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

G.O. 1105, Staff Duty Officer

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, except for the mandatory notifications listed in the next section.Mandatory notifications are listed below:

Communications is responsible for making all emergency notifications other than those given individually to Staff.  Communications will routinelynotify Staff members via the "Red Team" page of all the incidents categorized by this General Order.  Other incidents which require a "Red Team" page or other type of notification will be made at the request of any Staff member or supervisor. and any other event that, at the discretion of a supervisor, may be necessary. 

Mandatory notifications made by Communications via the "Red Team" page are:

• Change in National Alert Status (Voice notification to  Division Commanders is also required.)
• 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 a 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,and kidnappings or foul play 
• Major employee walk-outs or work stoppages 
• Major equipment or communication failure 
• Major incidents requiring unusual drain on Patrol manpower 
• Arrests or other incidents of a sensitive nature involving political or other high profile figureslikely to generate special media attention; newsworthy"  events 
• Department Member is charged with a crime

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.)
 

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

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

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