316 Gang Investigations

Question 1

During non-working hours, GIU detectives shall be requested through PECO:

Answer 1

1. When a known or suspected criminal gang or motorcycle gang member (juvenile or adult) is arrested for a felony; or
2. For any gang related incident not covered in this order, when a supervisor believes that a GIU Detective can substantially aid in an investigation, a supervisor may authorize a call out of a GIU Detective.

Question 2

A. When handling “Gang-Related Incidents” involving violence (e.g., Homicide, Violent Crime, or Assault, etc.) the first officer on the scene shall:

Answer 2

1. Notify the area supervisor;
2. Contact the on-call GIU Detective. Once the GIU Detective arrives at the scene and verifies that the incident is gang-related, the detective will assist the primary investigative unit on the case (Patrol, Robbery Unit, Homicide Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, etc.). If during any follow-up investigation, the incident is found to be gang-related, that investigator will be responsible for the notification of the GIU Detective;
3. Ensure a Crime Scene Detective is called to the scene if needed; and
4. Conduct the initial investigation and complete an Incident Report.

Question 3

When contact is made with a known or suspected criminal gang or motorcycle gang member (juvenile or adult), the following shall occur:

Answer 3

1. Complete a comprehensive Field Investigation Report (FIR) that includes individuals that were stopped with the suspected or known gang member;
2. Route the FIR to the GIU;
3. Ensure a Crime Scene Detective is called to the scene if needed; and
4. Conduct the initial investigation and complete an Incident Report, if needed.

Question 4

The Graffiti Abatement Response Program is designed to combat the defacing of public and private property from graffiti. When these activities are reported, the following procedures shall apply:

1. All graffiti complaints (Citizen Complaint, On View, or Administratively Assigned) will initially be handled by the appropriate responding member of patrol; and
2. The duties of that responding officer will be to:

Answer 4

a. Contact the complainant, gather the facts of the incident to include victim, suspect, and witness information if applicable, and write the appropriately titled an Incident Report. An offense exists if the victim or owner indicates that the activity was not invited or permitted. The report should be entitled “Criminal Mischief.” If a victim, owner, or other responsible party cannot be contacted, and an offense cannot be confirmed, the report should be entitled “Information;”
b. If solvability factors for the case exist, it shall be the responding officer’s responsibility to follow up regarding the successful apprehension and charging of a suspect in the case, as in any other Category A - Patrol Follow-up investigation;
c. If solvability factors for the case do not exist, the responding Patrol Officer shall document the incident as previously mentioned, suspending his investigative efforts, ensuring that an attempt to identify the owner of the property is made and is documented accordingly for Community Engagement, Crime Prevention Unit follow-up efforts; and d. The report shall be forwarded to Community Engagement and the GIU by selecting “Community Engagement” and “Gang Investigation Unit” in the “Route to” block located in the left corner of the ARMS Incident Report.