Valparaiso Police Department General Orders Flashcards

Flashcards about Valparaiso Police Department General Orders

Transporting Officer Responsibility

The officer transporting a detainee is responsible for their safety and custody.

Detainee Search Requirement

Officers must thoroughly search detainees for weapons or contraband before transport, including court appearances and holding facilities.

Opposite Sex Detainee Search

Detainees of the opposite sex should be handcuffed behind the back and are subject to a pat-down search.

Same-Sex Officer Search

If available, a same-sex officer should conduct the pat-down search.

Video Recording of Search

At the Valparaiso Police station, pat-down search should be video recorded in an interview room if available .

Limited Search for Opposite Sex

Opposite-sex detainees should be searched for weapons to assure safety, with a more thorough search for contraband conducted by jail personnel.

Pat-Down Technique

Officers should pat-down using the back of the hand and search on the outside of clothing.

Suspicious Object Removal

A suspicious object found during a pat-down should be removed in view of a witness officer if suspected of being a weapon or contraband.

Detainee Placement in Vehicle

Officers must place transported detainees in either the right rear or right front seat, handcuffed and with a safety belt.

Two-Officer Transport Position

When two officers are transporting, one drives and the other sits in the left rear seat.

Multiple Detainee Transport

When transporting more than one detainee, all must be seatbelted and there must be a low expectation of escape or attack. Seating arrangement is decided by the transporting officer.

Handcuffing Policy

All arrestees must be handcuffed behind the back, unless exceptions apply.

Restraining Handicapped Detainees

Handicapped detainees may not require restraining devices unless exhibiting violent behavior.

Restraining Sick/Injured Detainees

Restraining devices may not be necessary for sick or injured detainees, depending on the risk of escape or violence. A thorough search is still required.

Handcuffing for Minor Offenses

Handcuffing persons arrested for traffic infractions or local ordinance violations is at the officer’s discretion.

Prohibited Handcuffing Locations

No person is to be handcuffed to any part of the transporting vehicle or to any person/officer during transport.

Detainee Comfort During Extended Transport

During extended transport, officers should consider detainee comfort along with security/safety, potentially using leg restraints or transport belts.

Strait Jacket Use

Violent or erratic detainees may be restrained by a strait jacket if they may cause serious injury.

Transport of Mentally Unstable Detainees

For mentally unstable detainees, utilize the Valparaiso Fire Department Rescue Ambulance or a local jail van when transporting.

Ambulance Transport Requirements

If Valparaiso Rescue Ambulance is used, medical personnel must accompany the detainee, and the detainee must be restrained to the cot.