, Environmental factors; b. Reaction time, c. Individual attributes of both the subject and the officer, such as size, strength, etc.; 3. Escalate the level of force if the present level of force is ineffective or if the subject escalates the resistance; and, 4. De-escalate the force as the subject is brought under control. ii. The resistance control continuum is only a guide, and is not intended to cover all situations, or all possible variables. 2. Officers shall employ techniques consistent with the methods and procedures taught by the department through in-service training and in accordance with this policy and procedure. Response to Resistance 112 3. Officers may be requested to use physical force in non -arrest situations, to affect a lawful purpose, such as restraining a person who is mentally ill or injured for treatment. 4. Use of Deadly Force: a. A Blair Police Officer may only use deadly force in defense of himself (or another person) when the officer has reason to believe there is imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury; or, b. The officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of death or serious bodily injury; and, c. The use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the 'suspect's escape; d. And, if feasible, some warning has been given. Tennessee v. Garner, 105 S. Ct, 1694 (1985), 14 ashington v Starke 173 Mich. App. 230 (1988) 5. Officers may draw and display their firearms when engaged in a hazardous duty in which firearms may be needed. This decision is based on the officer's reasonable belief that there exists a substantial risk that the situation may escalate to the point when deadly force is justified. 6. Officers shall not draw or display their firearms unnecessarily. 7. Warning shots fired in an attempt to cause a fleeing suspect to stop or surrender are prohibited. 8. Officers may use their firearms to kill animals that are seriously injured and suffering or which pose a threat to the safety of humans when no other disposition is practical. 9. When a moving vehicle is involved, use of deadly force by discharging a firearm is dangerous, can be ineffective, and should not occur when there is an unreasonable risk to the safety of persons other than the subject. Even when deadly force is justified, firearms shall not be discharged at a vehicle unless: a. The officer has a reasonable belief that an occupant of the vehicle poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or another person; or, Response to Resistance 112 b. The officer has a reasonable belief that an occupant is using the vehicle in a manner that poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or another person, and there is no avenue of escape. 10.The occasion may arise when an officer may find himself or herself under duress by a suspect who is armed and has a tactical advantage. a. Officers are discouraged from surrendering their sidearm except as a last resort and only in extreme circumstances. 11. Force Options: Officers have several force options that will be dictated by the actions of the suspect upon the appearance of the police officer. Officers may be limited in their options due to the circumstances and actions of the subject. a. Command Presence: Visual appearance of officer where it is obvious to the subject due to the officer's uniform or identification that the officer has the authority of law. b. Verbal Commands: Words spoken by the officer directing the subject as to the officer's expectations. c. Soft Empty Hand Control: Officer's use of hands on the subject to direct the subject's movement; Techniques that have a low potential of injury to the subject. d. Chemical Munitions: Where subject exhibits some level of active resistance/active aggression, officers may use chemical munitions to temporary incapacitate the subject. e. Electronic Control Devices: Where subject exhibits some level of active resistance/active aggression an officer may use an electronic control device to temporarily incapacitate the subject. f. Hard Hand Control: Punches and other physical strikes, including knees, kicks and elbow strikes that have the possibility of creating mental stunning and/or motor dysfunction. g. Impact Weapons: Batons, ASP/Expandable Baton or Flashlight may be utilized in cases where the officers believe the use of these weapons would be reasonable to bring the event under control. Response to Resistance 112 h. Canine: Use of canine to bite and hold subject to prevent escape or to gain control of a subject who is actively aggressing toward officer(s). i. Deadly Force: Any force that creates a substantial likelihood of causing serious bodily harm or death. 12.Authorized Weapons: a. Service Sidearm: Officers will carry as their primary service sidearm, a handgun, in the caliber of 9mm. The handgun shall be semi-automatic and have a magazine capacity of at beast 5 rounds. i. Blair Police Officers shall only carry those handguns approved by the Department Firearms Instructor and the Chief of Police. 1. This condition also applies to any firearm carried by the officer as a back-up weapon or an off-duty weapon. 2. The Department shall maintain a written record of any sidearm carried by an officer on duty. ii. The service sidearm shall be loaded only with ammunition issued by the department for use while on duty. iii. Blair Police Officers may only carry a service sidearm after demonstrating proficiency at an approved firearms course during Department firearms training. iv. Officers are expected to carry their sidearm at all times while on duty, except when: 1, In an area where firearms are prohibited; 2. Within a secure area of the Police Department or any law enforcement building; 3. Participating in training; 4. Exempted by a commanding officer for a specific purpose. v. The Department maintains an inventory of service sidearms that are available for the temporary use of newly hired officers and any officer whose duty sidearm was seized as evidence in an officer involved shooting Response to Resistance 112 1. Newly hired officers may carry a department owned sidearm until they have purchased and qualified with their own sidearm. 2. Newly hired officers may carry a department owned sidearm for no longer than 6 months. The Chief of Police may extend this time on a case-by-case basis. b. Back -Up and Off -Duty Sidearm: Blair Police Officers may carry a sidearm while off-duty, or as a back-up weapon on -duty, so long as the sidearm is a revolver or semi -auto pistol, double action and chambered for a round no smaller than .38 caliber (9 mm) and no greater than .40 caliber and have a barrel length of at least one inch. i. Blair Police Officers are not required to be armed while off-duty. ii. Off-duty Blair Police Officers shall carry their department issued badge and department identification when armed. iii. Officers are strongly encouraged to also have handcuffs in their possession while armed off-duty. iv. Officers shall carry their sidearm in a concealed, unobtrusive manner, while off-duty. v. The off-duty or back-up sidearm shall be loaded with department approved ammunition. A Officers shall not carry a sidearm while under the influence of alcohol or medication. vii. Officers shall comply with local laws pertaining to the possession and carrying of firearms when traveling outside the jurisdiction of the Blair Police Department. viii. Blair Police Officers may only carry a backup or off-duty sidearm after demonstrating proficiency at an approved firearms course during department firearms training. ix. The department shall maintain a written record of any sidearm carried by an officer as a back-up or off-duty weapon. c. Shotguns and Rifles: The department shall make available a 12 -gauge shotgun and an AR -15 style semi-automatic rifle chambered for a 5.56 NATO or .223 caliber REM round for uniformed patrol officers. Officer's personally owned patrol rifles of a type commonly referred to as AR -15 and chambered for a 5.56 NATO or .223 REM round, may be used by that officer on duty, but only after he or she has received written permission by the Chief of Police. Blair Police Officers shall only use department authorized or issued shotguns and AR -15 style rifles while on duty. Response to Resistance 112 iii. Issued shotguns and rifles shall be carried locked in the patrol vehicle's weapons rack or cased in the trunk. iv. Personally owned patrol rifles, that have been authorized by the Chief of Police, for on duty use, will be cased and stored in the trunk or rear storage area of the assigned officer's patrol vehicle while on duty. v. Only department issued shotgun or rifle ammunition is authorized for use. vi. Shotguns and rifles will be carried with an empty chamber unless preparing for use. 1. Patrol rifles used on duty will be carried in a `patrol ready' manner consisting of an empty chamber, bolt forward, loaded magazine inserted, dust cover closed, and weapon on safe. 2. Shotguns used on duty will be carried in a `patrol ready' manner consisting of an empty chamber, bolt forward, loaded magazine tube, and weapon on safe. vii. Only those officers who have demonstrated proficiency with the shotgun and patrol rifle at an approved firearms course and during department firearms training will be allowed to deploy, those weapons on duty. d. Officers desiring to carry a personally owned rifle shall submit a memorandum to the Chief of Police requesting authorization to carry the personally owned rifle on duty. L The memorandum will consist of a statement requesting the on duty use of the personally owned rifle, the rifle manufacturer and model, rifle serial number, barrel length, chamber specifications, and valid qualification form signed by a department firearms instructor. ii..Personally owned rifles meeting the following conditions may be approved for on duty useby the Chief of Police. a. AR -15 style chambered in 5.56 NATO or .223 REM; b. Barrel length not less than 10.5" nor greater than 22"; i. Flash suppressors affixed to the barrel shall not add to the length of the barrel; c. Rifles shall not be capable of being fired fully -automatic or multi -round burst fire; Response to Resistance 112 d. Assembled by a manufacturer and remain in factory authorized condition without modification; i. No departure from factory specification is authorized, except changes to sights and stock; e. Equipped with a front sight post and rear sight aperture; i. Front and rear sights may be permanent features of the rifle or accessories attached by picatinny rail systems. ii.' Red Dot, Mil Dot Reticle or holographic sights may be attached, however, shall not interfere with the officer's ability to use the front sight post and rear sight aperture. ill. The officer shall qualify annually with each sight used on the personally owned rifle in an on duty status. f. Optic sights shall not exceed 4x magnification. g. Rifle stock may be fixed or collapsible. h. Rifles must be equipped with a sling approved by a Department Firearms Instructor. i. Lights mounted to the rifle must be manufactured for such use and properly affixed to a compatible mounting bracket. j. No more than one personally owned patrol rifle shall be approved for use by a single officer. The Chief of Police shall furnish to the City of Blair Clerk, the Officer's Name, Memorandum, and his or her written approval within twenty-four (24) hours of approval. Each law enforcement officer understands that the information about the personal rifle will be in the employee personnel file, disclosed to the City of Blair's insurance agency, may be disclosed in response to a public records request to the extent such disclosure is required under Nebraska public record disclosure statutes, as amended. e. All side arms (service, back-up, & off-duty) ,all department authorized and issued shotguns and rifles, and any personal rifle shall be inspected, at a minimum, on an annual basis by a department firearms instructor for serviceability. Any such firearm found to be unsafe will be removed from service. a. The department will maintain a detailed list of all firearms authorized for use, to include service side arms, off-duty and back-up side arms and all rifles and shotguns. This includes Response to Resistance 112 any personally owned rifle. The Chief of Police shall furnish to the City of Blair Clerk, the Officer's Name, Memorandum, and his or her written approval within twenty-four (24) hours of approval. Each law enforcement officer understands that the information about the personal rifle will be in the employee personnel file, disclosed to the City of Blair's insurance agency, and is subject to public disclosure. f. Straight Batons: The department authorizes the use of straight batons by police officers. Such batons may be expandable or of solid construction. i. The expandable baton is considered an intermediate weapon on the use of force continuum. ii. Officers may carry only those expandable batons approved by a department defensive tactics instructor and the Chief of Police. g. Flashlights: The use of a flashlight as an impact weapon is authorized only under the following circumstances: i. The suspect displays active aggression toward the officer or a third party in such a manner as to make the selection of another intermediate weapon impractical or tactically unsound; H. The officer shall use the flashlight in the same manner as the expandable baton and in accordance with the training received for the use of expandable batons during department in-service training; and, iii, The flashlight is considered an intermediate weapon on the use of force continuum when used as an impact weapon in accordance with this policy. h. Chemical Weapons: The department maintains an inventory of OC and CS gas to be deployed in situations including, but not limited to: crowd control and barricaded suspect situations. i. OC and CS gas may be deployed by means of a projectile, spray or hand thrown grenade; H. CN gas is not authorized for use; iii. Chemical weapons may only be deployed upon the order of the Chief of Police or the Captain; iv. Only those officers trained in the use and deployment of chemical weapons shall be authorized to do so; v. OC and CS gas is considered an intermediate weapon on the use of force continuum. Response to Resistance 112 i. Specialty Impact Munitions: The department maintains an inventory of less -lethal 40 mm exact foam sponge rounds, i. Only those officers trained in the use and deployment of specialty impact munitions shall be authorized to do so (1.3.10); ii. 40 mm exact foam sponge rounds may only be deployed upon the order of the Chief of Police or the Captain; iii. Specialty impact munitions are considered an intermediate weapon on the use of force continuum. Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW): The CEW is deployed as an additional tool and is not intended to replace firearms or defensive tactics, The CEW may be used to control a dangerous or violent subject when deadly physical force does not appear to be justified, or when attempts to subdue the subject by other conventional tactics have been, or likely will be, ineffective in the situation at hand; or there is a reasonable expectation that it would be unsafe for officers to approach within contact range of the suspect. L CEW's shall be used only by officers who have successfully completed the CEW training and certification program. ii. CEW must be worn on the weak -side in either a weak -hand draw or cross -draw position. ill. The CEW should not be used without firearm back-up available. iv. The CEW should not be used on a female subject when the officer reasonably believes that the individual is pregnant. v. Deployment shall not be considered for the passively resistant subject. Active resistance/active aggression shall be required. vi. Flight from an officer, standing alone, is not a justification for the use of an electronic control device. vii. Officers are cautioned to limit the number of successive discharges against a single suspect when possible. 1. The department recognizes that in certain instances multiple discharges against a single suspect may be necessary to gain control of a combative individual. viii. No more than one officer should deploy a CEW against a single individual at the same time. ix. Officers are prohibited from using a CEW as a punitive measure. x. CEW's shall not be used against any person who is in control of a motor vehicle in motion, unless deadly force would be justified based on an existing imminent threat. Response to Resistance 112 A. CEW's shall not be used against a handcuffed person unless the subject poses a violent threat to the officer through active resistance and cannot otherwise be controlled. xii. Officers are cautioned against deploying the CEW against subjects which are in an elevated position and could suffer a collateral injury due to a fall. xiii. In all cases that a Blair Police Officer uses a CEW on a subject, an incident report will be filed. 1. The officer shall document in the report the location that the CEW probes made contact with the subject's body, whether penetration of the skin was made, and any medical attention that was provided. xiv. When the CEW is used to gain control of a subject, after he/she is restrained, the subject will be provided medical attention under the following circumstances: 1. Embedded probes — An extra CEW probe with an intact barb will be kept in the CEW case at all times as a visual reference for EMS and hospital staff required to extract an embedded probe; 2. The request of the subject for medical treatment; or, 3. At the direction of the officer in charge. xv. Officers should obtain a copy of the medical release or waiver of treatment from the attending EMS personnel. xvi. CEW should not be fired near flammable liquids or fumes. xvii. Expended CEW cartridges and probes shall be collected as evidence. 1. These items shall be clearly marked as a biohazard and packaged as evidence. 2. Probes shall be inserted into the cartridge bores and taped in place for safety. xviii. The CEW is considered an intermediate weapon on the use of force continuum. k. Auxiliary Weapons: All weapons not previously mentioned in this policy are considered auxiliary weapons and are prohibited for carry, use or possession on duty. Response to Resistance 112 i. Pocketknives are not considered auxiliary weapons, and may be carried as a utility tool. ii. Officers shall use other items of equipment or instruments as weapons only in dire emergencies and after all other defensive options have been exhausted or would be clearly ineffective. 13. Medical Aid after the Response to Resistance: Officers shall obtain appropriate first aid when subjects are injured in response to resistance incidents as a result of police action. a. Officers should summon EMS promptly. b. If a subject injured by the Blair Police is transported by ambulance, an officer shall accompany the subject in the ambulance. c. Officers should regularly observe the subject to determine his or her state of consciousness and physical condition whenever weapons or active countermeasures have been employed. The duty to observe shall end upon the arrival of EMS. Active countermeasures include: i. Hard empty -hand techniques; ii. Chemical agents; iii. Shoulder pin restraint; iv. Baton strikes, v. CEW, and, vi. Specialty impact munitions. d. In the circumstances listed above, officers should employ the following precautions after the response to resistance: i. Place the subject in an upright position as soon as safely possible; ii. Regularly observe the subject; iii. Summon EMS immediately if the subject displays visible signs of distress, such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, convulsions or tremors. e. When it can safely be done, officers shall assist in decontaminating subjects that have been in contact with chemical munitions. f.. Officers should obtain necessary medical treatment for subjects prior to booking, and should notify jail staff of any use of shoulder pin restraint, chemical munitions, loss of consciousness, or other known medical distress that may have occurred. Response to Resistance 112 14. Reporting Response to Resistance Incidents: In the following cases, officers are required to personally notify the sergeant or senior officer on duty, who shall insure that a Department Response to Resistance form is completed in addition to an Incident Report: a. Discharge of any firearm (on or off duty) for purposes other than training, recreation or to destroy a wounded or sick animal; b. Any Response to Resistance that results in, or is alleged to have resulted in, injury or death of another person; c. Any use (not merely a display) of a weapon of any type, including but not limited to firearms, expandable batons and chemical munitions; or, d. The application of any weaponless physical force at a level of Hard - Empty -Hand Control or greater. 15.The sergeant or senior officer on duty shall make the appropriate notifications in accordance with Policy #508 Notification Requirements. 16. Response to Resistance Reports shall be completed and submitted prior to the completion of the involved officer(s) tour of duty. a.. The Response to Resistance Report shall be submitted separately from the Incident Report and forwarded directly to the Captain. b. The Response to Resistance Report shall be maintained by the Captain and not kept with the Incident Report. 17. Review of Response to Resistance: In order to identify patterns or trends that may indicate a need for departmental training or a revision of departmental policy, the Chief of Police shall direct that a review of all use of force incidents involving Blair Police Officers be conducted. a. The review will be conducted on an annual basis and will include: L Most common reasons for the Response to Resistance; ii. Report of any injuries sustained by suspects and/or officers resulting from the use of force; iii. The percentage of suspects that were under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the application of force; iv. Most common levels of resistance encountered by officers; Response to Resistance 112 v. Most common level of control employed by officers to counter resistance, and; vi. How effective lethal and non -lethal weapons and ammunition proved to be when deployed. 18. At least annually, all sworn officers are required to receive training on this policy and procedure and demonstrate proficiency with all approved lethal weapons and electronic control devices that the officer is authorized to use during the course of his or her duty. a. In-service training for less -lethal weapons and weaponless control techniques will occur at least biennially. b. Cross reference to Policy and procedure #403 Training and Career Development. 19.All sworn officers shall receive instruction and be provided a copy of this policy and procedure prior to being authorized to carry any lethal or non- lethal weapon. The issuance and instruction shall be documented. Blair Police Department Resistance Control Continuum Response to Resistance 112 Response to Resistance 112 G BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Number: 401 Subject: Pre -Employment Background Investigations Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police �L Effective Date: June 1, 2007 Revised Date: January 2020 Polic : In order to ensure that only qualified candidates of good moral character and integrity are hired to',serve the citizens of Blair, it shall be the policy of the'0air Police Department to administer a thorough background investigation on all applicants who have passed the written- and oral portions of the examination process and whose names are to be submitted for consideration by the Civil Service Commission. Procedure: The Chief of Police or his designee shall be responsible for conducting background investigations on all entry-level applicants. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the personal history, behavior patterns, and cond�ct of entry-level applicants to determine if any negative patterns exist that would affect: a The applicant's ability to meet the legal requirements for certification as set forth by the Crime Commission of the State of Nebraska; b The applicant's ability to meet department guidelines as set by internal rejection criteria; c The public trust; and, d The applicant's fitness to perform the duties of the position. 2. The background investigation may include but is not limited to the following: a An interview with the applicant; b Personal information; c Relatives, references, acquaintances and co-workers; Pre -Employment Background Investigations 401 0 At least three references must be verified. d Education; e Employment experience and history; f Military service; g Financial history; h Motor vehicle operation; i Drug and alcohol use; j Personal habits; k Legal issues; I The results of any personal history questionnaire or personality profile as selected for use by the Chief of Police; m The findings of any previous background investigations conducted by any other police agency; n Criminal background checks and inquiries to include juvenile files if necessary; o Any information received from a background check waiver pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-1414 (11) which shall be sent to any Nebraska agency and any outside Nebraska agency. 3, Based on rejection criteria, the Chief of Police shall have the authority to request rejection of an applicant during any phase of the background investigation. The final hiring authority shall be the Mayor of the City of Blair. 4. The findings of all background investigations shall be summarized in a written report by the investigating officer. a The report shall be completed in a format approved of by the Chief of Police at the direction of the Civil Service Commission. b The investigating officer shall establish a case file on each applicant which, when completed, shall be submitted to the Chief of Police. These Pre -Employment Background Investigations 401 reports are confidential and not available for public access. Files of applicants shall be maintained as follows: i) Successful applicants: files are permanently maintained by the City of Blair Human Resources department. ii) Unsuccessful applicants: The background investigation file shall be kept for four years by the City of Blair Human Resources department and then destroyed. S. The following criteria for rejection of an applicant will be used by the Blair Police Department. These criteria are recommended guidelines only. However, any decision not to follow a rejection guideline, must be supported by explanation sufficient to mitigate the need for a rejection. a The following elements of an individual's background, if disclosed as the result of interview or investigation, may serve as basis for an unfavorable recommendation by the Chief of Police: i) Being convicted of any felony crime; ii) Confinement from convictions totaling more than six (6) months; iii) Maintaining a relationship with individual(s) who have been convicted of felony crime(s), or who are reputedly involved in recent or ongoing felonious activities; iv) Commission of an undiscovered felony crime during the five years immediately preceding the date of application, not including controlled substance use; v) Recent or ongoing association with and/or support of, any organization or group which advocates the violent overthrow of the United States Government, or whose professed goals are contrary to the interests of public safety and welfare; vi) Any illegal use of a controlled substance within two (2) years immediately preceding the date of application; vii) Illegal use of a controlled substance through injection into the body or use of hallucinogens at any time; viii) Illegal use of a controlled substance with an average frequency greater than once each week, for a period greater than one year; ix) The sale or production or the financing of the production of illegal controlled substances or the obtaining of such substance through the illegal or fraudulent use of prescriptions; x) Conviction of, or involvement in, any crime involving domestic violence.; A) Conviction of, or involvement in, any crime involving the physical abuse or sexual assault of a child; Pre -Employment Background Investigations 401 xii)The existence of a chronic emotional problem, which has hampered job performance at any time; xiii) The existence of any mental health diagnosis which renders the person unable to perform the essential duties of a police officer or whose possession of a firearm would put the public or person at any risk of harm; xiv) A history of chronic alcohol or controlled substance abuse, which has hampered job performance at any time during the three (3) years immediately preceding the date of application; xv) While employed in law enforcement, the public sector or any branch of the United States Armed Forces, any violation of public trust and/or termination from for cause at any time, under other than honorable conditions; xvi) Evidence that the applicant has willfully provided false or misleading information during the application process or in his/her written application, or has cheated during any phase of testing during the application process; xvii) Evidence or statements indicating that the applicant does not meet medical requirements established by the Civil Service Commission of the City of Blair. xviii) Any person whose law enforcement credentials have been revoked by any other law enforcement certification agency, terminated from law enforcement employment, or is ineligible to be reinstated as an law enforcement officer. b The following factors or any combination thereof will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may serve as a basis for an unfavorable recommendation by the Chief of Police: i) A demonstrated lack of financial responsibility, which may include but is not limited to, intentional failure to meet financial obligations during the three (3) years immediately preceding the date of application; ii) A fraudulent use of unemployment or sick care benefits in the ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of application; iii) A history of termination from employment for cause and/or unfavorable consideration for employment under questionable circumstances during the ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of application; iv) Excessive or habitual gambling which results in a failure to meet financial obligations or which has adversely affected the applicant's lifestyle during the ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of application; v) -Maintaining an ongoing lifestyle or involvement at anytime in an activity or activities which could subject the applicant to blackmail or Pre -Employment Background Investigations 401 pressure at the time of application, or which could potentially cause the applicant to violate the public trust; vi) Unfavorable recommendation(s) on the part of any references or past or present employers; vii) Conviction of any crime punishable in this state as a felony or high misdemeanor; viii) Convictions of multiple traffic violations during the past three (3) years; and, ix) Any other factor or combination of factors which can be objectively articulated and which bear a rational relationship to the significant or substantial duties and responsibilities normally and customarily assigned to a police officer and which limits or prohibits the applicant from functioning successfully as a member of the Blair Police Department, or which would tend to render the applicant a detriment to the department if hired. 6. Additionally, all applicants must meet the following criteria as stipulated by the Nebraska Crime Commission and the Police Standards Advisory Board in order to attain certification through the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center. a A citizen of the United States of America; b Twenty-one years of age prior to the completion of training; c A current C.P.R. certification; d A valid motor vehicle operator's license; e No unpardoned felony convictions; f A high school graduate or G.E.D. recipient; g No DUI/DWI convictions within two years of application; h No illegal drug usage within two years of application; 1 No involvement in any incident involving physical violence, sexual abuse or any crime against children; j No evidence of past behavior indicating that the applicant is unsuitable to perform law enforcement duties or indicating a pattern of incompetence, neglect of duty, physical, mental or emotional incapacity; Pre -Employment Background Investigations 401 k Completion of a thorough background investigation; and, I Submission of documents relating to military service, if applicable. 7. The Chief of Police must make his written recommendations to accept or deny a candidate to the Civil Service Commission. Written correspondence to the Civil Service Commission shall be made with sufficient specificity and include references to the detailed reasons for any recommendation to deny (give an unfavorable recommendation) a candidate for appointment. 8. Negotiated and approved employment contracts, Civil Service Commission Rules, and City of Blair Personnel Regulations shall supersede any perceived conflicts written herein. Pre -Employment Background Investigations 401 BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT Qy POLICIES AND PROCEDURES f Number: 514 j Subject: In -Car & Body Worn Video Recorders �RESPE� 6 YR r Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: June 1, 2007 =� Revised Date: January 2020 Policy: The Blair Police Department uses in -car and Body -Worn video cameras for the purpose of documenting evidence and recording events as they transpire between Blair Police Officers and the public. This policy is intended to provide officers with instructions on when and how to use in -car and body -worn cameras (BWCs) so that officers may reliably record their contacts with the public in accordance with the law. This policy does not govern the use of surreptitious recording devices used in undercover operations. Procedure: 1. Installation and Maintenance a The only audio/video recording equipment authorized for use in Blair Police Vehicles is that provided by the department. b The installation and maintenance of in -car recording equipment shall be coordinated by the department with the approval of the Chief of Police. 2. Officer Responsibilities a Proper care and maintenance of the in -car audio/video recording equipment shall be in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations and shall be the responsibility of the officer using the equipment. b Officers will inspect the in -car audio/video recording equipment at the beginning of each shift to ensure its proper function. Any malfunction will be reported to the shift supervisor. c The in -car audio/video recorder will be activated during every officer initiated contact and call for service. It is recommended that such In -Car & Body Worn Video Recorders 514 activation take place as soon as practicable in order to document as much of the event as possible. d Officers are encouraged to verbally narrate the recording, if possible, to enhance the recording's effectiveness. 3. Body -Worn Camera Guidelines a Patrol officers who are equipped with BWC shall insure that their BWC is paired' or synced with the in -car camera system in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. b Officers who are equipped with BWC shall activate the recorder during 'all contacts with citizens in the performance of official duties. c Whenever possible, officers should inform individuals that they are being recorded. i) The BWC shall remain activated until the event is completed in order to ensure the integrity of the recording unless the contact moves into an area restricted by this policy. (Refer to Restrictions on Using the BWC) d If an officer fails to activate the BWC, fails to record the entire contact, or interrupts the recording, the officer shall document why a recording was not made, was interrupted, or was terminated. e Civilians shall not be allowed to review the recordings at the scene. 4. Procedures for BWC Use a BWC equipment is issued primarily to uniformed personnel as authorized by the department. Officers who are assigned BWC equipment must use the equipment unless otherwise authorized by supervisory personnel. i) BWC equipment is not intended as a substitute for the department's in -car camera systems. b Police personnel shall use only BWCs issued by this department. The BWC equipment and all data, images, video, and metadata captured, recorded, or --otherwise produced by the equipment is the sole property of the department. In -Car & Body Worn Video Recorders 514 c Police personnel who are assigned BWCs must complete an agency approved and/or provided training program to ensure proper use and operations prior to.deploying the BWC in the field. Said training will consist of: i) Department policy regarding activation as specified herein; ii) Pre -shift inspections of the BWC; iii) Proper wear of the BWC; and, iv) Proper categorization and retention procedures as specified herein. d Additional training may be required at periodic intervals to ensure the continued effective use and operation of the equipment, proper calibration and performance, and to incorporate changes, updates, or other revisions in policy and equipment. e BWC equipment is the responsibility ofIndividual officers and will be used with reasonable care to ensure proper functioning. i) Equipment malfunctions shall be brought to the attention of the officer's supervisor as soon as possible so that a replacement unit may be procured. f Officers shall inspect and test the BWC prior to each shift in order to verify proper functioning and shall notify their supervisor of any problems. g Officers shall not edit, alter, erase, duplicate, copy, share, or otherwise distribute in any manner BWC recordings without prior written authorization and approval of the Chief of Police or his or her designee. h Officers are encouraged to inform their supervisor of any recordings that may be of value for training purposes. i If an officer is suspected of wrongdoing or involved in an officer -involved shooting or other serious use of force, the department reserves the right to limit or restrict an officer from viewing the video file. j Requests for deletion of portions of the recordings (e.g., in the event of a personal recording) must be submitted in writing and approved by the chief executive officer or his or her designee in accordance with state record retention laws. i) All requests and final decisions shall be kept on file. In -Car & Body Worn Video Recorders 514 k Officers shall note in incident, arrest, and related reports when recordings were made during the incident in question. 5. Restrictions a In -Car and BWC's shall be used only in conjunction with official law enforcement duties. They shall not generally be used to record: i) Communications with other police personnel without the permission of the Chief of Police; ii) Encounters with undercover officers or confidential informants; iii) When on break or otherwise engaged in personal activities; or, iv) In any location where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a restroom or locker room. 6. Electronically Stored Recording Control Procedures a Some department vehicles are equipped with audio/video recorders which automatically upload recordings to a server by means of a wireless connection. i) After the recording is created, the recording officer will have the option of labeling the recording as a predetermined Event Category. ii) Recordings shall be retained for specific periods of time based upon the event categories. (1) REFER TO THE RETENTION SCHEDULE AT THE END OF THIS POLICY AND PROCEDURE. b At the completion of the retention period, recordings shall either be purged from the system or transferred to a specified archive folder. c Officers are encouraged to label recordings with the corresponding BPD Incident Number, if appropriate. d Officers will only be able to view the recordings they have made. e Supervisors will have administrative rights to view and copy all recordings on the server. a All files shall be securely downloaded periodically and no later than the end of each shift. b Each file shall contain information related to the date, BWC identifier, and assigned officer. i) Officers can edit the information on the recordings at the time of upload. 8. Duplication and Storage of Recordings a All images and sounds recorded by In -Car or Body -Worn video cameras are the exclusive property of the Blair Police Department. Accessing, copying, or releasing files for non -law enforcement purposes is strictly prohibited. b All access to audio/video data (images, sounds, and metadata) must be specifically authorized by the Chief of Police or his or her designee, and all access is to be audited to ensure that only authorized users are accessing the data for legitimate and authorized purposes. c Files should be securely stored in accordance with Nebraska state records retention laws and no longer than useful for purposes of training or for use in an investigation or prosecution. d In capital punishment prosecutions, recordings shall be kept until the offender is no longer under control of a criminal justice agency, the prosecuting authority authorizes its deletion, and the city attorney authorizes the deletion. e Recordings shall only be duplicated or viewed by persons outside the department with the expressed permission of the Chief of Police or his designee. f Duplicates of recordings may be provided to other law enforcement agencies. In -Car & Body Worn Video Recorders 514 9. Retention Schedule EventCate o ' _ __ K�� ,Online {Pur ed Affi�r��=' IT -57t, a E �clNarn�r� =. _ 1 Year I Year Traffic Ciatio : _ 1 Year I Year Traffc�Acclden - I Year I Year 4 Years 1460 Da s Dry = suqz_ 4 Years 1460 Days Cell forenctce _ 1 Year I Year �_N!_ 15 Days 15 Days _ Fz -1, d viev�r = 1 Year 1 Year 4 Years 1460 Days Dornesfi�c:- = 4 Years 1460 Da ys _- Useoforce _ Indefinitel N/A Indefinitely N/A Moor�tAssas T I Year I Year bus tc�ous veh�c(�JB�havior- 2 Years 2 Years Indefinitely N/A Murder Indefitely N/A In -Car & Body Worn Video Recorders 514 BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT o` POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Number: 518 '{ Subject; Juvenile Operations Ell Issued By; Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: June 1, 2007 Revised Date: January 2020 Policy: When dealing with Juveniles, officers should always make use of the least coercive among reasonable alternatives, consistent with preserving public safety, order, and individual liberty. The Blair Police Department's role in dealing with juvenile law violators and other issues involving juveniles is to protect the public and act in the best interest of the child. All Department members share the responsibility for participating in and supporting juvenile operations. In keeping with the doctrine of parens patriae, i.e., that the state plays a role as parent to the child rather than adversary, officers shall seek the least forceful alternative when disposing of cases involving juveniles. Officers have a wide range of alternative remedies they may employ, ranging from warnings to intake. Definitions: Custody. Legal or physical control of a person in an area or facility or while in transit; legal, supervisory, or physical responsibility for a person. Juvenile: Any person under nineteen years of age. Status Offense: Conduct which would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult. Trac offense: Any non -felonious act in violation of a law or ordinance regulating vehicular or pedestrian travel, whether designated a misdemeanor or a traffic infraction. Proc�, 1. Temporary custody of juvenile without warrant a. A juvenile may be taken into temporary custody without a warrant or order of the court when: Juvenile Operations 518 b. A juvenile has violated a state law or municipal ordinance and such juvenile was eleven years of age or older at the time of the violation, and the officer has reasonable grounds to believe such juvenile committed such violation and was eleven years of age or older at the time of the violation; c. A juvenile is seriously endangered in his or her surroundings and immediate removal appears to be necessary for the juvenile's protection; d. The officer believes the juvenile to be mentally ill and dangerous as defined in Nebraska Revised Statute § 71-908 and that the harm described in that section is likely to occur before proceedings may be instituted before the juvenile court; e. The officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the juvenile has run away from his or her parent, guardian, or custodian; f. A probation officer has reasonable cause to believe that a juvenile is in violation of probation and that the juvenile will attempt to leave the jurisdiction or place lives or property in danger; g. The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the juvenile is truant from school; h. The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the juvenile is immune from prosecution for prostitution under subsection (5) Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-801; or L The juvenile has committed an act or engaged in behavior that would place the juvenile under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court as described in Nebraska Revised Statute § 43-247. 2. Options for Dealing with Juvenile Offenders a. No Forma/Acton: Officers may exercise their discretion and release a juvenile, who has allegedly committed an offense without any formal action, if: i. The offense is a non-violent misdemeanor, not involving a weapon, sexual conduct or an apparent risk of violence; and, ii. The victim does not object; and, iii. The youth has no substantial record of law violations; and, Juvenile Operations 518 iv. The officer believes that handling the situation informally is in the best interest of the child. b. Forma/Action; The following alternatives are available based on the offense and age of the juvenile: L Release to adult custodian with Incident Report and subsequent Request for Prosecution; ii. Issue Uniform Citation and Complaint and release; iii. Issue Uniform Citation and Complaint and release to an adult custodian; iv. Transport to the Police Department and contact the on-call Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) and request a Juvenile Intake Screening. 1. The JPO may request that transportation be provided to a juvenile holding facility such as, but not limited to, the Juvenile Detention Center in Madison, NE. c. Officers may release juveniles on their own recognizance in appropriate circumstances as governed by this policy. However, officers shall release juveniles only to a parent, guardian, Youth Detention Facility, or adult custodian who accepts the responsibility for the youth whenever the youth: i. Is under the influence of an intoxicant; ii. Has committed a violent offense; ill. Has committed an offense involving a weapon; iv. Has committed a sex offense; or, v. Represents a risk of harm to self or others. d. As a juvenile is taken into custody, officers shall: L Determine whether the juvenile is alleged to have engaged in non -criminal misbehavior (a status offense); ii. Determine whether the juvenile is alleged to have been harmed or to be in danger of harm; ill. Ensure the constitutional rights of the juvenile are protected. 3. Disposition by Age and Offense a. Traffic Offenses: i. Under 16 years of age: Juvenile Operations 518 1. Forward report to County Attorney's office and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services with Uniform Citation and Complaint, or Request for Prosecution; 2, Parental or custodial guardian notification is required and shall be documented in written report; 3. Release on own recognizance only with supervisory approval. ii. 16 — 17 years of age: 1. Issue Uniform Citation and Complaint and release; 2, Parental notification is not required except for traffic violations where a jail sentence is possible. b. Misdemeanors: i. Under 16 years of age: 1. Forward report to County Attorney's office and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services with Uniform Citation and Complaint, or Request for Prosecution; 2. Parental or custodial guardian notification is required and shall be documented in written report; 3. Release juvenile to parent or custodial guardian, or other adult custodian; 4. Release on own recognizance only with supervisory approval. ii. 16 — 17 years of age: 1. Issue Uniform Citation and Complaint and release; 2. Parental or custodial guardian notification is required and shall be documented in written report. 3. Release juvenile to parent, guardian, Youth Detention Center, after intake screening by JPO without delay, or release to other adult custodian. 4. Release on own recognizance only with supervisory approval. c. Felonies: L Any juvenile, 17 years of age and younger: Juvenile Operations 518 L Forward report to County Attorney's office and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services with Uniform Citation and Complaint, or Request for Prosecution; 2. Parental or custodial guardian notification is required and shall be documented in written report; 3. Release juvenile to parent or custodial guardian, or release to other adult custodian. 4. Contact JPO and request intake screening for placement at Youth Detention Center without delay, for any offense in which the juvenile suspect: a. Is under the influence of an intoxicant; b. Has committed a violent offense; c. Has committed an offense involving a weapon; d. Has committed a sex offense; or, e. Represents a risk of harm to self or others, d. Warrant arrests: i. Any juvenile, 17 years of age and younger: 1. Contact County Attorney's Office upon application for warrant request 2. Contact JPO and request intake screening for placement at Youth Detention Center. 3. Parental or custodial guardian notification is required and shall be documented in written report. 4. Interview and Interrogation of Juveniles: a. Any juvenile 17 years of age and younger: i. Officers may make preliminary inquiries in the field without parental permission. When an investigation focuses on a specific youth as a suspect, all reasonable efforts to obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian shall be made, unless to do so would seriously impede the investigation. ii. Miranda warnings are required for a custodial interrogation. It may also be necessary to read Miranda warnings to the parent or legal guardian, depending on the age, educational development, maturity or emotional state of the juvenile suspect. Juvenile operations 518 b. Other interview guidelines: i. Except with command approval, interviews shall not exceed two hours, with reasonable breaks given. ii. No more than two officers will interview a juvenile at any given time. iii. Any juvenile who has been arrested or detained for any reason shall be allowed to consult with an attorney if one is requested or if one appears on behalf of the juvenile. iv. At no time will any juvenile be handcuffed, or otherwise secured to a fixed object while in the custody of an officer of the Blair Police Department. 5. Emergency Temporary Placement of a Child a. If an officer believes that circumstances support removing a child from any location or environment, as described in paragraph 1(c) above, the following procedure shall be followed: L Transport the chiid(ren) to the police department; fl. Contact the Nebraska Department of Human Services on-call case worker and inform them of the situation and that a temporary foster home is needed; iii. Notify the Washington County Attorney's office on-call deputy and inform them of the circumstances; and, iv. Complete an Affidavit in Support of the Emergency Temporary Placement of a Child and submit it with an Incident Report. Juvenile Operations 518 Purpose: A Department and its personnel could be subject to liability in Federal Court for failing to disclose to a prosecutor any evidence that may be favorable to a defendant. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Department personnel are in compliance with the United States Supreme Court decisions of Brady v Maryland (1963) and Giglio v United States (1972) and their progeny. Polic : It is the policy of the Blair Police Department to require that law enforcement personnel provide all potentially exculpatory evidence to prosecutors. Furthermore, it will be the responsibility of the Chief of Police to review and maintain all officers' files to determine if any officer has a disciplinary history that would impact the his or her credibility as a witness. This information should be made available to the prosecutor for a determination of whether said information is "Brady" material prior to officer appearance. Definitions: Duty to Disclose: Brady v Maryland (1963) places an affirmative constitutional duty on a prosecutor to disclose exculpatory evidence to a defendant. This duty has been extended to police agencies through case law, requiring law enforcement agencies to notify the prosecutor of any potential exculpatory information. Exculpatory Evidence/Brady Material: Evidence in the government's possession that is favorable to the accused and that is material to either guilt or punishment, including evidence that may impact the credibility of a witness. Duty to Disclose 117 LAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT Y``�'�' POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Number: #117 Subject: Duty to Disclose Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police He :� Effective Date: Revised Date: Purpose: A Department and its personnel could be subject to liability in Federal Court for failing to disclose to a prosecutor any evidence that may be favorable to a defendant. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Department personnel are in compliance with the United States Supreme Court decisions of Brady v Maryland (1963) and Giglio v United States (1972) and their progeny. Polic : It is the policy of the Blair Police Department to require that law enforcement personnel provide all potentially exculpatory evidence to prosecutors. Furthermore, it will be the responsibility of the Chief of Police to review and maintain all officers' files to determine if any officer has a disciplinary history that would impact the his or her credibility as a witness. This information should be made available to the prosecutor for a determination of whether said information is "Brady" material prior to officer appearance. Definitions: Duty to Disclose: Brady v Maryland (1963) places an affirmative constitutional duty on a prosecutor to disclose exculpatory evidence to a defendant. This duty has been extended to police agencies through case law, requiring law enforcement agencies to notify the prosecutor of any potential exculpatory information. Exculpatory Evidence/Brady Material: Evidence in the government's possession that is favorable to the accused and that is material to either guilt or punishment, including evidence that may impact the credibility of a witness. Duty to Disclose 117 1. Procedure: a. officers are required to document all investigative activity involved in an investigation, including exculpatory information. b. All official reports involving an investigation will be submitted to the prosecuting authority prior to actual prosecution of the case. i. The prosecutor will determine what information contained in the case file will be provided to defense counsel. c. The department will meet with the prosecutor's office to establish a procedure whereby the intent of this policy is carried out. d. Each employee who is notified to appear as a witness in a criminal case has an individual obligation under this policy to notify the prosecutor on the specific case of any sustained disciplinary history that may impact credibility and qualify as "Brady" material. e. The Department will ensure that all sworn personnel are familiar with the requirements of this policy and will stress the importance of credibility as an essential requirement of being able to function as a police officer. Duty to Disclose 117 Purpose: Law Enforcement is expected to be delivered by employees who are physically and mentally prepared for whatever might be required to satisfactorily perform assigned police duties. It is essential that all police employees who will or might be called upon to act in an enforcement capacity, control prisoners, or transport persons in an agency vehicle be in a position to act in a professional and competent manner. it is well known that law enforcement employees may be taking prescription drugs which have been legitimately prescribed to them for medical/psychological needs. This policy is designed to ensure that the employee, the community, and other officers are not impacted by the effects of such medication. Procedure: 1. Department employees,are divided into two categories for purposes of this policy: a. Enforcement Employees: those employees who are either in a direct enforcement capacity or who may be called upon to act in an enforcement capacity, are assigned to control prisoners, and employees who may be called upon to transport persons in agency vehicles. L This includes all sworn personnel unless the employee is on restricted duty and prohibited from carrying firearms. ii. Non -sworn employees who fit in this category include employees who engage in some form of enforcement duty, detention duties, drive agency vehicles or transport persons being detained. b. Non -Enforcement Employees: The function of non -enforcement employees does not normally place them in a position where the use of prescription drugs will compromise their own safety, the safety of fellow employees, or the safety of citizens. Prescription Drug Use by Employees 407 BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT v`GE UFp�_ POLICIES AND PROCEDURES vo � Number: 407 ?\_°a Subject: Prescription Drug Use by Employees Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police gr a�R Effective Date: Revised Date: Purpose: Law Enforcement is expected to be delivered by employees who are physically and mentally prepared for whatever might be required to satisfactorily perform assigned police duties. It is essential that all police employees who will or might be called upon to act in an enforcement capacity, control prisoners, or transport persons in an agency vehicle be in a position to act in a professional and competent manner. it is well known that law enforcement employees may be taking prescription drugs which have been legitimately prescribed to them for medical/psychological needs. This policy is designed to ensure that the employee, the community, and other officers are not impacted by the effects of such medication. Procedure: 1. Department employees,are divided into two categories for purposes of this policy: a. Enforcement Employees: those employees who are either in a direct enforcement capacity or who may be called upon to act in an enforcement capacity, are assigned to control prisoners, and employees who may be called upon to transport persons in agency vehicles. L This includes all sworn personnel unless the employee is on restricted duty and prohibited from carrying firearms. ii. Non -sworn employees who fit in this category include employees who engage in some form of enforcement duty, detention duties, drive agency vehicles or transport persons being detained. b. Non -Enforcement Employees: The function of non -enforcement employees does not normally place them in a position where the use of prescription drugs will compromise their own safety, the safety of fellow employees, or the safety of citizens. Prescription Drug Use by Employees 407 L These employees are not subject to this policy and are not required to notify the agency when they are taking prescribed medications. c, All Employees designated as Enforcement Employees are subject to the provisions of this policy. d. Enforcement Employees who have been prescribed drugs by a medical, psychological or other professional resource person shall provide this agency with a document from the person prescribing the medication which: L Identifies the specific drug, and ii. Expressly concludes whether the drug will or will not impair the employee's ability to perform normal and specifically assigned law enforcement tasks. a. The employee shall provide this notice from the professional resource who prescribed the medication and which includes a copy of the prescription drug label to the agency supervisor designated by the sheriff or the chief. 2. Agency Response: The Department shall have access to a medical authority who will advise as to whether the particular prescription will impact the officer's ability to perform their law enforcement function. a, Employees who are prescribed medication which require an alteration of assignment will be advised that they are not authorized to perform enforcement function or off-duty details. i. These employees shall be immediately reassigned to a restricted assignment which will not place them in a position to encounter enforcement duties as defined by this policy. ii. During the period in which they are required to take the prescribed medication, their authorization to carry a firearm and operate agency vehicles will be suspended. b. The documentation of the medication use will be filed in a secure file specifically for Employees taking medication," until such time that the medication is no longer being used by the employee and the civil liability statute of limitations has passed. i. Following that period, all documentation of medication use by the employee shall be destroyed. Prescription Drug Use by Employees 407 ii. The Chief of Police or his or her designee shall perform an annual audit of this file to ensure that it is current and that the required purging has been completed. Prescription Drug Use by Employees 407 —� BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENTPOLICIES AND PROCEDURES o; Number: 532 Subject: Use of Mobile Devices issued By. Joseph Lager, Chief of Police g►ss^ Effective Date: October, 2016 Revised Date: Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to insure the safety of officers by providing complete information through the most effective means available and providing for the efficient operation of the department. Policy: This policy sets forth the department rules and regulations regarding the use of department issued mobile devices as well as the use of personal mobile devices while on duty as a member of this department. Definitions: Mobile Device; Any type of handheld computer designed to be extremely portable. For the purpose of this policy, a mobile device includes any mobile phone, tablet, gaming or navigational device capable of receiving and/or transmitting data via a wireless internet connection. Procedure: For use of department issued mobile devices: 1. General Use. Mobile devices are provided to certain employees in order to enhance the efficiency of the department. Employees who are assigned these devices should make every effort to utilize other means of communication where possible and appropriate. 2. Mobile devices shall only be used for department business except: a. When a personal emergency exists and use of a land -line is not possible or practical; Use of Mobile Devices 532 b. When an employee is required to work beyond their normal shift and family notification is necessary; c. When it allows citizens involved in a police event, either as a victim or witness, to contact family members, employers, child care providers, etc, to inform of their possible delay; d. When it is used to contact reporting parties, informants, and other citizens where such calls relate to department business; e. When it is utilized to return calls which result from unidentifiable missed calls. 3. Miscellaneous issues relating to mobile device use: a. City Facilities: Employees should refrain from using a department issued mobile device when they are in any City -owned facility where there is access to a department (land -line) phone. b. Car to car communications. Officers should refrain from using mobile devices in order to relay information about a law enforcement incident where such information might jeopardize the safety of all officers responding to the incident. i. The information should be communicated to all officers either through the dispatcher or through mobile data electronic messaging. c. Operating a department vehicle. Except in an emergency when other official means of communication have been severed, officers shall not operate a department vehicle while using a mobile device. i. Unless faced with such an emergency, all calls shall be made from a stationary position. d. Public use of mobile device. Officers shall not utilize a mobile device while standing in public. Unless faced with an emergency, officers shall be discreet in their use of a personal mobile device. e. Department issued mobile devices may be used for photographing crime scenes, evidence, accident, death scenes. Use of Mobile Devices 532 In no case will any photograph, digital or other media, be published in any manner outside of proper investigative practices. f, No employee shall utilize the text messaging function of a mobile device when in operation of a department vehicle, i. Officers shall not use a wireless handset to compose, read, or send a text message while operating a department vehicle, 4, Procedure for use of privately owned mobile devices while on duty. a. Operating a department vehicle. Except in an emergency where other means of communication are not available, employees shall not operate a department vehicle while using a mobile device. Unless faced with such an emergency, all calls shall be made from a stationary position. b. Public use of mobile device. Employees shall not utilize a mobile device while standing in public, Unless faced with an emergency, employees shall be discreet in their use of a personal mobile device. c, Use of mobile devices while on a paid detail. Officers shall not use mobile devices while working paid details unless an emergency exists or it becomes necessary for the officer to briefly call home. d, Usage. Officers shall limit their use of personal mobile devices so that their duties to the department are not compromised. e. Police communication. Except in an emergency or where necessary as a matter of a strategic plan to overcome the possibility that communications will be overheard or when other official department communication methods are unavailable, officers shall not use a personal mobile device to bypass official means of communication, i. Officers shall refrain from using mobile devices in order to relay information about a police incident where such information might compromise the safety of all units responding to the incident. Use of Mobile Devices 532 ii. This information should be communicated to all officers through the dispatcher or through mobile data electronic messaging. f. Car to car communications and supervisory assistance shall be done via the police radio in order to enhance officer safety and to establish and maintain a record. 5. Personal mobile devices and administrative investigations. a. Production of cellular telephone records; Employees who elect to carry mobile devices during work hours, either department issued or personal, shall provide telephone usage records during administrative investigations, when requested. i. These records shall be for the dates and times of working hours. b. Employees shall produce personal and/or department issued cellular telephone records during administrative investigations regardless of the time of usage when the usage concerns an allegation of misconduct that is directly, narrowly, and specifically related to the employee's performance of duty or fitness to perform. Use of Mobile Devices 532 The Blair Police Department recognizes there to be many benefits to law enforcement functions and community relations by utilizing a Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS). The purpose of this policy and procedure is to establish a department protocol which maintains operational compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations while conducting sUAS operations as a law enforcement Department. Procedure: 1. Definitions: a. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): the controlling authority for all aerial. operations of aircraft in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace within the United States of America. b. Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS): an aircraft without a pilot on board weighing between .55 lbs and 55 lbs which is controlled by remote inputs from someone on the ground. c. Remote Pilot in Command (PIC): the person directly responsible for all aspects of an operation involving the sUAS. d. Controlled Airspace: Class A, B, C, D or E airspace as defined by the FAA. e. Uncontrolled Airspace: Class G airspace as defined by the FAA. f. FAA Part 107: the small unmanned aircraft rule (sUAS) implemented by the FAA, becoming effective on August 29th, 2016 that governs all pilots and operating rules related to sUAS operations. Small Unmanned Aerial System Operations 533 BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT o� c= POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Number. 533 Subject: Small Unmanned Aerial System Operations Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: October 1St, 2017 Revised Date. January 2020 The Blair Police Department recognizes there to be many benefits to law enforcement functions and community relations by utilizing a Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS). The purpose of this policy and procedure is to establish a department protocol which maintains operational compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations while conducting sUAS operations as a law enforcement Department. Procedure: 1. Definitions: a. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): the controlling authority for all aerial. operations of aircraft in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace within the United States of America. b. Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS): an aircraft without a pilot on board weighing between .55 lbs and 55 lbs which is controlled by remote inputs from someone on the ground. c. Remote Pilot in Command (PIC): the person directly responsible for all aspects of an operation involving the sUAS. d. Controlled Airspace: Class A, B, C, D or E airspace as defined by the FAA. e. Uncontrolled Airspace: Class G airspace as defined by the FAA. f. FAA Part 107: the small unmanned aircraft rule (sUAS) implemented by the FAA, becoming effective on August 29th, 2016 that governs all pilots and operating rules related to sUAS operations. Small Unmanned Aerial System Operations 533 i. These rules may change over time. The most current rules and regulations can be found at https://www.faa.gov/uas/­ ii. Department personnel assigned to operate a sUAS shall regularly check for updates related to all operating rules as published or implemented by the FAA. g. Remote Pilot Certificate: a credential issued to individual pilots by the United States of America Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration certifying the pilot to operate a sUAS under FAA Part 107 rules. 2. Deployments of sUAS All deployments of sUAS must be specifically authorized by the Chief of Police of the Blair Police Department or his designee. This Department has adopted the use of a sUAS to provide an aerial visual perspective in responding to emergency situations and exigent circumstances, and for the following objectives: 1. Situational Awareness: To assist decision makers (e.g., incident command staff; first responders; city, county, and state officials) in understanding the nature, scale, and scope of an incident—and for planning and coordinating an effective response. 2. Search and Rescue: To assist missing person investigations, AMBER Alerts and other search and rescue missions. 3. Tactical Deployment: To support the tactical deployment of officers and equipment in emergency situations (e.g., incidents involving hostages and barricades, support for large-scale tactical operations, and other temporary perimeter security situations). 4. Visual Perspective: To provide an aerial visual perspective to assist officers in providing direction for crowd control, traffic incident management, special circumstances, and temporary perimeter security. 5. Scene Documentation: To document a crime scene, accident scene, or other major incident scene (e.g., disaster management, incident response, large-scale forensic scene investigation). Small Unmanned Aerial System Operations 533 6. Public Relations: To enhance, improve or provide education to the general public by means of display, demonstration or photography of public events. 7. The Department or a designated representative of the Department must obtain all applicable authorizations, permits, certificates or waivers required by the FAA prior to deploying or operating a sUAS for a flight operation. These authorizations, permits, and certificates shall be maintained and current. a, Operations of the sUAS will generally be within class G, uncontrolled airspace and fall within the FAA Part 107 guidelines. b, Operations in controlled airspace require authorization from air traffic control with authority over the airspace to be operated in. c, If operating in controlled airspace, communication with air traffic control must be completed and authorization must be granted prior to entering the controlled airspace. d. Operations outside of FAA Part 107 rules/regulations may be completed only with a valid Certificate of Waiver or Certificate of Authorization from the FAA for the proposed place, time, conditions and altitude of the waiver or authorization. Such authorizations shall be maintained in writing, accessible for review and documented by the remote PIC at the completion of the flight operation. (1) Examples of parameters requiring special FAA authorization include, but are not limited to: (i) Nighttime operations (ii) Operations over people (iii)Operations in excess of 400' above ground level (AGL) (iv)Operations beyond the visual line of sight of the PIC 8. All sUAS aircraft used by the Blair Police Department must be in proper working order, have a valid FAA registration number and be equipped with image and video recording capability. The aircraft must also contain fail safe systems, report altitude, distance, flight path and flight parameters in real time to the remote pilot in command. Small Unmanned Aerial System Operations 533 9. All sUAS operations shall include a safe takeoff and landing site, selected by the PIC. 10.All sUAS operations shall include a safe location to operate and manipulate the controls for the aircraft, taking into consideration interference of objects and surrounding structures. 11.All sUAS operations shall take into consideration risks associated with the proposed or planned flight prior to takeoff and make a sound judgement as to whether or not the operation can be conducted legally and safely. 12.The sUAS will be operated only by personnel who have been trained in the operation of the system or under direct supervision of a valid Remote Pilot Certificate holder. a. Visual observers, camera operators or crew members assisting the PIC are not required to have the certification, but are encouraged to seek certification. 13.The remote pilot in command is responsible for all aspects of the flight operation and may make operational decisions related to planned operations; up to and including termination of the flight or refusal to fly based on safety concerns related to weather, property damage, risk to anyone on the ground, sUAS capabilities, flight worthiness of the aircraft to be used or any other circumstance which the remote pilot in command deems too great of a risk to justify an operation or flight. 14. If there is more than one FAA certified remote pilot in command participating in a flight operation, seniority based on rank shall be used to determine who will take on the role of supervising the flight operation. The most senior officer having a valid Remote Pilot Certificate has seniority and will be responsible for assigning duties related to flight operations involving the sUAS. This shall be clearly established during the flight operation planning stage and prior to take off. 15.The sUAS-certified personnel shall inspect and test sUAS equipment prior to each deployment to verify the proper functioning of all equipment and the airworthiness of the aircraft. 16.The sUAS equipment is the responsibility of individual officers and will be used with reasonable care to ensure proper functioning. Equipment malfunctions shall be brought to the attention of the officer's Small Unmanned Aerial System Operations 533 supervisor as soon as possible so that an appropriate repair can be made or a replacement unit can be procured. 17.The sUAS data, images, video, and metadata captured, recorded, or otherwise produced by the equipment used is the sole property of the Department when the sUAS is operating as part of a department authorized function. 18.All flights will be documented on a form or database designed for that purpose, and all flight time shall be accurately recorded. in addition, each deployment of the sUAS shall include information regarding the reason for the flight; the time, date, and location of the flight; the name of the supervisor approving the deployment the staff assigned; and a summary of the activities covered, actions taken, and outcomes ,from the deployment. I 19. Except for those instances where officer safety or investigation could be jeopardized—and where reasonably possible and practical, agencies should consider notifying the public. 20, Where there are specific and articulable grounds to believe that the sUAS will collect evidence of criminal wrongdoing and/or if the sUAS will be used in a manner that may intrude upon reasonable expectations of privacy, the Department will obtain a search warrant prior to conducting the flight. 21.The sUAS shall be deployed and used only to support official law enforcement functions, public safety missions or public demonstrations. 22.The sUAS shall not be operated in an unsafe manner or in violation of FAA rules. 23.The sUAS shall not be equipped with weapons of any kind. 24.All visual images captured shall be handled in accordance with existing policy on data and record retention, where applicable. 25.All visual images captured during sUAS operations shall be securely downloaded at the completion of each mission, The sUAS-certified operators will record information for each file that shall include the date, time, location, and case reference, numbers or other mission identifiers—and identify the sUAS personnel involved in mission. small Unmanned Aerial System Operations 533 26. Officers shall not edit, alter, erase, duplicate, copy, share, or otherwise distribute in any manner sUAS images or video without prior written approval of the Chief of Police or his or her designee. 27.All access to sUAS images and video must be compliant with applicable Blair Police Department Policies and Procedures. 28. Files should be securely stored in accordance with Department policy and state records retention laws and retained no longer than necessary for purposes of training or for use in an investigation or prosecution. 29.sUAS supervisory personnel shall manage all deployments and uses of sUAS to ensure that officers equipped with sUAS devices utilize them in accordance with policy and procedures defined herein. 30. An authorized sUAS supervisor or administrator will audit flight documentation annually. The results of the audit will be documented. 31.The Chief of Police of the Blair Police Department or his or her designee shall publish an annual report documenting the Department's deployment and use of sUAS devices. 32. Police personnel who are assigned sUAS must complete an Department -approved training program to ensure proper use and operations. Additional training may be required at periodic intervals to ensure the continued effective use and operation and proper calibration and performance of the equipment and to incorporate changes, updates, or other revisions in policy and equipment. 33.AI1 Department personnel with sUAS responsibilities, including command officers, shall also be trained in the local and federal laws and regulations, as well as policies and procedures governing the deployment and use of sUAS. Small Unmanned Aerial System Operations 533 A, BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMIENT o � POLICIES AND PROCEDURES � Number: 534 subject: Active Shooter Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: Revised Date. January 2020 PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to provide protocols for assessing the threat and immediately responding during active shooter situations to limit serious injury or loss of life. While the term "active shooter" is used throughout, this policy applies to all situations where there is an active assailant or assailants posing an ongoing deadly threat, to include, but not limited to, those from firearms, vehicles, explosives, and knives. POLICY: it is the policy of the Blair Police Department in active shooter situations where ongoing deadly force is reasonably likely to be employed by a suspect—and delay in taking law enforcement action could result in injury or death—that immediate action by officers at the scene is necessary when such actions are deemed reasonable to prevent further injuries or loss of life. DEFINITIONS: Active Shooting: An incident in which one or more armed persons have used, or are reasonably likely to use, deadly force in an ongoing manner, and where persons have been injured, killed, or are under imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm by such persons. Casualty Collection Point (CCP): A forward location where victims can be assembled for movement from areas of risk. Based upon incident dynamics, such as the number and location of victims, multiple CCPs may be required. Cold Zone: A geographic area where first responders can operate with minimal threat to personal safety or health. Contact Officer or Team: The first officer(s) at the scene of an active shooting tasked with locating the suspect(s) and stopping the threat. Active Shooter 534 Hot Zone: A geographic area, consisting of the immediate incident location, with a direct and immediate threat to personal safety or health. All violent incidents are considered hot until law enforcement determines otherwise. Only law enforcement should operate in the hot zone. Immediate Action: Rapid response by one or more officers to an active shooting based on a reasonable belief that failure to swiftly seek out and address the threat would result in death or serious bodily injury. Incident Commander (IC): The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and release of resources. The IC has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is responsible for the management of all operations at the incident site. Responsibilities of the IC can be assumed by the officer handling the original call to the Chief of Police and any additional qualified officers, depending on the size, scope, and complexity of the incident or event. Inner Perimeter. An area established to keep the threat contained to a specified location, Outer Perimeter. An area established to keep the inner perimeter secured and to prevent outside elements from entering the incident. Rescue Task Force (RTF): A team consisting of fire/emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, paired with law enforcement officers. Fire/EMS personnel are tasked with initial treatment and triage of victims in the warm zone, Law enforcement officers are assigned as the protection for this team and should not separate from the fire/EMS personnel. Staging Area: An area or location near the incident where outside resources respond and are quickly inventoried for utilization and assignment at the incident. There may be more than one staging area per incident. Unified Command (UC): An incident command system used when there is more than one agency with incident jurisdiction, or when incidents cross political jurisdictions, Agencies work together through designated members of the UC, often the senior person(s) from agencies and/or disciplines participating in the UC, to establish a common set of objectives and strategies. The IC responsibility is shared within the UC, with the function most important at the time taking the lead role. The lead responsibility may shift as the incident progresses. Warm Zone: A geographic area where law enforcement has either cleared or isolated the threat to a level of minimal or mitigated risk; can be considered clear, but not secure. Active Shooter 534 1. Situational Assessment a. Based on available information, dispatched responders or officers already at the incident scene may verify that an active shooter situation exists through information provided by communications personnel; from persons confined within or exiting the target location; from witnesses; by reports of, or sounds of, gunfire; or through related means. b. When available and as time permits, witnesses, or others should be asked about the location and number of suspects, the suspects' weapons, persons injured, the number and location of persons in possible jeopardy, and the use or location of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). c. Upon completion of the initial assessment, the first arriving officer(s) shall i, advise communications and request resources as deemed necessary, and fl. determine whether to take immediate action alone or with another officer or wait until additional resources are available. z. Individual Officer Intervention a. In some instances, an individual officer may be present within or near the active shooting location, such as a mall or school. Whether on or off duty, in uniform or civilian clothes, he or she may determine that immediate action is necessary and reasonable to stop the threat. That decision may take into consideration the officer's capability to effectively intervene, based on his or her training. b. As soon as practical, officer(s) shall notify communications that an active shooter situation exists. The officer(s) should provide the following information and updates as available: 1. the identity, location, manner of dress, and proposed actions of the officer(s) at the scene; ii. information about the suspect to include a physical description, weapons, equipment such as body armor, and current location and actions; and Active Shooter 534 iii. available information on persons injured or under threat, their locations, emergency resources required, and recommended points of entry. c. When displaying firearms while in plainclothes, officers shall verbally identify themselves as law enforcement officers, and conspicuously display their badges and/or other law enforcement identification to alert security personnel, arriving officers, or civilians who may be armed. d. If officers are unarmed, they can still play a critical role in active shooter response through the following actions i. facilitating evacuation by 1. locating points of egress and directing people to those evacuation points if reasonably safe for them to do so; and 2. locating and directing persons hiding in unsecure locations (e.g., under desks, inside unlocked rooms) to evacuation points. ii. if evacuation is not possible, 1. helping locate and direct persons to safer locations, preferably with thick walls and solid doors with locks; or, in the absence of such locations, rooms that can be barricaded with heavy furniture or objects; 2. directing individuals to silence all personal electronic devices, take cover, and remain silent; and 3. taking any actions possible to distract, disrupt, divert, or incapacitate the suspect using surprise attacks and any aggressive force possible. iii. when possible, assisting with the injured and directing incoming teams to injured persons. 3. Contact Officer or Team Response a. The mission of the contact officer or team is to locate and stop the threat. Even if the threat seemingly has been terminated, contact officers or teams are required to render the location safe, assist in screening and the orderly evacuation of persons to a designated area, and locating any other persons still in hiding. Active Shooter 534 b. Normally, only one contact officer or team shall be deployed at any given time. Additional officers or teams may be deployed at the direction of the IC to provide tactical advantage. The IC shall ensure that each team is aware of the other officers' or teams' locations and actions. c. The contact officer or team shall be provided a clear communications channel to supply the following types of information: i. The officer or team's progress and location. ii. The location and number of victims and their medical needs. iii. The estimated number of suspects involved. iv. The suspect's description and weapons if.known. v. The location of any booby traps or explosives. If discovered, the contact officer or team leader shall determine whether to post an officer near it, report it, or mark it for later removal. d. The contact officer or team shall locate the suspect(s) in the most expeditious manner possible in order to stop the threat. In doing so, officers should not stop to render aid or assistance to victims, but may, where reasonably possible, inform them that RTFs are forthcoming and direct them to a safe point of egress or hiding if they are ambulatory and it is deemed safe for them to do so. e. The contact officer or team should employ tactical advantages such as avoiding the use of the main entrance to provide an element of surprise and to bypass potential booby traps or ambush. f. The contact officer or team should not attempt to conduct a thorough clearing of the location, but should follow sounds, such as gunfire, yelling, and screaming; observations of victims and bystanders; and related information to help locate the suspect(s) as soon as possible. g. Once the location of the suspect(s) is known and any immediate threat is eliminated, the contact officer or team should proceed to clear all portions of the location in the event that more suspects are in hiding. If victims are encountered who require immediate trauma care, the contact officer or team shall provide such care prior to continuing to clear the location. Arriving tactical or other officers should be called upon to help clear the location of potential suspects, locate and evacuate persons in hiding, and render safe any dangerous munitions or armament. 534 Active Shooter h. The contact officer or team shall switch its focus to providing trauma care as necessary when the primary mission is completed. 4, Rescue Task Force (RTFs) a. Once the contact officer or team is deployed, and as officers and resources arrive at the incident scene, the IC should ensure that RTFs are formed to provide trauma care and help evacuate victims. b. RTFs shall be organized under a team leader, deploy in tactical formations consistent with agency training, and be prepared to respond to hostile action as rapidly changing circumstances may place them in contact with suspects. In such instances, the RTF shall be prepared and equipped to serve as the contact team. c. RTFs shall be deployed only after the contact officer or team has made entry, provided a status report, notified the command post of the location of victims, established warm zones, and determined that rescue efforts may begin. d. Wounded and injured persons shall be quickly searched, if reasonable, for weapons, quickly treated for obvious life-threatening injuries and removed to the designated CCPs with cover and movement of such persons provided by RTF members. If emergency medical personnel are not yet in place, basic trauma care shall be the responsibility of RTF members until they are relieved by medical personnel. e. Rescue and recovery operations shall continue until the IC has declared the scene clear and safe. 5, Unified Command a. Unified incident command shall be established as soon as possible. b. The IC shall ensure that the following actions are accomplished: 1. Organize and establish unified interagency communication(s). ii. Establish an inner perimeter to control access to and egress from the area of risk. M. Establish an outer perimeter. iv. Establish staging areas in the cold zone for.the following purposes and notify communications of their locations: 534 Active Shooter 1. for responding officers and other emergency personnel (An officer should be assigned to this staging area to brief arriving personnel, maintain communication with the contact officer or team, and assign duties as directed by the IC.); 2. for treatment of the injured and evacuation by EMS or medevac (CCP); 3. where individuals without injuries should be directed for identification and debriefing (evacuation area); 4. to accommodate arriving family members of persons at the incident scene (notification center); and 5. for the media. (This area should be staffed with appropriate personnel, such as public information officers.) v. Ensure that officers assigned to the notification center maintain custody and control of all persons and document their identities until they can be reunited with family or others. Victims and witnesses suffering from emotional and/or physical trauma or shock should be kept under the observation of medical personnel until such time as they may be safely transported to a hospital or home in the care of family or friends. vi. Request mutual aid if necessary. vii. Establish traffic control and management for the ingress and egress of public safety vehicles. Special consideration should be given to maintain open routes for rapid transport of the injured. viii. Contact appropriate aviation resources to control air space for possible medical evacuation resources and to establish restricted air space for law enforcement use only. ix. Request emergency medical assistance. x. Initiate intelligence gathering on possible suspects. xi. Summon chaplains and peer support officers to provide information to relatives of victims. xii. Coordinate with owners or officials of the target location for floor plans; site layout; and a roster, including emergency contact information as available, of employees, students, residents, visitors, or others believed to be on-site. Ail. Assign a recorder to document actions at the command post. c. When available on the scene, a tactical team may be assigned as appropriate to 534 iii. help locate the suspect(s) or relieve the contact officer or team, iv. help locate and safeguard explosives pending removal, and v. provide special weapons and equipment as needed. d. Additional officers shall be deployed to control access to the location and monitor the perimeter. 6. Community Notification a. The PIO or other designated individual(s) shall be responsible for ensuring appropriate information is distributed in a timely manner to the community. This may include b. shelter in place warnings for nearby locations during active shooter situations; c. alerts to avoid the area due to heavy law enforcement activity and potential road closures; and d. specific directions for individuals who elect to visit the scene. 7. Debriefing a. As soon as reasonably possible after the incident, the agency shall conduct a debriefing of essential personnel involved in the incident. The debriefing shall identify areas of potential improvement and determine whether changes in operational protocols, policy, or training may be warranted. 8. Training a. The Blair Police Department shall provide active shooter training to all sworn and civilian personnel, including simulation exercises conducted in schools and other facilities and partnering first response agencies, where appropriate. Active Shooter 534 Purpose: To provide for the safety of law enforcement personnel while at the same time facilitating the safe apprehension of suspects. Policy: Whenever an officer decides to engage or continue a foot pursuit a quick and continuous risk assessment must take place. The officer must evaluate the risk involved to themselves, the suspect and the community versus the benefit of continuing Definitions: Foot Pursuit,- A situation in which an officer, on foot chases a suspect in an effort to detain or arrest that individual who he has a reasonable suspicion to believe is about to commit, is committing, or has committed a crime and who is resisting apprehension by fleeing from the officer. Suspect. • Includes any individual who a police officer reasonably believes is about to commit, is committing or has committed an offense or poses an imminent threat to the safety of the public, other officers or themselves. Contact & Cover., A tactical practice of having two or more officers working together during a foot pursuit, The officers work as a team utilizing direct or indirect communication methods to coordinate their efforts, remain aware of the locations of officers and suspects, and keep abreast of the status of the pursuit. Procedure: 1. To the extent that resources are available, officers should consider the following alternatives to a foot pursuit: a, Area Containment; Foot Pursuit 535 LAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT G - - a � POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 4 Number; 535 a_- = Subject: Foot Pursuits Xssued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police �R Effective Date: January2020 Revised Date: January 2020 Purpose: To provide for the safety of law enforcement personnel while at the same time facilitating the safe apprehension of suspects. Policy: Whenever an officer decides to engage or continue a foot pursuit a quick and continuous risk assessment must take place. The officer must evaluate the risk involved to themselves, the suspect and the community versus the benefit of continuing Definitions: Foot Pursuit,- A situation in which an officer, on foot chases a suspect in an effort to detain or arrest that individual who he has a reasonable suspicion to believe is about to commit, is committing, or has committed a crime and who is resisting apprehension by fleeing from the officer. Suspect. • Includes any individual who a police officer reasonably believes is about to commit, is committing or has committed an offense or poses an imminent threat to the safety of the public, other officers or themselves. Contact & Cover., A tactical practice of having two or more officers working together during a foot pursuit, The officers work as a team utilizing direct or indirect communication methods to coordinate their efforts, remain aware of the locations of officers and suspects, and keep abreast of the status of the pursuit. Procedure: 1. To the extent that resources are available, officers should consider the following alternatives to a foot pursuit: a, Area Containment; Foot Pursuit 535 b. Additional officers; and, c. Surveillance until additional resources become available. 2. Factors to Consider in Conducting the Risk Assessment: a. Whether the suspect is armed; b. How serious is the suspect's offense i.e. does he or she pose a serious threat to the community if allowed to escape; c. Officer acting alone; d. Backup is not available in a timely manner; e. Officer pursuing more than one suspect; f. Officer not in physical condition to pursue a subject on foot; g. Location: i. Nature of area- (i.e. residential, commercial, freeway) which impacts the safety of all those who may be affected by the foot pursuit. ii. Conditions of structures: abandoned and condemned. iii. Environmental factors: weather conditions or darkness. iv. Area of pursuit is hostile to law enforcement personnel h. Ability to apprehend the subject later, i.e. identity is known i. Communications Issues: i. Officer familiarity with location -able to identify subject's location with accuracy during pursuit. ii. Radio frequency and coverage- Is officer in area where radio coverage may fail. 3. Pursuing Officer Responsibilities: a. The decision to initiate or continue a foot pursuit requires weighing the need to apprehend the suspect against the degree of risk to which the officer and others are exposed to as a result of the pursuit. Foot Pursuit 535 b. Once an officer decides to engage in a foot pursuit, the officer must immediately relay the following information to communications: L Officer identifier (radio number); ii. Location (continuing responsibility); iii. Direction of travel; iv. Description of suspect; v. Whether suspect is armed; vi. Reason for foot pursuit; and, vii. Coordinating with other officers to establish perimeter for containment. c. The primary officer should maintain enough tactical gap between him or herself and the suspect to allow time for maintaining cover and allow for the arrival of backup officers before engagement. d. An officer should not enter a building, structure or area of limited or no cover without a backup officer present. e. An officer should not continue a foot pursuit if the officer has lost their firearm. f. Officers should note that residents may mistake pursuing officers as prowlers; to the extent possible efforts should be made to notify area residents of the police presence. Officers or supervisors might consider notification to area residents i. Reverse 911; ii. Backup officers' use of vehicle's public address system; and/or, iii. Use of vehicle siren. 4. The Sergeant or Senior Officer on -duty shall: a. Monitor the pursuit and direct available resources to provide for the swift and safe apprehension of the suspect; b. Terminate any foot pursuit where the risk to the officer, the public, or the suspect outweighs the need for the foot pursuit; and, c. Consider the use of specialized units/personnel to aid in the apprehension i.e. canine following containment etc. i. In the absence of a supervisor, this consideration should be undertaken by involved officers. Foot Pursuit 535 5. Communications Responsibility: a. Maintain open communications with involved officer. b. Notify a supervisor and provide relevant information (without compromising ability of involved officer in communicating ongoing information) 6. Officers shall terminate a foot pursuit: a. If ordered by a supervisor; b. If the officer believes the danger to the pursuing officers or the public outweighs the necessity for the immediate apprehension of the suspect; c. If the suspect's identity is known and he or she is not an imminent threat to the safety of the public or other officers, consider terminating the pursuit and apprehend later. 7. After termination of a foot pursuit, the involved officers will notify communications of the last known location of the suspect or in cases of apprehension, the location of apprehension. 8. At the conclusion of a foot pursuit as defined by this policy, officers shall compile a foot pursuit review form. The pursuit shall be reviewed by: a. Patrol Sergeants; b. The Captain; c. The final review will be conducted by the Chief of Police. Foot Pursuit 535 Purpose: To provide for the safety of law enforcement personnel while at the same time facilitating the safe apprehension of suspects. Policy: Whenever an officer decides to engage or continue a foot pursuit a quick and continuous risk assessment must take place. The officer must evaluate the risk involved to themselves, the suspect and the community versus the benefit of continuing Definlitions: Foot Pursuit., A situation in which an officer, on foot chases a suspect in an effort to detain or arrest that individual who he has a reasonable suspicion to believe is about to commit, is committing, or has committed a crime and who is resisting apprehension by fleeing from the officer. Suspect., Includes any individual who a police officer reasonably believes is about to commit, is committing or has committed an offense or poses an imminent threat to the safety of the public, other officers or themselves. Contact & Covera A tactical practice of having two or more officers working together during a foot pursuit. The officers work as a team utilizing direct or indirect communication methods to coordinate their efforts, remain aware of the locations of officers and suspects, and keep abreast of the status of the pursuit. Procedure: 1. To the extent that resources are available, officers should consider the following alternatives to a foot pursuit: a. Area Containment, Foot Pursuit 535 BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT 3s F POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Number: 535 - Subject: Foot Pursuits Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police 84A1�t ` Effective Date: January 2020 Revised Date: January 2020 Purpose: To provide for the safety of law enforcement personnel while at the same time facilitating the safe apprehension of suspects. Policy: Whenever an officer decides to engage or continue a foot pursuit a quick and continuous risk assessment must take place. The officer must evaluate the risk involved to themselves, the suspect and the community versus the benefit of continuing Definlitions: Foot Pursuit., A situation in which an officer, on foot chases a suspect in an effort to detain or arrest that individual who he has a reasonable suspicion to believe is about to commit, is committing, or has committed a crime and who is resisting apprehension by fleeing from the officer. Suspect., Includes any individual who a police officer reasonably believes is about to commit, is committing or has committed an offense or poses an imminent threat to the safety of the public, other officers or themselves. Contact & Covera A tactical practice of having two or more officers working together during a foot pursuit. The officers work as a team utilizing direct or indirect communication methods to coordinate their efforts, remain aware of the locations of officers and suspects, and keep abreast of the status of the pursuit. Procedure: 1. To the extent that resources are available, officers should consider the following alternatives to a foot pursuit: a. Area Containment, Foot Pursuit 535 b. Additional officers; and, c. Surveillance until additional resources become available. 2. Factors to Consider in Conducting the Risk Assessment: a. Whether the suspect is armed; b. How serious is the suspect's offense i.e, does he or she pose a serious threat to the community if allowed to escape; c. Officer acting alone; d. Backup is not available in a timely manner, e. Officer pursuing more than one suspect; f. Officer not in physical condition to pursue a subject on foot; g. Location: i. Nature of area- (i.e. residential, commercial, freeway) which impacts the safety of all those who may be affected by the foot pursuit. ii. Conditions of structures: abandoned and condemned. iii. Environmental factors: weather conditions or darkness. iv. Area of pursuit is hostile to law enforcement personnel h. Ability to apprehend the subject later. i.e. identity is known i. Communications issues: i. Officer familiarity with location -able to identify subject's location with accuracy during pursuit. ii. Radio frequency and coverage- is officer in area where radio coverage may fail. 3. Pursuing Officer Responsibilities: a. The decision to initiate or continue a foot pursuit requires weighing the need to apprehend the suspect against the degree of risk to which the officer and others are exposed to as a result of the pursuit. Foot Pursuit 535 b. Once an officer decides to engage in a foot pursuit, the officer must immediately relay the following information to communications: i. Officer identifier (radio number); ii. Location (continuing responsibility), iii. Direction of travel, iv. Description of suspect; v. Whether suspect is armed; vi. Reason for foot pursuit; and, vii. Coordinating with other officers to establish perimeter for containment. c. The primary officer should maintain enough tactical gap between him or herself and the suspect to allow time for maintaining cover and allow for the arrival of backup officers before engagement. d. An officer should not enter a building, structure or area of limited or no cover without a backup officer present. e. An officer should not continue a foot pursuit if the officer has lost their firearm. f. Officers should note that residents may mistake pursuing officers as prowlers; to the extent possible efforts should be made to notify area residents of the police presence. Officers or supervisors might consider notification to area residents i. Reverse 911; ii. Backup officers' use of vehicle's public address system; and/or, iii. Use of vehicle siren. 4. The Sergeant or Senior Officer on -duty shall: a. Monitor the pursuit and direct available resources to provide for the swift and safe apprehension of the suspect; b. Terminate any foot pursuit where the risk to the officer, the public, or the suspect outweighs the need for the foot pursuit; and, c. Consider the use of specialized units/personnel to aid in the apprehension i.e. canine following containment etc. i. In the absence of a supervisor, this consideration should be undertaken by involved officers. Foot Pursuit 535 5. Communications Responsibility: a. Maintain open communications with involved officer. b. Notify a supervisor and provide relevant information (without compromising ability of involved officer in communicating ongoing information) 6. Officers shall terminate a foot pursuit: a. If ordered by a supervisor; b. If the officer believes the danger to the pursuing officers or the public outweighs the necessity for the immediate apprehension of the suspect; c. If the suspect's identity is known and he or she is not an imminent threat to the safety of the public or other officers, consider terminating the pursuit and apprehend later. 7. After termination of a foot pursuit, the involved officers will notify communications of the last known location of the suspect or in cases of apprehension, the location of apprehension. 8. At the conclusion of a foot pursuit as defined by this policy, officers shall, compile a foot pursuit review form. The pursuit shall be reviewed by: a. Patrol Sergeants; b. The Captain; c, The final review will be conducted by the Chief of Police. Foot Pursuit 535 Number: 537 Subject: Dispesitiefl of Anlma-IsAnimal Destruction & Disposal Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: 1 April 2017 Revised Date: January 2020 Good judgment and quick, efficient, and humane actions are necessary for rescuing animals in distressful situations. Sick or injured animals shall be destroyed and disposed of in a safe and efficient manner. Procedure: Domestic Animals 1. Any calls of an emergency nature should be responded to immediately. Animal Control Officers and Police Officers should use their discretion when prioritizing calls for service. 2. Sick or injured domestic animals should be evaluated by an animal control or police officer to determine whether they should be transported immediately to the nearest veterinarian. a. Officers should attempt to identify the owner by means of identification tags, city animal license or microchip. 3. Injured domestic animals, or those appearing unhealthy or unstable may, depending on circumstances, be destroyed on scene by a police officer based upon their observed condition at the time. a. A reasonable attempt to notify the animal's owner should be made prior to destroying a domestic animal, if an owner can be identified. Wild Animals 4, Because wild animals are unpredictable and may pose a degree of danger to people, all wildlife are to be handled in as safe and humane Animal Destruction & Disposal 537 manner as possible. Safety equipment should be used and protective gear worn when handling wild animals. 5. All complaints of nuisance wildlife will be forwarded to an animal control officer. a. Wild animals not exhibiting signs of injury or sickness can be trapped and relocated to a safe area. 6. Rehabilitation for slightly injured or orphaned wildlife may be a viable option. Officers should evaluate wild animals on scene to determine whether the animal could be trapped or contained in a safe manner and in a reasonable amount of time. a. If euthanasia is necessary, it should be performed immediately to prevent any further suffering or stress to the animal. 7. Disposition of Dead Animals a. Small dead animals, or those that can be easily carried by one person, should be bagged and disposed of in the dumpster at the city's State Street gara n �� ��1 St t State_St) water I UI�.V \1/ JCC7L�+Jl. St)-. water facility. L A reasonable attempt to notify the animal's owner should be made prior to disposing of a domestic animal; if an owner can be identified. b. Larger animals or any animal in a state of decomposition shall be transported to the City Shop at 341 Grant St. and disposed of in a dumpster in the yard. i. A key to the South gate is maintained in the department squad room key box. ii. On-call Street Department personnel are available to assist in transporting and disposal of a large animal carcass and should be called. Animal Destruction & Disposal 537 PURPOSE It is the purpose of this policy to provide officers with guidelines for notifying next of kin of the death of a family member. POLICY This law enforcement agency requires that all officers become familiar with the concepts and procedures set forth in this policy so as to provide surviving family members with sufficient useful information and support in a manner consistent with professionally accepted crisis intervention techniques. DEFINITION Next of Kin. For purposes of this policy, the closest relative of the deceased—for example, spouse, parents, siblings, significant others, and children. PROCEDURES 1. Information Gathering and Preparation a. All death notifications that are the responsibility of this agency shall be delivered in person except, in rare circumstances, when exigency or other factors dictate notification by telephone. The reason for any telephonic notifications shall be explained in the case file or incident report. b. Officers shall be prepared and are granted liberal discretion to determine the amount of time necessary to provide survivors with assistance as authorized by this policy. c. Prior to contacting next of kin, notifying officers shall Death Notifications 538 LAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Number: 538 Subject: Death Notifications Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: \\►��,� % Revised Date: January 2020 PURPOSE It is the purpose of this policy to provide officers with guidelines for notifying next of kin of the death of a family member. POLICY This law enforcement agency requires that all officers become familiar with the concepts and procedures set forth in this policy so as to provide surviving family members with sufficient useful information and support in a manner consistent with professionally accepted crisis intervention techniques. DEFINITION Next of Kin. For purposes of this policy, the closest relative of the deceased—for example, spouse, parents, siblings, significant others, and children. PROCEDURES 1. Information Gathering and Preparation a. All death notifications that are the responsibility of this agency shall be delivered in person except, in rare circumstances, when exigency or other factors dictate notification by telephone. The reason for any telephonic notifications shall be explained in the case file or incident report. b. Officers shall be prepared and are granted liberal discretion to determine the amount of time necessary to provide survivors with assistance as authorized by this policy. c. Prior to contacting next of kin, notifying officers shall Death Notifications 538 i. gather and familiarize themselves with essential details concerning the deceased, to include full name, age, race and home address, as well as details of the death, location of the body and personal effects and other pertinent information; ensure that the deceased has been positively identified; and M. identify the next of kin of the deceased for purposes of notification, giving specific care to locate the closest relative starting with a spouse and followed by parents, siblings, and then children. d. Other relatives should be contacted only when substantial delays would be required to make contact with next of kin. Officers should contact a supervisor for guidance when in doubt concerning next of kin or delays in notification. e. When next of kin are located in another state or locality, officers should contact the appropriate police department and request that they conduct the notification in person and provide timely verification when the notification has been completed. f. Whenever reasonably possible, officers should gather readily available information concerning the survivors that may aid in the notification. This includes, but is not limited to, whether survivors are elderly, disabled, visually or hearing impaired, have medical problems, or do not speak English, in which case a translator or officer who speaks the particular language should be provided. If possible, officers should obtain the names of the survivor's closest relative, friend, family doctor, and clergyman. g. The agency shall make available a list of community referral agencies that may be helpful to provide to the survivors. h. Officers should not use the police radio to convey information concerning the deceased or related information about the incident or circumstances surrounding the death. Such information shall be conveyed by a secure means of communication, such as cellular phone or land line, and only to those with a need and a right to know. L The name of the victim shall not be released to the media or other outside sources until the next of kin is notified. If the media has already obtained information related to the death, they should be asked to withhold the information until after the notifications have been completed. Death Notifications 538 j. Where possible, at least. two officers (preferably a male and female team) should be assigned to conduct the death notification. k. Assigned officers should also request the assistance of the agency chaplain or local crisis intervention specialist where feasible. I. Prior to making the notification, assigned officers should ensure that each is familiar with all pertinent information and decide who will be the primary spokesperson. m. Personal effects of the deceased shall not be delivered to survivors at the time of death notification. 2. Making Notification a. Upon arrival at the residence or place of business, officers shall L check the accuracy of the location; ii. identify themselves by name, rank, and departmental affiliation; iii. ask permission to enter the residence or, in the case of a business or other location, move to a place of privacy; iv. request to speak to the immediate survivor; and v. verify the relationship of the survivor to the deceased. b. Every reasonable effort shall be made to make the death notification in the privacy of the survivor's home or in another location away from public scrutiny. c. Prior to making notification, officers should determine if other members of the family are in the residence. Officers may wish to bring them together for the notification but should defer to the wishes of the immediate survivor. d. Officers should address the survivor(s) in a straightforward manner and use easy -to -understand language to briefly explain the circumstances of the incident and the fact that the individual is dead. Officers should not use euphemisms such as "passed away" or "no longer with us" in order to avoid using the term "dead," as these expressions may create confusion or false hope. Officers should not provide graphic aspects of the incident or the individual's death. Police jargon should be avoided. Officers should refer to the deceased in terms reflecting the deceased's relationship to the survivor (e.g., son, daughter). 538 e. Officers should be prepared for unexpected responses from survivors to include fainting, hysteria, and possible verbal or physical assault. f. Officers should provide survivors with sufficient time to regain composure following delivery of the death notice. Officers should avoid attempts in the interim to provide comfort by using simple platitudes or trite phrases (e.g., "I know how you feel" and "I know how hard this is for you"). g. When the death occurs in the hospital and the next of kin or other family members are already present, it is the responsibility of the attending physician or other hospital designee to deliver the death notification. Officers should be available to provide basic information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death. h. Survivors should be informed that other law enforcement officers may need to question them at a future time. If it is imperative that the survivors be questioned immediately after notification, questioning should be conducted compassionately. 3. Providing Assistance and Referral a. Officers shall not leave upon completion of the notification until reasonably assured that the survivor,, has adequate personal control, family or close friend(s) readily available to provide support, or both. In gauging the need for assistance, officers shall also consider i. the emotional reaction and physical condition of the survivor; ii. the availability of other adults in the home; iii. responsibility for infants or small children and the elderly or infirm; iv. home environment (e.g., evidence of excessive alcohol or drug use, lack of means of financial support, shortage of food, problem with shelter); and v. availability of a support system, including friends, family, close neighbors, access to clergy, means of transportation, etc. b. Officers should provide any additional information on the incident requested by survivors. While graphic details are not appropriate, officers should provide information if asked specifically concerning the cause of death, or other general details of the fatality. Death Notifications 538 c. Officers should remain alert to the possible need for medical assistance. When officers are aware of serious medical conditions in advance of notification, they should place a local medical response unit on alert. d. Officers should be aware of confusion on the part of survivors and should therefore speak slowly and deliberately and write down any pertinent information that the survivor may need. This includes the following: i. Disposition of the body ii. Location of personal effects iii. Identification requirements/procedures iv. Notifying officers' names, agency, and telephone numbers e. Officers should assess the physical and emotional well-being of the survivors before departing. Officers should be reasonably assured that survivors can take care of themselves and those for whom they may be responsible. In addition to concerns noted in item 3(a) above, officers should be able to answer "yes" to the following types of questions: i. Is the survivor thinking clearly? That is, does the individual 1. seem to be aware of the officers' presence? Z. have some grasp of place and time? 3. demonstrate a progressive ability to express himself or herself? and 4. begin to demonstrate some grasp of the reality of the death? ii. Does the survivor have reasonable control over his or her emotions; or does the individual display shock, no apparent emotion, furious hostility, or the desire to commit suicide? ill. Can the survivor cope physically? For example, has the survivor fainted or displayed debilitating weakness or emotional collapse? iv. Does the survivor have an adequate support system that can be relied upon? f. Officers should not leave a Ione survivor unattended until all reasonable efforts have been made to garner first-hand support from the survivor's family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, family clergy, department chaplains, crisis counselors, or other community social Death Notifications 538 service agency. Officers should provide or arrange for transportation of essential individuals where necessary. g, Notifying officers should conduct a follow-up within 24 hours with any survivor when there is concern for the survivor's well-being. Death Notifications 538 Polic The Police Chaplain Program invites into this ministry ordained local clergy who are sensitive to people of all religious faiths as well as to those who profess no religious faith, and who have the skills and the willingness to provide compassion and support to those in crisis. Such clergy must understand that attempts to evangelize or convert police or civilians are explicitly not consistent with the primary purposes of the Blair Police Department Voluntary Chaplain Program. Procedure: 1. The Police Chaplain Program is a voluntary auxiliary program authorized by the Chief of Police. a. Chaplains are not compensated for their efforts or services. b. Chaplains are primarily assigned to Police -related community service functions. c. Chaplains can be used as a resource in emergencies and large-scale special events. 2. Police Chaplains are not involved in the day-to-day delivery of law enforcement services and do not require the status of a sworn officer. Their level of training does not warrant a commission, nor are they assigned duties requiring sworn officer status. 3. Police Chaplains will function in support of community relations activities and other civilian level support activities. 4. The primary purpose of the Police Chaplain Program is to be available to provide spiritual counseling and guidance to all members of the department and their families who request such services. Members of the department and their families may refuse the services of the Chaplain or discontinue the services of the Chaplain at any time for any reason. Police Chaplain Program 606 BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES " Number: 606 �FR lEt _ Subject: Police Chaplain Program Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police B IR Effective Date: May 20— Revised Date: January 2020 Polic The Police Chaplain Program invites into this ministry ordained local clergy who are sensitive to people of all religious faiths as well as to those who profess no religious faith, and who have the skills and the willingness to provide compassion and support to those in crisis. Such clergy must understand that attempts to evangelize or convert police or civilians are explicitly not consistent with the primary purposes of the Blair Police Department Voluntary Chaplain Program. Procedure: 1. The Police Chaplain Program is a voluntary auxiliary program authorized by the Chief of Police. a. Chaplains are not compensated for their efforts or services. b. Chaplains are primarily assigned to Police -related community service functions. c. Chaplains can be used as a resource in emergencies and large-scale special events. 2. Police Chaplains are not involved in the day-to-day delivery of law enforcement services and do not require the status of a sworn officer. Their level of training does not warrant a commission, nor are they assigned duties requiring sworn officer status. 3. Police Chaplains will function in support of community relations activities and other civilian level support activities. 4. The primary purpose of the Police Chaplain Program is to be available to provide spiritual counseling and guidance to all members of the department and their families who request such services. Members of the department and their families may refuse the services of the Chaplain or discontinue the services of the Chaplain at any time for any reason. Police Chaplain Program 606 a. Chaplains are not intended to replace any employee benefits such as the Employee Assistance Program or other support services. b. Chaplains should be constantly available to give assistance and guidance to all personnel from initial employment through retirement. c. Their services help provide the moral fiber needed to strengthen Police officers in the discharge of their duties. d. On a confidential basis, Police personnel are authorized to consult with other dedicated members of the clergy who have an intimate knowledge of Police problems. e. The services of Police Chaplains are to be available on the basis of need and desire. i. Chaplains are not intended, nor do they desire, to replace an individual's own clergyperson. i. The Chaplain's task during on duty hours is not to proselytize (convert to a religious doctrine) but to reflect compassion and concern. f. The Police Chaplain will assist Department personnel and the people of the community through a field service ministry. 5. QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES a. A candidate for Police chaplain should meet the following requirements: i. Be an ecclesiastically endorsed for Police chaplaincy by a recognized religious body; ii. Be a minister in good standing with at least three years experience in the ministry; ill. Be backed by a letter of support from the church he or she serves; iv. Show a genuine compassion, understanding and love for others and relates easily to people; v. Maintain high spiritual and moral standards; vi. Be able and willing to be carefully screened by the Department's Police Chaplain Steering Committee; vii. Be willing and available to respond to any and all situations where a chaplain's presence is indicated; Police Chaplain Program 606 viii. Be tactful and considerate in approaching all people, regardless of race, sex, creed or religion; ix. Be willing to become involved in training programs that enhance his or her efficiency in meeting and dealing with people in crisis. A chaplain should be familiar with community medical, psychiatric and other helping resources in the Blair area; x. Must never have been convicted of a felony offense or offenses involving moral turpitude; and, xi. Must possess a valid driver's license. i b. Chaplains who receive specialized training in the field should provide training records and certifications to the Department training coordinator. c. Chaplains will be required to sign an indemnity agreement prepared by the City Attorney prior to participating in the program. 6. CHAPLAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES a. Police Chaplains will: i. Respond to the needs of the Department as directed by or at the request of a Sworn Supervisor or senior officer on duty; ii. Assist in making notification to families of Department members who have been seriously injured or killed; iii. After family notification, will respond to the hospital when an officer has been seriously injured or killed; iv. Visit sick and injured Department personnel in the hospital and home; v. Attend and participate, when requested, in the funerals of active or retired members of the Department; vi. At the employee's request, counsel with officers and other personnel having personal problems. vii. Participate in appropriate Department sponsored in-service training classes for personnel; viii. Be willing to enter into training courses to enhance their effectiveness; Police Chaplain Program 606 ix. Attend Department graduations, promotion activities, award ceremonies, dinners, social events, etc. and offer invocations and benedictions; x. Represent the Department before official bodies and public functions at the request of the Chief of Police; xi. Be responsible for the organization and development of spiritual organizations in the Department; AL Respond to all major disasters and render appropriate assistance; xiii. Be involved in public relations efforts, xiv. Provide liaison with other religious leaders in the community; xv. When responding to the scene of death or injury, whether departmental person or private citizens, the chaplain will notify the individual's own clergy person as soon as possible; and, xvi. Will make referrals in cases where specialized attention is needed, or in those cases beyond the chaplain's ability to assist. xvii. Provide Pastoral Care, which may include, but is not limited to: 1. All in-house Department activity, such as group and individual counseling; 2. Spiritual leadership afforded at any police meeting or activities taking place within Department facilities; 3. Any meetings of police personnel requiring a time of prayer or devotion will be done by the Chaplain; 4. Directly reporting to the Chief of Police any serious situations they may feel are of importance to the safety and operation of the Police Department; and, 5. Ministering to the families of Police Department personnel if requested. xviii. Chaplains will submit to the Chief of Police an activity report indicating: 1. The time, date and total number of hours volunteered; and, Police Chaplain Program 606 2. If called out for any incident, a complete report of the incident and any action taken by the chaplain concerning that incident. Ax. Chaplains may ride at their own discretion, with prior approval of the Shift Supervisor. 7. CHAPLAINCY ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION a. The Chain of Command for the Police Chaplain Program descends from the Chief of Police as follows: i. Chief of Police; ii. Captain; iii. Sergeant; iv. Lead Chaplain; and, v. Associate Chaplain(s). b. The Steering Committee will consist of: i. Chief of Police; ii. Captain; and, ill. Lead Chaplain c. The Lead Chaplain will have a wide range of responsibilities: i. Direct all police chaplain activity occurring outside of Police Department facilities; ii. Establish a rotating schedule for "on -Call" Police Chaplains; ill. Schedule and coordinate the "Ride -along" program; iv. Coordinate and schedule all training, meetings and seminars available for the chaplaincy program; v. Counseling or other required chaplain response outside of the Police Department will be the Lead Chaplain's responsibility; vi. The Lead Chaplain will serve a term agreed upon by the Chief of Police and the Associate Chaplains; vii. Submit a report to the Chief of Police on an annual basis; and, viii. A new Lead Chaplain will be chosen from the Associate Chaplains when the Lead Chaplain wishes to resign from the position or it is determined by the Steering Committee it is in the best interest of the program to select a new Lead Chaplain. Police Chaplain Program 606 8. CONFIDENTIALITY a. Department Chaplains are available to all personnel and their families for counseling. b. As ex -officio members of the Police Department, Police Chaplains have a responsibility to report emotional or medical conditions which could be considered a danger to the employee, their family or others to the Chief of,Police. Police Chaplain Program 606 Purpose: r0 1 i, r : 9 - Number: 607 Subject: Critical Incident Investigation & Review issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police Effective Date: Revised Date: The purpose of this policy is to direct a proper response to critical incidents by the Blair Police Department. It is the policy of the Blair Police Department to provide a thorough investigation and review of all critical incidents involving Department members. In all cases, the Chief of Police or his/her designee shall consider whether it is in the agency's best interest to utilize the services of an outside agency to conduct the major crimes investigation that accompanies any law enforcement critical incident which involves serious bodily injury or death. In cases where it is determined that the agency lacks the resources to conduct a complete and thorough investigation of the event, an outside agency shall be notified for assistance as soon as possible. This section does not relieve the Blair Police Department of its responsibility to conduct an administrative investigation of the critical incident and review the event for a determination as to the whether or not Department . issues, including policy & procedure violations and/or training, are indicated by the action. Procedure: 1. The Department shall conduct an administrative critical incident review of all firearm discharges (with the exception of those necessary to dispatch a sick or injured animal), in -custody deaths or serious injuries, and all uses of force/response to resistive suspects when the injury results in hospitalization (Cross Reference with #112 Response to Resistance). This review shall result in a written critique and specifically address the following issues and make a specific determination whether: Critical Incident Investigation & Review 607 a. The force, control and/or restraint was consistent with the Department policy and training; b. There are any issues requiring a re-evaluation of Department policy and/or procedures; c. There are any training needs identified; d. The equipment provided by the agency was adequate; and, e. Supervisory involvement was reasonable and appropriate. 2. Officer involved shootings and in -custody death investigations: Initial Response: a. First Officer on Scene: i. Neutralize scene- Ensure that scene has reached a level of control such that there is no longer a threat of harm to citizens, officers or suspects; H. Provide for the immediate medical attention of all persons injured; iii. Secure the scene(s) of the event(s); to the extent possible use crime scene tape to secure any area that may contain evidence pertinent to the events being investigated; iv. Assign enough personnel to ensure that the scene perimeter is not breached; v. Remove the involved officer from the center of the scene to a discreet area such as a police vehicle (do not place the officer in the backseat); and, vi. Secure and segregate all witnesses to the event. Critical Incident Investigation & Review 607 1. This would include the segregation of the involved officers so that no allegations can be made that officers were in a position to discuss the incident. b. First Responding Supervisor: i. Check on the well-being of involved officer(s); ii. Allow/Assist officer in calling family member(s); 1. Ensure notifications made to officer(s)' family. Immediately assume role of incident commander and utilize the incident command concept until otherwise relieved of incident command; iv. Ensure that notice has been made to surrounding agencies; v. Ensure that the first responders have completed the above listed duties; vi. Notify hospital of incoming injured; vii. Determine resources necessary for circumstances i.e. community unrest etc.; viii. Assign a scribe to document all personnel present and the mission of each person entering the scene; ix. Assign officer(s) to accompany injured officers, suspects and victims to hospital; x. Notifications to Chain of Command; A. Notify and brief surrounding agencies; Al. Brief arriving investigators and ranking personnel, Ali. Review all initial reports and supplements; Critical Incident Investigation & Review 607 Av. Secure all weapons, and, 1. With officer weapons -secure discreetly and provide officer with a replacement weapon (Cross Reference #114 Officer's Actions Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury). xv. Consider notifying prosecutor for on -scene response after consulting with chain of command. c. The preliminary on -scene investigation shall secure all evidence: i. Secure all recorded information surrounding event, including but not limited to: 1. In -Car and Body Worn Camera Video Recording; 2. Car to Car MDT communication; 3. Dispatch Audio Recordings; S. 911 phone calls; and, 6. Area business surveillance video. ii. Other Evidence, including but not limited to: 1. Photographs; 2. Medical documentation particularly from arriving medical personnel at scene; 3. Diagrams; 4. Bullet trajectory including those that missed; 5. Shell casings and any expended projectiles; 6. Walk-through narrative (do not videotape this activity); Critical Incident Investigation & Review 607 7. Involved officer's equipment; 8. Witness officers' equipment; 9. Consider light meter (Illuminometer) to measure lighting conditions; ' 10.Vehicles and location at time of incident particularly is moved before the arrival of on -scene investigators; 11. Identification of any locations with DNA and/or latent print potential; and, 12.Area witness canvass. d. The Department shall ensure that officers involved in these critical events shall attend a Critical Incident -Stress Management Team debriefing. e. The primary officer in a critical incident or officer involved shooting shall undergo a mandatory psychological clearance before returning to duty. f. Provide all available information to investigators of the incident. Critical Incident Investigation & Review 607 Purpose: A comprehensive Personnel Early Warning System (EWS) is an essential component of good discipline in a well-managed law enforcement agency. The EWS is a supervisory tool and not a disciplinary process. The early identification of employees exhibiting symptoms of stress or other behavior that could pose a liability to the community, the Department, or the officer must be detected as soon as possible. When appropriate, a Warning consisting of a menu of remedial actions can increase Department accountability and offer employees a better opportunity to meet the Department's values and mission statement. The Blair Police Department will establish an Early Warning System to identify Department employees who may require intervention efforts. The system should identify patterns of behavior that might be symptomatic that an individual employee requires an intervention. Definitions: Earl Warning System (EWSI: A databased management tool designed to identify officers whose performance exhibits potential problems, and then to provide interventions, usually counseling or training, to correct those performance problems. Early Warning Systems have emerged as an effective mechanism for enhancing accountability within law enforcement agencies. Procedure: 1. The Early Warning System will be maintained by the Chief of Police and/or his or her designee in cooperation with the City's Human Resources department. a. The system should review at a minimum: i. Complaints; Early Warning System 608 RLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Number: 608 Subject: Early Warning System Issued By: Joseph Lager, Chief of Police tIE Effective Date: 1 January 2020 Revised Date: 1 January 2020 Purpose: A comprehensive Personnel Early Warning System (EWS) is an essential component of good discipline in a well-managed law enforcement agency. The EWS is a supervisory tool and not a disciplinary process. The early identification of employees exhibiting symptoms of stress or other behavior that could pose a liability to the community, the Department, or the officer must be detected as soon as possible. When appropriate, a Warning consisting of a menu of remedial actions can increase Department accountability and offer employees a better opportunity to meet the Department's values and mission statement. The Blair Police Department will establish an Early Warning System to identify Department employees who may require intervention efforts. The system should identify patterns of behavior that might be symptomatic that an individual employee requires an intervention. Definitions: Earl Warning System (EWSI: A databased management tool designed to identify officers whose performance exhibits potential problems, and then to provide interventions, usually counseling or training, to correct those performance problems. Early Warning Systems have emerged as an effective mechanism for enhancing accountability within law enforcement agencies. Procedure: 1. The Early Warning System will be maintained by the Chief of Police and/or his or her designee in cooperation with the City's Human Resources department. a. The system should review at a minimum: i. Complaints; Early Warning System 608 ii. Incidents involving use of force; iii. Shooting incidents; iv. Use of sick leave; v. Preventable accidents; vi. Domestic misconduct incidents; vii. Civil litigation; and, viii. Performance Evaluations. b. The Department will establish thresholds in each of the aforementioned categories. i. It is recommended that the nature of the assignment of the officer be considered when establishing the threshold and that first-line supervisors and a cross section of the Department be involved in establishing realistic thresholds. c. The review of the data will generate periodic reports identifying officers who have met the established thresholds triggering the Early Warning System. i. These reports should be prepared on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis or more frequently if the data is available on line. d. It will be the responsibility of the identified officer's chain of command, to recommend, in writing, the appropriate action initiated to correct any deficiency that might be identified. The recommended actions could include the following: i. No further action, required. The officer's actions that triggered the EWS have been thoroughly reviewed and do not indicate any concern for corrective action; ii. Supervisory Counseling; ill. Periods of observation in the field by the. first line supervisor; 1 iv. Peer Counseling; v. Referral to the Employee Assistance Program; Early Warning System 608 vi. Referral to psychological services; vii. Referral for remedial training; viii. Re -assignment; ix. Referral for anger management training; x. Referral for stress reduction training; or, A Other action as deemed appropriate. e. Process: Once the recommended action plan is discussed with the officer, and approved by the chain of command, the Warning will be engaged, and reported back in writing to the Chief of Police. i. A follow-up component will be established in the action plan to ensure the behavior that triggered the Warning is no longer a concern. Early Warning System 608 Duty to Intervene in Excessive Force Events Policy Blair Police Department Subject: Duty to Intervene in Excessive Force Events Policy Number: 515? Effective Date: November 9, 2021 Revision Date(s): LEGAL BASIS Nebraska Revised Statute §81-1414.17 (1) requires that on or before January 1, 2022, "Each law enforcement agency shall adopt and provide to the commission for approval a policy requiring each law enforcement officer of such agency to intervene when such officer reasonably believes that another law enforcement officer is engaged in a use of excessive force". PURPOSE It is the purpose of this policy to explain the legal and moral obligation members have regarding their duty to intervene. This duty means to take an active approach to intervene to stop any unethical behavior or misconduct when another officer is committing such conduct. This duty is embodied in the law enforcement officer's code of ethics, and in the law. All levels of supervision and command are required to take measures to ensure members of this agency understand this duty and that agency members have a clear understanding of this agency's expectations pertaining to conduct and activities while on and off- duty. DEFINITIONS • Excessive Force: Use of a level of force that exceeds the level of force a law enforcement officer would reasonably need to use in the situation, including intentionally escalating an encounter absent a lawful, necessary purpose. • Intervene: To interact verbally or physically with another officer to prevent or stop behaviors that may violate another person's rights and/or policy and statute, POLICY Duty to Intervene Any officer present and observing another law enforcement officer, regardless of agency affiliation, using force that is objectively unreasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intercede to prevent or end the use of unreasonable force. Duty to Report Any officer of this agency who observes another law enforcement officer use force that is not objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall report these observations to an agency supervisor as soon as feasible. In the event that the officer using excessive force is from another agency, the reporting officer shall report these observations to an agency supervisor and to a supervisor from that offending officer's agency. The report shall consist of the name of the officer who used unreasonable force, the date and approximate time of the event, name of the victim (if known), and the names of any other officers or department personnel who may have witnessed the event. No member of this agency will attempt or explicitly discourage a fellow employee or member of another agency of making a report related to their duty to intervene. Page 1 of 2 Handling of Report All reports made on instances of intervention during a use of force or other behavior, as defined in this policy, shall be handled in the same manner which other complaints regarding officer conduct are investigated. Such investigation must include the following steps as executed by a supervisor or other assigned officer; 1, Upon learning of an incident involving an officer intervening with another officer, separate all officers involved in the incident. 2. Conduct a preliminary investigation to gather any pertinent information that would coincide with the reason for the intervention (e.g., witnesses, BWC footage, videos, area canvass, etc.). 3. Ensure all parties involved in the incident complete a report detailing the circumstances that led to the Intervention and what, if anything, occurred once the member intervened. I 4. Determine whether the actions leading to the intervention constitute misconduct, unethical behavior, or potential criminal conduct and create report. 5. If appropriate, consider making a recommendation that the member' who intervened receive recognition for his/her actions." Members of this agency, who have been found through internal investigation to have violated this policy, may be required to participate in remedial training and/or be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the Policy and Procedures Manual. Protection of Reporter This agency is committed to protecting employees who act on their duty to intervene to prevent or minimize misconduct by another agency member. No member of this agency will attempt or explicitly discourage, interfere, or prohibit a fellow employee of taking action to intervene or in making a report related to their duty to intervene. Further, no employee of this agency will retaliate against an agency employee who intervenes and/or reports an excessive force event. Page 2 of 2 BLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT FOOT PURSUIT REPORT INCIDENT REPORT # DATE OF PURSUIT. PURSUIT START LOCATION PURSUIT TERMINATION LOCATION TIME OF PURSUIT PRIMARY OFFICER.. _ SECONDARY OFFICER - SUPERVISOR IDENTIFY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY SUSPECTED: 1 ❑ Video Available ❑ Dispatch Tapes Available ❑ Video Reviewed by: ❑ Dispatch Tapes Reviewed By ❑ Video Preserved ❑ Dispatch Tapes Preserved ENVIRONMENTAL FP;CTORS Area Type ❑ Rural 0 Business Zone ❑ Residential Additional Comments School Zone Weather ❑ Clear ❑ Rain ❑ Snow ❑ Fog ❑ Dry ❑ Wet ❑ Ice Lighting Condition ❑ Daylight ❑ Dusk ❑ Night ❑ Well -Lit ❑ Night -No Lighting Area Containment Performance: Additional Officers Performance: Surveillance until Performance: Backup arrives - - TERMINATIONf - _ ❑ Terminated by Primary Officer ❑ Terminated by Supervisor ❑ Suspect Voluntarily Stopped ❑ Suspect Stopped'by Force Officer Complaint ❑ Visible ❑ Medical Required ❑ Serious ❑ Fatal ❑ Officer 2 Complaint ❑ Visible ❑ Medical Required ❑ Serious ❑ Fatal ❑ Suspect Complaint ❑ Visible ❑ Medical Required ❑ Serious ❑ Fatal ❑ Third Party Complaint ❑ Visible ❑ Medical Required ❑ Serious ❑ Fatal ❑ Sergeant or Senior Officer: I ON -SCENE ❑ YES ❑ NO I COMMENTS Captain: COMMENTS: Chief of Police COMMENTS: