3.300 Supervisors Tactic for Armed Subject Response (Star) De-Escalation Protocol

Question 1

According to Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), why is a supervisor critically important?

Answer 1

“For police, the role of the first-line supervisor is critically important. The sooner supervisors arrive at the scene, the more likely they can contain it, “slow it down”, and avoid the temptation to feel immediate action is always required” (PERF).

Question 2

In regards to Supervisors Tatic For Armed Subject Response (STAR) De-Escalation Protocol, what does an “armed” suspect mean?

Answer 2

For the purpose of this policy, “armed” will mean the suspect has a firearm or other dangerous weapon and is acting in a threatening manner with the weapon. A “dangerous weapon” will mean an instrument capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury.

Question 3

A supervisor will respond to a STAR protocol under which predefined criteria?

Answer 3

Criteria for a supervisor’s response to the call:

1. There is credible information the subject is armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon (not simulated or unseen) AND is using it in a manner which can cause death or serious bodily injury.
2. Subject is acting in a threatening manner with a weapon.
3. This will not include open carry subjects or pocketknives, when carrying the weapon(s) is the sole justification for the call.

Question 4

When dispatch announces a STAR Protocol and dispatches a minimum of three officers, what will a supervisor do?

Answer 4

Patrol supervisor will:

1. Announce their acknowledgement and self-dispatch to the call. If unavailable to respond, will ensure Communications requests a sergeant/lieutenant from another area command to respond.
2. Be responsible for tactics and supervision of the incident (see LVMPD 3.110, Use of Force, “De-escalation”).
3. Make the determination for the use of a shoutgun, rifle, arrest team, less lethal option, or other tools/resources (i.e., shield, Air Unit, K9, and SWAT).
4. Rifle deployment will be determined by department policy.
5. Ensure an officer or Communications contacts Fusion Watch to get a complete work up on the subject when necessary.
6. Maintain STAR Protocol, unless the first-arriving unit confirmed the incident no longer meets the criteria of a STAR de-escalation protocol response.
   a. In incidents determined to no longer meet the criteria of a STAR de-escalation protocol, supervisors will ensure units advise Communications of the reasoning and Communications updates the event accordingly.
7. Advise Communications via radio of applicable STAR code (F5 or L5 only).

Question 5

If the STAR Protocol resulted in a legitimate threat what will a supervisor ensure is completed?

Answer 5

After-Action Report: If the call resulted in a legitimate threat, the patrol supervisor will ensure the information regarding a hazard on property and the subject involved is completed.