Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedures: Comprehensive Study Guide

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 630 – Vehicle Thefts, Prior Authority Vehicle Use, and Theft by Fraud

• Motor Vehicle Theft Definition: The taking of vehicles by persons who do not have lawful access to the vehicle.

• Prior Authority Definition:

  • Defined as the temporary taking of a vehicle for use when authority was granted or can be assumed, primarily in family or household situations. It is not considered a crime.
  • Examples include members of the same household, romantic partners, friends, or family members who have been granted access on a continuous or assumed basis.
  • The vehicle owner must know the operator's full name, sex, and date of birth. If these three identifiers are unknown to the owner, the incident must be filed as a Motor Vehicle Theft.

• Conversion of Prior Authority to Motor Vehicle Theft:

  • A prior authority incident becomes a theft only when the owner rescinds authority and the operator refuses to return the vehicle.
  • The owner must communicate the rescission of authority verbally or electronically (e.g., text message).
  • The operator must communicate their refusal to return the vehicle verbally or electronically.
  • If both elements (rescission and refusal) cannot be established, the incident remains classified as a Prior Authority incident.

• Theft by Fraud Definition:

  • The taking of a vehicle by an individual who had lawful possession (rented, loaned, or entrusted) but kept the vehicle through deceit.
  • Examples include failing to return a rental vehicle after the expiration of a written lease/rental agreement.
  • Includes the exchange of a vehicle during illegal transactions, specifically regarding drugs or prostitution.

• Incident Reporting Procedures:

  • Motor Vehicle Theft 943.23(2): Filed when an unknown or known person takes a vehicle without lawful, assumed, or granted authority.
  • Theft by Fraud 943.20(1)(d): Filed for cases involving illegal completed transactions (drugs/prostitution).
  • Theft by Fraud 943.20(1)(e): Filed for failed returns of rented/leased vehicles after agreement expiration.
  • Prior Authority Report: Filed when authority was assumed/granted. The narrative must articulate the specific circumstances.
  • Vehicle Supplement (Form PT-37): Must be filed for all Motor Vehicle Theft and Theft by Fraud investigations. Suspect and vehicle information must be sent via teletype as soon as practicable. If a victim refuses to sign form PT-37, the complaint is deemed baseless and no report is filed.
  • Theft by Fraud Teletype: An "ALL DABS" teletype must be entered within $24\,\text{hours}$ of the reported theft. This must include the verbiage "Theft by Fraud," the case number, vehicle description (color, make, model, VIN, license plate), and the filing officer's name and PeopleSoft number.

• Stolen Vehicle Desk Responsibilities:

  • Enter vehicle data into NCIC/CIB systems and file supplemental reports regarding entries.
  • Personnel receive automatic emails when Stolen Auto Reports are submitted in the Record Management System (RMS).
  • The desk validates stolen vehicle information and entries.

• Investigation Prerequisites:

  • Complainants should typically respond in person to a district station. Squads may be dispatched only if the complainant is unable to report in person, exigent circumstances exist, or at the discretion of the district commanding officer.
  • Officers must query the license plate and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through the Department of Transportation (DOT) to verify ownership.
  • Officers must check with the Department of Public Works (DPW) Parking Information Desk to ensure the vehicle was not towed or repossessed.

• Recovery Procedures:

  • Citizen Recoveries: Citizens cannot cancel a stolen vehicle report over the phone. A squad must verify the recovery in person, or the citizen must bring the vehicle to a district station.
  • Police Identification: Members must confirm ownership, license, VIN, and registration upon recovery.
  • Evidence Processing: The vehicle must be processed if it was used in a felony (other than the theft itself), taken during a felony commission, or if a compelling reason exists to believe physical evidence (DNA, prints, tools) will link a suspect to the crime.
  • DNA Scrutiny: DNA processing only occurs if there is probable cause the vehicle was used in a violent felony (e.g., armed robbery, recklessly endangering safety).
  • Owner Contact: Reasonable effort must be made to contact the owner via phone, in person, or by leaving a Referral Memo (Form PR-3).
  • Towing: If the owner cannot claim the vehicle within a reasonable time, a tow reference number must be obtained from DPW. All damage and property inside must be documented on the tow slip.

• Latent Print Identification and Alerts:

  • If a latent print lead is generated without a suspect in custody, the responsible member must show elimination photographs to the victim within $72\,\text{hours}$.
  • Suspect Alert: Entered into RMS for exterior and interior prints if there are aggravating factors (e.g., suspect is on probation for Operating Vehicle without Owner’s Consent (OVWOC), on bail for a violent felony, or has a history of OVWOC arrests).
  • Investigative Alert: Entered if the victim cannot be located, if the suspect has no prior record, or as approved by a shift commander.
  • Insufficient Evidence Release: Individuals arrested solely on Suspect Alerts for exterior prints without other evidence (confession, video, witness) must be administratively released citing "Insufficient Evidence" on form PA-45.

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 640 – Department Owned Vehicles and Property

• Fleet Administration: The Facility Services Division is responsible for the entire fleet's record-keeping and administration.

• Take-Home Vehicles:

  • Authorized only by the Chief of Police.
  • Only the assigned member may drive the vehicle. Non-members require permission from the Chief to ride in it.
  • The department is not responsible for personal property stolen or damaged in take-home vehicles.
  • Personal use of these vehicles is prohibited without permission.

• Sign-Out Procedures:

  • Keys must be locked at work locations and issued only by supervisors or Facility Services personnel using the Vehicle/Key Sign Out Sheet (Form PM-17).
  • Vehicles must be kept locked when unattended. Exceptions exist at the Police Administration Building (PAB) where vehicles in lanes/ramps must be left unlocked with keys in the ignition.
  • Duplicate keys are prohibited except for individually assigned vehicles (e.g., motorcycles) with commanding officer permission. Form PR-7 is used to request duplications.

• Member Inspection Duties:

  • Vehicles must be inspected at the start and end of each tour, and before/after any prisoner or citizen transport.
  • Inspections look for damage, defects, contraband, and unauthorized items (weapons, drugs).
  • Failure to report a defect implies the damage occurred during the member's tour.
  • Vehicles must be returned with a full tank of gas and clean at the end of the shift.

• Operating Requirements:

  • Seat belts are mandatory for all members and passengers unless a medical certification or safety endangerment exists.
  • Members must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and wear corrective lenses if required by the license restriction.
  • Suspended or revoked licenses must be reported immediately via Form PM-9E.
  • Pushing or towing other vehicles is prohibited except in exigent circumstances.
  • Travel Beyond City Limits:
    • Allowed for immediate pursuit of law violators or authorized investigations.
    • Intrastate: Travel within Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, and Waukesha counties requires shift commander approval. Other counties require Assistant Chief or Night Watch Commander approval and filing of an Out-of-Town Trip Record (Form PB-6).
    • Interstate: Requires Assistant Chief approval and Form PB-6.

• Mobile Command Post (Squad 991) and Emergency Equipment Truck (Squad 993):

  • Squad 991: Used for critical incidents (hostage negotiations, homicides). Requires Captain rank or higher to authorize. Community events require Assistant Chief approval.
  • Squad 993: Mobile platform for tools, generators, and specialty safety gear. Requested by a shift commander.
  • Prohibitions: Neither may be used for traffic stops or vehicle pursuits. Squad 993 may not be operated as an emergency vehicle.

• Vehicle Repairs and Damage:

  • Form PV-18: Used for all repair and tow requests. Not for routine maintenance like oil changes.
  • Restitution (Form PR-92): Used when property is damaged by criminal acts or crashes. Photographs must be taken. Criminal damage must be prosecuted under state statute to obtain restitution.
  • Squad Damage Book: Every work location maintains a 3-ring binder with Damage Records (Form PD-42 or PD-42A) for every assigned and spare vehicle.

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 650 – Vehicle Crashes

• Jurisdiction:

  • Governed by city/village/town limits.
  • Expressway ramps are under County Sheriff jurisdiction within the fencing lines of approach or exit ramps.

• Crash Scene Procedures:

  • Primary investigator acts as incident commander until relieved.
  • Secure the scene, broadcast safe entry routes, and separate witnesses.
  • Treat the scene as a crime scene; do not manipulate vehicles unless necessary for safety.
  • Contact the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) for gas leaks or fires.
  • Request DPW for roadway debris cleanup through the online portal.

• Reporting Thresholds:

  • Non-Reportable: No injury/death AND damage to non-vehicle government property is less than $200$ OR total damage to any one person’s property/government vehicle is less than $1,000$. Drivers are provided Driver Exchange of Crash Information (TraCS BDS331).
  • Non-Crashes: Examples include trains striking pedestrians, bicycle-only accidents, push carts striking parked cars, acts of nature (lightning, floods), and intentional acts of suicide or homicide.
  • Reportable: Requires Wisconsin Uniform Crash Report (Form DT4000) for injuries, deaths, hit and runs, OBI (Operating While Intoxicated) related crashes, or damage exceeding the $200/1,000$ thresholds.

• Supplemental Information Requirements:

  • Mandatory for all crashes involving department vehicles.
  • Mandatory for all deaths or injuries requiring ambulance transport to a medical facility.
  • Names, seating positions, and seatbelt usage of all children must be documented.
  • For OWI crashes, report observations, Field Sobriety Test results, and whether a blood evidence search warrant was obtained.

• Fatal or Serious Injury Crashes:

  • The Crash Reconstruction Unit (CRU) responds to fatalities and crashes involving great bodily harm to a department member or resident.
  • The CRU transmits a Motor Vehicle Fatality Report (MVFR) teletype to the DOT by the end of the shift.
  • Fatal crashes require a response from a Criminal Investigation Bureau supervisor.

• Crashes Involving Department Vehicles:

  • Members must report crashes immediately to a supervisor.
  • An investigation is conducted by a supervisor of higher rank from the member's work location.
  • A squad accident report must be filed via the Administrative Investigations Management (AIM) system within $3\,\text{days}$.
  • Final reviews must be completed within $30\,\text{days}$ and tracked to the Internal Affairs Division (IAD).

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 660 – Vehicle Pursuits and Emergency Vehicle Operations

• Statutory Guidelines:

  • Members must utilize both audible (siren) and visual (red/blue lights) equipment when responding to emergencies.
  • Exemptions: Officers may exceed speed limits without signals when obtaining speed evidence or responding to a felony in progress where silence is necessary to prevent suspect flight, evidence destruction, or danger to victims.
  • Due Regard: Statutes do not protect operators from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others.

• Pursuit Justification: Justified only if the officer has probable cause to believe:

  • Occupants have committed or are about to commit a violent felony (armed robbery, recklessly endangering safety).
  • The vehicle was used in or taken during a violent felony.
  • The occupants present a clear and immediate threat to safety (e.g., misdemeanor shots fired).
  • Occupants are engaged in drug dealing proximate in time to the pursuit.
  • The vehicle is engaging in reckless driving (either before the stop or fleeing recklessly after an attempted stop).

• Definitions:

  • Eluding/Fleeing: Active attempt to avoid capture using high speed or evasive maneuvers.
  • Refusal to Stop: Driving at reasonable speeds (at or below limit) but willfully refusing to pull over.

• Pursuit Procedures:

  • Members must notify TCD of unit ID, location, speed, direction, reason, and vehicle description.
  • No more than two units (Primary and one Secondary) are normally involved unless a supervisor authorizes more.
  • Secondary units should take over radio communication if the primary unit has only one officer.
  • Civilian operators or vehicles with citizen occupants may never engage in pursuits.
  • OACHASE: The talk group on the Milwaukee County $800\,\text{MHz}$ radio system used for inter-jurisdiction pursuits.

• Termination Criteria: A pursuit must be terminated if:

  • The risks of the pursuit outweigh the necessity of apprehension.
  • The suspect is identified and there is no exigent need for immediate capture.
  • Road, traffic, or weather conditions become too hazardous.
  • The suspect is a juvenile driving in an obviously unsafe manner.
  • The officer's vehicle or equipment malfunctions.
  • Visual contact is lost and the suspect cannot be located after a brief search at normal speeds.

• Non-Pursuit Requirements:

  • If a pursuit is not initiated because criteria are not met, the officer must notify the dispatcher.
  • If a valid license plate is obtained, a full investigation must commence within $72\,\text{hours}$ for vehicle owner liability under Wis. Stat. $346.175$.
  • Owner's liability citations must be issued within $96\,\text{hours}$ of the incident.

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 665 – Tire Deflation Devices

• Authorized Devices: StopStick brand, Magnum Spike, and Piranha Stop Stick.

• Deployment Rules:

  • Must have supervisory approval.
  • Only uniformed members in marked vehicles may deploy StopSticks or Magnum Spikes.
  • Prime consideration is member and citizen safety. Deploying members must never use a police vehicle for concealment during deployment.
  • Prohibited Locations:
    • Within $300\,\text{feet}$ before or $100\,\text{feet}$ after a major intersection.
    • On motorcycles or vehicles with fewer than 4 wheels.
    • On curves, steep slopes, embankments, or icy/non-solid surfaces.

• Reporting:

  • A Stop Stick Deployment Report must be filed at https://stopstick.com/deployment-report/ to enact the warranty.
  • A supervisor must respond to the scene of any deployment and investigate.
  • A PM-9E form must be filed if the device causes unintentional damage to a citizen's tires. The citizen is given a yellow Damage Claim Slip (Form PD-43).

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 670 – Bomb Threats and IEDs

• Definitions:

  • IED: Destructive explosive device made by unauthorized persons.
  • Homemade Chemical Bomb (HCB): Created from household chemicals. High risk of chemical burns and ruptured eardrums.
  • Military Ordnance: Handling is strictly prohibited. Must be assumed functional unless cleared by the Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU).
  • VBIED: Minimum evacuation distances depend on vehicle size:
    • Compact Sedan: $1,500\,\text{Feet}$.
    • Full Size Sedan: $1,750\,\text{Feet}$.
    • Passenger/Cargo Van: $2,750\,\text{Feet}$.
    • Small Box Van: $3,750\,\text{Feet}$.
    • Semi-Trailer: $7,000\,\text{Feet}$.

• Safety Thresholds: Recommended minimum safe distance for hazardous items is $300\,\text{feet}$ behind cover. Radios and cell phones must be turned off within a $300\text{-foot}$ area of a threat.

• Public vs. Private Facilities:

  • Private: The person in charge of the premises, not the police, must decide whether to evacuate or search.
  • Public/Departmental: The police department (specifically the night watch commander or higher) makes the decision to evacuate.

• Search Protocol: Visual inspection only. No items should be touched or moved. Floor plans are used to ensure systematic searching. If a suspicious item is found, the floor it is on (and possibly adjoining floors) must be vacated. Elevators are shut down; only stairways are used.

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 685 – Social Networking Sites (SNS)

• Privacy Expectations: Information discussions in public online forums may be accessed by the department at any time. Members have no expectation of privacy in communications that violate the Code of Conduct.

• Prohibitions:

  • Using department emails to register for personal SNS.
  • Posting obscene, sexually explicit, or bias-based language (biases against race, religion, or protected classes).
  • Posting images of official activities without written permission from the Chief.
  • Soliciting charitable donations or crowdfunding using department membership status without Chief approval.

• Official Department Pages: Administered by the Public Information Office. Opinions expressed by visitors do not reflect the department. All official communications are subject to Wisconsin public records and retention laws.

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 700 – Case Management

• CIB Notification Criteria: Investigating members must notify CIB of:

  • Property crimes (felony) where loss exceeds $5,000$.
  • Fires resulting in death, injury, or damage exceeding $10,000$.
  • All crimes resulting in death or life-threatening injury.
  • All firearms discharges and robberies.
  • Sensitive Crimes Division notification for all sexual assaults, child neglect, and child abuse cases.
  • Hate crimes under Wis. Stat. $939.645$.

• SharePoint: The central platform for all item follow-up documentation. Items of follow-up that cannot be completed during the initial investigation must be entered into SharePoint before the end of the tour of duty.

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 710 – Victim/Witness Rights

• Mandatory Forms: Members must provide the Milwaukee Police Department Crime Victim Resources (Form PV-17) or Crime Witness Resources (Form PW-4) within $24\,\text{hours}$ of initial contact.

• Safe at Home Program: A statewide address confidentiality program. If a participant presents their authorization card, members must use the substitute legal address (3902 Milwaukee St., PO Box 7188, Madison, WI 53707-7188) on all reports. Intentional release of a participant's actual home address is a misdemeanor.

Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedure 725 – Crime Scene Investigations

• Initial Response: First responders must verify the crime, relay info to dispatchers, and "freeze the scene" to identify witnesses.

• Investigation Tasks:

  • Establish perimeters using tape or cones.
  • Separate witnesses to avoid tainting recollection.
  • Conduct a canvass of nearby buildings using the Canvass Checklist. For homicides and non-fatal shootings, a secondary canvass must occur within $24\,\text{hours}$.
  • Dead Human Bodies: Promptly communicate the find to the shift commander. Never assume death unless decapitated, decomposed, or burned.

• Evidence Collection:

  • Crime scenes must be photographed (overall, mid-range, close-up) and measured prior to evidence collection.
  • Investigators must note the location, position, and description of items.
  • The Medical Examiner's Office must be notified for all death investigations. Items on the body generally remain with the body unless needed as evidence.