Detaining Suspects

Suspects can be detained with handcuffs for the following reasons:

• They are suspected in commiting a crime

• They match the description of a recent BOLO 

• They have an active arrest warrant

• They are in the area where a crime has been committed, and you want to identify them

• They are openly carrying a deadly weapon (this includes, Machetes', knifes, legal pistols etc.)

Once a suspect has been detained, you must within a REASONABLE time, explain to them why they have been detained. However you can wait until they are secured if you have suspicion they are going to flee, or resist in any way.

Be sure to get all sides of the story. Separate people and then individually to get their stories (often you can see who is lying by getting multiple stories that match up or don’t). If on scene with another Officer, have them get a few stories from witnesses or suspects and compare with what you hear from the witnesses or suspects you talk to. 

If you witness a crime while on duty or are responding to a call and decide to detain/arrest someone, make sure to, after you have the scene under control (placing detained people in cruisers, separating competing parties, or taking people to the Police Department if needed) question the subject(s) on what took place. Make sure to submit a police report on the CAD of the situation and make notes of what the witness said and get the contact details should you need them again. 

Arresting Suspects

A suspect is considered under arrest once you are sure they have committed a Crime (Misdemeanor or Felony)

At this point you are required to let them know what they are being arrested for, and ask them if they would like medical attention before transportation to booking. 

Exception to above, if the suspect if violtile and or resistive, you may transport them directly to the police station and explain there. Use your discretion.

Mirandizing Suspects

Once a suspect is under arrest, it is common curtesy to read them their Miranda Rights which follow

You have the Right to Remain Silent
Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law
You have the Right to an Attorney
If you are unable to afford one the state will provide one for you at your request
Do you understand these rights as I have read to you?
With these rights in mind do you wish to continue speaking to me?

However, these rights DO NOT NEED to be read at the time of the arrest. They MUST be read before any questioning of the suspect. Failure to do so would cause any and all of your evidence collected through said questioning to be admissible.

Processing Suspects

Suspect Care Under Police Custody

• Whilst under our custody, suspects are to be treated with respect and to never be put into a situation that could harm them.

• If a suspect is unlawfully assaulted or their safety is put in jeopardy, all officers in attendance will be punished.

• If a suspect needs immediate care then first aid should be administered and EMS should be contacted. If no EMS are available then 2 officers will transport the suspect to Pillbox to receive medical attention. Officers are not authorized to refuse medical services to suspects or witnesses under Police custody.

Right to Consult With an Attorney

• All suspects will be given the opportunity to discuss legal matters in private with a licensed attorney of their choice.

• Suspects will remain cuffed throughout the duration of the meeting. 

• Suspects will be given a 10 minute grace period at their request to wait for an attorney. If 10 minutes have passed, suspects may request an additional 5 minutes to wait. If no form of communication has been made between the suspect and an attorney then he is to be sentenced for his charges and may rebuttal at a later date with the DOJ.

Placement of Charges

• Charges will be added accordingly to the crimes committed. The adding of additional charges without probable cause to create a higher fine or sentence is prohibited and will result in disciplinary actions taken.

• You can offer Suspects "Plea Deals." Where they plead guilty to some crimes, in exchange to other charges being dropped. This can also be used if the suspect has valuble information on other criminals, and is willing to "Snitch".

• Charges can be stacked, *if the charge stacking is allowed in the specific Penal code.*.

Reductions of fines and sentences

• Reductions of fines and sentences may be done at officers discretion for good conduct or if an arrangement is made between the officer and the attorney.

• Any reductions that are made must be annotated in the report.

• MAX TIME IS 120 MONTHS!!!

• NO MAX FINE