To assign the responsibilities for notifying Staff and on-call personnel of emergencies and serious incidents.
 

G.O. 1105, Staff Duty Officer
Patrol SOP P1-142 Command Duty Officer

CALEA Standards 22.2.6; 46.1.2; 46.1.4; 46.1.5; 52.1.3; 55.2.6
 

As police agencies must respond to an unpredictable variety of incidents, it is clearly impossible to devise a comprehensive and definitive policy for notifications. The best that can be done is to set up a basic guideline and to trust Department personnel to demonstrate professionalism in their use of discretion. The fundamental question is, "Who needs to know in order to act?"

Similarly, an adequate list of cross-references would include most directives in this manual and, therefore, serve no purpose that is not equally well-served by the Table of Contents. Those charged with making notifications are advised to consult whatever directives pertain to the specific kind of incident at hand.
 

Patrol Sergeants will use their judgment and experience to determine which incidents require Staff notification. Mandatory notifications are listed below.

•   Change in National Alert Status

·     Deadly force incidents resulting in injury or death

·         Officer causes death or serious injury to someone

·         Member is seriously injured (hospitalized) or killed

·         Incidents involving political sensitivity or major liability risk

·         Barricaded gunman or hostage incidents

·         Explosives incidents of a serious nature

·         Major fires, aircraft incidents, or other disasters that require police response

·         Major civil disturbances/unlawful demonstrations

·         Homicides or suspected homicides, violent suicides, kidnapping or foul play

·         Major employee walk-outs or work stoppages

·         Major communications or computer equipment failure

·          Major damage to or malfunction of patrol equipment

·         Major incidents requiring unusual drain on Patrol manpower

·         Arrests or other incidents likely to generate special media attention; newsworthy"  events

·         Department Member is charged with a crime

Deadly force incidents resulting in injury or death Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends All Deputy Chiefs Commander of Investigations Public Information Officer Commander of Professional Standards Division Commander(s), as appropriate Officer causes death or serious injury to someone: Command Duty OfficerStaff Duty Officer - Weekends All Deputy Chiefs Commander of Professional Standards Public Information Officer Division Commander(s), as appropriate Member is seriously injured (hospitalized) or killed: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends All Deputy Chiefs Commander of Professional Standards Public Information Officer Police Psychologist Commander or equivalent in member's chain of command Division Commander(s), as appropriate Incidents involving political sensitivity or major liability risk: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends Deputy Chief of Patrol Public Information Officer Division Commander(s), as appropriate Barricaded gunman or hostage incidents: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends Deputy Chief of Patrol Public Information Officer Division Commander(s), as appropriate Explosives incidents of a serious nature: Command Duty OfficerStaff Duty Officer - Weekends Deputy Chief of Patrol Public Information Officer Division Commander(s), as appropriate Major fires, aircraft incidents, or other disasters that require police response: Command Duty OfficerStaff Duty Officer - Weekends Deputy Chief of Patrol Public Information Officer Division Commander(s), as appropriate Major civil disturbances/unlawful demonstrations: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends Deputy Chief of Patrol Public Information Officer Division Commander(s), as appropriate Homicides or suspected homicides, violent suicides, kidnapping or foul play: Command Duty Officer Public Information Officer Major employee walk-outs or work stoppages: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer- Weekends All Deputy Chiefs supervising the activity Commander of Professional Standards Public Information Officer Division Commanders, as appropriate Commander or equivalent supervising the activity Major communications or computer equipment failure: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - weekends Communications Manager and/or Computer Services Manager Information Technology Manager Staff Duty Officer Director, Management Services Major damage to or malfunction of patrol equipment: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends Division Commander(s), as appropriate Major incidents requiring unusual drain on Patrol manpower: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends Division Commander(s), as appropriate Arrests or other incidents likely to generate special media attention; "newsworthy" events: Command Duty Officer Staff Duty Officer - Weekends Public Information Officer Department Member is charged with a crime: Command Duty Officer Commander of Professional Standards Public Information Officer Division Commander
 

Communications is responsible for making all emergency notifications other than those given individually to Staff.  Communications will routinely notify Staff members via the “Red Team” page of all the incidents categorized by this General Order, and any other event that, at the discretion of a supervisor, may be necessary. 

Communications will generally make emergency notifications at the direction of the on-duty field or investigative supervisors.

To identify key Department personnel necessary for ensuring continuous police service to the community and provide transportation for them during natural disasters, severe weather conditions and other exceptional circumstances which limit the ability to report for duty.
 

CALEA Standards 41.2.1; 46.1.2; 46.1.8; 61.3.1; 61.3.2; 81.3.1
 

The following personnel are considered key personnel in the context of the Emergency Relief Plan and are included in the transportation program of the plan.

Patrol Bureau

• Division Commander(s)
• Assigned oncoming Watch Commander(s)
• Assigned oncoming Front Desk personnel
• Patrol Support Commander or one Sergeant from TEU/Explosives.
• Highest staffing level possible as determined by the on-duty Watch   Commanders.
• Traffic Commander or one Sergeant from Traffic

Communications Section

• Communications Manager 
• Minimum of two Public Safety Dispatchers working the Fire consoles
• Shift supervisor  
• Minimum of five four Emergency Response Technicians
• Minimum of five four Public Safety Dispatchers working the Police consoles

Records Section

• Section Commander
• One I.D. Technician I (detention system)
• One I.D. Technician II (Headquarters)

Investigations Bureau

• Major Persons Crimes Commander or one Sergeant
• Metro VNI Commander or one Lieutentant Lieutenant
• Special Services Commander or one Sergeant
• One investigator from each of the investigative units
• One civilian crime scene investigator

Department Staff

• All Deputy Chiefs

Information Technology Computer Services

• One computer technician

Others

• Public Information Officer

The following priority transportation list will be adhered to by on-duty supervisor when coordinating transportation requests:

• Patrol Bureau
• Communications
• Department Staff
• Investigations Bureau
• Records
• Computer Services
• Others

Key personnel, as defined in the Emergency Relief Plan, are responsible for notifying their Bureau, Division, Section or Unit supervisor, if available, of their need for transportation. That supervisor will then notify the appropriate on-duty supervisor, giving the employee's name and address. If the appropriate supervisor is not available, the employee will notify the on-duty Watch Commander directly.

The on-duty supervisor will coordinate the transportation program with the on-duty Communications supervisor.  Priority for transportation of off-duty personnel, from work assignments to their homes, will rank behind the transportation of oncoming personnel. No off-duty transportation will commence until the on-duty supervisors are satisfied that key personnel transportation is complete and adequate staffing levels have been met, unless it can be accomplished without significantly impacting the transportation of incoming personnel.
 

The Emergency Relief Plan authorizes on-duty supervisors to order the use of Department 4X4 vehicles for transportation purposes. No transportation, however, will be furnished for personnel who live outside the city limits, without the authorization of the Chief of Police or designee.

A list of all Department-owned 4X4 vehicles will be kept in the supervisor's office. If vehicles needed for the transportation program are stored at any location other than police facilities (e.g., the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport or an officer's home), the on-duty supervisor shall immediately take steps to have them moved to a central location for use as transportation vehicles. The Fleet Vehicle Coordinator shall be responsible for updating the vehicle list.
 

The following agencies or individuals can be called on to supplement the provisions of the Emergency Relief Plan. The decision to request outside assistance will be made by the Chief of Police, or designee, in conjunction with the on-duty supervisor.

1. Fort Carson can provide vehicles and drivers to assist in transportation or other needs. Contact the Captain or Sergeant Major of Military Police Operations, 526-0095. If no answer, contact through the Fort Carson Military Police Operations Desk, 526-2333.
2. The Colorado Mounted Rangers organization has access to tracked vehicles. Requests for their use should be made through the Director of Disaster Emergency Services Agency Office of Emergency Management.
3. Snowmobiles can be obtained through snowmobile clubs.  (598-1219).
   Drivers will be furnished with each snowmobile.

To guide personnel in using the police radio communications system in order to ensure effective and efficient command and control of police resources and to maximize employee safety.
 

G.O. 962, Vehicles: Emergency Operation
G.O. 965, Vehicles: Pursuits
G.O. 315, Response to Crimes in Progress
G.O. 110, Emergency Notifications
G.O. 1510, Criminal Records Information
G.O. 975, Mobile Computer Procedures
CALEA Standards 12.1.3; 72.4.9; 81.2.5; 81.2.9; 81.3.1; 81.3.4
 

The purpose of the radio communications system is to direct deployment to meet the needs of any situation, to facilitate coordination, to inform Department personnel of situations and responses, and to assure them that all appropriate resources will be used. The Department's communications protocols are based upon the use of disciplined clear speech, which is the clearest and most efficient means of communicating.
 

All instructions or orders from Communications shall be accepted as if they had been issued personally by the Chief of Police. All such orders or instructions shall be followed, and attempts to resolve disputes arising from them shall be reserved until after completion of the assignments.
 

Talkgroups:  A set of Trunked Radio system users who communicate with each other. For purposes of discussion, a talkgroup is synonymous to a radio channel.

Radio ID:  The internal numeric identifier in every radio operating on a Trunked Radio system.  This identifier is transmitted to the system controller with each transmission, so that the radio can be linked to all other radios programmed with the same talkgroup.  The Radio ID can be displayed as an alias, (i.e., Division, Section, the name and IBM number of the person assigned the radio).

Individual Call Sign:  The personal radio designator for each radio user on the Department not assigned a permanent Unit designator.  An Individual Call Sign is comprised of the prefix "PD" and the member's IBM number.
 

A Department employee will use the Trunked Radio "Emergency Alert" button on their radio to indicate duress when use of clear communication is prohibited by the nature of the situation (for example, the employee is in immediate need of assistance and cannot otherwise communicate the need).  Note: The Emergency Alert function produces an audible tone on the user's radio when activated.  Covert use of this function is limited in a hostage situation.

If performing departmental functions outside his/her normal duty assignment (for example, extra-duty assignments), the employee will use their individual call sign or the designated call sign for a specific assignment when appropriate.
 

See G.O. 965, Vehicles: Pursuits
 

The following codes and phrases shall be used, when applicable, in local radio transmissions:

Officer Needs Help--This emergency call shall be broadcast when immediate aid is needed by an officer. The officer requesting shall include the location followed, if possible, by the unit identification and all other pertinent information.  This emergency call may also be made by activation of the Emergency Alert button on the Trunked radio.  A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Three" and other available units in the vicinity shall respond "Code Two." An "Officer Needs Help" call shall be broadcast when "emergency assistance" is needed.

In the event of an accidental activation of the Emergency Alert button, the member will immediately advise the dispatcher on the air that they are not experiencing any problem or emergency by giving a Code Four.  The member is to then advise the dispatcher that they are going to clear the Alert on their radio.  To clear the Emergency Alert status on a Trunked radio the Emergency Alert button is pressed for three (3) seconds and then released.  A medium-pitched tone sounds until the button is released and the radio returns to normal operation.

Officer Needs Assistance--This emergency call shall be broadcast when additional aid is needed by an officer. The officer requesting shall include the location, followed by the unit identification and all other pertinent information, including the reason for request. A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Two" and other available units in the vicinity shall respond when practicable.

Fireman Needs Help--This emergency call shall be broadcast when immediate police assistance is needed because firemen are being attacked, attack is imminent, or some other emergency exists. This emergency call may also be made by activation of the Emergency Alert button on the Trunked radio.  A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Three" and other available units in the vicinity shall respond "Code Two."

Fireman Needs Assistance--This call shall be broadcast when police assistance is needed because of hostile crowd action or some other incident. A specific unit shall be dispatched "Code Two," and other available units in the vicinity shall respond "Code Two."

Code One--This call may be issued by the dispatcher or a field unit informing all units to stand by--"To Stop Transmitting And Listen."

Code Two--Most calls will require a "Code Two" response. Officers will proceed to a "Code Two" call in accordance with all the provisions of this Manual, the Code of the City of Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Motor Vehicle Laws. Briefly, a "Code Two" response is when a Department vehicle is operated in compliance with all the rules of the road. The only time exemptions are granted for adherence to the rules of the road is during a "Code Three" response.

Code Three--A radio call accompanied by a "Code Three" designation is an emergency call. It shall be answered immediately, but in a manner that will enable the unit to reach the scene as quickly as possible with safety. The red light and siren shall be used whenever it is necessary to disregard provisions of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs and the Colorado Motor Vehicle Laws. 

A call may justify a "Code Three" for any reason listed below:

• A serious public hazard.
• The preservation of life.
• A crime of violence in progress.
• The prevention of a crime of violence.
• An immediate pursuit.
• Any unit requests another unit "Code Three."

The final decision for the use of "Code Three," other than in response to a directed radio call or a field supervisor's authority, shall be made by the vehicle operator.

An officer shall immediately broadcast his/her intention to proceed "Code Three" when the decision is based on anything other than a directed police radio call. The "Code Three" broadcast shall include the nature and location of the activity and, when known, the starting point, route of travel, and destination.

When the "Code Three" has been terminated, the officer shall notify Communications as soon as is practical.

When more than one unit is "Code Three" in the same general area, they shall be notified by Communications that units are "Code Three" in the vicinity. No more than one vehicle shall be operated "Code Three" in any single incident, except with supervisory approval.

Code Four--Will be used to indicate a situation is secured; sufficient units are on hand for the situation; or assistance is not needed. Units which are not at the scene shall return to their assigned patrol area when a "Code Four" is broadcast.

Code Five--When a one-man unit receives a "Code Five" in answer to a request for information on a suspect, the officer shall place himself/herself in a position of advantage and wait for assistance. Communications will wait for the officer's request before broadcasting the information. Once control is established, the officer can choose to request the information or to wait until another unit arrives before doing so. When a "Code Five" is received by a two-man unit, the officers shall immediately place themselves in positions of advantage over the suspect. When control is obtained, the unit shall request the want/warrant information from Communications.

Code Five M--Indicates that the "want" is for a misdemeanor offense.

Code Five F--Indicates that the "want" is for a felony offense.

Code Five AD--Indicates a "want" is for an offense and the person should be considered armed and dangerous.

Code Six--Used by field units to advise the dispatcher that they are busy and not available to respond to calls for service; reasons for being busy and the location of the unit will be given.

Code Seven--Used to request meal times and coffee breaks. After receiving clearance for a "Code Seven" the requesting unit will give his/her location and will remain reachable by radio during the break.

Code Eight--Indicates a burglary or robbery alarm. Dispatchers will indicate whether the alarm is audible or silent and, if available, the exact location of the alarm, i.e., drive-up window, main building, branch office, etc.

Code Nine--Indicates a possible homicide, as opposed to a dead body (DB).

Code Twelve--Indicates an area is under temporary surveillance. All units shall avoid the vicinity except in an emergency or in response to a call.

Code Fifteen--Indicates that transactions on a particular channel are limited to calls for service only.

Code Seventeen--SHO/DI, indicates a juvenile serious habitual offender. Officers are encouraged to take formal action if circumstances permit. If no formal criminal action, FIR is required to alert the Crime Analysis Unit of the contact.

Code Twenty--Request for emergency assistance when the use of clear speech will cause an undesirable reaction from the person(s) with whom the officer is in contact. Basic Response Team is dispatched immediately.
 

The following phonetic alphabet is to be used in radio transmissions:

A -- ADAM         G -- GEORGE    M -- MARY        S -- SAM 
B -- BAKER       H -- HENRY        N -- NANCY      T -- TOM  
C -- CHARLES    I -- IDA              O -- OCEAN      U -- UNION 
D -- DAVID         J -- JOHN           P -- PAUL         V -- VICTOR 
E -- EDWARD    K -- KING           Q -- QUEEN      W -- WILLIAM 
F -- FRANK        L -- LINCOLN      R -- ROBERT     X -- X-RAY
Y-- YOUNG        Z-- ZEB
 

The following procedures shall apply to the dispatching of Department vehicles.
 

Officers shall not respond to calls assigned to other units. If a dispatcher requests the location of Department vehicles in the immediate vicinity of a call requiring immediate attention, any officer in that vicinity shall reply and stand by until cleared to proceed to that call.

It may be necessary for officers to be dispatched to calls for service late in their shift. Officers receiving a call near the end of a tour of duty shall be responsible for properly completing the call, except when specifically relieved of that call by a supervisor or officer from an oncoming shift.

No overtime approval will be needed for Priority One calls for service that carry over a tour of duty. Should overtime be required for other calls for service, the officer is responsible to obtain overtime approval from an on-duty supervisor. At the discretion of the dispatcher, Officers shall be dispatched to calls for service up to thirty (30) minutes prior to the end of their tour of duty . Officers receiving a call near the end of a tour of duty shall be responsible for properly completing the call, except when specifically relieved of that call by an officer from an oncoming shift.
 

Upon arrival at the location of a dispatched call, officers shall properly inform the dispatcher of their arrival.
 

Upon completing an assignment or call, Department personnel shall notify the dispatcher, giving a description of the action taken and the address(es) involved.
 

Neither field personnel nor dispatchers shall assume that their transmission has been received until a proper acknowledgment is received. After a reasonable pause, transmissions should be repeated until acknowledged.
 

Personnel are to use the MDC, (G.O. 975.28) as their primary means for determining, and confirming, wants on persons, vehicles, or items.

To determine if persons, vehicles, other items, etc., are wanted, personnel are to use the MDC, (G.O. 975 .28 ) as their primary means for obtaining this information. 

If an MDC is unavailable, the following information must be provided to the NCIC operator in Records and ID, or to the Communications for a dispatcher, if the NCIC operator is unavailable:  to be able to obtain this information.
Persons: Name, date of birth.

• Vehicles: License number and state of issuance or vehicle identification number.
• Other Articles: Item description, brand, serial number.

If the officer needs information on an extensive list of items, persons, etc., a telephone call should be placed directly to the Records Section. Radio channels should be used only if telephone contact is not possible.
 

The radio shall not be used for routine transmission of criminal history information.  Criminal history information is protected under various federal and state laws and can only be broadcast over the radio in the following situations:

1. When there is a situation affecting the safety of a law enforcement officer or the general public.
2. When a law enforcement officer determines that in order to further the investigation, an immediate need for the information is required.

Absent either of the above situations, all criminal history information shall be requested from personnel authorized to obtain such information and the requests shall be made in person or by phone or MDC (General Order 975).
 

When Communications personnel receive information of a felony crime of violence (i.e., armed robberies with suspect vehicle information, serious assaults with suspect or suspect vehicle information, etc.), information will be directed to Colorado law enforcement agencies by a State Teletype "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) via the NCIC operator.  This will be followed up by telephone calls to appropriate adjoining agencies as circumstances permit.

The information on a crime and/or suspect must be sent to adjoining agencies as soon as possible after the Colorado Springs Police Department determines a crime has taken place and sufficient information is available to alert outside agencies of the crime.

Suspect and additional information may be sent as an update to the original State Teletype BOLO.
 

If an officer who is required to be in radio contact with Communications (i.e., Patrol Units, etc.) fails to respond to a radio call and has not arrived at the scene of a call or notified Communications that she/he will be out of radio contact, these procedures will be followed:  See General Order 975 .

Each time a radio call for that unit is made the time shall be recorded.

Attempts to call the unit shall continue for fifteen minutes after the first missed call.  The dispatcher will use the Private Call function of the Trunked radio system to attempt direct radio contact with the officer's issued portable radio.

After the fifteen minute lapse, the Communications appropriate Supervisor, the appropriate Patrol Supervisor or supervisor or Command Officer shall be notified in order that the proper procedures be initiated to locate the missing officer(s).

When a missing officer is located, the Patrol Sergeant will ascertain why the officer was not available and report the findings either orally or in writing to the Watch Commander.  The Watch Commander may take immediate action which is appropriate and authorized, or may forward the report for action by the Division Commander.

The involved supervisor or Command Officer shall attach the list of recorded call times to the memorandum to assist in determining if disciplinary action is warranted.
 

Portable radio units are intended to provide mobility and security.  Portable units, and pager units are the responsibility of the person to whom the unit is issued or assigned. Damage to units through neglect or abuse is the responsibility of that person.

Portable units are to be used only for police functions and are not to be used in any manner that violates this purpose or contributes to neglect of duty.  In the event of an emergency, when a member is unable or prevented from using a Department radio, the mature family members or significant other of the officer are authorized to advise the Communications Section of the emergency.  The family members, spouse or significant other who need to use an officer's radio in an emergency are to use the officer's Individual Call Sign adding a suffix "F" to identify themselves.  It is the officer's responsibility to instruct family members in the proper use of the radio, including the identifying call sign.

Use of check-out units must be cleared with the appropriate authority before use (generally, the on-duty Supervisor.)
 

G. O. 190 Communications and Reports: Direct Line Reporting (DLR)
CALEA Standards 81.2.14; 82.2.2
 

TeleServe will take the following types of reports, or report supplements about events that are not in-progess and that have ing no known suspect, no suspect information, and no physical evidence present:

• All bicycle thefts (including those taken from structures)
• Lost or stolen articles (purse, wallets, etc.)
• Criminal mischief (MM's)
• Obscene or harassing phone calls (when victim is in no immediate
  danger)
• Theft of auto parts (regardless of monetary amount)
• Theft from Vehicle
• Thefts
• Miscellaneous insurance reports
• Supplemental information to existing reports

Reports and supplements will be taken by TeleServe, as previously listed, unless any of the following exceptions exist:

• Unusual circumstances exist that require a field investigation
• The victim requests a police officer
• An officer has been dispatched to the scene
• When the The crime is reported to a police officer in person by the victim
• There is a known suspect, the suspect is present, the crime is in progress
  or physical evidence is present
• Theft cases having a loss of $10,000 or more
• Gas skips when the victim can make a positive identification
• The offense is directly related to a labor dispute
• The offense has racial, ethnic or religious connotations

To specify criteria and procedures for taking and submitting offense reports.
 

SOP P1-62, Criminal Offense Exceptions
CALEA Standards 1.2.8; 71.1.7; 82.2.1; 82.2.2
 

Officers shall make all required reports promptly, accurately and completely.
 

Officers will complete and submit reports in accordance with the following criteria:

Felonies: All incidents involving an actual or suspected felony offense will be reported regardless of whether any enforcement or investigative action is taken or anticipated.

Misdemeanors/Petty Offenses: Violations involving a misdemeanor or petty offense will be reported whenever any enforcement or investigative action is taken, or anticipated, or when necessary to justify a lack of enforcement or investigative action.

Special Exception--Indecent Exposure: All incidents involving an indecent exposure violation will be reported, regardless of whether any enforcement or investigative action is taken or anticipated.

Incidents that are unfounded, or do not normally require a report, need not be reported. However, the officer making the decision not to report such an incident may be required to justify the decision to higher authority.  An easy guide to determine if a report needs to be submitted is, "When in doubt, report it."
 

All reports, except those authorized delayed by a field supervisor or Division Lieutenant, will be submitted before going off duty. All reports will be completed before starting days off.

Officers failing to submit reports on time will be subject to disciplinary action. Following are guidelines:

• First failure will be cause for a written reprimand.
• Second failure within one year will be cause for a day's pay to be forfeited.
• On subsequent occasions when an officer fails to turn in reports, the officer shall forfeit additional days' pay.

Patrol officers, and certain other persons, are issued tape recorders for dictating reports during uncommitted time. This permits officers to remain in their vehicles and be available for assignment while completing lengthy narrative reports. Brief supplements should be handwritten to improve expediency.

Face sheets and property descriptor forms will be handwritten, as will brief narratives. Recorders are the responsibility of the person to whom they are assigned, and should be returned to Supply with an explanatory memorandum if they are damaged or inoperable.
 

G.O. 520 Juveniles
G.O. 540 Mentally Ill Person
S.O.P. I4 - 520 Processing Pick Up Forms
S.O.P. I4 - 362 Computer Entry / Cancellation of Missing Persons
S.O.P. I4 - 361 NCIC Validation List
S.O.P. I4 - 345 Verification of Computer Entries
S.O.P. I4 - 307 NCIC / CCIC / NLETS Message Switching
S.O.P. P1 - 15 Police Service Representatives
S.O.P. P1 - 25 Runaway / Missing Person Reports
NCIC Operations Manual, Part 8, Section 1 -- Missing Person File

The basic legal issue in most missing persons cases is that it is not against the law for an adult to be absent without explanation.  If a person is voluntarily absent, he/she is legally entitled to his/her privacy.  Said another way, competent adults (those age 18 years or over) may choose to disappear if they wish.  In our society adults are free to make what others would consider to be bad decisions.  They can choose to leave home with no advanced warning, to abandon their jobs, ignore friends, and even cut all ties with family members. 

Even if a law enforcement agency were to locate the person, it could not divulge any private information about the person (such as the person's location) without specific permission from that person.  This is because in In some cases persons who are voluntarily absent may have a valid reason for this such as fleeing from an abusive relationship.

As a result, rules of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) regulate the entry of "wants" into that nationwide computer system for missing persons.  These rules prohibit the entry of a person into the NCIC/CCIC "missing persons files" unless the person is a juvenile missing without parental permission, or is an adult who is missing and endangered, or is a person believed to be involuntarily missing such as a victim of abduction or other foul play.  (Reference:  NCIC Operations Manual, Part 8, Section 1.1)

Further, the Police Department has an obligation to attempt to locate adults who have disappeared under mysterious circumstances and may be endangered or the victims of foul play. 

The purpose of this General Order is to attempt to strike a balance between these factors.
 

For the purpose of this policy only, the term “adult” shall include juveniles who are legally emancipated by marriage, military service, or order of a Court of competent jurisdiction. 

Normally, missing persons reports must be made in person at the police facility because these reports must be signed.   Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by an on-duty lieutenant or his/her acting designee.  Missing person reports shall be made on forms approved by the State of Colorado for this purpose. 

There is no required waiting period to report a person is missing.  What is required is that there is sufficient evidence that the person is truly missing before a report is made (not just unexpectedly late or known to be voluntarily absent).  Additionally, there must be some nexus between the missing person and the City of Colorado Springs (e.g. the person resides here and is missing; the person was traveling in Colorado Springs and is missing, etc.)

The Police Department will vary the investigative response to a report of a missing person based upon facts in the case.  The three basic categories for which a missing person report will be accepted are:

1.         Competent adults who are suddenly absent (missing) without explanation and because of the circumstances it cannot be safely determined that this is voluntary and that individual is not in danger.  Thus, it would seem prudent to confirm that the individual is safe. 

§         This would include situations where the missing person has not contacted the reporting party after he/she left and there was no prior indication that they would leave, etc. 

2.        Incompetent adults or others who are missing and are thereby endangered.  Examples include:

§         Adults who are mentally ill or impaired, developmentally disabled, suicidal, etc.

§         Adults with severe medical conditions that could result in the person being incapacitated and unable to return home and thereby endangered.

§         Those adults missing during catastrophic weather (such as a blizzard) or similar circumstances and thereby endangered.

3.        Anyone missing under circumstances indicating the substantial possibility of foul play.

There are a number of factors that will be considered when deciding into which category the missing person falls.  Some examples of these are:

§         Did the person leave a note or otherwise make contact indicating he/she was voluntarily leaving?  

§         Have they failed to perform an important task?  (i.e., pick up children from babysitter, failed to pick up a loved one from work)

§         Do they suffer from any mental or cognitive impairment?

§         Do they have a history of being “missing”?

§         Is the person having relationship problems?

§         Is the person having financial or employment problems?

§         Has the missing person been despondent or depressed?

§         Are any of the person's belongings missing? (i.e., clothing and toiletries)

§         Has the person recently suffered the loss of a loved one, or the end of a long-term relationship?

§         Is the person's car missing?

§         Is the person's wallet missing?

§         Has the person taken substantial amounts of money from his / her bank account? 

§         Is the person having difficulties at work or school?

§         Did the person take necessary medications? 

Facts related to these and similar factors should be addressed in the narrative of a missing person report.  Cases where there appears to be an exigent situation should be immediately brought to the attention of the on-duty lieutenant and his/her designee.

If a person is missing and falls into one of the three categories listed above, regardless of which of the categories is involved, information about the missing person will be entered into NCIC/CCIC and the Police Department’s own computer system by Records and Identification Section after the submission of the report.

Any law enforcement officer with whom the individual comes into contact will be able to swiftly learn his/her status by checking these systems.  These systems automatically notify the Police Department of the query.
 

NCIC rules prohibit entering persons as missing" unless the entering agency is actively handling the case.  (CIC Operations Manual Section 8.1.1.2.)  Cases involving persons missing from jurisdictions other than Colorado Springs will be referred to the jurisdiction from which he/she is missing.

Nothing shall prohibit the Department from making a report for "Outside Agency Assistance" for a person missing in another jurisdiction being reported by a person here, and forwarding that report to the appropriate agency for action, where request to do so by that agency.  When approved by an on-duty lieutenant or his/her acting designee, the Department may send an NLETS message (e.g. teletype) to another agency to request a "check the welfare" on a person believed to be missing and endangered in that jurisdiction or otherwise seeking direction on how to proceed on that agency's behalf.
 

Official missing persons reports will not be made in cases that do not meet the previously discussed criterion.  Prohibited reports include but are not limited to the following:

• Cases where the complainant knows that the adult has left voluntarily and there is no evidence that the person is otherwise endangered, yet the complainant wants the assistance of the Department in locating the individual. 
• Cases where the complainant wants to locate the individual so as to collect a debt, sue him/her, serve him or her with divorce papers, probate a will, etc.
• Cases where the complainant wants to locate a family member or friend with whom he/she has lost contact over an extended period of time.
• Cases when there is no nexus between the missing person and the City of Colorado Springs, unless requested by another law enforcement agency as an "outside agency assist" discussed previously.

When a missing persons report is made, the following information should be included:

§         The missing person’s full name, date of birth, social security number, and physical description.

§         Details of where and when they were last seen or heard from the circumstances of the disappearance.

§         Details of any vehicle that may be involved.

§         Any known travel plans or destinations.

§         Details of any persons in the company of the missing person.

§         A description of what the missing person was wearing.

§         A description of any unique physical or speech characteristics

§         Information of the dentist who has treated the missing person

§         Other information required by the Colorado Missing Persons Report Form
 

A "want" for a missing person that has been entered into NCIC/CCIC should be cancelled when one of the following occurs:

• The original complainant contacts the Department and indicates that the individual has returned, made contact, or the complainant has otherwise determined that the individual is no longer believed to be missing or endangered.  Identity of the complainant shall be established by the totality of the circumstances.
• The missing person is in contact with the Department or another law enforcement agency or other government entity and is determined to not be endangered.  Identity of the missing person shall be established by the totality of the circumstances.
• It has been determined that the original "want" was entered into violation of NCIC criterion.

Third-party requests to cancel a "want" by someone other than the complainant or the missing person shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Ultimately, the decision as to whether to cancel the "want" in these latter cases shall rest with the on-duty supervisor who shall decide how to proceed based upon the credibility of the information as determined by the totality of the circumstances.

Whenever a "want" is cancelled for whatever reason, this fact shall be documented in the cases report along with the circumstances of the cancellation.
 

When making a missing persons report, the complainant shall be advised that if the missing person contact him / her to advise the Police Department promptly.

In some cases, the Social Security Administration can help make contact with a missing person when the person has been gone long enough to become employed elsewhere.  Unfortunately, Social Security cannot provide a relative with a missing person’s new address.  However, in some cases Social Security will forward that person a letter.  Individuals should be directed to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1212 to determine eligibility for the letter forwarding service and to ascertain if the social security number is active.

In more immediate cases, friends and family may hold the key.  The complainant can greatly assist the Department in its efforts doing the following:

§         Checking with missing person’s friends, school, neighbors, relatives, or anyone else who may know of their whereabouts.  Ask them to notify you if they hear from or see the missing person. 

§         Keeping a log of names, phone numbers, and addresses (if known) of everyone you talked to before and after reporting your loved one missing.  Note the information received and date of the contact in the event you need to get back to them for additional information.

§         Obtaining caller ID and log all calls, even hang up calls.  

§         Provide cell phone and land line phone bills belonging to the missing adult for any calls that may not be routine.

§         If the missing person uses a computer, provide the name of the Internet Service Provider to law enforcement. 

§         Retain personal items of the missing adult such as toothbrushes and hair brushes, razors, underwear, eyeglasses, dental molds, retainers, mouth guards, any other item worn frequently by the person, or items that only they have used.  Put these items in a paper bag in a secure place.  (These could provide a source of known DNA in the future).

§         Establish the missing adult’s habits.  Make a list of places they frequent and check for any sightings of the missing person there. 

§         If the missing adult was employed, check with their employer and inquire if the MA has picked up his / her last paycheck or left employment with direction on where to send their last paycheck. 

§         Check with the missing adult’s landlord to ascertain any problems that may have occurred at the place of residence.  Find out if rent has been paid or if the missing person has given notice to vacate.  If the missing person resides in another city or state, ask the local law enforcement agency to stop by and check on their welfare.

§         Check with the missing adult’s bank to establish if there has been any activity in the account.  It will be necessary for the complainant to emphasize his / her relationship with the missing person and the fact that you are not interested in the value of the account, but need to establish if there has been any activity after a certain date or if the account has been closed and transferred to another location.  Provide the name of the bank to law enforcement.

§         Provide the name and number of the missing adult’s dentist.

To make clear the methods and responsibilities for handling stolen vehicles; i.e., the reports, the pickups, and notifications to the vehicle owners.
 

G.O. 290, Towing and Impound Procedures
G.O. 831, Collection of Physical Evidence
CALEA Standards 61.4.3; 82.2.2
 

The officer who makes the case report on a stolen vehicle will see that a formal pickup is made as soon as possible. This shall be done immediately after the investigation either by going to the Records Section or by dictating a formal pickup to Records personnel by telephone.

Officers shall always complete the formal pickup before going off duty.

The pickup must be filled out completely. If the pickup does not contain the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it cannot be processed. The Records Section, in most cases, will be able to obtain the VIN for the officer while s/he waits, and then the officer can complete the pickup. Completion of the pickup is the responsibility of the reporting officer, not the Records personnel. If there are suspects to include with the vehicle pickup, be sure to cross-reference these suspects on the vehicle pickup. When the Records Section receives the formal pickup information, they shall type the formal pickup on the proper form and enter the vehicle into NCIC, CCIC and PDIC.
 

When a vehicle is both stolen and recovered within the jurisdiction of the Colorado Springs Police Department, but the owner cannot be contacted to ascertain his/her choice of a wrecker, the current Colorado Springs Police Department contract towing company shall be used, and the vehicle will be taken to the Colorado Springs Police Department Impound Lot, 2725 East Las Vegas Street. Vehicles stolen within the CSPD jurisdiction but recovered outside will be processed by the recovering agency. CSPD officers will not be dispatched to effect the recovery.

If the recovered vehicle has already been impounded by another law enforcement agency or has been picked up by another towing company, the officer receiving the information shall be responsible for making a report, noting the law enforcement agency impounding the vehicle, the location of the vehicle, the date and time the information was received and from whom, and whether or not the owner was notified.

The vehicle will be left in the custody of the recovering agency or at the towing company having possession of the vehicle, and the owner will be notified of its location by the officer making the report.

This will avoid a double tow bill for the owner.
 

To set policy and procedures for use of the Summons and Complaint. Procedures specifically related to its use for traffic violations are found in G.O. 210, Traffic Law Enforcement.
 

G.O. 210, Traffic Law Enforcement
G.O. 524, Juvenile Offenders
G.O. 740, Determining Probable Cause
CALEA Standards 1.2.6; 61.1.2; 61.1.3; 61.1.4; 61.1.5; 61.1.11; 61.1.13; 82.2.2; 82.3.4
 

Law enforcement officers and agencies have an obligation to respect the liberties of citizens, recognize the limitations of available detention space, and ensure the judicious use of public funds. Powers of arrest, therefore, should be used in a well-considered manner. Incarceration may often be a less suitable option than serve and release, and should be used only when less severe alternatives are inappropriate.
 

Serving and releasing a defendant, via a citation (Summons and Complaint), will be used as an alternative to physical arrest in all petty offense or misdemeanor arrest situations except those in which the arresting officer or the Department can articulate specific factors that make the "cite and release" process inappropriate. A Summons and Complaint (Citation) may be issued:

By any peace officer for an offense constituting a misdemeanor or a petty offense committed in his presence or, if not committed in his presence, which he has probable cause to believe was committed and probable cause to believe was committed by the person charged. (C.R.S. 16-2-104)

When a decision is made to issue a citation, officers will obtain adequate information to ensure that the person receiving the citation can be located later, in case of failure to appear.
 

When the circumstances surrounding an arrest allow for the issuance of a Summons and Complaint, the arresting officer should conduct a brief background investigation to determine if the arrested person should be cited and released.

This investigation should include, if the information is available, the following items:

• Adequate proof of identity
• Adequate proof of residence
• Length of time at present residence
• Occupation, employer and length of time employed
• Previous criminal record
• Marital and family status
• Any other facts that would assist the arresting officer in determining if a Summons and release is appropriate

While the various courts have different policies regarding such variables as transients, previous records, etc., a general rule guiding the decision on whether to release an arrestee, is found in section 16-3-105, C.R.S.

When a person has been arrested without a warrant, he may be released by the arresting authority on its own authority if...the offense for which the person was arrested and is being held is a misdemeanor or petty offense, and the arresting officer or a responsible Command Officer of the arresting authority is satisfied that the person arrested will obey a Summons commanding his appearance at a later date. If the person is released in accordance with these provisions, he shall be given a Summons and Complaint...and shall sign a written acknowledgment of its receipt and a promise to appear at the time and place specified.

Officers will hold defendants for bond, rather than serving and releasing, on petty and misdemeanor charges only after obtaining approval from a supervisor, unless specifically directed otherwise by a written directive.
 

When a person is arrested and booked but also has citable violations, no citations (Summons) shall be issued. Rather, all charges shall be levied at the time of booking.
 

Arraignments will be set in accordance with procedures established by the respective courts.
 

In order to facilitate record-keeping at both the municipal and state levels, traffic and criminal charges shall not be cited on the same Summons and Complaint. If a violator must be charged with both traffic and non-traffic violations, they shall be cited on separate Summonses.

For record-keeping purposes, any violation of Municipal Code Chapter 10, violations relating to traffic and vehicles, shall be considered as a traffic violation. All other Code violations shall be considered criminal violations.

Any violation of Article 42 of Colorado Revised Statutes relating to traffic and vehicles shall be considered a traffic violation with the following exceptions, which are criminal:

42-2-206: Driving after revocation prohibited

42-2-408: Unlawful acts-penalty(Identification cards)

42-5-103: Tampering with a motor vehicle

42-5-104: Theft of motor vehicle parts
 

Colorado Springs is a home-rule city.  By virtue of the decision to exercise these powers and enact traffic ordinances, the City Council has clearly established its desire for such matters to be handled in Municipal Court whenever practical.  Officers are bound by this determination of policy and are not free to substitute their own judgment in this area.

The only instances in which a traffic violator shall be cited into County Court on a State charge are when the violator is cited for one or more traffic violations for which there is no corresponding Municipal charge, or when the violator is a City employee.  Any exception to this policy will be cleared through a supervisor.

Officers will record, on their Daily Activity Reports (log sheets), not only the summons number of any traffic tickets written but also the statute or ordinance numbers of the violations cited.
 

Traffic charges involving a juvenile will be made on a regular Summons and Complaint form with the exception of charges relating to Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault.

Criminal charges involving violations of Municipal Ordinances will be made on a regular Summons and Complaint and set for Municipal Court.

Criminal charges involving violations of state statutes shall be made on a Juvenile Complaint and Referral form. In the case of related traffic charges, place the traffic charges on a regular Summons and Complaint form and set for county traffic court. Note the traffic charges and summons numbers in the case report for the criminal offense. (Exception: Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault and Illegal Possession/ Consumption of Ethyl Alcohol by Underage Person.)  Any criminal charges filed against a juvenile, into Juvenile Court (State Charges), must be accompanied by a separate offense report in addition to the summons.

Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault charges shall be made on the Juvenile Complaint and Referral section of a Summons and Complaint form and all related traffic charges shall be placed on the same summons.
 

Once a Summons and Complaint has been signed by a civilian and/or officer complainant, whether for traffic or criminal violations, it cannot and shall not be voided by any officer of the Department. However, circumstances do arise where a Summons and Complaint and its purpose demand review. Therefore, the following procedures apply:

If the Summons has been served on a defendant, the Summons cannot be canceled or voided by any officer of the Department, or the complaining witness, and can only be dismissed on a motion by the City or District Attorney in open court. Officers must also comply with 10.1.111 of the Municipal Code:

10.1.111: Illegal Cancellation of Summons or Notice:  It shall be unlawful for any person to cancel or solicit the cancellation of any traffic Summons or notice in any manner other than process of law.  

This does not preclude officers from providing information that may affect the outcome of charges filed. The officer should send a memorandum through the chain of command to the Division Commander for forwarding to the Court Liaison Officer, who will personally deliver the memorandum to the Chief Prosecuting Attorney of the appropriate court.

If a Summons and Complaint has not been served and the complainant no longer wishes to pursue the complaint, and it has already been sent to the Department's Records Section, the complainant must appear in the Department's Records Section with proper identification and sign the Summons and Complaint Cancellation Form in the presence of the Records Section Commander or designee. Note: This subparagraph does not apply to any Summons issued for an offense identified as domestic violence. In such cases the Department will take no action except to refer the person to the District Attorney.

If a Summons has not been served on the defendant and must be rewritten because it is improperly filled out, the officer shall complete a new Summons correctly and submit it. The officer should then attach all copies of the incorrect Summons to a completed Summons and Complaint Cancellation Form, describing the errors, and forward these to the Division Commander through the chain of command.

If a Summons has not been served and is returned to an officer because it does not contain sufficient information to identify a suspect, or because further investigation is not warranted, the officer should prepare a Summons and Complaint Cancellation Form outlining the reasons for cancellation, attach all copies of the Summons, and forward these to the Division Commander for action.

If a Summons and Complaint must be canceled or voided for any reason other than the above, the officer should prepare a Summons and Complaint Cancellation Form outlining the reasons for cancellation or voiding, attach all copies of the Summons, and forward these to the Division Commander for action.

The Records Section will retain the Department's copy of all Summonses and Parking Citations that have been canceled. All other copies of the Summons or Parking Citation, along with the cancellation forms, will be forwarded to the Violations Bureau for filing.
 

If a parking citation has not been issued, it may be cancelled by writing cancelled across the front of the ticket, with a brief explanation. 

If a parking ticket has been issued and needs to be cancelled, the Parking Citation Cancellation Request form should be used.
 

Individual supplies of summonses and parking citations will be obtained from designated issue points. The status of all issued summonses and citations shall be accounted for from the time of receipt to the time of turn in at the Data Entry Section.

The issuing person shall enter the following information into the summons accountability data base upon issuance of a book of summons and complaints or parking citations:

1.  Beginning and ending numbers of each book issued
2.  Receiving officer's ID and name
3.  ID and name of the receiving officer's supervisor
4.  Issuer's ID and name
5.  Summons status

When served, voided, or canceled summons and complaints or parking citations are received at the Data Entry Section, the status of each individual summons or citation shall be updated to reflect the current status.

Officers must account for each summons and citation. Do not destroy, cancel or void any summons or citation without following the procedures outlined in this General Order. Every month, each Division Commander shall receive a report of those summonses and citations that are six months old and have not been received by the Data Entry Section.

Division Commanders shall collect all summonses and citations that are six months old and cause them to be reissued to personnel who will expend them within the next six months.

Failure to produce unaccounted for summons and complaints or parking citations may result in disciplinary action.

To guide personnel in the use of the Automated Notification System in order to ensure effective and efficient command and control of resources.
 

The Automated Notification System (ANS) is a Police Department resource that uses computer technology to activate telephone communications with lists of individuals or telephone numbers in selected areas of the City. ANS consists of two computer programs:

• The Communicator that contacts individuals via telephone, wireless devices, pagers and or Fax machines.
• The Geo Notifier that calls all known telephone numbers in its files using a digital map of the City.

In support of the Police Department's commitment to Community Policing, the ANS is to be used to transmit real time Public Safety information to identified segments of the City, provide a call in bulletin board information service to the public, and augment Problem Oriented Policing projects.

Internally, the ANS is to be used to disseminate information to Department personnel.
 

The ANS Geo Notifier shall be used only for situations involving a direct threat to life.

Requests for Geo Notifier activation by officers in the field must be made to the shift supervisor or lead dispatcher. Non supervisory personnel must have authorization from their supervisor to request Geo Notifier activation.

Direct activation of either the ANS Communicator or Geo Notifier, from within the Communication Center, must be authorized by a Communications Shift Supervisor, the Communications Manager, or an appropriate sworn Supervisor.

Neither the Communicator nor the Geo Notifier is to be used for any for-profit activity, advertising of any product or service, political messages, or personal use.
 

ANS: Automated Notifications System, a computerized telephone-messaging device that makes calls via a digital map or rosters.

COMMUNICATOR: The ANS software package that uses rosters of individuals and businesses containing telephone numbers by which each can be contacted, and that permits remote recording of messages and activation.

GEO NOTIFIER: The Communicator software package in the ANS used to highlight an area of a digital map of the City to establish a call group of known telephone numbers in that area with a recorded message.

SCENARIOS: A numbered and titled set of individuals, Sections, Divisions, groups or businesses, formed with the file of rosters in the ANS.
 

System maintenance will be the responsibility of the System Administrator and designated Communications Section personnel.

In addition to all current policies and procedures, all personnel are required to be able to activate the Phone Number Update Scenario to keep all contact information current.
 

The ANS system is located in the Public Safety Communication Center. Two levels of security restrict access to ANS: System Administration, and System Use. System Administration access is limited to those authorized by the Communications Manager and or the ANS System Administrator. System Use access is authorized to all Supervisory and Communications Section personnel.
 

The ANS Communicator can be activated either from one of the networked terminals in the POC or remotely, via a touch tone telephone. Supervisory personnel shall use the remote activation of Communicator scenarios unless circumstances prevent it. Remote activation requires the use of an approved personal identification number (PIN).

The specific instructions for performing Communicator scenario activation will be located at each area command duty desk. These instructions will also be located at each ANS programmed PC in the Public Safety Communications Center. This information is to be used to assist Department members in their use of the system, by explaining the steps necessary for remote activation. Each activation of a scenario is to be recorded in the ANS Log Book, which is kept adjacent to the ANS computer in the Communications Center.

The ANS Communicator shall be used to make notifications of incidents and situations as required by General Order or SOP, and/or as authorized by the appropriate supervisor. Remote activation of the Communicator must be authorized by the appropriate sworn supervisor, or by the Communications Supervisors or Manager.

Note: Only the Communicator can be remotely activated.
 

The ANS Geo notifier can only be activated from one of the networked terminals in the communications center. Upon authorized request, or as directed, Communications personnel shall highlight the designated area to be called on the ANS digital map as requested. The message to be used in the notification shall be recorded into the Geo Notifier at the main ANS terminal. The specific content of all area notifications must be documented in writing, (i.e., Case Report, Interoffice Memo, etc.).  All communications section personnel are to be trained in the activation of Geo Notifier area notifications

Geo Notifier area notifications dealing with incidents of a specific duration require a follow-up notification to the same area to close out the alert or notice. These follow-up area notifications are the responsibility of the authorizing authority and will be performed by the Communications Section.

Decisions to make a Geo Notifier notification are to include consideration of:

• Time of day
• Unique situations and circumstances of the area selected for notification
• Worst case possibilities that could result from the notification

Every activation of an area notification is to be recorded in the ANS Log Book, kept adjacent to the ANS computer in the Communications Center.

Geo Notifier messages content is to be clear and concise in providing only objective information that would directly result in positive response to the public safety situation in question. Special attention must be paid to details or circumstances that may incite panic or unnecessary fear.
 

Activation of specific reports on ANS usage will be made available to supervisory personnel only as requested.

To establish and set policies and procedures for an alternate police report taking process, Direct Line Reporting (DLR). 
 

The Direct Line Reporting program is an important tool that allows the Colorado Springs Police Department to improve its ability to provide prompt and responsive service to its citizens while efficiently utilizing manpower for calls that may require a more immediate officer response.  This program is designed to provide the citizens of Colorado Springs an efficient alternate method of reporting incidents that require a police report.  These methods shall include telephone, internet and automated counter-reports.

In order to implement the Telephone DLR program, Officers are assigned to work out of the Public Safety Communications Center and take qualified case reports instead of having Officers dispatched to the scene.  In order to implement the Internet and Automated DLR program, the Information Technology Section will operate a computerized system that makes it possible for citizens to submit qualified case reports via the Internet or by using dedicated computers located in the lobbies of the Police Substations, and like public facilities. 
 

DLR: Direct Line Reporting, a program by which specified call types and incidents can be received and documented via telephone, Internet and/or counter-reporting. 

Automated DLR: The part of the DLR program that allows citizens to submit DLR reports via computers stationed in the Substation lobbies. 

Internet DLR: The part of the DLR program that allows citizens to submit specified reports via the Internet.

Telephone DLR: Police reports taken by Officer via telephone in accordance with the procedures of the DLR program.
 

Before a report can be taken the following criteria must be met in order to qualify as a DLR report:

1. There is no known suspect or specific suspect information available
2. An incident must not be in-progress
3. There is no physical evidence present
4. The Reporting Party is not under the age of 16
5. There is no apparent physical injury

Only the following call types and incidents are qualified for DLR reporting:

1. Bike Theft: These include those taken from structures.
2. Burglary: (Cold) – All Third Degree Burglaries (i.e. vending machines), and Second Degree Burglaries from open attached garages, open or unlocked detached garages, or any shed regardless of lock/unlocked/open/closed will be taken.
3. Criminal Mischief: (Cold) – (i.e. damage to property, etc.)
4. Traffic Accident HR: (Cold) – (Internet and Automated DLR only) Private Property and/or incidents without any suspect information or physical evidence.
5. Lost or Stolen Property
6. Motor Vehicle Theft: (Cold) - (Telephone DLR only) When reported by registered owner.
7. Supplement to Case: (i.e. burglary)
8. Theft From Vehicle: Cold with no suspect
9. Theft: (Cold) - to include theft of auto parts, construction thefts and shoplifts with no suspect information.
10. Assault: (Cold) Taken from adult RP s only, no apparent physical injury, not a domestic situation, not requiring medical attention and no weapon involved.  Send Officer for photographs if necessary.
11. Harassments: (Telephone DLR only) Obscene, harassing or threatening phone calls where the caller does not believe they are in imminent danger (excluding domestic situations)
12. Trespass: (Telephone DLR only) When only telephone verbal warning is requested. 

The Patrol Bureau is responsible for staffing the DLR program Telephone function.  The staffing schedule for the Telephone DLR function is set by, and can be modified by the Deputy Chief of Patrol.

The traffic enforcement objectives of the Colorado Springs Police Department are to reduce traffic accidents and to aid in the safe and expeditious flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The Department seeks to achieve these objectives through a combination of effective enforcement, public education, and cooperation with the City's Traffic Engineer.
 

The following guidelines are to be followed in traffic enforcement:

Officers shall take appropriate enforcement action whenever a violation is detected. This includes provable violations determined through accident investigation, as well as those violations observed by the officer.

Juveniles involved in traffic offenses will be treated as adults, except in cases where the filing of felony charges is possible.

Military personnel and non-residents involved in traffic offenses will be handled in the same manner as other traffic violators.

Handling of transients shall be in accordance with the guidelines established by the respective courts of jurisdiction.

Handling of Foreign Diplomats or Consular Officials shall be in accordance with General Order 560, Diplomatic and Legislative Immunity .

Parking regulations shall be effectively enforced and shall be provided as a service to the public to assure all citizens of proper time and use of available street space.
 

Any officer learning of, or observing, any hazardous condition that requires immediate attention or repair shall notify Communications.  Communications will ensure prompt notification of appropriate agencies (such as street/highway departments and/or public utilities) to effect emergency repairs or restore essential services and assist in removal of debris from the roadway.
 

A problem condition may exist that enforcement action cannot correct; for example: design, traffic education, or engineering deficiencies. In such cases, officers should:

• Recognize the problem
• Report minor maintenance problems, such as downed signs and inoperative lights, to Communications for notification of the proper agency 
• Document problems, other than minor maintenance, to formally establish the Department's awareness of the problem
• Forward the documentation to the Shift Lieutenant who shall act as liaison with groups involved with traffic safety

Complete rules of procedure for traffic stops are not possible, as situations vary widely. Some general guidelines, however, if combined with law enforcement experience and common sense, can reduce risks to officers and to violators.

Officers in marked vehicles making traffic stops should attempt to direct the violator to a suitable stopping point. The following should be considered in making stops:

Location: When choosing a location to stop the violator, keep in mind lighting conditions, visibility to other motorists, traffic flow, and escape routes. If the violator does not stop in accordance with the directions, the violator can be asked to move the vehicle to a more appropriate location after the initial contact.

Do not block private driveways and accesses to businesses or residential areas by a traffic stop when you can avoid doing so. If this is not possible, make reasonable efforts to minimize the inconvenience.

If a traffic contact has to be made at a hazardous location, assist drivers to get safely back into the traffic flow.

Positioning of Vehicles : Park behind and slightly to the left of the violator's vehicle when possible and practical, thereby providing yourself some cover in the event of a sudden confrontation. Additionally, this leaves you a space protected from other traffic when making contact with the violator.

Use of Emergency Lights : In order to give as much warning as possible to other motorists, use your available emergency lighting. These lights are also extremely useful in marking your location if you should need assistance.

During hours of darkness, use your available lights (e.g., spot light, high beams and "take-down" lights if available) to illuminate the interior of the violator's vehicle as much as possible. Additionally, these lights can provide you a certain amount of concealment during your approach to the violator.

Notification of Communication Center : Before leaving the police vehicle to contact a violator, inform Communications of the vehicle, license number and location of the traffic stop, and briefly state the reason for the stop. Occupant information should be provided if possible. Additionally, if possible, write the vehicle information down before contacting the violator, thereby providing some information if you should become incapacitated during the stop.

7 Use caution in approaching the violator's vehicle. Safety procedures include checking other traffic before exiting the police vehicle, watching the violator and passenger actions inside the vehicle, and proper positioning at the violator's vehicle while contacting the occupants.

You should usually make the contact on the driver's side of the vehicle, but some situations may call for contact to be made on the passenger side. If contacting on the driver's side, you should stand immediately behind the rear edge of the driver's door, or at least at a position slightly behind the driver. This requires the driver to turn off-balance to talk to you and, thus, gives you a physical advantage as well as a vantage point to observe activity in the rear seat. Additionally, standing outside the trajectory of the door will prevent injury in the event the violator opens the door abruptly.

While approaching the violator, special attention should be given to activity in and around the vehicle, such as driver and passenger movements. One helpful tactic is to check the trunk or side of the vehicle by touch. Often an officer can feel movement when movement cannot otherwise be detected. Also, by touching the vehicle, you leave an identifiable print on the vehicle.

While approaching the vehicle, you should try to keep your weapon hand free, and if carrying a flashlight, it should be held away from your body. Keeping the flashlight in this position can distract the violator from your actual location and position. After having determined that the stop is a "safe" traffic stop, you may elect to move forward of the driver's window and complete the contact facing the driver. This also permits better visual contact with traffic in the adjacent lane.

Driver Contact: Upon initial contact, you should tell the violator why s/he is being contacted, obtain driver's license, registration, and insurance information, and explain what action you intend to take, i.e., citation, warning, etc. Do this courteously but briefly, and do not argue with the violator about guilt or innocence. You should complete the contact quickly without delaying the violator any longer than is necessary. Whenever appropriate, you should help the violator get back into traffic safely.
 

Traffic violation enforcement is one of many routine police tasks. For violators, however, it frequently is an emotionally traumatic experience. In many cases, this is the only contact that a person has with this Department. Officers should be aware of these conditions and should strive to make each contact educational and to leave the violator with the impression that the officer has performed a necessary task in a professional and friendly manner. 

Racial/ethnic/gender status may form part of the basis for making a stop only if there is specific suspect descriptor information that justifies doing so.

The officer should respond calmly to confrontation. Professional law enforcement officers do not permit their own emotional responses to a violator to affect their judgment or actions, and penalties or bonding requirements shall neither be imposed or withheld on such grounds.
 

Often officers make contact with vehicle occupants (via traffic stops) and pedestrians in order to verify that they are, or are not, the vehicle or person being sought.  The officer should always maintain a courteous attitude toward the person stopped, consistent with officer safety.  If the vehicle or individual stopped doesn't match, or is determined not to have been involved, then the officer must break contact in just as professional a manner as the initial contact.  Therefore, how this person is treated after the initial contact but before it is terminated, terminiated is extremely important.

After it has been determined that the individual was not the party being sought, officers should take the time to explain why it was necessary to stop them; also to explain the reason for the manner of stop, i.e. felony versus non-felony stops.  A brief explanation that their vehicle, clothing, description, proximity to the call, etc., matched the information the officer had at the time and warranted contact to verify if they were involved.

The importance of incorporating such persons as our partners in maintaining public safety cannot be overemphasized.  We must always be willing to explain in these situations why we stopped them, and thank them for their cooperation with us.  If it appears desirable, the officer can provide the party with the name and phone number of the on-duty supervisor (Duty Desk number) for verification. 

Parties react differently to contacts with police so an officer should be sure that the person is "okay" and calm enough to continue on their way.  Officers should also provide the individual with the description of the individual(s) and/or vehicle(s) being sought and the 444-7000 phone number, as well as the officer's cellular phone number, and case report number if it has been assigned.  This gives them a sense of involvement as one of our community commmunity partners and provides us with an extra pair of eyes.

As a final note, officers should thank individuals for their cooperation and apologize for the minor inconvenience while reminding them that the stop was necessary and important for their safety as a member of, or visitor to, our community.  Officers should log the stop on their Daily Activity Report (Log Sheet) and fill out a Field Interview Report (FIR) , if necessary.
 

Officers should be aware of the many possible influences on a violator's behavior, such as alcohol, drugs, and emotional problems. With this in mind, the following should serve as a guide when contacting a traffic violator:

Any officer who contacts a driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs shall assess the driver's ability to operate the motor vehicle safely before the driver is released. The officer may utilize Standard Field Sobriety Training that each officer has obtained from the Department. The assessment could include Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus evaluation, other field sobriety tests recommended by the Department, preliminary breath-testing or any combination of these techniques. It is the officer's responsibility to maintain proficiency in administering these evaluations.

The officer should use courtesy, discretion and good judgment in dealing with intoxicated persons. If the driver is arrested for a driving offense related to alcohol or drugs, the officer should comply with state motor vehicle laws, regulations, and Department procedures in processing the driver for the offense.

If the officer is unable to determine whether the person is intoxicated, mentally distressed, or fatigued, the officer should use discretion in making alternate arrangements for the person to prevent driving before recovery from the impairment.

The officer shall also make arrangements for proper disposition of any intoxicated passengers; e.g., taxi, Detox, or calling a friend for a ride.

The driver of the vehicle will have a choice on disposition of the vehicle. Choices to be considered are C.S.P.D. Impound Lot, requested towing company, or having the officer park the vehicle legally, at the scene, and secure it.

The driver will be released on signature of summons for court unless circumstances conflict with other directives of this Department.

Impaired drivers shall be released to some responsible person who can ensure their well-being, and who agrees to do so, until the drivers are capable of taking care of themselves. If no one is available, the officer should consider Detox or County Jail as an alternative to release.
 

In the case of multiple violations, it shall be the officer's discretion to cite or give a verbal warning for any, or all of the violations.
 

When issuing a citation to a violator, an officer should explain the appearance requirements even though they are printed on the citation.  Unsafe vehicles shall be cited and the driver advised to discontinue use of the vehicle until it is repaired or properly equipped. Unsafe vehicles may be impounded if conditions warrant.
 

The officer issuing a citation should use the back of the appropriate copies for making notes about a violation. The notes should include:

• Road Conditions: loose material, road work, width, surface conditions, engineering deficiencies
• The number, sex and location of passengers in the vehicle
• Details of the violation itself
• Pertinent remarks of the driver
• Characteristics of the driver which may assist in court identification
• Officer's location and direction of travel when violation was observed
• Any other pertinent details

When a traffic violator refuses to sign a citation, the officer should make it as clear as possible that in signing the driver is not admitting guilt but only promising to appear in court. Make sure the violator understands that the promise to appear is not an admission of guilt but that the penalty assessment notice, if signed, is an admission of guilt.

Violators with Colorado Driver's License:
In accordance with section 42-4-1505(5) CRS, The refusal of a traffic violator who has a valid Colorado driver's license to sign a traffic summons or penalty assessment notice shall not constitute reason for a department officer to arrest the traffic violator and require the violator to post bond.

Officers dealing with a traffic violator refusing to sign a summons or penalty assessment notice shall write "Refused to Sign" on the defendant's signature line and serve the violator the appropriate copy. It is essential that the officer complete the affidavit of service on the back of the court copy if a violator refuses to sign, as the court may otherwise dismiss the case.

Violators Without Colorado Driver's License:
If the traffic violator does not possess a valid Colorado driver's license, the violator will be required to sign the defendant's line promising to appear. If the violator refuses to sign the traffic summons or penalty assessment notice and, as specified, does not have a valid Colorado driver's license, the violator may be required to post bond. If the violation is a traffic infraction, the violator cannot be made to post bond.

The final decision to require bond of a violator who refuses to sign a citation shall be made by a supervisor. If the officer reasonably believes that the violator will not appear as required, and refusal to sign a promise to make such appearance lends credibility to the belief, then the supervisor must be contacted to decide if the violator should be taken into custody to post bond.
 

During special events or unusual occurrences, the direction of traffic at a location may require traffic signal operations to be modified. To facilitate traffic flow, City Traffic Engineering Division's Signals Section can be called out to modify a traffic signal to facilitate traffic movement or re-route traffic at a control point. The modification may be possible by computer from the Traffic Management Center or a field technician may need to respond to the scene.   The on-scene supervisor or special events coordinator will be responsible for determining if such measures are warranted. Considerations for this would include prolonged interruptions of the normal flow of traffic.

The City of Colorado Springs Utilities Company Risk Management Division's Barricading Section can also respond to control points, and temporary barriers can be put in place to aid with traffic direction. If a traffic signal cycle is modified or temporary barriers are put in place to alleviate traffic congestion or modify traffic flow, arrangements must be made before reopening the control point to return the traffic signal to its normal cycle and to remove any temporary barriers, barricades or signs from the roadway.

Officers have discretion to remove such barricades or barriers and place them out of traffic lanes for later pickup. As the City of Colorado Springs has a computerized traffic control system, officers or other untrained personnel should not attempt to adjust or modify any signal.
 

When conducting manual traffic direction and control, all members will utilize uniform hand signals and gestures that will not confuse vehicular or pedestrian traffic. To assure standardization, members will use only the techniques approved through the Training Section for traffic direction and control.

The following illustrations and descriptions are examples of uniform hand signals and gestures that are approved for use:

To stop traffic, you should first turn to stand with your shoulder and side toward the traffic to be halted. Look directly at the driver of the car to be stopped, and extend your arm and index finger toward the driver. Then raise your hand at the wrist, so that the palm faces the driver. This position should be held while sounding one long blast of your whistle.

To start traffic, you should first turn to stand with your shoulder and side toward the traffic to be started. Look directly at the driver of the car to be started, and extend your arm and index finger toward the driver. Sound two short blasts on the whistle. Then swing your pointing arm, from the shoulder only, upward through a vertical semi-circle. Repeat this gesture as appropriate to continue smooth traffic flow.

In both stopping and starting traffic, you should always take into consideration the volume of traffic flow, natural breaks in traffic, and any other considerations (such as weather or roadway conditions) that may affect a driver's ability to proceed safely. Special care should be taken to ensure that turning traffic is safely controlled.
 

All Department officers, when directing vehicular traffic, shall wear a reflective vest or other high-visibility clothing to increase officer safety and recognition by drivers.

Exception: Exigent circumstances may cause a reflective vest or high-visibility clothing to become a hindrance to law enforcement functions. Department supervisors may grant exceptions for special situations; for example, traffic control at a TEU call-out, sniper attacks, emergency calls for service.

Officers should take prompt and proper police action when laws are violated. However, some situations may call for delayed enforcement action for certain traffic violations. These situations usually occur when a citizen is making an emergency response in a non-emergency vehicle.

Officer discretion must be used in determining when delayed enforcement is advisable, as all possible contingencies cannot be foreseen. Some examples of applicable situations are furnished here to serve as guidelines:

• A physician or nurse making an emergency response to a hospital or clinic.
• Volunteer fireman responding to a call, if the requirements for emergency equipment as called for in CRS 42-4-213 219 are met.
• City personnel responding to an emergency situation (e.g., explosion or power outage).
• A citizen responding to a hospital or clinic because of a medical emergency.
  

The following guidelines shall govern officers' actions when delayed enforcement is chosen:

• Advise the violator of the violation
• Advise the violator that a summons will be issued, but s/he will be allowed to proceed to his/her destination
• Obtain all the necessary information to re-contact the violator, if necessary
• Follow the violator, if in city limits, to his/her destination. Complete and issue the summons
• If the delay is lengthy or the violator's destination is out of the city, arrange for a date, time and place to issue the summons
• An officer shall give a verbal warning to the violator if appropriate. The officer's decision to cite should be based on whether the nature of the emergency is more significant than the traffic hazard to the public

G.O. 231, Counter Reports
G.O. 232, Hit and Run Accident Investigation
G.O. 234, Fatal or Serious Injury Accidents
G.O. 250, Accidents Involving Department Members
G.O. 290, Towing and Impound Procedures
SOP P1-152 Interstate 25 Incident Management
CALEA Standards 61.2.1; 61.2.2; 61.2.3; 61.2.4; 61.3.2; 82.2.1; 82.2.4; 83.2.6
 

Use of consistent methodology in investigating traffic accidents is essential to ensure that proper action is taken for each kind of accident. This General Order provides guidelines for accident investigation in general. Specialized procedures, as listed under paragraph .02 above, will be followed for the accidents to which they pertain.
 

Upon arrival at the scene of an accident, an officer shall:

Take all necessary actions to prevent the accident from becoming worse. This includes determining the need for additional assistance, caring for injured persons and protecting property.  Officers should attempt to get the vehicles involved in an accident removed from the roadway as expeditiously as possible when the accident causes a disruption to the traffic flow or creates a traffic hazard.  The exception to this would be serious injury or fatality accidents or where there is obvious city liability.  When responding to I-25 accidents where the vehicles involved are capable of being driven, the drivers should be directed to drive to, and meet at, a location off the interstate where the investigation and report can be completed.

Determine classification of accident:

• Fatal
• Evident incapacitating injury
• Evident non-incapacitating injury
• Complaint of injury
• Non injury
  
• Fatality Incapacitating injury Non-incapacitating injury Non-injury.Hit and run

Follow appropriate procedures for each classification of accident.

If the Fire Department is called to assist at an accident scene, the investigating police officer at the scene shall be in charge.
 

The following steps should be taken in the course of an accident investigation to assure proper documentation and handling:

• Locate and identify all drivers involved in an accident. If a Traffic Investigator is assigned, the first officer on the scene will, if possible, obtain driver's licenses, registrations and proofs of insurance from the drivers involved, and will hold them for the Traffic Investigator.

Make diagrams on all serious injury and fatality accidents. Diagrams will also be made on all City-owned property accidents when a Colorado Investigator's Traffic Accident Report Form, DR 447, is completed and there is obvious city liability.

• Locate all witnesses, if possible. If a Traffic Investigator is assigned to the accident, the first officer at the scene will be responsible for having witnesses fill out written statements.
  
• Observe driver's physical condition. If a driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, the appropriate procedure shall be followed.
  
• Note all physical conditions at the accident scene. Take accurate measurements and obtain all that is necessary for a diagram.  Obtain necessary scene measurements to document in the narrative or in the diagram.
  
• Obtain all physical and photographic evidence necessary to clarify the chain of events that produced the accident.
  
• Check the scene and area for hazards and defects in the road, lighting, signs, signals, etc. The investigating officer has the responsibility to see that debris from the accident is cleared from the roadway.

If city property has been damaged in the accident, Communications is to be notified of the type of city property damaged and its location. In such cases, the investigating officer shall obtain liability insurance information, including, if known, the name of the company, policy number and local agent from the responsible driver(s).

The investigating officer shall notify Communications of any existing hazardous condition that requires immediate attention or repair.

Vehicles involved in the accident should be checked for defects, mechanical or otherwise, which may have contributed to the accident. If a defect is found that would make the vehicle unsafe to drive, it will be towed from the scene.

Investigating officers will complete or have the involved drivers fill out and exchange the Department collision information form.

In accidents involving unattended vehicles or property, it is the investigating officer's responsibility to properly notify the owner of the vehicle or property in person or in writing. Notification shall include the date, time and location, and the accident report number.

If accident victims are unable to take custody of their personal property at the scene, the investigating officer is responsible for assuring that the items are properly protected. If no authorized person can assume custody of such items, the investigating officer shall follow the same procedures as for personal items found in impounded vehicles; i.e., make an inventory and enter the items as personal property on a Custodian's Invoice. The officer shall further assure that the owner is properly notified.
 

Traffic supervisors in each area command will review all traffic accident reports completed by officers assigned to their division and  Supervisors will review all traffic accident reports submitted to them and ensure that reports are properly completed and submitted according to section .30 of this policy.  Upon completion of the review, supervisors will initial and date the upper right hand corner of the accident report.  Reviewed reports will then be forwarded through interoffice mail to the Data Entry Major Accident Unit.
 

Documentation of a traffic accident is made on the State accident report form.  For uniformity, the following procedures are mandatory:

Any accident report that may result in a vehicular assault, or vehicular homicide charge, or that involves serious injury will be dictated for typing or typed by the investigating officer.  Diagrams will be drawn to scale. 

In accidents involving minor injury or damage, the report may be handwritten or dictated.  The diagram need not be drawn to scale, unless City property has been damaged.If more than two vehicles and/or pedestrians, or more than 8 injured occupants are involved, additional standard State Accident Report Forms will be used.  If the report is handwritten, it shall be written the entire report, with supplements, shall be handwritten in non-water base black ink.  If the report is typed, all supplements shall be typed.
 

The Department of Revenue has established a manual of acceptable forms that shall be submitted to the State as part of an accident report. Any accident documentation on CSPD forms (e.g., witness statement form, driver statement form, supplement form , etc.) can be used and will be entered in the Department’s CRIS system, but will not be forwarded to the State as a part of the accident report.

The narrative description is based on the officer's investigation. Witness statements and driver statements shall be obtained, however, are not to be included in the narrative.

Traffic accident reports shall be completed following the guidelines established in the Investigating Officer's Traffic Accident Reporting Manual.Statements from the drivers of the vehicles are not required unless there is a difference of opinion between drivers of what occurred and there is a lack of physical evidence or independent witnesses.

Statements from drivers and witnesses to the accident may will be taken, but will not be included in the narrative. The name, address and telephone number of the witnesses will be included at the end of the narrative.

All street names will be complete, including avenue, street, drive, lane, etc. Named streets will be in alphabetical order. Numbered streets will be used first and sequentially.All north-south alleys will assume the name and hundred block of the street to the west of the alley.  All east-west alleys will assume the name and hundred block of the street to the north of the alley.

In classifying traffic accidents by location (intersection or non-intersection), the following criteria will be utilized:

• Accidents that occur within the confines of the legal definition of an intersection will be classified as intersection collisions. Note that, by City ordinance, the junction of an alley with a street is not considered an intersection, and in reports should be considered similar to a driveway.

When factors contributing to the collision are related to an intersection, the intersection should be used as the location. Accidents typical of this type might involve vehicles that are struck while waiting for a traffic signal to change or an accident in which a pedestrian is struck in proximity to a crosswalk.

• Accidents that are not within the confines of the legal definition of an intersection (e.g., approach to intersection, related to an intersection (e.g., driveways, parked cars, fixed objects) will be classified according to the hundred block in which the collision occurs and include the distance in the number of feet from the nearest permanent reference point, preferably the nearest cross street  
  • For Example: (200 E. Rio Grande Street – 125 feet east of Nevada Avenue)
• Private property accidents shall use the exact business address of the property instead of the hundred block
  • For Example: ( 707 S. 8th St. for the Walmart parking lot)
• I-25 accidents shall use the milepoint (MP) to the hundredth decimal place for all I-25 locations except for ramp locations
  • For Example: (NB I-25 MP 145.50 for the location between Fillmore and Garden of the Gods; NB I-25 off-ramp at Fillmore St. for an accident in the intersection of the off-ramp and Fillmore; and NB I-25 off-ramp 200 feet south of Fillmore St. for an accident on the ramp approaching Fillmore St.)

Measurements are required for all accidents when evidence is present, e.g. skid marks, point of impact, point of rest, etc.  If the path measurements are included in the narrative they do not need to be included again in the diagram.  Measurements should include pre-impact marks, point of impact marks, post impact tire marks, and uncontrolled positions of rest.

Diagrams are required for all accidents completed by Department members when the injury severity is classified as evident incapacitating injury or fatal.  except for accidents classified under $1000, private property, non-injury and private property, or minor injury accidents. Diagrams need not be drawn to scale but should be proportional. 

When an officer is dispatched to the scene of a reported traffic accident where there is damage, injury or death, the traffic accident will be investigated and a report made.

When there is a backlog of traffic accidents, due to severe weather conditions or other circumstances, counter-reporting of certain types of traffic accidents may be authorized.  On scene investigation of these motor vehicle crashes may be suspended during the cold-reporting period.

The authority to authorize counter-reporting shall be exercised by supervisors in the following order:

1. On-duty, shift lieutenant at the affected patrol division(s).
2. After business hours, Command Duty Officer.
3. On-duty, Public Safety Communications Section supervisor.

If any one of the above supervisors is not available, the next supervisor should be contacted according to the above roster.  The decision to discontinue counter-reporting shall be made using the above authorization protocols.

When considering the need to go to cold accident reporting, consultation should be made with an on-duty field sergeant/on-duty shift lieutenant in the affected patrol division(s), and the on-duty Communications Section supervisor.  The Communications Section will monitor the backlog of traffic accident calls-for-service.

Cold-reporting may be authorized by patrol area command(s), or for the entire City, as appropriate.  The supervisor making the decision to authorize cold accident reporting shall ensure that, if authorizing cold-reporting by patrol division(s), the geographical boundaries for the affected patrol division(s) are provided to the media for public information purposes.

The following eligibility criteria must be met for each traffic crash for counter-reporting to be authorized:

• Tow truck not required
• No injuries
• Involved vehicles and drivers are all present at the scene and driver and vehicle information is able to be exchanged
• No driver is involved with alcohol or a controlled substance
• No hazardous conditions are present (e.g., electrical power line down, etc.)

Accidents occurring on private property will be counter-reported unless any of the following pertain:

• Alcohol or a controlled substance is involved
• There is an injury
• A hit and run with suspect vehicle or driver information (license plate number,driver name, etc.)
• A City vehicle has struck anything other than a fixed object

Hit and run accidents occurring on city streets, or on private property, will be counter-reported unless any of the following pertain:

• The suspect driver is known by name
• The suspect vehicle can be described including the complete license plate number
• A tow truck is required

• Obtain and broadcast a description of the run vehicle, its driver and occupants, as soon as possible.
• Concentrate on witnesses who can identify the driver and vehicle.
• Thoroughly check the scene for any physical evidence. Make note in the report of all evidence found and turned in to the Custodian's Office.
• Conduct a neighborhood check for additional witnesses and information.
• Obtain home and work telephone numbers of victims, witnesses, suspects (i.e. anyone involved in the investigation).

Location: Where was the witness in relation to the point of impact?  Could the witness have seen what took place?

Observation: What, and where, was the first thing connected with the accident observed by the witness?  Were there any unusual actions on the part of those involved?

Identification: Can the witness identify the parties in the accident?  Did the witness overhear any conversation, or engage in conversation, with any of the parties?
 

• If a suspect address is developed, attempt contact at that address, obtain and document any information obtained.
• Attempt contact at neighbors of the suspect, obtain and document any information obtained.
• If the run vehicle is impounded, ensure that the report is completed and sent to the Traffic Sergeant detectives prior to going off shift.
• Run listings on all hit-and-run suspect vehicles. Attempt to contact owner of the vehicle by driving to registered address, if in the City limits, and check for the vehicle and/or suspects.  Document efforts to contact suspect and vehicle in the accident report and turn in the report prior to going off shift.

• If the vehicle registers outside the City limits a teletype may be sent to the agency where the vehicle is registered to have another law enforcement agency check the address. 

•  A QQ (Query Query) should also be done on the suspect vehicle so the investigating officer can contact whoever recently queried the vehicle to determine the circumstances.

In addition to the procedures in G.O. 230, the following procedures are mandatory in investigating and processing all fatal and serious injury accidents. If the accident involves multiple fatalities, the relevant procedures shall be repeated for each.
 

SERIOUS BODILY INJURY: means bodily injury which, either at the time of the actual injury or at a later time, involves a substantial risk of death, a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body, or breaks, fractures, or burns of the second or third degree.

VEHICULAR HOMICIDE: 18-3-106, (1)(a) If a person operates or drives a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, and such conduct is the proximate cause of the death of another, such person commits vehicular homicide.

(b)(l) If a person operates or drives a motor vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol or one or more drugs, or a combination of both alcohol and one or more drugs, and such conduct is the proximate cause of the death of another, such person commits vehicular homicide.

VEHICULAR ASSAULT: 18-3-205, (1)(a) If a person operates or drives a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another, such person commits vehicular assault.

(b)(I) If a person operates or drives a motor vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol or one or more drugs, or a combination of both alcohol and one or more drugs, and this conduct is the proximate cause of a serious bodily injury to another, such person commits vehicular assault.
 

In all fatal accidents, serious bodily injury traffic accidents, traffic accidents involving a Department member where a person is injured, and in all accidents in which there is a likelihood of felony charges, Communications shall notify the Sergeant in charge of the Major Accident Unit on duty or the on-call Accident Response Team Sergeant.
 

In all fatal and serious accidents, the Sergeant, or ranking officer from the Major Accident Unit at the scene, shall be in complete charge of the investigation, regardless of the rank of other officers present from other components of the Department.
 

Special care should be taken in preserving all physical evidence at the scene, until it can be collected, measured, photographed, and statements taken.

At the discretion of the investigating officer(s), the Forensics Laboratory unit may be used to assist in the investigation of the accident.
 

The first unit to arrive at the scene shall be responsible for preserving the scene, until released by the Major Accident Unit Detectives or Major Accident Unit Sergeant.  Additionally, the first arriving unit shall notify Communications if additional assistance is needed, and if ambulances are needed to transport injured persons.
 

At the discretion of the investigating officer(s), all uninjured drivers and passengers in the involved vehicles may be transported to Police Department facilities for interviews.
 

To establish procedures governing investigation of accidents involving City employees, including Police Department personnel and volunteers, or City vehicles.
 

A Department member who is a driver involved in an accident with a City vehicle, or is involved in an on-duty accident with any vehicle, shall be responsible for the following:

• Notification of Supervisor: A field supervisor will be notified without delay. The Command Duty Officer and the member's Division Commander will be notified if the accident involves serious injuries.
• Statements: No oral or written statement concerning the cause of the accident will be made at the scene, unless made to an officer investigating the accident.
• Reporting Circumstances: The driver will submit a memorandum, giving the details of the occurrence, through channels to his/her Division Commander/Director.

Exception: When the driver is incapacitated, the assigned supervisor will submit the memorandum for the driver.

In any event, no employees involved in a vehicle accident will investigate their own accident, but will cooperate in supplying driver's license and vehicle information to the investigating officer.
 

Supervisors assigned to vehicle accidents, under this directive, shall ensure the following:

• Notification of City Risk Management: Safety Office: The City Risk Management Safety Office shall be notified without delay.
• Response to the Scene : The assigned supervisor shall respond to the accident scene and ensure that a proper investigation is being conducted, according to Department policy and procedure.
• Assigning Investigative Responsibility: Whenever possible, a Traffic Accident Investigator shall be assigned to investigate and report on the accident. If no Accident Investigator is on duty, or if all on-duty Accident Investigators are already involved in accident investigations, another Patrol Bureau officer shall be assigned. The supervisor may choose to co-investigate the accident with any investigating officer.
• Obtaining Photographs : Photographs shall be taken of all damage resulting from an accident involving a City vehicle.
• Supervisor's Report : Once the driver's memorandum report is submitted, the assigned supervisor will complete a memorandum detailing the supervisor's conclusions about the cause and preventability of the accident. The driver's memorandum and the supervisor's memorandum are to be jointly forwarded to the Division Commander/Director.

The officer assigned to investigate shall be responsible for the following:

• The investigation will be conducted in the manner required by State statutes, and the State of Colorado Investigator's Traffic Accident Report Form, DR 447, will be completed.
• A diagram will be made on all Departmental vehicle accidents when a state Report Form DR 447 is made, if there is moderate to extreme damage or injuries.
• The accident report shall carry unit numbers, in addition to license plate numbers.
• Home addresses of any Department members involved shall be shown as the address of Police Operations Center, 705 South Nevada Avenue, 80903.
• Members' home phone numbers shall not be shown on the report.  All accident reports involving department members will be typed.

All of this Section 2, Traffic Operations
G.O. 160, Motor Vehicle Thefts
G.O. 833, Handling of Evidence and Property
CALEA Standards 1.2.4; 61.1.5; 61.1.11; 61.2.2; 61.4.1; 61.4.2; 61.4.3
 

The City of Colorado Springs maintains a contract with a wrecker service to tow certain impounded vehicles. The contract wrecker service shall be used when a vehicle is impounded for any of the following reasons, and, if appropriate, under paragraph .30:

• Abandoned car on public way (over 72 hours; 24 hours for metered business districts)
• Cars left in a traffic lane, or otherwise creating a hazard
• Cars on a public way blocking driveways, alleys, etc.
• Cars held for proof of ownership
• Expired or misused license plates
• Unsafe vehicles (on public ways)
• Driver was driving without a current and valid operator/chauffeur's license
• Driver drove without proper license endorsement
• Driver's license is denied, cancelled, suspended or revoked by the State
• Cars held for evidence processing (only if unable to process at scene)
• Cars involved in accidents that may lead to the filing of felony charges (vehicular assault, vehicular homicide), if determined necessary by the investigating officer
• Hit and run vehicles, if: driver is or has been arrested, or vehicle has been abandoned

An owner/driver, who is arrested, shall be offered the following options:

• Properly parking and, if possible, locking the vehicle.  As this is an option that the person may accept or refuse, the Police Department will not assume liability for the vehicle or its contents.
• Summoning a wrecker of the owner/driver's choice and at his/her expense.
• Releasing the vehicle to another person at the scene.  If this option is chosen, the officer shall ensure that the person to whom the vehicle is released is a licensed and unimpaired driver.
• Towing by the City contract wrecker service to the Department Impound Lot.

These options shall be offered for all vehicles with the following exceptions:

• When a vehicle is to be held for evidence or investigation.
• When the owner/driver is not competent to make a rational and timely decision.

• When the owner/operator is not on scene and therefore is unable to contract with a tow company for towing and storage of the vehicle.

• When an agreement for a public consensual tow cannot be reached, or cannot be reached in a timely manner, i.e., the same forty-five (45) minute timeframe allowed in the towing contract.

When a vehicle is impounded by this Department, the following steps are required:

• An Impounded Vehicle Report, or car card, will be completed and will accompany the vehicle to the Department Impound Lot.
• The officer impounding the vehicle, before releasing the vehicle to the wrecker service, shall conduct a complete custodial inventory search of the vehicle, for the protection of valuables in the vehicle, and for the protection of the public from potentially dangerous contents.
• All items of discernible, substantial value shall be removed from the vehicle and entered into personal property on a Custodian's Invoice.  See G.O. 833, Handling of Evidence and Property.  If access to the trunk is available from use of the trunk key or through any other means such as an electronic latch or folding seat, the contents of the trunk shall be searched.  If the owner/driver does not provide the trunk key, the trunk shall remain locked.
• While conducting the custodial inventory, should the impounding officer locate a container in or on the vehicle, it is the officer's responsibility to open such container and inventory its contents. Officers should remain alert to potential hazards of suspicious containers. Locked or sealed containers should not be opened.
• The ignition key of the impounded vehicle should accompany the vehicle to the Department Impound Lot.

Officers are cautioned that impounding is not to be used for punitive reasons. Impounding a vehicle because of the attitude of the owner/driver, or for minor infractions, is contrary to the purpose of this policy.

A vehicle is to be impounded only after making a genuine effort to properly park and lock the vehicle, or to release the vehicle to a responsible party.
 

An officer may place a hold on an impounded vehicle while completing further investigation. The hold will only be effective for 30 calendar days from the date of impound.  Those vehicles impounded for proof of ownership are held until proof of ownership is provided.  Those vehicles impounded as unsafe are required to be made safe, or towed out of the lot, before they are released.

Officers may not place a hold on a vehicle if it is strictly to serve a summons.  Officers will write a note on the car card that a summons needs to be served.  The Impound Lot will notify dispatch when the vehicle is being released so that dispatch can have an officer pick up the summons and respond to the Impound Lot to serve it.

At the end of the 30 calendar day hold period, Impound Lot personnel will start the procedures to will release the vehicle to the owner, if the hold is not extended. Officers may request extensions for 30 days at a time by notifying the Impound Lot, in writing, for each 30 day extension.  It is the officer’s responsibility to notify the Impound Facility and not the responsibility of the Impound Facility to notify the officer each 30 days. All requests will contain the impound number, car card number, as part of the identification of the vehicle.  Vehicles being held for evidence in homicide, vehicular assault, fatal, civil forfeiture or drug seizure cases are exempt from the maximum 30 day hold.

Upon release after the hold period, Impound Lot personnel will provide notification to the owner as described in SOP E2-08 .

Only the City Manager, or the City Manager's designated representative, may waive the imposition and collection of all, or any part of the storage charges.  Officers are not authorized to waive the storage charges and should not advise citizens that fees will be waived.
.
 

The officer shall call the contract wrecker. If however, the City contract wrecker is unavailable during high demand times, due to adverse weather conditions, etc., officers may use discretion to call for the next available rotational wrecker service. 

All vehicles towed by the Police Department contract wrecker, or towed by a private wrecker company at police direction, will be towed to either the Impound Lot or the private wrecker company's lot.  At no time will the vehicle be left on a side street, parking lot or other place, unless specified by the owner of the vehicle.  A dry run clause is built into the City contract with the wrecker service to cover the following:

• If the driver of the vehicle shows up and has the means, or will have the means very shortly to have the vehicle removed, the officer can cancel the wrecker, and the Department will be charged for a dry run.
• If the wrecker and the driver arrive on the scene at the same time, or if the wrecker has not left the scene with the vehicle, the officer shall sign a tow ticket for a dry run, provided that the driver is able to remove the vehicle.
• No citizen shall be made to pay for a wrecker, that the citizen did not call, if s/he has already made arrangements for the vehicle to be removed from the street.  An exception to this would be a vehicle blocking a traffic lane on I-25 and the City contract wrecker is on scene and the requested wrecker by the citizen has not yet arrived. The citizen can choose to continue with the impoundment of the vehicle or change the contact wrecker to a request tow utilizing the City contract wrecker on scene.

To outline basic responsibilities of Patrol officers.
 

G.O. 120, Communication Protocols
G.O. 601, Enforcement Guidelines
G.O. 705, Use of Force Continuum
G.O. 740, Determining Probable Cause
G.O. 750, Citizen Contacts
G.O. 1662 Work Performance
Patrol SOP P1-84, Community/Problem Oriented Policing
CALEA Standards 41.2.6; 61.2.2; 81.2.5; 82.2.2; 84.1.1; 84.1.2
 

Department personnel are often called upon to supply services that are not enforcement oriented. When this happens, officers are encouraged to provide courtesy services that are consistent with this Manual, City policy, and the law.
 

Log Sheet: Patrol officers will record activities or actions taken, whether self-initiated or assigned. Radio communications and MDCs  will be used for this purpose in addition to the daily activity report (log sheet). Each officer assigned to Patrol or other uniformed field activities is responsible for notifying Communications of the following:

•  Location responding from
•  Arrival on the scene
•  Completion of assignment
•  Disposition information
•  Location and nature of self-initiated activity

Daily activity reports (log sheets) will be turned in before the end of the officer's next shift. Daily activity reports will be turned in before going on days off.

Within reasonable limits, patrol officers are expected to maintain and have available their own notes, not a part of official reports, that may give supplementary information for use in court to refresh their memory or to improve their court performance.  Unless otherwise directed by a superior officer or Court order, these shall be retained for as long as the officer feels they are necessary to accomplish a specific police purpose, after which they may be disposed of.
 

Patrol officers shall be familiar with any information furnished, pertaining to persons or events, that may affect the public's welfare and safety and shall remain familiar with the following:

• Special conditions in their assigned areas, such as patterns of criminal incidents, location of known criminals and location of possible targets for criminal conduct.
• Descriptions of wanted and missing persons.
• Descriptions of property recently reported stolen in their assigned area.
• Any conditions in the assigned sector which pose special traffic problems or other kinds of hazards.

Officers assigned to patrol a sector will become familiar with sector boundaries and with any boundary modifications in effect during that watch.  Officers will take positive action to inform themselves about crime-prone areas, businesses, possible targets for criminal activity and any other condition which is detrimental to life or property. Officers shall also continuously seek to prevent, detect or anticipate criminal activity. For this reason, they shall take the following actions as often as possible:

Inspect premises for doors ajar, broken windows, or other conditions conducive to crime or indicative of criminal activity.

Carefully observe and note the actions of persons who might be involved in crime, and take appropriate action.

When suspicion of any persons' wrongdoing has become definite, stop and question them. For guidelines, see Section 7 of this Manual, Force, Detention, and Arrest.

Obtain information on citizen's problems and concerns relating to quality of life issues, public disorder, and criminal activity, through frequent contacts with residents, workers, merchants and others in the assigned sector. Remember that the inhabitants of a neighborhood are the best sources of information about unusual activities or conditions.

Inform people in the sector of actions they can take to protect their persons or property from crime.

Frequently patrol areas or places where criminal activity most often occurs.

Contact business owners/managers to obtain/update after hours emergency contact information.

Obtain "No Trespass" letters from business and property owners. 

Carefully observe all premises that may be used to facilitate criminal activity, such as fencing of stolen goods, illicit drug sales, prostitution, and gang activity. Take note of the identity of suspicious persons transacting business there and remain alert for the presence of contraband, evidence, and stolen property.

Observe all places of business and note the location of safes, cash registers, night lights, alarm systems, habits of the staff, time of opening and closing, nature of business, number and location of exits and means of securing, such as locking doors, windows, gratings and skylights or other barriers.

Monitor applicable licensing laws and regulations and take necessary enforcement action or refer the information to the proper enforcement authority.

When traffic becomes congested and assistance is needed, take measures to ease the congestion.
 

Officers will patrol their assigned sectors as often as possible. They will use the time available between particular assignments to observe conditions in the sector and take appropriate police action to correct and report any hazardous conditions or situations coming to their attention.  Where practical, they will vary the sequence and schedule of their patrolling so that potential criminals cannot anticipate the officer's being in a given place at a given time.
 

Officers may leave an assigned sector, without prior supervisory approval, under any of the conditions listed below, however, they will advise Communications:

• When assigned or authorized by competent authority
• To aid and assist (to include POP/DA projects)
• When performing a follow-up process or pursuing a suspect
• When taking a meal break
• When ending a tour of duty

Officers shall not go outside the city limits in Department vehicles except as specified below.  Irregular City boundaries and enclaves frequently make it necessary to pass through non-City areas to reach an area which is within the city limits.  For the present purposes, this activity does not constitute "leaving the City" and does not require permission.  However, law enforcement action should not be taken in such areas except under the conditions specified.

• In cases of fresh pursuit.
• When sent by proper authority at the request of a law enforcement officer having jurisdiction.
• When there appears to be a grave emergency and an urgent need for assistance.
• When authorized by a superior or by Communications.
• When duty assignment involves joint jurisdiction.

The dispatcher shall be notified as soon as possible when assistance is provided outside the city limits.
 

Department personnel assigned to a Patrol function will follow these procedures when a tour of duty nears completion:

• At the appropriate time, notify Communications of arrival at the substation to go off duty.
• If informed by Communications that off-duty status is not authorized, remain on assignment until relieved by Communications or a supervisor.
• Upon arrival at the substation, complete and submit all reports and process all evidence or other property, unless delay is authorized by a supervisor.
• Inform the relieving officer of any incidents or circumstances which may affect him/her.
• Inspect individual mailbox and access email and phone messages box before and after each watch.

Patrol Sergeants' responsibilities encompass the duties of their subordinates and reinforce the subordinates with supervision, direction, control and other tasks specified in written directives or assigned by competent authority. Patrol Sergeants will meet with sector officers as often as necessary and practical to ensure that police services are properly and efficiently performed. At the end of watch, each supervisor will ensure that all reports, evidence, property and equipment are appropriately processed by the officers assigned.
 

Officer safety and proper sector coverage are major concerns of the field supervisor.  When a supervisor is personally unable to locate an officer, the supervisor will initiate a thorough search using other officers assigned to the supervisor's area. If the missing officer cannot be located within a reasonable time, the supervisor will ensure that the sector is properly covered while continuing efforts to locate the officer.  Once the missing officer is located, the Patrol Sergeant will ascertain why the officer was not available and will take that action he/she deems necessary to correct the situation and prevent its recurrence.
 

G.O. 120, Communications Protocols
G.O. 315, Response to Crimes in Progress
G.O. 1210, Manpower Availability
CALEA Standards 41.2.1; 81.2.5; 81.2.6
 

It is not possible, or even desirable, to dispatch an officer immediately to every call for service. Citizens and taxpayers--including Department members--correctly hold public agencies accountable for using their resources efficiently.  A modern law enforcement agency must learn to live with limited resources and to develop cost-effective service delivery plans. Careful prioritizing and use of alternative response systems, when appropriate, are essential to match human and material resources with service demands. The Department will provide the highest level of service possible by using available resources effectively.
 

See G.O. 120, Communications Protocols
 

When an incident is assigned to a unit, other units should not cover unless the responding unit requests assistance or the need for assistance is obvious or known.
 

To establish a method for responding to crimes in progress, whether reported by officers or by citizens.
 

G.O. 120, Communications Protocols
G.O. 310, Routine Patrol Functions
G.O. 312, Deployment: Response Priorities
G.O. 435, Canine (K-9) Unit
G.O. 450, Tactical Enforcement Unit
G.O. 455, Bomb Threats and Explosives Incidents
G.O. 458, Hazardous Materials Incidents
G.O. 460, Barricaded Suspects
G.O. 465, Hostage Incidents
G.O. 480, Civil Disturbances
CALEA Standards 81.2.5; 81.2.6
 

When notified of an emergency requiring police action, the Department will respond immediately with sufficient available resources to control the incident. Responses will be coordinated for effectiveness in resolving problems and restoring order. Department personnel, after considering the tactical situation, will initiate reasonable and necessary steps, consistent with their assignments, to protect life and property, and enforce the law.
 

BASIC RESPONSE TEAM: A basic response team will consist of the following: One unit responding Code 3 to the scene; three units responding Code 2 to the scene; and one supervisor responding Code 2 to the scene. Other units will not move into the area unless assigned by Communications personnel or field supervisors.
 

The officer making the request will use the following procedure, when possible:

• The requesting officer will clear the air by broadcasting ". . .[give unit designation] Code 1 3 Traffic."
• The requesting officer shall then broadcast "Officer needs help at (location)."
• If possible, the officer should give a brief statement describing the situation.

When an emergency assistance call is received, the following procedure will be adhered to:

An officer may specify the number of units needed to control a situation. If no number is specified, or there is insufficient information, or a citizen initiates the call instead of an officer, a basic response team will be dispatched.

The dispatcher will broadcast a Code One on all appropriate channels. Department personnel not involved in the response will immediately discontinue use of their radios on that channel.

The dispatcher will then determine which units to send and appropriate response codes, in accordance with the following:

• The dispatcher will determine the first and second units to respond either by designating specific units or requesting the closest units to respond. In any event, the dispatcher will have the authority to designate the first and second units.
• The dispatcher will then notify a Patrol Sergeant from that Division and supply a brief summary of the situation. If a Division Patrol Sergeant is not available, the dispatcher will notify any available Patrol Supervisor citywide.
• The dispatcher will then continue assigning the remaining response units. The initial action taken is critical. Units not dispatched will remain in service and available to respond, but will maintain radio silence until the Code One is cleared by on-scene personnel.

Radio broadcasts of an emergency nature, by either Communications or other field units, that are not relevant to the assistance call, will be made on a radio channel specified by Communications.
 

When an in-progress crime involves a significant potential for violence, a multiple unit response is appropriate.

Responding units will notify Communications of the following:

• Their arrival;
• Their location at the scene, if possible;
• Their intended actions, if possible;
• Any observations that confirm or deny the validity of the call.

In any event, responding units will coordinate their actions to use available resources effectively.
 

Department personnel assigned to in-progress crimes must carry out certain functions before gathering evidence or taking other investigative actions:

• Secure the area and protect bystanders and evidence.
• Control the situation in a manner that reduces the threat to life.
• Obtain descriptions of suspects and vehicles and notify Communications.
• Request assistance, as necessary, for effective action, such as additional police units, specialized police units, Fire Department units or ambulances.
• The first unit to arrive is responsible for assessing the situation and informing Communications within two minutes.

The following personnel have the authority to activate specialized units:

• The on-scene supervisor;
• The on-call Command Duty Officer;
• Any Staff Officer notified of the situation.

When a specialized unit is authorized to respond, the supervisor authorizing the response will ensure that all appropriate command personnel in the emergency chain of command are notified. See G.O. 110, Emergency Notifications

Note:  This procedure does not apply to calling the Crime Lab to the scene of a crime. If the Crime Lab is needed, simply because a crime scene requires special technical processing, no notifications are needed. On the other hand, if the Crime Lab is activated because of a major crime, notifications should already have been made.

To specify procedures for use when police action results in damage to property of others.
 

Because of potential civil liability, all employees of this Department will ensure that any police-related damage to non-Department property is documented thoroughly. Department personnel will not, under any circumstances, represent to citizens that the Department will/will not pay for the damage to or removal of personal property.
 

The employee(s) involved will submit a separate Incident Report detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident damage to property . Included in the Incident Report should be the date, time, location, owner's name and any other pertinent information. A detailed description of damaged property should also be included.

Copies of the Incident Report will be delivered to both the City Attorney's Office and the City's Risk Management Office.

The investigating officer will be responsible for instructing the Police Lab to process the film immediately and deliver the photographs and negatives to the Fiscal Services Section. The Fiscal Services Section will maintain the photographs and copies of the Incident Report.
 

Situations may require a Department officer to forcibly enter a building. These situations include, but are not limited to:

• Execution of search or arrest warrants.
• Suspicious Circumstances/Check the Welfare.
• Emergency action to prevent death or serious bodily injury.

If the building is damaged, and cannot be secured, and no one is present who has a lawful right or owner's consent to occupy the structure, the officer will:

• Attempt to locate the person responsible for the building.
• Stand by until the responsible person arrives at the scene.
• Notify Communications, who will arrange for someone to respond and make the repairs.  An Officer should remain at the scene until the repair is completed.
• Follow the procedures outlined in paragraphs .10 and .20 above.
• The officer's immediate supervisor will forward copies of all relevant material to the Safety/Claims Office for review.

Employees must remember, while acting in the interest of the City and of the general public, they do not have the authority to accept, or to imply, financial responsibility on behalf of the City of Colorado Springs and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Employees should refrain from implying acceptance, either written or verbal, for costs of services that may or may not be as a result of police action.

The Police Department is authorized to collect evidence deemed necessary to a criminal investigation. If private property is damaged as a result of this retrieval, the Police Department has no financial responsibility to replace or repair the damaged property. Officers are to refer inquiring property owners to the City Claims Office.

To furnish guidelines for making death notifications.
 

G.O. 1317, Chaplaincy Corps
G.O. 1950, Family Notification: Officer Death or Trauma
CALEA Standards 22.2.6; 55.2.6
 

One of the most traumatic assignments that a Department member can be asked to perform is that of making a death notification.  Department members will be tactful and sensitive in their approach to this assignment, recognizing the emotional shock to the person receiving the notification.
 

The following guidelines are given for situations in which a Chaplain is not available and the Department member has to deliver the death notice.

The Communications Center will notify a field supervisor whenever a death notification needs to occur.

Notification will be made in person, if at all possible.

• Be sympathetic and empathic, realizing the traumatic impact that the notice will have.
• Whenever possible, set up a support system utilizing a Chaplain, a neighbor, a relative, or a friend.
• When making a death notice, use a statement similar to this:
  "I am (name and rank). I have some bad news for you.  Can we sit down?  There has been a bad accident, etc., and (name) has been killed (or has died)."
• After making the notification, remain at the scene to answer any questions, to the best of your ability.

If no support system was obtained before delivering the notice, ask if there is anyone that you can call.
 

Often, a person being notified of a death will get angry with the person delivering the notice.  This is a grief reaction and should not be taken personally.  Explain that you understand their anger and sympathize with them. Again, use tact and be sensitive to the nature of the notice.
 

Only as a last resort will a death notification be made by telephone.  As previously stated, use tact and be sensitive to the nature of the notice. Stay on the telephone long enough for the information to take hold. If requested to make an additional call, such as for support, do so.

When a member must notify someone out of our jurisdiction State about a death message, consider having a peace officer, where the recipient resides, make personal contact to deliver the message.

To establish the Department's policy concerning organ donor programs.
 

The Colorado Springs Police Department will facilitate the efforts of medical personnel to preserve the bodily organs and tissues of deceased persons who have designated themselves as donors. Because rapid action is necessary for preservation, the Department will take positive action to determine if the deceased is a designated donor.  The Department will also cooperate fully, when requested by medical personnel or other law enforcement agencies, in transporting organs or tissues within this jurisdiction.
 

Colorado's organ donor, or anatomical gift certifications are on the reverse side of the Colorado Driver's License, or on a separate card for those who do not have a Driver's License. To be valid, the certificate must have been signed by the donor and by two witnesses.
 

An officer, at the scene of an immediate or recent death, shall check the deceased, or have medical personnel check the deceased, for an organ donor card. Whenever possible, the officer should have a witness present when handling the personal effects of deceased persons.

If an organ donor card is found, and if CSPD policy indicates that there is no need to maintain a chain of evidence, the nearest hospital emergency room physician shall be contacted for instructions. This provision shall not apply if evidential considerations are present, such as in homicides or child abuse deaths.

To create the CJIS Information Request process and to establish procedures for its use.
 

It is often the case that an officer may need to locate some person for an interview or for some specific information, but does not have probable cause to justify a pickup for the person.  The CJIS Information Request process will permit officers to place a temporary notice in the CJIS system, so that officers having contact with that person will be alerted to this need and can take appropriate action.
 

The existence of an Information Request alert on the CJIS system does not constitute probable cause, or reasonable suspicion, to stop or detain a person.  It merely informs an officer having contact with the person that another officer is trying to make contact with that person or obtain some sort of information from that person.  The officer having contact will follow the instructions as closely as possible.
 

A special form, entitled Information Request, based generally on the existing pickup form, has been designed for the Information Request process.  The requesting officer will fill out the form as thoroughly and specifically as possible.  The officer must then receive supervisory approval for placing the request.  Such supervisory approval authorizes any overtime that the request may generate.  ID will enter the request into the CJIS system, labeling it Info Request in the Description field, and it will then be valid for up to 30 days.  If the requesting officer desires a shorter time period, an earlier date may be placed in the cancellation blank on the card.  Once the 30 days expires, the officer must fill out another Information Request if s/he wants to continue the request.  This procedure may be repeated, as many times as necessary, but no extensions will be granted.  A new card must be submitted each time the request is renewed.

The requesting officer must indicate on the card what kind of disposition the contacting officer is to make.  ID will enter one of the following codes:

• Contact ID - Indicates that the officer having contact with the wanted person should call ID for further instructions.
• Complete FI - Indicates that the officer having contact should complete an FIR card and forward it to the requesting officer.
• Page of C - Indicates that the officer having contact should page the requesting officer.

In the Caution field, the requesting officer will furnish contact information, consisting of his/her name, serial number, and Divisional code, such as SC, GH, MC, if an FIR card is desired; name, serial number, and pager number and/or telephone contact number(s), if voice contact is desired.  Requesting voice contact signifies the requesting officer's desire to be contacted at any hour.
 

To specify rules and procedures for police officers within the sterile concourse area of the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport.
 

STERILE CONCOURSE AREA: Includes all parts of the airport terminal that must be reached by passing through the security checkpoint.

CERTIFICATE HOLDER: Any commercial airline company.
 

It will be necessary for an officer who is out of uniform and on duty to discreetly advise the security screening people, as well as an officer assigned to the Airport Security Detail, of the fact that the officer is armed and going into the sterile concourse area.  The officer must sign the log kept for this purpose at the screening point by security personnel.  The visiting officer will then be escorted into the sterile concourse area.
 

Off-duty officers will not be allowed to carry weapons while in the sterile concourse area. Officers are to check their weapons at the Airport Security Detail Office, which is located at the east end of the first level, near the rental car counters.
 

The following procedure complies with standard airline policy and is hereby adopted by the Colorado Springs Police Department:

Each officer with a requirement to carry a dangerous weapon in the cabin compartment of an air carrier aircraft should provide a letter to the air carrier, in advance, that specifies the circumstances that create the need to be armed during the flight(s) being utilized. This letter should be on the letterhead of the jurisdiction employing the officer and signed by a supervisory official. Such letter should specify the trip itinerary and include a designated period during which the need to be armed in flight will exist. The officer may carry the weapon on the aircraft only with the approval of the air carrier and the flight Captain. The officer is responsible for becoming familiar with, and adhering to, the specific airline's applicable procedures.
 

An Individual To Be Armed During Flight Should:

1) Be authorized to have the weapon.

2) Notify the certificate holder he needs to have the weapon accessible in connection with the performance of duty during the period from the time the individual would otherwise have checked it, until the time it would have been returned to the individual after deplaning.

3) Notify the certificate holder of the flight on which he intends to have a weapon, at least one hour prior to flight departure, or in an emergency, as soon as practicable recognizing that emergency situations, on occasion, occur.

4) Identify himself to the certificate holder by presenting credentials that include his full-face picture, his signature, and the signature of an authorizing official.

5) Not drink any alcoholic beverage while aboard an aircraft operated by a certificate holder.

G.O. 110, Emergency Notifications
G.O. 450, Tactical Enforcement Unit (T.E.U.)
G.O. 455, Bomb Threats and Explosives Incidents
G.O. 1008, Patrol Bureau: Functions
CALEA Standard 46.2.5
 

The Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is primarily a support element of the Patrol Bureau and should be utilized in all water-related situations requiring the use of its specialized capabilities.

Although the resources of the Unit can be used for numerous water situations, the following guide suggests typical situations in which the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit may be utilized:

• Body search and recovery.
• Vehicle recovery.
• Evidence search and recovery.
• Property search and recovery, as a result of official investigations.
• Investigation assistance regarding water-related accidents.

The decision to call out the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit shall be the responsibility of the on-duty supervisor of the Patrol Division concerned, the Command Duty Officer, or any Staff Officer.

Non-emergency situations and/or requests by outside agencies for assistance require authorization by the Operations Support Bureau Deputy Chief or designee before activating the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

Upon determining that a call-out is warranted, the supervisor or Communications shall notify the Unit as specified by the Unit roster. If the Unit Supervisor is not available, the next member named on the Unit roster shall be called. The contacted member shall be briefed on the situation, including all details of the need and location, and shall activate the Unit if appropriate.
 

The procedures below shall be followed whenever possible by the unit(s) initially responding to the scene or the on-scene supervisor.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department shall be the primary responding unit during the time lifesaving techniques would be of value.

Police personnel shall secure the shore area to prevent the destruction of evidence. This may require the use of additional units or barricades. Such requests shall be made by the senior officer on the scene.

Record and preserve any clues that may lead to the approximate location of any objects to be searched for (witness statements, location of on-shore and in-water evidence, wind direction, etc.).

Identify items to be recovered.

Prohibit all boating, swimming and diving except by Police and Fire Department personnel.

Keep the on-duty Division Patrol Supervisor informed of the situation.
 

The Unit member in charge of the diving operation will ensure that adequate Unit personnel and equipment necessary for a safe operation are assembled and that Unit personnel respond to Police Headquarters prior to responding to the scene, unless otherwise directed by the Unit Supervisor.

Upon arrival at the scene, the Unit Supervisor shall:

• Obtain all known details from the on-scene supervisor.
• Ensure that all necessary support personnel and equipment are on the scene and all personnel have been advised of their duties.
• Ensure that all anticipated danger/risk factors are minimized, as much as possible.
• When authorized to perform a diving function, the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit Supervisor shall assume command of all diving units at the scene and shall have the authority to conduct the operation in accordance with the Unit's dive plan.

G.O. 110, Emergency Notifications
G.O. 450, Tactical Enforcement Unit (T.E.U.)
G.O. 455, Bomb Threats and Explosives Incidents
G.O. 1008, Patrol Bureau: Functions
CALEA Standards 41.1.4; 41.2.6; 46.1.5; 46.2.5
 

The K-9 Unit of the Colorado Springs Police Department is designed to provide specialized support for general patrol operations. Additionally, the K-9 assists other components of the Department, as well as other agencies, upon request. Special procedures in this General Order ensure that the advantages offered by the K-9 Unit are obtained with minimal risks to the public, to officers, and to the dogs.
 

The K-9 Unit is a support element of the Operations Support Patrol Bureau and should be utilized in situations requiring its specialized capabilities. As a guideline for decision-making, it is recognized that police working dogs are effective in the following situations:

• Explosives searches and detection
• Building searches
• Tracking of suspects
• Open seeks (clearing open areas)
• Evidence searches
• Crowd control - limited application (see paragraph .20, Officer Responsibilities)
• Lost or missing persons - limited application (see paragraph .20, Officer Responsibilities)
• Any situation that requires the specialized capabilities of the K-9 Unit.

Officers performing duties with, or in the presence of, a police working dog or its handler shall abide by the following rules:

1. Police working dogs shall be deployed to apprehend suspects only after due consideration has been given to the nature of the offense, safety of officers, and safety of the general public. In any case, police working dogs, as an application of force, should only be used in ways that are reasonable and necessary for performing official law enforcement duties.
2. Police working dogs shall be used to control a crowd only when necessary to prevent death or injury to innocent persons, or to prevent assaults on police officers. Requests for police working dogs for crowd control require the approval of a division lieutenant of the appropriate Patrol Division.
3. Police working dogs shall be used to search for missing persons or lost children only when there are grave extenuating circumstances, such as evidence of foul play or grievous harm. Minimal exceptions to this rule may be granted, by a division lieutenant, for the best interest of the Department and the public.
4. Officers shall heed the directions of the K-9 handler when in a tactical situation.
5. Police working dogs shall not be used to apprehend persons under the influences of drugs or intoxicants unless a crime has been, or is about to be, committed warranting the K-9's intervention.
6. Police personnel are prohibited from teasing or harassing police working dogs, assigned trainers or handlers in any manner. K-9 Unit personnel are excused from this provision for legitimate training purposes.
7. Police personnel may pet police working dogs only with the permission of, and in the presence of, the assigned handler.
8. Police personnel shall not hug or lean close to the head of a police working dog while petting it.
9. Police personnel shall not offer food or drink to police working dogs unless permission has been obtained from the assigned handler.
10. With the exception of emergencies, or prior approval of any assigned handler, other police personnel shall not give commands to police working dogs.

In that the K-9 Unit is intended to support all components of the Department, the procedures below will be followed by members of the K-9 Unit and, where applicable, all other members of the Department.:

Arrests made or evidence located, as the result of a request for K-9 assistance, shall be considered to have been accomplished by the requesting officer. Reports, suspects and evidence obtained through K-9 assistance will be processed by normal Departmental procedures.
Whenever a K-9 Unit responds to a request for assistance, the K-9 handler shall be responsible for completing required supplemental reports, documenting actions taken by the K-9 Unit, and turning in evidence seized by the K-9 Officer.

All K-9 Units shall be responsible for taking appropriate police action concerning on-view criminal activity and shall be responsible for completing necessary reports.

Requests for public demonstrations and appearances of K-9 Units will be coordinated through the designated unit supervisor and scheduled in accordance with the operational needs of the Department. Media requests for K-9 Unit appearances must be coordinated through the Department's Public Information Office.
 

Requests for off-duty call-outs of K-9 Units may be made by any on-duty sworn supervisor.  Off-duty call-outs should only be made when there is a compelling need for K-9 Unit assistance. Communications will be responsible for contacting the on-call K-9 Unit.
 

Scene containment is essential in order to effectively utilize the K-9 Unit.  Crime scenes should be quickly cordoned off, utilizing as many officers as needed to effectively prevent escape, pending the arrival of the K-9 Unit.

Containment officers coming into an area should consider using emergency lights and siren to announce their presence, thus causing the suspect to slow his escape for fear of apprehension.

Containment officers should remain in, or close to, their vehicles (as opposed to entering the search area) to prevent their scent from distracting the K-9 while tracking a suspect.

Consider calling for air support in addition to the K-9 Unit.  Air support will aid in slowing the suspect's escape, giving the K-9 Unit a greater chance of success.

A K-9 is much more effective if a scene is not inundated with the scent of several officers.  If you lose sight of a suspect during a foot pursuit, consider setting up a perimeter and calling a K-9 Unit immediately as opposed to conducting an extensive search with several officers.

A patrol officer should accompany the K-9 handler on all deployments to cover the handler who must focus his attention on the dog.  The assisting officer should remain slightly behind and to the side of the handler.

As T.E.U. can be called upon for a wide variety of situations, see General Orders relating to specific kinds of situations; for example:

G.O. 455, Bomb Threats and Explosives Incidents
G.O. 458, Hazardous Materials Incidents
G.O. 460, Barricaded Suspects
G.O. 465, Hostage Situations
G.O. 480, Civil Disturbances and Demonstrations
G.O. 762, Mass Arrests
CALEA Standards 46.1.2; 46.1.9; 46.2.1
 

As a guideline for decision-making, the following represent some typical situations where the resources made available through the Tactical Enforcement Unit may be utilized:

• Large fights, such as potential or known riots, gang fights, fights with weapons, civil disturbances, large bar fights, etc.
• Sniper or suspected sniper
• Barricaded or suspected barricaded gunman
• Hostage or suspected hostage situations
• Mass arrest situations
• V.I.P. security
• Enforcement/arrest/seizure raids
• Serious crime-in-progress calls
• Security for crime scene or bomb threat area
• Hijack or suspected hijack when vehicle is in the City or aircraft is on the ground
• Protection of Police and Fire Department units involved with mob actions, arsonists, etc.
• "Officer needs help" calls
• Any situation that requires a highly mobile and flexible police unit.

The decision to call out the Tactical Enforcement Unit, in response to any situation, shall be made by an on-duty supervisor, Command Duty Officer or by any Staff Officer.

Upon a decision to call out the Tactical Enforcement Unit, its Commanding Officer and Sergeant shall be informed of the situation, including details of the need, location, and time needed. If the Tactical Enforcement Unit Commanding Officer or Sergeant is not available, another member of the unit will have been designated by the Sergeant as the unit leader and shall have the authority to mobilize the unit. In such cases, the designated unit leader shall notify the supervisor of the fact.

If the Tactical Enforcement Unit is not scheduled for an assignment of a higher priority, the Sergeant or unit leader shall then mobilize the unit.

Whenever there is a need for Tactical Enforcement Unit officers to supplement other operational components of the Police Department, such as conducting stakeouts or directed activities, the following guidelines will be used:

• The supervisor of the requesting unit will contact the Commanding Officer of the Patrol Support Section, or designee, and supply sufficient information for assessing the request.
• Officers may then be assigned as either an entire unit to be supervised by the Tactical Sergeant, or as individual officers falling under the direct authority and supervision of the requesting supervisor.

In order to alleviate potential problems between Patrol officers and Patrol Support officers engaged in undercover surveillance/stakeout activities, Patrol Support officers will follow these procedures:

• Whenever possible, Patrol Support personnel will attend roll calls of the Patrol Division in which a surveillance is being conducted.
• In all cases, during normal business hours, the Division Shift Lieutenant of the affected Patrol Division, or the Command Duty Officer during off hours, will be notified of all undercover surveillance/stakeout operations.  If dissemination of the information to operational components could jeopardize the operation, the appropriate Lieutenant should exercise discretion.

G.O. 458, Hazardous Materials Incidents
G.O. 435, Canine (K-9) Unit
G.O. 110, Emergency Notifications
G.O. 450, Tactical Enforcement Unit (T.E.U.)
G.O. 810, Investigations Procedures
G.O. 1008, Patrol Bureau: Functions
CALEA Standard 46.1.5
 

The Bomb Squad shall be responsible for conducting preliminary investigations into incidents of accidental explosions, bombings, found bombs, explosives and related incidents.

In the event that the use of explosives is incidental to another crime (i.e. homicide, attempted homicide or serious assault, etc.) the bomb squad will coordinate with the Major Crimes Section covering all findings, suspects, and the significance of the evidence.

The Bomb Squad  is also responsible for safely removing and disposing of all explosives found or recovered by this Department.
 

When a bomb threat is received by personnel of this Department, or is reported by other persons, these procedures will be followed:

A Patrol supervisor and field unit will be dispatched to the location of the bomb threat and contact the person in charge of the premises. That person shall be given the facts then known and shall then decide whether or not those premises shall be evacuated and/or searched.

• If consent to evacuate and/or search is given, the supervisor should ask Communications to send adequate field units to make a quick and thorough search of the premises, using the involved establishment's personnel whenever possible and proper.
• Should any known or suspected explosives be located, Communications shall be notified immediately to dispatch the Bomb Squad. The Bomb Squad will respond to the scene and assume command.
• Officers at the scene shall evacuate all persons from the premises and secure the area, doing everything possible to minimize the risk of injury or death. In determining the extent of evacuation required, it shall be assumed that a bomb or explosive may cause damage to property, and fatal or serious injury to persons within at least 300 feet from the point of the explosion.
• All nonessential personnel should also be evacuated to a distance of 300 feet.  At that distance, cover behind solid, protective cover is strongly recommended.  At even further distances, persons should be instructed not to remain behind glass windows, so as to prevent serious fragmentation injuries.
• As a safety precaution, no radio transmission shall be made within 300 feet of a suspected bomb.  Police officers may keep their radios in the "On" position to receive transmissions; however, under no circumstances should they transmit, as sufficient energy may be released to detonate the bomb.
• Cellular telephones should not be on, if within 300 feet of a suspected bomb.
• The Patrol Bureau field unit, initially dispatched to the scene of a bomb threat, shall be responsible for completing an offense report if no bomb, explosive, etc. is found.

If a bomb threat concerns the Colorado Springs Airport, the Bomb Squad shall be notified and will respond to the scene.

If the bomb threat involves a commercial aircraft, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be in charge of the investigation. The Patrol Bureau supervisor and field units assigned to the incident will assist the Federal Bureau of Investigation as needed. The Patrol Bureau units shall not assist in the search of passenger luggage, except at the direction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
 

Ammunition smaller than .50 caliber will not be considered explosives and may be handled by an investigating officer. All other known or suspected explosives, such as nitroglycerin, dynamite, blasting caps, mortar shells, grenades, artillery shells, bombs, or other homemade explosive or pyrotechnic devices, shall be handled only by members of the Bomb Squad. Molotov cocktails will be handled by either the bomb squad or the arson unit, as needed.  If any explosives or suspected explosives are found, the area will be evacuated and these procedures will be followed:

• Patrol units shall make no attempt to neutralize, disarm, move, transport, or release explosives or devices, unless so directed by a member of the Bomb Squad, or unless further threat to life cannot be avoided.
• Officers responding to calls involving such explosives or incendiary devices shall request Communications to notify the Bomb Squad. Should explosives be verified, the Bomb Squad will respond for their removal.
• Explosives shall not be brought into Police Headquarters. All explosives will be transported by the Bomb Squad for destruction, proper storage, or release to the military Explosive Ordnance Detail.

In incidents involving injury or death because of a bomb, explosive, etc., the Major Crimes Section shall conduct the principal investigation with assistance from the Bomb Squad.

G.O. 110, Emergency Notifications
G.O. 450, Tactical Enforcement Unit (T.E.U.)
G.O. 455, Bomb Threats and Explosives Incidents
G.O. 1008, Patrol Bureau: Functions
CALEA Standards 61.2.1; 61.2.2; 61.2.3
 

The Colorado Springs Police Department is often called upon to respond to emergency situations requiring the expertise of other governmental and private agencies. The proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials is one such situation. When required to handle hazardous waste or other hazardous materials, officers will follow these rules, promulgated pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Colorado SB 172, and the City Code of Colorado Springs.
 

HAZARDOUS WASTE: A waste is any substance that a person intends to get rid of, or a substance that is no longer usable for intended purposes.  A hazardous waste is any waste which appears on the EPA's lists of hazardous waste, or which meets any of the following EPA criteria: toxicity, corrosiveness, reactivity or ignitability.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: A hazardous material means a substance or material capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property and includes, but is not limited to, all petrochemicals, liquid gases, compound gases, acids, corrosives and other flammable, toxic or noxious substances.
 

If the Colorado Springs Police Department must assume responsibility for disposing of a waste, the Colorado State Health Department must be called in order to get an emergency permit number.

The contact telephone number is 1-888-569-1831 or is (303) 692-3355, 0800 hours to 1700,  or
1-877-518-5608 during other hours.

If the Colorado State Health Department advises that no emergency permit number is required, the Department employee will document this on a memorandum that includes the name and title of the Colorado State Health Department employee contacted, the property disposed of, and the method of disposal. The memorandum will be sent, through channels, to the City Attorney's Office, Environmental Division. The Colorado State Health Department can help facilitate disposal at a Federal facility such as Ft. Carson.
 

When notified of a hazardous substance incident, the area supervisor shall be dispatched to the Fire Department Command Post, which may be identified by a flashing green light. The Fire Department incident commander will have command of the incident and will advise the Police Department's area supervisor which precautions need to be taken, including:

• Scene protection/Isolation
• Traffic routing
• Crowd control
• Escorting necessary non-law enforcement emergency equipment
• General search and rescue
• Evacuation notification of threatened areas

The decision to evacuate an area, in a hazardous substance incident, is generally that of the Fire Department. Implementation of the Fire Department's decision to evacuate is the Police Department's responsibility. If no Fire Department officials are present to make that decision, CSPD command or supervisory personnel are empowered to make such a decision.

The policy of this Department is to request voluntary compliance to requests for evacuation, and not to evict persons forcibly from their homes and businesses. In cases involving the mentally or physically ill, those unable to understand, including children, etc., proper action will be dictated by the circumstances. Non-residents, and those without lawful business in the area, may be required to leave, if deemed necessary. Properly credentialed members of the press must be allowed access to the area, after they are fully advised of the hazards involved.
 

Every reasonable effort must be made to safeguard the homes and property of those evacuated. This includes limiting access to the area and, if possible, patrolling to prevent looting and vandalism.
 

Crowd control measures should be implemented, as soon as possible, to keep spectators away from the evacuated area, as well as from the scene of the incident. This will reduce the possibility of looting and other crimes in the affected area and minimize interference and injury.
 

The El Paso County Health Department is responsible for the supervision and storage of all radioactive materials within the City of Colorado Springs. Radiation detection equipment for establishing safety zones is located in stations of the Fire Department and at the Health Department.

Officers will not handle known or suspected radioactive materials, in any way, but will protect the scene from unauthorized citizens and stand by for the Colorado Springs Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team and the Health Department personnel, who will be contacted by Communications.

Evacuation procedures and distances should be determined by radiation specialists from the agencies. If specialists are not readily available, keep all persons back at least 500 feet and out of smoke, fumes or dust.

G.O. 110, Emergency Notifications
G.O. 450, Tactical Enforcement Unit (T.E.U.)
G.O. 465, Hostage Situations
G.O. 455, Bomb Threats and Explosives Incidents
G.O. 1008, Patrol Bureau: Functions
CALEA Standards 46.1.4; 46.2.1
 

Like hostage situations, barricaded suspects pose an extreme danger, not only to officers who seek to arrest them, but to other persons as well. Good judgment demands that a tactical plan be developed rather than immediately rushing a barricaded suspect, and that specially trained personnel be summoned to the scene. Nevertheless, certain preliminary procedures outlined in this directive must be followed to ensure that the Department's response is effective.
 

These procedures will be followed, when possible, by the units initially responding to the scene:

• Secure the area so that a barricaded suspect cannot escape. This may involve requests by the officer in command at the scene for additional units.
• Clear the area of bystanders and evacuate adjoining buildings or apartments, if necessary and possible.
• Re-route traffic from the scene; request a barricade truck and additional personnel, if necessary.
• Advise Communications of the situation and request the presence of a supervisor.
• Once a barricaded suspect is isolated, time is to the benefit of the Department. Officers initially responding should wait for arrival of a supervisor, unless there is imminent danger to life.
• When the situation has been verified as a barricaded suspect incident, or is reasonably believed to be so, the Tactical Enforcement Unit shall be notified.
• Officers initially responding will assist in obtaining necessary medical treatment for, and evacuation of, injured victims. If it is determined that evacuation may be unsafe for the officer or others, the on-scene supervisor may elect to proceed with a rescue plan or request the assistance of the Tactical Enforcement Unit to effect a rescue.
• Establish an inner perimeter to prevent the escape of the suspect. The first T.E.U. officers arriving on the scene will take over the inner perimeter positions. Replaced officers will advise the tactical officers of the situation and proceed to the Command Post for debriefing. They may then be used to establish an outer perimeter.
• The outer perimeter will be established as a buffer zone to prevent bystanders from entering a potentially dangerous zone. The Patrol supervisor will be responsible for establishing the outer boundary, usually 1 - 2 blocks in all directions from the suspect's location.

The supervisor first notified of a barricaded suspect situation will respond to the scene immediately. While enroute, the supervisor will notify Communications of the response and estimated time of arrival. 

When at the scene, the supervisor will: