Procedure 503 Obtaining & Executing Search Warrants

Question 1

.01C. It is the duty of every officer to seek an arrest warrant, also to execute an arrest warrant in the manner provided by;

Answer 1

law, by the guidelines established in this procedure, and by adhering to each respective unit’s standard operating procedures.

Question 2

.01C An officer does not refuse to execute a valid warrant on other than; legal grounds.

Answer 2

An officer does not refuse to execute a valid warrant on other than; legal grounds.

Question 3

.01C An arrest warrant shall be sought as soon as practical for violent crimes when the danger or threat to the public requires;

Answer 3

immediate action, rather than filing the case at-large.

Question 4

.02A. When planning to execute a high risk arrest warrant, or where there is a probability forced entry will be needed to gain entry, each member involved in the execution of an arrest warrant will;

Answer 4

wear body armor.

Question 5

.02B. When executing an arrest warrant, the officer announces to the person being arrested the arrest is made pursuant to a warrant; and if the officer has the arrest warrant in his possession, he;

Answer 5

exhibits it to the arrestee.

Question 6

.02B. If the officer does not have the arrest warrant, he informs the arrestee of;

Answer 6

the offense charged against him.

Question 7

.02C. Military regulations require documentation prior to the delivery of;

Answer 7

military personnel to civilian authorities.

Question 8

.02C. Officers entering a military installation for the purpose of affecting an arrest must;

Answer 8

possess a copy of the arrest warrant and contact the military police unit assigned to the installation prior to making the arrest.

Question 9

.02G. Officers routinely initiate a warrant check on persons they have lawfully stopped. However, such persons are generally detained;

Answer 9

no more than [30] minutes.

Question 10

.02G. The detention of persons officers have lawfully stopped may exceed thirty (30) minutes in circumstances when the officer has;

Answer 10

reasonable suspicion an arrest warrant is outstanding for the person.

Question 11

.02H. A warrant is never altered in any manner. To change the warrant the officer must;

Answer 11

return to the issuing magistrate.

Question 12

.04A. An officer may execute a misdemeanor or felony arrest warrant issued by any court within the State of Texas any place within the corporate limits of the City of San Antonio providing the place is:

Answer 12

1. a public place;
2. one the officer has a lawful right to be;
3. residence of person named in a felony warrant or where the officer has probable cause the person is living;
4. a private place or residence named in a search warrant, with search warrant in possession;

Question 13

.04A. If the arrest warrant is issued by a mayor of an incorporated city or town in a county other than Bexar County, the warrant is:

Answer 13

properly endorsed, according to C.C.P.

Question 14

.04B. Officers do not execute arrest warrants outside the corporate limits of the City of San Antonio, unless:

Answer 14

1. Officer is in “hot pursuit” of the person.

2. Acting in conjunction with an officer of the jurisdiction.

Question 15

.06A. Even though a computer check reveals an outstanding, class B misdemeanor, through felony arrest warrant for a person, and justifies the detention of the person, officers must;

Answer 15

obtain certain information to verify the warrant is active.

Question 16

.06A. The following information is required prior to booking persons arrested for a class B through felony arrest warrant:

Answer 16

a. name, D.O.B., other identifiers;
b. warrant number;
c. offense charged;
d. name of the court issuing the warrant;
e. fingerprint classification, if an out of county warrant.

Question 17

.06A. Should there be probable cause to believe there is an outstanding class B misdemeanor through felony parole violation warrant, rR.W.O.B. warrant, or bond increase, and no additional charges, the person is taken to the;

Answer 17

Bexar County Jail and held until the warrant is confirmed active, an abstract of the warrant is obtained, and the person is identified as the person named in the warrant.

Question 18

.06A. If the warrant is verified the arrestee is;

Answer 18

released into the custody of the Bexar County Jail.

Question 19

.06A. Should there be probable cause there is a class B through felony parole violation, R.W.O.B.warrant, or a bond increase, and there are new charges, or the warrant is post indictment, the person is taken to the;

Answer 19

Bexar County I.D. Section at the Mags Office and held until the warrant is confirmed, an abstract obtained, and the person is identified as the person named in the warrant.

Question 20

.06A. If the warrant is verified, the arrestee is;

Answer 20

released into the custody of the Magistrates Office.

Question 21

.06A. Should a person, detained and transported to the Bexar County Jail or City Mags for verification of a class B through felony arrest warrant be found not wanted on any charge, he is then transported;

Answer 21

a. To the scene of initial contact;

b. If more practical, another location of his choosing with approval of the officer’s supervisor. - [test]

Question 22

.06B. Even though a computer check reveals an outstanding class C misdemeanor arrest warrant for a person and justifies the detention of the person, officers must;

Answer 22

obtain certain information to verify the warrant is active.

Question 23

.06B. The following information is required prior to booking persons arrested for a class C misdemeanor arrest warrant.

Answer 23

a. Name, D.O.B., and other identifiers.

b. Warrant number, [traffic or misdemeanor citation number]. [test]

Question 24

.06B. Should there be probable cause there is a class C warrant; the person detained for verification is held at the place of contact until confirmed active by;

Answer 24

• MDT message from the issuing agency or
• Verbally by the Communications Unit dispatcher.
  [test]

Question 25

.06A. If a class C arrest warrant is confirmed, the person is then returned to the;

Answer 25

City of San Antonio Detention Center.

Question 26

.06B. How much may pass until the person, suspected of having a Class C arrest warrant, is released, [at the place of contact]?

Answer 26

After [30] minutes, unless extenuating circumstances exist to detain the person longer. [test]

Question 27

.06B. If consent to enter the premises to search for the wanted person is granted, officers will complete and have the;

Answer 27

consenting person sign SAPD Form, Consent for Search of Private Premises.

Question 28

.07A. Officers need not execute the warrant at the first;

Answer 28

possible opportunity, but may choose the time and place.

Question 29

.07A. Factors to be considered in determining the time and place: If the location is a third party residence, absent exigent circumstances or consent;

Answer 29

search warrant is obtained and possessed before entering the premise.

Question 30

.07A. In determining the time and place to execute the warrant include the following:

Answer 30

1. ] Knowledge of the individual’s whereabouts.
2. ] Knowledge of likely movements.
3. ] Safety / security considerations for arrestee, officers, and third persons.

Question 31

.07A. Officers, prior to execution of the warrant, will check for updated notes on the suspect in the;

Answer 31

Arrest Warrant Database on SAMWEB.

Question 32

.07C. Officers will utilize SAPD Form #8-PWC, Police Arrest / Search Warrant Checklist;

Answer 32

Prior to Executing any Class B Misdemeanor through felony warrants or any crimes of violence.

Question 33

.07A. The Arrest/Warrant Checklist will assist in determining whether the warrant should be executed by the officer or if a;

Answer 33

specialized unit or units should be called.

Question 34

.07D. After executing any Class B through Felony Arrest Warrants, officers will update the;

Answer 34

Arrest Warrant Database on SAMWEB adding any pertinent information available.

Question 35

.07E. When planning to execute a high risk and/or unannounced arrest warrant, a single officer, other than the officer in charge, will be assigned as the;

Answer 35

Verification Officer by the warrant execution supervisor.

Question 36

.07E. He is responsible for positively identifying the correct location where the warrant will be executed and for directing the entry team to the correct location.

Answer 36

The Verification Officer

Question 37

.07E. Who will confirm the address or warrant location description named in the warrant and warrant affidavit is the same as the address or location description where the warrant will be executed?

Answer 37

The Verification Officer

Question 38

.07E. The name of the Verification Officer will be listed on the;

Answer 38

Operational Plan, and on SAPD Form #8-PWC.

Question 39

.07E. This officer will accompany the entry team or an officer assigned to the entry team to positively identify and point out the correct location described in the arrest warrant.

Answer 39

The Verification Officer

Question 40

.07F. The officers need not announce their identity or purpose before entering to execute a felony warrant when;

Answer 40

exigent circumstances exist which unduly jeopardize the safety of the officers, other persons, or the security of the person sought.

Question 41

.07E. It is not necessary for this officer to accompany the entry team into the warrant location when the entry is made.

Answer 41

Verification Officer

Question 42

.07G. When officers are refused entry after demanding admittance or when exigent circumstances exist, the officers may;

Answer 42

forcibly enter the premises to execute a felony arrest warrant.

Question 43

.08A. Who reviews SAPD Form #8-PWC in planning a forced entry?

Answer 43

The warrant execution supervisor

Question 44

.08A. This form is designed to determine the degree of probability of death or serious bodily injury.

Answer 44

SAPD Form 8 PWC. warrant checklist.

Question 45

.08B. When the warrant execution supervisor determines a high probability of death or serious bodily injury exists, who shall contact whom, to determine the necessity for inclusion of Special Weapons and Tactics Unit members in the execution of the warrant?

Answer 45

The supervisor, or his designee shall contact a Special Weapons and Tactics Unit supervisor.

Question 46

.08C. In all planned forced entries, this officer ensures enough officers are present to adequately protect the safety and security of all persons involved.

Answer 46

The warrant execution supervisor

Question 47

.08C. Ensuring enough officers are present, includes uniform officers to identify the group as members of the Department, and in normal circumstances;

Answer 47

uniformed officers enter the premises with non-uniformed officers.

Question 48

.09A. Reviews and approves all arrest warrants, SAPD Form #OP-2003, SAPD Form #8-PWC, and SAPD Form #8-WIC, Warrant Intel Checklist, prior to execution of the arrest warrant;

Answer 48

Warrant Execution Supervisor

Question 49

.09A. Ensures location has been properly identified, adequate manpower and equipment are available, and all provisions of this procedure are being followed for the proper and safe execution of the warrant;

Answer 49

Warrant Execution Supervisor

Question 50

.09A. Ensures adequate steps are taken to provide for the safety and security of the officers involved, items being sought, and any persons who may be at the scene of the execution of the warrant;

Answer 50

Warrant Execution Supervisor

Question 51

.09A. Ensure uniformed officers are present at the location named in the arrest warrant;

Answer 51

Warrant Execution Supervisor

Question 52

.09A. Except during extenuating circumstances, accompany officers in the execution of the warrant; and ensures the dispatcher is notified before and after the execution of the warrant.

Answer 52

Warrant Execution Supervisor

Question 53

.09B. Conducts warrant research in accordance with SAPD Form #8-WIC.

Answer 53

Officer in charge

Question 54

.09B. Physically views the location to be searched in order that a precise address and description can be obtained, or ensures the warrant verification officer involved with the warrant physically views the location.

Answer 54

Officer in charge

Question 55

.09B. Completes SAPD Form #8-PWC and submits it and all documentation for evaluation prior to execution of the arrest warrant, to the warrant execution supervisor.

Answer 55

Officer in charge

Question 56

.09B. If the warrant execution supervisor will not be present when the warrant is executed, ensures adequate steps are taken to provide for the safety and security of the officers involved, items being sought, and any persons who may be at the scene of the execution of the warrant.

Answer 56

Officer in charge

Question 57

.09B If the warrant execution supervisor will not be present when the warrant is executed, he develops a written plan for the arrest warrant to ensure the location has been properly identified, adequate manpower and equipment is available, and all provisions of this procedure are being followed;

Answer 57

Officer in charge

Question 58

.09B. Assigns officers to the “Entry Team,” “Security Team,” and “Search Team”

Answer 58

Officer in charge

Question 59

.09B. Ensures all officers involved are aware of their assigned duties and responsibilities.

Answer 59

Officer in charge

Question 60

.09B. If the warrant execution supervisor will not be present when the arrest warrant is executed, he notifies that Supervisor before and after executing the warrant.

Answer 60

Officer in charge

Question 61

.09B. The duties of the Officer-in-Charge do not supersede those of the;

Answer 61

Warrant Execution Supervisor, when that Supervisor is present.

Question 62

.09C. When planning to execute an arrest warrant, a single officer (other than the Officer-in-Charge) will be assigned by the Warrant Execution Supervisor as the;

Answer 62

Verification Officer:

Question 63

.09C. This officer is responsible for positively identifying the correct location where the warrant will be executed and for directing the entry team to the correct location.

Answer 63

Verification Officer:

Question 64

.09C. This officer will confirm the
address or warrant location description named in the warrant and warrant affidavit is the same as the address or location description where the warrant will be executed.

Answer 64

Verification Officer:

Question 65

.09C. The name of the Verification Officer will be listed on;

Answer 65

SAPD Form #OP-2003 and on SAPD Form #8-PWC.

Question 66

.09C. This officer will accompany the entry team or an officer assigned to the entry team to positively identify and point out the correct location described in the arrest warrant.

Answer 66

Verification Officer:

Question 67

.09C. It is not necessary for this officer to accompany the entry team into the warrant location when the entry is made.

Answer 67

Verification Officer

Question 68

.10A. Has been designated the hub for deconfliction services by the South Texas HIDTA Executive Board.

Answer 68

The South Texas HIDTA Investigative Support Center

Question 69

.10A. The South Texas HIDTA Investigative Support Center is managed by;

Answer 69

SAPD

Question 70

.10A. As such, it is the single point of contact for the entire South Texas Region. They can be contacted by phone at 207-2495.

Answer 70

The South Texas HIDTA Investigative Support Center

Question 71

.10B. Prior to executing a planned forced entry, who must notify the Deconfliction Unit?

Answer 71

Officer-in-Charge or Warrant Execution Supervisor

Question 72

.10B. If a location of interest is listed with the Deconfliction Unit, the;

Answer 72

O.I.C. or Warrant Execution Supervisor shall contact the officer who placed the location into deconfliction for resolution.

Question 73

.10B. Any conflicts not resolved shall be elevated for resolution to the;

Answer 73

Supervisor in charge of the Unit who placed the location into deconfliction and the Warrant Execution Supervisor.

Question 74

.11A. Officers arresting by warrant any person wanted for offenses listed below shall route a copy of the incident report to the applicable follow-up investigative unit:

Answer 74

1. Crime resulting in death or S.B.I.;
2. Death, S.B.I. or retaliation threatened in future;
3. Domestic Violence;
4. Sexual Assault;
5. Stalking.

Question 75

.12A. When executing a planned “high risk” forced entry, prior to assignment as an entry team, security team or arrest team member, the Officer, Detective and Supervisor will be provided;

Answer 75

training for the specific duties assigned while executing the arrest warrant.

Question 76

.12A. The training will be documented and will include, at a minimum, the following courses of instruction:

Answer 76

1. Intelligence gathering; 2. Building entries;
2. Room clearing; 4. Weapons handling;
3. Breaching techniques;
4. Shield handling techniques;
5. Evidence handling procedures.

Question 77

.12B. At a minimum, training to maintain proficiency in the above listed skills shall be conducted on a;

Answer 77

Quarterly basis.

Question 78

.12C. Will be responsible for maintaining a record of all training.

Answer 78

The Unit Director