351 Stakeout and Surveillance (V4)

Question 1

B. Policy and Authorization
1. Who shall authorize a stakeout and how will it be documented?

Answer 1

1. Stakeouts shall be authorized by a lieutenant or higher authority and documented on a Form P-1310 (Tactical Operations Plan).

Question 2

B. Policy and Authorization
Who shall authorize a surveillance operations and what documentation will be completed?

Answer 2

2. Surveillance operations shall be authorized by a sergeant or higher authority who will decide if the activity warrants the completion of a Form P-1310 (Tactical Operations Plan). Decision factors should include, but not be limited to, the complexity of the surveillance, the experience level of the officers participating, the number of locations or persons being observed, and whether multiple units or agencies are participating.

Question 3

B. Policy and Authorization
3. All stakeouts and surveillance operations shall consist of who and how many officers?

Answer 3

3. All stakeouts and surveillance operations shall consist of at least two police officers or a police officer and an auxiliary officer. Participating auxiliary officers shall be under the direct supervision of a police officer.

Question 4

B. Policy and Authorization
4. Who will have direct oversight and supervision of all stakeout and surveillance operations?

Answer 4

4. A supervisor shall have direct oversight and supervision of all stakeout and surveillance operations.

Question 5

B. Policy and Authorization
5. Officer conducting stakeout shall be dressed how in comparison to those conducting a surveillance operation?

If a surveillance operation is being conducted who must provide their approval for a uniform change?

Answer 5

5. Officers conducting stakeouts shall be in uniform and/or clearly marked in tactical vests. If not in their vehicle, officers will sufficiently cover their uniform for disguised entry into the stakeout location. Officers conducting surveillance operations, with no intention of taking enforcement action, may wear non-uniform clothing with the approval of a lieutenant or higher authority.

Question 6

B. Policy and Authorization
6. The supervisor in charge of a stakeout or surveillance operation shall:
a. Notify in writing via ___________ the _________________ and the on-duty and detective __________ prior to the operation briefing, unless prior notification could jeopardize the security or success of the stakeout or surveillance operation;
b. Ensure all officers involved are wearing __________________________.
c. Ensure that _____________________ is completed and that an _____________________ briefing is conducted prior to the operation.

Answer 6

a. Notify in writing via email (or verbally in short notice incidents) the Communications Watch Supervisor and the on-duty patrol and detective commanders prior to the stakeout or surveillance operation briefing, unless prior notification could jeopardize the security or success of the stakeout or surveillance operation;
b. Ensure that all officers involved are wearing approved body armor, appropriate uniforms, and have the required equipment for the operation; and
c. Ensure that Form P-1310 (Tactical Operations Plan is completed if needed and that an operational briefing is conducted prior to the stakeout or surveillance operation.

Question 7

B. Procedures During Stakeout Operations
1. Prior to the start of the stakeout operation, the __________________________ shall conduct an operational briefing about the operation. The following items shall be covered in the briefing:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Answer 7

1. Prior to the start of the stakeout operation, the supervisor shall conduct an operational briefing about the operation. The following items shall be covered in the briefing:
   a. Goals of the operation;
   b. Assignments during the operation;
   c. Radio talk-group to be used;
   d. Ensure all equipment, body armor, and visible police markings are with the officers;
   e. Any special hazards or dangers;
   f. Emergency contingency plans; and
   g. Ensure that officers are aware of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) policy and procedures for response to resistance and vehicle pursuits.

Question 8

B. Procedures During Stakeout Operations
4. Who is responsible for ensuring all necessary reports are completed, and superiors are notified?

Answer 8

4. The patrol watch commander shall ensure that all necessary reports are completed, and superiors are notified.

Question 9

C. Procedures During Surveillance Operations
4. Designation and responsibilities of the person in charge are as follows:
a. For a surveillance utilizing more than _____________________, a ______________ or above shall be present to oversee the operation;
A. Number
B. Rank

Answer 9

1. three officers
2. sergeant

Question 10

C. Procedures During Surveillance Operations
4. Designation and responsibilities of the person in charge are as follows:
b. If ___________________ are used, a _____________ may designate a lead officer; and

Answer 10

1. three officers or less
2. supervisor

c. The supervisor or lead officer is responsible for:
(1) Analyzing patterns of criminal activity;
(2) Outlining the duties and responsibilities of all officers involved;
(3) Arranging for relief if the operation becomes lengthy;
(4) Establishing signals of communications between surveillance officers;
(5) Ensuring that all necessary equipment and vehicles are brought to the operation;
(6) Assigning personnel with the responsibilities of monitoring surveillance equipment and maintaining a chronological log of activities as they occur;
(7) Determining operational procedures for observation, arrests, and “tails;”
(8) Completing Form P-1310 (Tactical Operations Plan) if needed; and
(9) Ensuring that information is shared with the oncoming supervisor if relieved by another group.